Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 5 verse 23
Chapter 5 · Karma Sanyasa Yoga

Withstanding the Surge · Real Discipline in the Moment

शक्नोतीहैव यः सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात् । कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्तः स सुखी नरः ।।23।।

śaknotīhaiva yaḥ soḍhuṃ prāk śarīra-vimokṣaṇāt kāma-krodhodbhavaṃ vegaṃ sa yuktaḥ sa sukhī naraḥ

Meaning

"One who is able to withstand, even here before leaving the body, the force born of desire and anger, is truly disciplined and truly happy."

Explanation

Krishna offers a very practical marker of true discipline — the ability to withstand strong urges before they overwhelm you.

Today's Life Lesson

The next time desire or anger surges within you today, practice simply riding it out without acting on it right away.

More verses to reflect on