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Chapter 14 • Verse 24
The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna continues describing the characteristics: 'Sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ sva-sthaḥ'—equal (sama) in pleasure (sukhaḥ) and pain (duḥkha), self-controlled (sva-sthaḥ). 'Sama-loṣṭāśma-kāñcanaḥ'—regards a clod of earth (loṣṭa), a stone (aśma), and gold (kāñcanaḥ) as equal (sama). 'Tulya-priyāpriyo dhīras tulya-nindātma-saṁstutiḥ'—equal (tulya) to the dear (priya) and the unfriendly (apriyaḥ), steady (dhīraḥ), and to whom censure (nindā) and praise (ātma-saṁstutiḥ) are one and the same (tulya). This describes complete equanimity: equal response to pleasure and pain, to valuable and worthless, to friend and foe, to praise and blame. This is the mark of transcendence: you're not affected by the dualities of material existence. You remain steady regardless of external circumstances.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
Krishna reveals that one who has transcended is equal toward all dualities: pleasure and pain, valuable and worthless, friend and foe, praise and blame. This is the mark of transcendence: you're not affected by the dualities of material existence. You remain steady regardless of external circumstances. When you're praised, you're not elated. When you're blamed, you're not crushed. When you have gold, you're not attached. When you have a clod of earth, you're not averse. When you're with friends, you're not attached. When you're with enemies, you're not averse. This complete equanimity is the sign of true transcendence.
Personal Reflection
Are you affected by the dualities—pleasure and pain, praise and blame, friends and enemies? How would developing equanimity toward all dualities help you find true freedom?
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