2. 45 English Rise Above Joy, Sorrow, Gain and Loss | Bhagavad Gita Shlok 2.45 in English

Shlok 2.45 [thoughtful] Shri Krishna says to Arjun—Three kinds of forces operate within nature: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Sattva makes the mind peaceful, clear, and wise. Rajas creates desires, restlessness, competition, and a constant race to acquire more. Tamas increases laziness, confusion, fear, and the habit of postponing the right action. Many parts of the Vedas describe actions and rituals through which a person may receive pleasure, wealth, success, heaven, or other rewards. All these desires also operate within the influence of these three qualities. Shri Krishna is not saying that the Vedas are wrong. He is telling Arjun—Do not become trapped only in actions performed for rewards. Sometimes we chase pleasure, sometimes we fear loss, sometimes we worry about acquiring something, and sometimes we fear losing what we already possess. If our entire life passes in this cycle, the mind will never find peace. [emphatic] Understand these three qualities, but do not become their slave. Perform your duty with a peaceful mind, clear thinking, and a proper sense of responsibility. Our lives are often spent worrying about two things—how to acquire what we do not have, and how to protect what we have already gained. Shri Krishna says: Do not waste your entire life in this endless race. Fulfil your needs, but do not allow material things to control your peace of mind. [emphatic] Acquiring things may be considered success, but not losing your inner balance even without them—that is real strength. #BhagavadGita #GitaShlok #Shlok2.45 #GitaInEnglish #InnerStrength #Balance #Fear #Attachment #Krishna #Mahakavya BIMAL BANGAR