Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 6.32

“One who sees pleasure and pain equally in all beings, by analogy with oneself, is the highest yogi, O Arjuna.”
Key Teaching: The highest yogi sees others’ pleasure and pain as their own.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that the highest yogi sees pleasure and pain in all beings as equal to their own, by analogy with oneself. This verse, continuing 6.31, addresses Arjuna’s emotional bias (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies empathy, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes universal equality, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s partiality (1.28–46) clouds his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s lack of empathy (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to empathize universally for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 5.18).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human lack of empathy, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on equality (5.18–19). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to see others’ experiences. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on empathetic yoga.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its empathetic clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s disparities, where empathy ensures unity. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with universal compassion, aligning with liberation.