Knowledge is a gift from the Supreme Lord in reciprocation to our dedication of the mind, intelligence, refuge, and faith while performing non-attached action yoga. This knowledge forms the basis for reaching the liberated state (BG 5.17). Equipped with true knowledge, one sees the true spiritual equality of all the diverse classes of living entities. Although outwardly a humble and learned brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater may be engaged differently, there is no difference between them on a spiritual platform (BG 5.18). Since the knowledge of an action yogi pertains to the role of the Supreme Lord as the ultimate controller for everyone (as discussed in the previous section), that knowledge creates an equal vision with the understanding that everyone, regardless of the external differences, being inherently a spiritual spark of life, is eligible to connect with the Lord.
When the mind is thus situated in equanimity, one goes beyond the forces of birth and death (jitaḥ sargo) and becomes situated on the brahman or spiritual platform (brahmaṇi te sthitāḥ), by virtue of which one has a flawless (nirdoṣaṁ) and equal (samaṁ) vision (BG 5.19). On the brahman platform, one exhibits steady intelligence (i.e., neither overjoyed by pleasure nor agitated by pain), and non-bewilderment (BG 5.20). Such an expert action yogi remains non-attached (asaktātmā) in the face of varieties of external contacts, and experiences unlimited pleasure (sukham akṣayam) within (vindaty ātmani) because of linking with the brahman platform (brahma-yoga-yuktātmā). (BG 5.21)
One factually becomes wise (budhaḥ) and clearly recognizes that all actions in sense gratification (bhogā) inevitably result in miseries (duḥkha-yonaya). The actions of sense gratification attempt to extract enjoyment by the sensory contact with the sense objects that are always in a state of flux (ādy-antavantaḥ). Therefore, the wise do not delight in such ephemeral enjoyments (BG 5.22).
