Success cannot be achieved without contribution of others and a calm state of mind, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
Yes, it is possible though quite difficult. Before I go into the details about how, let us have clarity about what the word equanimity really means. The word equanimity is defined as a calm state of mind which means that one does not become angry or upset, especially in difficult situations. This definition, however, does not convey the full sense of the word because calm state of mind is required even in good times when we make most of our mistakes, having become confident that we can do no wrong. This overconfidence, if we look back, is what got us in trouble most of the time.
It is not surprising that lord Krishna, who is omniscient, speaks of both positive and negative aspects when he speaks about equanimity. For example, he speaks about success and failure, honour and dishonour, pleasure and miseries an so on altogether.
Now returning to our topic, when we consider both the sides, maintaining equanimity becomes quite a challenge. let us take success and failure. What happens when we succeedIJ Don’t we feel elated, confident, wishing to share our feelings with others. There is nothing wrong in this as long as we do not forget to give credit to others who contributed. Success by the way, especially substantial, cannot be achieved without the contribution of others. That is why a calm state of mind is required in such situations.
Similarly, when failure strikes, we should not become angry or upset or start to blame others, who may be associated with us. When we do that we hurt ourselves in more ways than what the failure has caused. Here again equanimity is most essential.
lord Krishna has spoken about equanimity in many different verses of the Bhagavad Gita. He wants us to practise equanimity during pain and pleasure; to become free from anxieties of acquisition and preservation, after having achieving either auspicious or inauspicious results; neither to praise not to envy; neither to rejoice too much having achieved something dear nor to get too agitated having met something unpleasant; to be equipoised in all circumstances; neither getting overwhelmed with joy nor hating; neither lamenting nor craving; equanimity should be there towards an enemy and a friend; one should be poised in cold and heat; and to be free from the fault of extreme reaction in all situations.
The last instruction gives us the clue to be able to maintain equanimity. There should be a band within which we should restrict our emotions. There is nothing like a specific point; equanimity is essentially is restricting ourselves within a range.
What benefits do we derive when we are able to maintain equanimity in all circumstances, especially because it is so difficult to practiseIJ There are plenty of them. One will have stable behaviour, ie circumstances will not have disproportionate effect. One will not lose one’s sense of proportion in good times. One is unlikely to make serious mistakes. One will be able to take proper decisions; will not be swayed by emotions.
One will not act foolishly; thereby will not hurt self or others. One will be peaceful. One will not be easily depressed. One will achieve yoga, i.e connection with God by maintaining equanimity in both success and failure. One will become dear to God. One will come to the mode of goodness. And one will remain in Brahman.
With so many benefits, it is worth it to try to practise equanimity. But remember, that we are aiming for a range suiting our natures, not perfection, which in any case is not possible for us ordinary mortals.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
