Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 7

English Translation

The supreme Self of one who has control over the aggregate of his body and organs, and who is tranil, becomes manifest. (He should be eipoised) [These words are supplied to complete the sentence.] in the midst of cold and heat, happiness and sorrow, as also honour and dishonour.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation – Here, 'Jitatmanaḥ' refers to an individual who befriends their true Self by distinguishing it from the body, senses, mind, and intellect. Such a person is called a 'Jitatma'. This individual works not only for their own welfare but also for the welfare of others. In 'Shītoṣṇasukhaduḥkheṣu praśāntasya', 'Shīta' and 'Uṣṇa' do not signify cold and heat, but rather favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Favorable conditions lead to *sukha* (pleasure/happiness), and unfavorable ones to *duḥkha* (pain/sorrow). Therefore, one must remain equipoised (*sama*) and undisturbed (*nirvikāra*) in these situations. 'Sukha' and 'Duḥkha' denote the state of mind arising from the presence or absence of external objects. Truly happy is one who maintains inner peace, regardless of the situation. 'Shīta-Uṣṇa' represent *sukha-duḥkha* arising from *prārabdha* (destined karma), while 'sukha-duḥkha' (in the second instance) refers to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of present actions. Whether a circumstance arises due to *prārabdha* or the success/failure of current endeavors, one should remain tranquil. In 'Mānāpamānayoḥ', both *Māna* (honor) and *Apamāna* (dishonor) are bestowed by others. This serves as a compassionate measure for the individual's spiritual growth. It is essential for a person to remain peaceful in the face of *Māna* and *Apamāna*. 'Paramātmā Samāhitaḥ' signifies that the individual who remains peaceful amidst *sukha-duḥkha*, favorable and unfavorable conditions, and *Māna-Apamāna*, has realized supreme bliss within their inner self. For such a person, external circumstances become ineffective, and they remain stable and blissful in life.