
13
CHAPTER
VERSE
10
असक्तिरनभिष्वङ्ग: पुत्रदारगृहादिषु |
नित्यं च समचित्तत्वमिष्टानिष्टोपपत्तिषु || 13.10 ||
Asaktir anabhiṣvaṅgaḥ putradāragṛhādiṣu |
Nityaṁ ca samacittatvam iṣṭāniṣṭopapattiṣu ||
Absence of attachment to son, wife, home, etc., and constant even-mindedness on the occurrence of the desirable and the undesirable events.
Lesson:
This verse is about the profound wisdom regarding detachment and equanimity to Arjuna. Krishna talks about the attributes of a spiritually enlightened individual, emphasizing the importance of cultivating detachment from worldly attachments and maintaining equanimity in the face of life's dualities. He says the quality of detachment (asakti), which refers to the absence of clinging or craving for worldly possessions and relationships. He advises Arjuna to refrain from becoming overly attached to transient aspects of life such as children (putra), spouse (dāra), and home (gṛha). By cultivating detachment, one can free oneself from the grip of material desires and attain inner peace and liberation.
Moreover, Krishna advocates for the cultivation of even-mindedness (samachittatva) amidst the fluctuations of life. He elucidates that a spiritually enlightened individual remains equanimous regardless of the arrival of desirable (iṣṭa) or undesirable (aniṣṭa) circumstances. Whether experiencing joy or sorrow, success or failure, such a person remains balanced and unaffected, anchored in the eternal consciousness.
This verse underscores the essence of Vairagya (renunciation) and Samatvam (equanimity) in spiritual practice. It encourages individuals to transcend the fleeting pleasures and pains of the material world and seek lasting fulfilment in the realm of the spirit. By detaching oneself from the illusions of worldly existence and embracing a state of inner equipoise, one can journey towards self-realization and ultimate liberation.
Furthermore, Krishna's teachings emphasize the need for discernment and discrimination (viveka) in navigating life's experiences. While it is natural to pursue happiness and avoid suffering, true wisdom lies in recognizing the impermanent nature of worldly phenomena and seeking refuge in the eternal self. By cultivating detachment and equanimity, one can transcend the dualities of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, and attain spiritual transcendence.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita serves as a guiding light for seekers on the path of spiritual evolution. It illuminates the importance of detachment from worldly attachments and the cultivation of equanimity in facing life's challenges. Through self-discipline, introspection, and devotion, one can awaken to the timeless truths of existence and experience the boundless joy of spiritual liberation.