The yogi who is satisfied with knowledge and direct realization, who is immovable, who has conquered the senses, and to whom a lump of earth, a stone, and gold are the same — such a one is said to be established in yoga.
Synthesis
The yogi satisfied with knowledge and realization, immovable, with conquered senses, treating earth and gold alike — is said to be established. The Advaita tradition sees this as the sthitaprajna described in Chapter 2. Ramanuja teaches that satisfaction comes from God-realization. The Bhakti tradition values complete inner fulfillment. Madhvacharya teaches firsthand experience of God, not merely scriptural learning. Abhinavagupta sees the combination of jnana and vijnana making realization stable. Vallabhacharya teaches the Lord's inner experience outshines all objects. Tilak sees complete integrity as the benchmark. Vivekananda teaches that genuine knowledge makes the world powerless over you.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara explains that the yogi is satisfied by both scriptural knowledge (jnana) and direct Self-realization (vijnana). Being kutastha means being like an anvil — unchanged by any blow. The equal vision toward earth, stone, and gold reflects the absence of superimposed value on the formless Self.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
When you find deep satisfaction within — through understanding and direct experience — external possessions lose their grip. True contentment cannot be purchased; it must be realized.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"How do I find contentment that doesn't depend on possessions?"
- ?"Why am I never satisfied no matter how much I have?"
- ?"What's the difference between knowing something and truly realizing it?"
- ?"How do I become unshakable?"