27/08/2023
*The need for a calm and balanced mind*
A mind that can endure both pleasure and pain calmly is a prerequisite for self realization. In fact, Shri Krishna explains that only a person who has been able to develop such a mind is fit for self realization and liberation. As discussed earlier, our true purpose of having a human life is to utilize this body to achieve self realization and liberation. And thus, it should become our primary goal to control and train our minds to be balanced and calm during pain and pleasure. That is the most important training we require and we can do this in small steps. Although it has to be done regularly and consistently.
For example, when it rains, instead of complaining that it is cold and gloomy, we should train our minds to appreciate the importance of rain and cherish the pure cold water showering so freely upon us. Likewise, if it gets just a little hot, let us not demand for a fan or AC and instead learn to enjoy the heat.
In verse 2.15, Kṛṣṇa addresses Arjuna as “puruṣharṣhabha” which means ‘best among men’. Shri Kṛṣṇa is effectively bringing the best out of Arjuna.
Equanimity by realizing that everything will pass
*This does not mean that we become totally emotionless*. It is OK to feel happy or sad. We should just not get too excited in good times or too agitated during bad times. The easiest way to achieve this is to always tell ourselves that “even this will pass”. This applies to both good as well as bad times and will help us stay grounded and calm under all situations. That is why Shri Krishna says tān titikṣasva ‘bear with them’, because they are anityāḥ, ‘they are not permanent’.
Shankaracharya has said this in verse 24 of his famous work, Vivekachudamani:
*सहनं सर्वदुःखानामप्रतीकारपूर्वकम् ।चिन्ताविलापरहितं सा तितिक्षा निगद्यते ॥ २४ ॥*
sahanaṃ sarvaduḥkhānāmapratīkārapūrvakam |
cintāvilāparahitaṃ sā titikṣā nigadyate || 24 ||
The bearing of all afflictions without caring to redress them, being free (at the same time) from anxiety or self-pity or complaining, is called Titikṣā or forbearance.
krsnadaasa
(servant of Krishna)
