mātrā-sparśhās tu kaunteya
śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino ’nityās tāns-titikṣhasva bhārata
Word to
Word Meaning: kaunteya = Arjun;
Kunti;mātrā-sparśhāḥ = contact
of the senses with the sense objects; tu = indeed; śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ = provide the feeling of the
opposites cold & hot and happiness & sorrow; āgamāpāyino = (they) come and go; anityāḥ = non-permanent; tān = them; winter; bhārata = Arjun; titikṣhasva = tolerate.
Literal
Meaning: Arjuna,
the sensations of sound, touch, and material experiences perceived by the
senses give rise to fleeting feelings of pleasure and pain. These experiences
are impermanent, arising and dissolving like the changing seasons of winter and
summer. Therefore, one must cultivate the ability to endure them without being
perturbed.
यं हि न
व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ |
समदु:खसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते ||(2-15)||
yaṁ hi na vyathayantyete puruṣhaṁ puruṣharṣhabha
sama-duḥkha-sukhaṁ dhīraṁ so ’mṛitatvāya kalpate
Word to
Word Meaning: puruṣha-ṛiṣhabha = the noblest amongst men, Arjun; ete = these sound, touch, and material experiences; samaduḥkhasukham = equipoised in distress and happiness; dhīram = the Brave;yam puruṣham = that
person; na vyathayanti = not distressed; saḥ hi = verily
that person; amṛitatvāya—for liberation; kalpate—becomes eligible
Literal
Meaning: O Arjuna,
whoever remains unaffected by the sensations of sound, touch, and material
experiences, such a courageous individual, who remains equanimous in both
happiness and sorrow, becomes qualified for liberation.
Commentary:
1.
It's indeed
insightful to recognize the context of the preceding verses when understanding
the significance of verses 14 and 15. In verse 11, it's suggested that wise
individuals regard life and death with equanimity. Verse 12 presents the
opportunity for every person to attain eternity. Verse 13 illustrates the
cyclical nature of life, where stages repeat in a repetitive fashion.
2. In verses
14 and 15, it's conveyed that those who observe these changes within themselves
and remain neutral demonstrate true bravery. It's worth noting that maintaining
neutrality amidst these changes is exceptionally challenging.
3.
Indeed, the
changes occurring within the human body are often not pleasant experiences.
However, it is said that the truly brave individual does not outwardly express
distress even when undergoing such changes. Instead, they wholeheartedly accept
that whatever is happening within them is ultimately for their own good. Such
individuals are considered deserving of salvation. It can be perceived that
they have surrendered themselves to the will of nature, allowing it to act upon
them as it pleases.
4. It's true
that enduring pain solely for the sake of salvation is incredibly challenging.
The agony, felt in every cell, every pore, and every hair of the body, seems to
threaten death itself. This ordeal surpasses any other we know; it's more
arduous than enduring fire or carrying the weight of a mountain. It drains the
body like a scorching summer day in the desert. Crossing the river Vaitarani (वैतरणी)
metaphorically representing the journey to the afterlife, is indeed a daunting
task. Understandably, many people compromise and opt for easier paths.
5.
As
previously mentioned, this test often comes unannounced by nature. When we have
an inkling that it is God who is imposing the test, we are more prepared to
endure it. However, when we don't know who or what is testing us, our patience
may run out quickly. Who would be willingly subject themselves to such an
ordeal without any guarantees? Doubts continue to haunt us repeatedly. As
stated in 2-45, truth has no place in the path of safety and welfare. In other
words, when a human being is completely prepared for this test, is leading a
choiceless life, there is a chance to overcome it.
6. We cannot consciously consent to such tests. However, when we are fully immersed in the work of God, which is an act of surrendering oneself at the altar of truth, whether we call it meditation (distinct from prayer) or not, there exists a possibility. The purpose of life lies in comprehending and engaging in this activity, rather than blindly conforming to tradition. Hence, the Bhagavad Gita dedicates two verses repeating almost the same message to emphasize its significance.
7. Absolutely,
the Bhagavad Gita is indeed a revolutionary text, not merely a continuation of
known ideas. While many profound concepts were described in texts like the
Mahabharata and Bhagavatam, Sage Veda Vyasa chose to compose the Bhagavad Gita
as a separate scripture, incorporating it into the Mahabharata as a
post-thought. This decision underscores the unique and profound nature of the
Bhagavad Gita as a distinct philosophical discourse.
Corollary: Not moving
away from patience, of course not foolishness in most provocative times is an
essential quality.
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