Chapter 2, Verse 53: The verse explains the transition from karma-kanda (Vedic rituals) to self-knowledge through karma-yoga. When the mind transcends the various goals presented in the Vedas (artha, kāma, dharma), it becomes steady in recognizing the ultimate goal – moksha. Karma-yoga serves as a bridge, transforming worldly pursuits into spiritual practice by gradually reducing attachment to limited results of rituals. Through this practice, the intellect becomes refined enough to discriminate between Anatma (changing body-mind experiences) and Atma (the unchanging presence-consciousness). The verse elaborates on the mind's functions (antahkarana) – manas (emotions), buddhi (intellect), cittam (memory), and ahamkara (I-sense) – showing how misidentification with these changing aspects creates the universal error of taking the temporary as the eternal Self. True understanding reveals that “I am” is the unchanging presence (Brahman) that witnesses all these fluctuating states. Verse essence: When the mind becomes steady and undistracted by Vedic rituals, direct self-knowledge dawns.

See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/