Bhagavad Gita — Sankhya Yoga, Shloka 41

Sankhya Yoga

Devanagari script

व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनन्दन । बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम् ॥ २.४१ ॥

Transliteration

vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana | bahu-śākhā hy anantāś ca buddhayo 'vyavasāyinām || 2.41 ||

Translation

Here, O joy of the Kurus, the intellect is single-pointed and steadfast; but the intellects of the irresolute are many-branched and endless.

Gita Press Meaning

Here, O joy of the Kurus, the intellect is single-pointed and resolute; the intellects of the irresolute are many-branched and endless.

Critical Edition Meaning

In this (discipline), Kuru-nandana, understanding is one-pointed; the understandings of the non-resolute are many-branched and without end.

Comparative Note

vyavasāyātmikā conveys decisiveness/commitment; “single-pointed” is interpretive, aligning with later yogic concentration. The contrast is between integrated purpose versus scattered aims (often linked to pursuit of multiple rewards).

Word by Word

• व्यवसायात्मिका: having the nature of resolute determination (single-pointed)
• Root: व्यवसाय-आत्मिक (प्रातिपदिक)

• बुद्धिः: intellect; understanding
• बुद्धिः: Karta
• Root: बुद्धि (प्रातिपदिक)

• एका: one; single
• Root: एक (प्रातिपदिक)

• इह: here (in this path/teaching)
• Root: इह

• कुरुनन्दन: O delight of the Kurus (Arjuna)
• Root: कुरु-नन्दन (प्रातिपदिक)

• बहुशाखाः: many-branched; of many divergent branches
• Root: बहु-शाखा (प्रातिपदिक)

• हि: indeed; for
• Root: हि

• अनन्ताः: endless; innumerable
• Root: अनन्त (प्रातिपदिक)

• च: and
• Root: च

• बुद्धयः: intellects; understandings
• बुद्धयः: Karta
• Root: बुद्धि (प्रातिपदिक)

• अव्यवसायिनाम्: of the irresolute; of those without firm determination
• Root: अ-व्यवसायिन् (प्रातिपदिक)

Speakers

• Krishna

Primary Concepts

• Buddhi (practical reason)
• Vyavasāya (resolve)
• Ekāgratā (one-pointedness, conceptual link)

Key Themes

• Focused commitment
• Unity of purpose
• Critique of scattered motivation

FAQs

Psychological significance?

It distinguishes committed intention from indecisiveness: a unified goal reduces cognitive overload and strengthens follow-through.

Metaphysical meaning?

Indirectly, it supports the idea that liberation-oriented practice requires an integrated orientation rather than pursuit of many finite ends.

Contextual relevance?

Krishna clarifies what buddhi-yoga demands: a stable, coherent resolve rather than oscillation among competing aims.

Modern Application?

It can guide prioritization: aligning daily actions with one overarching value (e.g., ethical integrity, self-cultivation) instead of fragmented short-term incentives.