Deep Satisfaction – In Gita Verse 4.22 He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna imparts profound wisdom to Arjuna, urging him to cultivate a state of mind that is both content and beyond duality. This state is characterised by a deep satisfaction with whatever life presents, free from the constant yearning and dissatisfaction that typically plague the human mind. The mind, by its very nature, tends to dwell in a state of dissatisfaction, always longing for what it does not have, and often dismissing what it does possess as insignificant or unworthy.
The mind’s inherent dissatisfaction is akin to a mirage, much like the horizon that seems to touch the earth but never truly does. As one moves forward, the horizon continues to retreat, perpetually out of reach. Similarly, the mind’s quest for contentment is an endless pursuit, with satisfaction always appearing just out of grasp. However, Krishna suggests a different approach: to be satisfied with whatever one receives, free from expectations. This perspective transforms every experience into a blessing, allowing gratitude to flourish even in the face of adversity.
Consider the story of Faqir Junaid, who, upon injuring his foot with a stone, thanked God for the minor injury, recognising it as a lesser misfortune compared to what could have been. This attitude of gratitude, devoid of expectations, allows one to find blessings in every situation. When expectations are absent, contentment becomes possible, and the joy of satisfaction is limitless.
True gratitude resides in those free from expectations. When one expects nothing, every experience is seen as a blessing. Conversely, when expectations abound, dissatisfaction often follows, turning even blessings into perceived curses. Satisfaction stems from a mindset of wanting nothing more than what one already has. Recognising this truth unlocks boundless joy, while discontentment leads to endless misery. The secret to happiness lies in accepting reality as it is.
Contentment thrives on truth and reality, whereas discontentment feeds on dreams and imagination. Across the globe, dissatisfaction often arises not from reality, but from the imagined ideals people chase. Reality has the power to provide ample satisfaction, while unchecked imagination can lead to limitless pain. Embracing reality can transform our perception of contentment.
Krishna further advises Arjuna to transcend duality, a concept that is deeply ingrained in human consciousness. Duality manifests in many forms: love and hate, success and failure, respect and disrespect. Our lives are governed by these opposing forces, often leading to internal conflict and a fractured sense of self. The mind, with its dual nature, is constantly in a state of flux, torn between opposing desires and emotions.
To transcend duality, one must recognise the mind’s dual nature and rise above it. This involves becoming an observer, a witness to the ebb and flow of emotions and experiences, without becoming entangled in them. By identifying with the observer rather than the observed, one can achieve a state of equanimity, where neither joy nor sorrow can disturb the inner peace.
Krishna’s teachings highlight the importance of being present, of simply ‘being’. This state of ‘being’ is not passive but a dynamic engagement with life, free from the constraints of duality and dissatisfaction. It is a state where actions are performed without attachment to the outcomes, allowing one to live fully and freely.
In essence, Krishna’s message to Arjuna is one of profound simplicity: to be content with what one has and to transcend the dual nature of the mind. This state of being is the true essence of religion, a path that leads to ultimate freedom and liberation from the bondage of karma. By embracing this path, one can experience the joy of existence, unburdened by the endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.
In this way, Krishna guides Arjuna towards a life of balance and harmony, where the self is at peace with itself and the world. By being with oneself, one discovers the capacity to love oneself, thereby dissolving enmity and embracing a life of unity and contentment. This journey towards self-realisation is the essence of Krishna’s teachings, a timeless wisdom that continues to inspire and guide those seeking a deeper understanding of life and existence.
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