Inner realization reduces material obsession.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा कूटस्थो विजितेन्द्रियः |युक्त इत्युच्यते योगी समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चनः ||६-८||
jñānavijñānatṛptātmā kūṭastho vijitendriyaḥ . yukta ityucyate yogī samaloṣṭāśmakāñcanaḥ ||6-8||
Use this verse when material comparison rises.
Meaning
A yogi satisfied by knowledge and realization, steady and sense-controlled, seeing earth, stone, and gold alike, is called united.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Realization creates inner satisfaction and equality.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
The yogi is not dazzled by material value because inner realization has become richer than external possession.
Read the traditional commentary
Krishna paints the portrait of the accomplished yogi through three qualities. First, his self is fulfilled by jnana and vijnana — theoretical knowledge of the Self and its direct, lived realization. He no longer hungers for the world because he has tasted something complete within. Second, he is kutastha, unshakable as an anvil, steady through every change. Third, he is vijitendriya, having mastered the senses that once mastered him.
The vivid final image seals it: to such a one a lump of clay, a stone, and gold are sama — the same. He has seen through the mind's frantic ranking of objects into precious and worthless. This is not contempt for the world but freedom from its spell.
Resting in inner fullness, he is called yukta — united, integrated, at home in the Self regardless of what his hands happen to hold.
In daily life
Value things practically, but do not worship them emotionally.
A person may use money wisely without making it the center of identity.
Try this today
Practice gratitude without possession-pride today.
I am satisfied by wisdom, not possessions.Reflect
What material thing has too much emotional power over me?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on sense control, in other chapters
- Verse 12.4Even the seeker of the formless reaches God when sense-control is joined with equal vision and care for all beings.
- Verse 3.17True fulfilment is found within the Self, not in external achievement — but until you reach it, meaningful action remains your path.
- Verse 2.55True wisdom begins with inner contentment — not needing things to go a certain way in order to feel whole.
- Verse 4.22Stay content with what comes, free of comparison, and even-minded in success or failure — then no action can bind you.
Swipe left for 6.9 · Equal-mindedness is advanced yoga.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 6.8
Who says Bhagavad Gita 6.8, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 6.8, in Chapter 6, Dhyana Yoga (Dhyana Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 6.8 mean?
A yogi satisfied by knowledge and realization, steady and sense-controlled, seeing earth, stone, and gold alike, is called united. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 6.8 for daily life?
Value things practically, but do not worship them emotionally. A person may use money wisely without making it the center of identity.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 6.8 mean?
ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा — one whose self is satisfied with knowledge and realization; कूटस्थः — unchanging / steady like an anvil; विजितेन्द्रियः — one who has conquered the senses; युक्तः इति उच्यते — is said to be steadfast / united; योगी — the yogi.
Where does verse 6.8 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 8 of 47 in Chapter 6, Dhyana Yoga. The next verse is 6.9.