Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 2.71

Shloka 2.71

“One who abandons all desires, acts without attachment, ego, or pride, attains peace.”
Key Teaching: Abandoning desires and ego leads to peace.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Sthita-Prajna.
Description:
Krishna teaches that one who abandons desires, acting without attachment, ego, or pride, attains peace, concluding the sthita-prajna description (2.55–70). This verse addresses Arjuna’s turmoil (1.28–46). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies duty, and sthita-prajna, as he emphasizes peace, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment to kin (1.26–27) reflects ego and desire. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s prideful ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to act selflessly to fulfill his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human bondage to ego and desires, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on detachment. Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to attain peace. The theme of sthita-prajna underscores the *Gita*’s focus on liberated action.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its conclusive clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, where selflessness ensures peace. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty without ego, emulating the sage’s peaceful state.