1 · Learn3 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.

Or browse by chapter
Chapter

Chapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized · 72 verses

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

Deep profile← → keys move between verses

How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Duty & actionChapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized
2.432.45

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 2.44

Working with resolute intelligence

Karma · Action

भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम् ।

व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिः समाधौ न विधीयते ॥ ४४ ॥

bhogaiśvarya-prasaktānāṁ

tayāpahṛta-cetasām

vyavasāyātmikā buddhiḥ

samādhau na vidhīyate

Translation

In the minds of those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are bewildered by such things, the resolute determination for devotional service to the Supreme Lord does not take place.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

A Mind Fixed in Devotion

  1. 1

    Too much attachment to sense enjoyment and material wealth prevents firm determination to serve the Supreme Lord.

  2. 2

    Samādhi means a mind fixed on understanding the self.

  3. 3

    Those bewildered by temporary sense enjoyment cannot reach samādhi and remain under material energy’s control.

Key points from the purport

Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)

Material opulence (aishvarya)

a

Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ — Fixed mind

b

Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) — When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

c

For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment

And bewildered by temporary mundane things

Their fate - They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

Further reading

Buddhi–Yoga — Fight!

FIGHT! But without any reaction – Niskarma-karma-yoga

One works (karma) with knowledge (jnana)

Thus detached from the fruit of his work

Chapter 2, section IV: Buddhi–Yoga — Fight!
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. bhogato material enjoyment
  2. aiśvaryaand opulence
  3. prasaktānāmfor those who are attached
  4. tayāby such things
  5. apahṛta-cetasāmbewildered in mind
  6. vyavasāya-ātmikāfixed in determination
  7. buddhiḥdevotional service to the Lord
  8. samādhauin the controlled mind
  9. nanever
  10. vidhīyatedoes take place
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: karma, sva-dharma.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 2.44 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to duty & action?

Practice

Do one task today purely because it is right.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 2 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 2.39Working with resolute intelligenceBG 2.40Working with resolute intelligenceBG 3.21Leadership by example
Live this todayDo Your Duty Without AttachmentA practice from BG 2.47, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction