Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 59 Meaning
The objects of the senses turn away from the abstinent man, leaving the longing behind; but his longing also turns away upon seeing the Supreme.
BG 2.59
विषया विनिवर्तन्ते निराहारस्य देहिनः। रसवर्जं रसोऽप्यस्य परं दृष्ट्वा निवर्तते
viṣhayā vinivartante nirāhārasya dehinaḥ rasa-varjaṁ raso ’pyasya paraṁ dṛiṣhṭvā nivartate
Meaning
The objects of the senses turn away from the abstinent man, leaving the longing behind; but his longing also turns away upon seeing the Supreme.
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What Does Bhagavad Gita 2.59 Mean?
The objects of the senses turn away from the abstinent man, leaving the longing behind; but his longing also turns away upon seeing the Supreme. The teaching here extends the chapter's central concern with equanimity. Classical commentators have noted how this verse bridges philosophical understanding with practical guidance. Ramanuja's commentary highlights how this verse reinforces the accessibility of the Gita's path.
The teaching on equanimity is presented not as an elite attainment but as a practical orientation available to anyone willing to examine their motivations and actions honestly. In daily practice, this means bringing conscious awareness to moments where equanimity is tested — not as an impossible ideal but as a direction of growth. Each small alignment with this teaching strengthens the capacity for the next.
— Explained by the Nitya Team
What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 2.59?
Krishna begins his teachings about the eternal soul, the temporary body, and introduces the concept of selfless action.
Key themes in this chapter include Soul, Detachment, Karma Yoga, Self-realization.
How Can I Apply Bhagavad Gita 2.59 in Daily Life?
- •When you need steadiness while dealing with soul
- •When practicing detachment amid uncertainty
- •When applying karma yoga to real-life choices
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Related Verses
BG 2.11
The Blessed Lord said, "You have grieved for those who should not be grieved for; yet, you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."
BG 2.12
Nor, at any time, was I not, nor thou, nor these rulers of men; nor, verily, shall we ever cease to be hereafter.
BG 1.1
Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"
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