The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture in Hindu philosophy, offers profound wisdom on various aspects of life, including composure and balance. Here are some key teachings from the Bhagavad Gita that can help in developing the attitude of composure and balance:
Practice Detachment: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the
importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the results. By
focusing on the action itself rather than worrying about the outcomes, one can
maintain composure and balance amidst success and failure.
Equanimity: Krishna advises Arjuna to maintain equanimity
(samatvam yoga uchyate) in all situations, whether it's joy or sorrow, success
or failure. Developing the ability to remain steady and composed in the face of
life's ups and downs is essential for inner peace.
Steadfastness in Knowledge: The Gita encourages seekers to
cultivate a deep understanding of the self and the universe. This knowledge
serves as a stable foundation, helping individuals navigate through life with
clarity and resilience.
Yoga and Meditation: The Bhagavad Gita prescribes various
paths of yoga, including karma yoga (the yoga of selfless action), bhakti yoga
(the yoga of devotion), and jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge). Regular
practice of yoga and meditation can cultivate inner peace and balance the mind.
Control of the Mind: Krishna advises Arjuna to control the
mind, which is often restless and turbulent. Through mindfulness practices and
self-discipline, one can learn to master the mind and maintain a state of inner
calmness.
Acceptance of Divine Will: The Gita teaches acceptance of
the divine will (ishvara pranidhana) and surrendering to the higher power.
Understanding that everything happens according to the divine plan can help
individuals develop resilience and acceptance in challenging situations.
Self-awareness and Self-mastery: The Bhagavad Gita
encourages individuals to introspect, understand their true nature, and strive
for self-mastery. By knowing oneself deeply and aligning with one's inner
values, one can achieve a state of balance and composure.
Quotes on Composure and Balance from Bhagavad Gita
Perform your duty equipoised, O Arjuna, abandoning all
attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called yoga. (Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
A person who remains unattached to the fruits of their
work is always content and never entangled, although performing actions. (Bhagavad Gita 4.20)
The person who is not disturbed by happiness and
distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation. (Bhagavad Gita 2.15)
One who is equal to friends and enemies, who is
equipoised in honor and dishonor, heat and cold, happiness and distress, fame
and infamy, who is always free from contaminating association, always silent
and satisfied with anything, who doesn’t care for any residence, who is fixed
in knowledge and engaged in devotional service — such a person is very dear to
Me. (Bhagavad Gita 12.18-19)
Incorporating these teachings into daily life and reflecting
on them regularly can gradually help in cultivating the attitude of composure
and balance as advocated by the Bhagavad Gita.