Theme
What the Gita considers true success: even-mindedness and disciplined effort, not just outcomes.
Chapter 2Verse 48
Sanskrit
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय। सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥
Do your work in balance. That steadiness of mind is the real practice.
The Gita defines yoga here not as a posture but as balance of mind: the ability to give real effort without being thrown off by whether it succeeds or fails.
Read more…Chapter 6Verse 6
Sanskrit
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः। अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥
A mastered mind is your best friend. An unmastered one, your worst enemy.
The same mind can work for you or against you. The difference is whether it's been trained or left to run unchecked.
Read more…Chapter 6Verse 35
Sanskrit
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्। अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥
The restless mind can be tamed through patient practice and letting go.
An honest acknowledgment that stillness of mind doesn't come easily for anyone, followed immediately by reassurance that it's still within reach.
Read more…Chapter 18Verse 78
Sanskrit
यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः। तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम॥
Where wisdom and determined action meet, success naturally follows.
The Gita's closing verse: a statement that when wisdom and disciplined, committed action come together, good outcomes tend to follow.
Read more…