Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 33

English Translation

O Partha, the firmness that is unfailing through concentration, with which one restrains the functions of the mind, vital forces and the organs, that firmness is born of sattva.

Detailed Commentary

To remain equanimous in worldly gain and loss, victory and defeat, joy and sorrow, respect and disrespect, success and failure – this is called Yoga (Samata). To desire success and failure, objects, material possessions, honor, worship, etc., in this world, and enjoyment in the next world, alongside desiring the Paramatma, is vyabhichara. And to desire only the Paramatma, without the slightest wish for the happiness, enjoyments, objects, material possessions, etc., of this world or the next – this is avyabhichara. The Dhriti (fortitude) in which this avyabhichara exists is called Avyabhicharani Dhriti. The power to keep one's convictions, principles, goals, sentiments, actions, attitudes, thoughts, etc., firm and unwavering is called Dhriti. Through this Avyabhicharani Dhriti, imbued with Yoga, i.e., Samata, a person controls the actions of the mind, Prana, and senses. To be free from thoughts arising from attachment and aversion in the mind, to be able to direct the mind wherever one wishes, and withdraw it from wherever one wishes – these and other activities of the mind are controlled by Dhriti. While practicing Pranayama, not inhaling during Rechaka (exhalation), not exhaling during Puraka (inhalation), not inhaling during Bahya Kumbhaka (external retention), and not exhaling during Abhyantara Kumbhaka (internal retention – meaning, no breath activities contrary to the rules of Pranayama) – this is controlling the actions of the Pranas through Dhriti. Not allowing the senses to be unrestrained in relation to sounds, touches, forms, tastes, and smells; to engage with a subject as one wishes, and to withdraw from a subject as one wishes – this is controlling the actions of the senses through Dhriti. Dhritih Sa Partha Sattviki – The Dhriti by which mastery over the actions of the mind, Prana, and senses is attained – O Partha, that Dhriti is Sattviki (of the nature of Sattva). Connection -- Now, the characteristics of Rajasic Dhriti are described.