For the unyoked one, whose inner instrument is uncomposed, there is no understanding, no understanding whose object is the true nature of the Self. And the unyoked one has no contemplation, no firm settling upon the knowledge of the Self. For one without that settling, who does not cultivate the knowledge of the Self, there is no peace, no quieting. And for one without peace, whence happiness? The turning-away of the senses from the craving to enjoy objects, that is happiness; happiness is not what has objects for its object, for that is only pain. While craving lasts not even a scent of happiness is possible. Why does the unyoked one have no understanding? He says.

For one who has not surrendered his mind to Me and who sets out by his own effort to subdue the senses, the understanding that bears on the self set apart will never be accomplished; and for that very reason the contemplation of it is not possible for him. For one who does not contemplate the self set apart there is no stilling of the longing for objects; and for one unstilled, joined with longing for objects, whence the gaining of eternal, unsurpassed happiness? The Lord again states the calamity of one who does not, in the manner described, restrain the senses.

Krishna states the fault in the absence of serenity, with the next two verses. For without serenity there is no yoga, no restraint of the mind, and one not so disciplined has neither buddhi nor right knowledge. He makes this very point out with 'nor for the undisciplined'. 'Peace' means liberation, as the lexicon has it, 'peace, release, then nirvana'.