Gita In Daily Life - Characteristics of a sthitaprajna

[Guest guest]

Dear learned friends,

 

Namaste.

 

The shades of understanding about the characteristics of a sthithaprajna

provides interesting perspectives. Here, I try to articulate my

understanding.

 

No attachment is fine. But does it mean to forsake all desires? I think

not. Are we not to enjoy good food, good music, pleasing sights, sweet

scents, loving company? To negate these would be against the human

nature. I don't think that is the message for a sthitaprajna. In the

Gita itself, the lord tells Arjuna to win the war and enjoy (rule) the

earth.

 

In my humble opinion, for a sthitaprajna, SriKrishna's life is the best

example. The lord enjoyed everything including: milk and butter (food),

music, company of the gopis and gollas, affection and adoration of the

people, fine clothes and jewellery, palace, etc.

 

A sthithaprajna has to maintain a mental stability (equanimity) in all

circumstances -- be they good or bad; comfortable or otherwise.

 

Sri. Nair has given the excellent example of the sorrow of SriRama on

losing Sita. Sorrow is part of human life. Though he indulged in it, he

did not lose sight of what had to be done.

 

To summarize, I think the message is not to deprive oneself of all

sensory pleasures, but to stay calm and unwavering in different

circumstances by having a deeper understanding of our true nature and

the temporal nature of life situations.

 

Best regards,

Ramachandra