“A yogi is one who remains the same in pleasure and pain, in loss and gain, in honor and dishonor. “
The quote, “A yogi is one who remains the same in pleasure and pain, in loss and gain, in honor and dishonor. He is wise,” from Chapter 6, Verse 32 of the Bhagavad Gita, offers a profound message about the ideal state of a yogi.
Unveiling the Essence of the Quote:
- Equanimity: The Central Pillar: The core concept presented here is equanimity. The yogi remains unaffected by the dualities of life, such as pleasure and pain, gain and loss, honor and dishonor. This doesn’t imply complete absence of emotions but rather a detached observation of them without getting swept away by their highs and lows.
- Detachment with Awareness: This detachment stems from an awareness of the impermanent nature of these experiences. Pleasure eventually fades, as does pain. Gain can lead to loss, and honor can turn into dishonor. By recognizing their transient nature, a yogi doesn’t cling to the positive experiences or become overly averse to the negative ones.
- Maintaining Balance and Focus: This equanimity allows the yogi to maintain balance and focus in the midst of life’s uncertainties. They are not controlled by their emotions, enabling them to act with clarity and discernment. This inner steadiness is crucial for navigating the complexities of life and fulfilling one’s duties effectively.
- Wisdom: The Fruit of Equanimity: Krishna equates this state of equanimity with wisdom. The yogi, untroubled by external circumstances, possesses the discernment to see beyond the superficiality of pleasure and pain. They can understand the true nature of reality and make decisions based on a deeper understanding, not fleeting emotions.
Beyond the Battlefield – In Our Everyday Life:
In the thick of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught in the emotional rollercoaster. A promotion brings elation, while a bad grade plunges us into despair. A compliment inflates our ego, while a criticism can leave us feeling deflated. Krishna’s teachings on equanimity in the Bhagavad Gita have become a guiding light for me, helping me navigate these ups and downs with greater peace and clarity.
Imagine a busy intersection. Cars zoom by, some honking, others stopping. The world can feel like that sometimes, with situations pulling me in different directions. But by cultivating equanimity, I strive to become the calm observer in the center, like a traffic cop directing the flow without getting caught in the chaos.
Let’s say I miss out on a dream opportunity. Disappointment is inevitable, but equanimity allows me to accept it without getting stuck in a cycle of negativity. I can acknowledge the sting while reminding myself that this doesn’t define my worth. It can even open doors to new and unexpected possibilities.
Equanimity isn’t about becoming emotionless. It’s about allowing myself to feel everything fully, without getting swept away by the highs or crushed by the lows. It’s about observing my emotions with a sense of detachment, understanding that they are temporary states of being.
This approach benefits all aspects of life. In my relationships, equanimity allows me to respond with compassion and understanding instead of reacting impulsively to a partner’s anger or frustration. It helps me celebrate a friend’s success genuinely without a tinge of envy.
Even in mundane situations, equanimity can be a game-changer. Stuck in traffic? Instead of letting my frustration simmer, I can practice mindfulness exercises or listen to calming music. A delayed flight? Maybe it’s an opportunity to catch up on reading or spend some quiet time reflecting.
Cultivating equanimity takes practice. It’s a journey, not a destination. But with each mindful breath, with each conscious choice to focus on the present moment rather than getting lost in the emotional tides, I find myself becoming more resilient, more accepting, and ultimately, more in control of my own inner world. This, in turn, allows me to navigate the external world with greater wisdom and purpose.
Overall, this quote serves as a reminder that true wisdom and inner peace lie in cultivating the ability to remain balanced and centered amidst life’s ever-changing situations.