Verse-15
Chapter 2 — Sānkhya Yog
Verse 15
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
yam hi na vyathayantyete purusam purusarsabha
samadukhkhasukham dhiram so mritatvaya kalpate
🕉 English Translation
📜 Translation
English
O Best amongst men! The person whom these (contacts of senses with objects) do not afflict, who is balanced in pleasure and pain, he is fit for immortality.
The inspiration given by the Gita is in reality the inspiration to be lived. It is such an inspiration which despite living in the changing world, it enables one to get the benefit of permanent happiness. Externally whatever situations exist, will not last. When the mind is attracted to winters, become alert. Winters will not last. If the mind is despairing in summers; then motivate it. Summers will not last. If the mind starts getting entangled in worldly pleasures, warn it.
Tell the mind Agampaniyoanitya (it has a beginning and an end and is impermanent) and do not allow it to get attached. If sorrow causes despair then motivate the mind in a similar manner. If the pleasure is not lasting the sorrow will also not last; these days will also pass. This is a straightforward, simple but sure-shot means to maintain equanimity in the dualities of happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat, heat and cold, honour and dishonour etc.
The cause behind pleasure and sorrow is not any object, or circumstance but the thoughts of the mind. Positive thoughts can keep the mind calm in any situation or circumstance and negative thoughts can make the mind worried and tension-ridden even in the best situation, environment. The inspiration from the Gita is in fact, meant for making the current of mental thoughts positive. On the basis of external circumstances, it is not always possible to remain calm and collected. Equanimity and serenity are the inner states of the mind which are dependent on thoughts! The need is that the foundation of the mental thoughts should be eternal and peaceful. Only then the mind will remain peaceful and stable. The Supreme is the Truth and the world is false. From the point of view of common sense, it is self-evident. But the Great Gita Preacher Lord Shri Krishna gives an opportunity to the seeker for profound reflection on Truth Principle.