The Dirty Mirror!

Recap

In the last verse, we delved into understanding the impermanence of sense perception, recognizing the nature of our feelings, emotions, and sensory responses. Now, verses 15 and 16 discuss the implications of this understanding and the falsity of our perceptions. Consider the difference between knowing about a mango tree and actually tasting its fruit. Similarly, Lord Krishna not only imparts knowledge but also enlightens us on the results of applying it in our lives.

The Verse

यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ |

समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते || 15||

Translation: "Arjuna, the wise man to whom pain and pleasure are alike, and who is not tormented by these contacts, becomes eligible for immortality."

Interpretation:

Arjuna, the wise man to whom pain and pleasure are alike.

Achieving a state of equanimity, where pain and pleasure are perceived alike, is a result of wisdom. This wisdom is attained by those who are resolute and steadfast on the path of the Lord. Being resolute is essential for reaching this state. One element to develop this resolution is Vairagya (detachment), and this detachment originates from Viveka (discrimination). By knowing the teachings of verse 14 (here) and trying to stay mindful of our thoughts, we will soon start noticing the transience of our situations.

Now we will understand why staying alike in pleasure and pain and not getting tormented by these contacts is essential for attaining immortality. The immortality referred to here is not of the body but of understanding our true self. We already are immortal; we just haven't realized it yet. As discussed already is verse 12

Let me tell you a story:

A young boy had a very bad temper. To teach him a lesson, his father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he had to hammer a nail into their wooden fence.