The Yoga of Knowledge

After showing the upward spiral in 2.64-65, Krishna now reveals the downward one. This verse shows why happiness feels impossible for some: they're ayukta (undisciplined, unsteady mind). Without rāga-dveṣa-viyukta from 2.64, the cascade fails: 'Nāsti buddhiḥ ayuktasya'—no steady intellect for the undisciplined. 'Na bhāvanā'—no sustained contemplation. 'Na śāntiḥ'—no peace. 'Aśāntasya kutaḥ sukham'—how can there be happiness without peace? You cannot skip steps. Want happiness? Build backwards: need peace. Want peace? Need contemplation. Want contemplation? Need steady buddhi. Want steady buddhi? Need discipline (rāga-dveṣa-viyukta). Foundation first, everything else follows.