Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 6.8

“Content with knowledge and realization, steady, sensecontrolled, seeing gold, stone, and earth equally, such a yogi is disciplined.”
Key Teaching: A disciplined yogi, content with knowledge, sees all equally.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that a yogi, content with knowledge and realization, steady, sensecontrolled, and seeing gold, stone, and earth equally, is disciplined. This verse, continuing 6.7, addresses Arjuna’s attachment (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies equanimity, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes discipline, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment to material distinctions (1.28–46) hinders his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s material ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to see equality for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 5.18).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human attachment to material differences, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on equanimity (5.18–19). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to achieve disciplined equality. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on disciplined realization.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its equal clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s distinctions, where knowledge ensures equality. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with discipline, aligning with liberation.