Perfection of spirititual knowledge

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Lord Krsna herein describes the qualities that are desirable for those who

want to actually advance in human life. Sama, or mental equilibrium, means

to fix the mind on Lord Krsna. Mere peacefulness without Krsna consciousness

is dry, like a desert. Dama, or discipline, means to control one’s senses.

If one wants to discipline one’s children, disciples, or followers without

controlling his own senses, he will certainly become an object of ridicule.

Tolerance means to patiently endure distress, such as that produced by the

insults of others, as well as the inconvenience caused by carrying out the

injunctions of scriptures. If one is not tolerant of the insults and abuse

of others, nor tolerant of the inconveniences that arise from observing

religious vows, it is ridiculous to make a show of tolerating extreme heat,

cold, and pain just to impress others. Steadfastness is attained by

controlling the tongue and genitals, whereas any other kind of steadfastness

is of no value. Real charity means to renounce all aggression toward others.

If one gives money to charitable causes but at the same time exploits others

in business or politics, one’s charity is of no value. Austerity means to

give up lust and sense gratification and to observe prescribed vows, such as

Ekadasi. It does not mean inventing methods for torturing the material body

just to gain prestige. Real heroism is to conquer one’s animal propensities.

Everyone likes to be known as a brilliant person, but everyone is subject to

lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, if one can conquer these base urges that

are generated by the modes of passion and ignorance, one is a greater hero

than those who merely destroy their political opponents through intrigue and

violence.

One can cultivate equal vision by giving up envy and by recognizing the

existence of the soul within each material body. This attitude pleases the

Supreme Lord, who then reveals Himself, solidifying forever one’s equal

vision. Merely describing the workings of material nature does not

constitute the last word in the perception of reality. One must also see the

true spiritual equality of all living entities, as confirmed by Sri Krsna in

the Bhagavad-gita 6.32.

 

atmaupamyena sarvatra samah paçyati yo ’rjuna

sukhah va yadi va duhkhah sa yogi paramo matau

 

He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true

equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O

Arjuna!

 

One should actually feel the happiness and distress experience by others and

not just give a clever lecture on the subject. Truthfulness means that one

should speak in a pleasing way that is beneficial to others. If one becomes

attached to pointing out the faults of others in the name of truth, such

faultfinding will not be appreciated by saintly persons. The bona fide

spiritual master speaks the truth in such a way that people can elevate

themselves to the spiritual platform. One should learn this art of

truthfulness. If one is attached to gratifying his senses, then his body and

mind are certainly contaminated. Cleanliness therefore means to give up

material attachment and not merely to frequently cleanse one’s skin with

water. Real renunciation entails giving up the false sense of proprietorship

over one’s wife and children, and not merely giving away all of one’s

material possessions. Real wealth is to possess knowledge of the self and

not so many cows and horses. Sacrifice is the Personality of Godhead Himself

and so one should not aspire for the temporary, material rewards that may

accrue from performing a horse sacrifice. Real religious remuneration means

that one should serve saintly persons who enlighten one with spiritual

knowledge. One may offer remuneration to his spiritual master, who has

enlightened him, by distributing the same knowledge to others. Preaching

work thus constitutes the highest form of remuneration. By performing

pranayama one can subdue the restless mind and thus become the most powerful

person.

 

(Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, purport on a verse in Uddhava-gita)