Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 2 verse 38
Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga

Equanimity in Action · The Seed of Karma Yoga

सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ । ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि ।।38।।

sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā lābhālābhau jayājayau tato yuddhāya yujyasva naivaṃ pāpam avāpsyasi

Meaning

"Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike, engage in battle; thus you will not incur sin."

Explanation

Krishna introduces the key concept of equanimity in action — the very seed from which the famous verse 2.47 grows.

Today's Life Lesson

Approach today's tasks trying to hold outcomes lightly, focusing more on doing well than on winning or losing.

More verses to reflect on