Stithaprajnya

 There is a beautiful advice by Lord Sri Krishna to us through Arjuna as to how to live a life of joy, full of happiness, and finally attain to Him. The Blessed Lord says, be of equanimous mind (sama dheeH), self-controlled, of stable mind, and transcend (samaadhiH) the sensuous worldly state of existence. He, the Lord says, "Arjuna, be a sthitaprajnya." Arjuna, in turn, asks "What is this state of stitaprajnya and, what and how will be the attitude and behavior of such a stable-minded person (samaadhistha)?" |

 "sthitaprajnyasya ka bhasha samadhistasya Keshavaa | (Ch2. V.54).

 naabhinandati na dveshti tasya prajnya pratishtithaa"  A sthitaprajnya is neither elated by praise nor sorrowful when hated by others. This state of equanimity is what is called for in a learned person, jnyani. One should never indulge in likes and dislikes, appreciate or condemn others, should not bloat with praise or feel miserable when others curse or look down on us. One should always control the outward-going senses desiring for happiness from external objects, persons and interests. One should always remember that desires bring anger when not fulfilled and the sensuous objects will never bring happiness, The external objects are so created by the fickle mind that make the Indriyas (sense organs) run on errands without knowledge of the reality of the true nature of this world and its objects.    

  A person who realizes the fact that real happiness springs out from the soul (Atman) and there is no need for looking for happiness outside! He who is established in one's own Self is indeed the happiest person!

See Atmanyevaatmanaa tushtah sthitaprajnyasyastadocyate || (2. 55). A person of equanimous state of mind is said to be a muni. Sthitadhheermunirucyate |