The Bhagavad Gita contains some of the most powerful teachings ever spoken on the subject of Equanimity. Maintaining balanced mind in success and failure, pleasure and pain These carefully selected verses, drawn from across the Gita's 18 chapters, represent the essential wisdom on this theme. Each verse is presented with the original Sanskrit, an accessible translation, an in-depth explanation, and a practical application you can use in your daily life. The verses in this collection span chapters 2, 5, 6, 12, showing how Krishna weaves the theme of Equanimity throughout his dialogue with Arjuna. Some verses address the philosophical foundations while others provide direct, practical guidance for challenges like emotional roller coasters and overreacting to events. Classical commentators including Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya each bring unique perspectives to these verses. While Shankaracharya emphasizes the knowledge dimension, Ramanujacharya highlights devotion, and Madhvacharya focuses on the personal relationship with the Divine. Together, these perspectives reveal the full depth of the Gita's teaching on Equanimity.
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः। आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत।।2.14।।
"The contact of the senses with the objects, O son of Kunti, which causes heat and cold, pleasure and pain, has a beginning and an end; they are impermanent; endure them bravely, O Arjuna."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: emotional roller coasters. The verse speaks to the principle of beyond pairs of opposites, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing overreacting to events with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing beyond pairs of opposites in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ। समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते।।2.15।।
"That firm man, whom surely these afflictions do not, O chief among men, to whom pleasure and pain are the same, is fit for attaining immortality."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: overreacting to events. The verse speaks to the principle of balanced mind, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing mood swings with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing balanced mind in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ। ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि।।2.38।।
"Having made pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat equal, engage in battle for the sake of battle; thus, you shall not incur sin."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: mood swings. The verse speaks to the principle of emotional resilience, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing taking things personally with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing emotional resilience in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय। सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।।2.48।।
"Perform action, O Arjuna, being steadfast in Yoga, abandoning attachment and balanced in success and failure; evenness of mind is called Yoga."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: taking things personally. The verse speaks to the principle of non reactive awareness, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing emotional roller coasters with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing non reactive awareness in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः। वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते।।2.56।।
"He whose mind is not shaken by adversity, who does not long for pleasures, and is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: emotional roller coasters. The verse speaks to the principle of yoga as equanimity, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing overreacting to events with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing yoga as equanimity in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
यः सर्वत्रानभिस्नेहस्तत्तत्प्राप्य शुभाशुभम्। नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.57।।
"He who is everywhere without attachment, upon encountering anything good or bad, neither rejoices nor hastens; his wisdom is firm."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: overreacting to events. The verse speaks to the principle of beyond pairs of opposites, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing mood swings with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing beyond pairs of opposites in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
विद्याविनयसंपन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि। शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः।।5.18।।
"Sages look with an equal eye on a Brahmana endowed with learning and humility, on a cow, an elephant, a dog, and even an outcaste."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: mood swings. The verse speaks to the principle of balanced mind, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing taking things personally with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing balanced mind in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
इहैव तैर्जितः सर्गो येषां साम्ये स्थितं मनः। निर्दोषं हि समं ब्रह्म तस्माद्ब्रह्मणि ते स्थिताः।।5.19।।
"Even here in this world, those whose minds rest in reality overcome birth; Brahman is indeed spotless and real; therefore they are established in Brahman."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: taking things personally. The verse speaks to the principle of emotional resilience, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing emotional roller coasters with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing emotional resilience in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
जितात्मनः प्रशान्तस्य परमात्मा समाहितः। शीतोष्णसुखदुःखेषु तथा मानापमानयोः।।6.7।।
"The Supreme Self of him who is self-controlled and peaceful remains balanced in cold and heat, pleasure and pain, as well as in honor and dishonor."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: emotional roller coasters. The verse speaks to the principle of non reactive awareness, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing overreacting to events with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing non reactive awareness in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा कूटस्थो विजितेन्द्रियः। युक्त इत्युच्यते योगी समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चनः।।6.8।।
"The Yogi who is satisfied with the knowledge and wisdom of the Self, who has conquered the senses, and to whom a clod of earth, a piece of stone, and gold are all the same, is said to have attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: overreacting to events. The verse speaks to the principle of yoga as equanimity, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing mood swings with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing yoga as equanimity in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
सुहृन्मित्रार्युदासीनमध्यस्थद्वेष्यबन्धुषु। साधुष्वपि च पापेषु समबुद्धिर्विशिष्यते।।6.9।।
"He who is of the same mind towards the good-hearted, friends, enemies, the indifferent, the neutral, the hateful, the relatives, the righteous, and the unrighteous, excels."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: mood swings. The verse speaks to the principle of beyond pairs of opposites, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing taking things personally with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing beyond pairs of opposites in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
समः शत्रौ च मित्रे च तथा मानापमानयोः।शीतोष्णसुखदुःखेषु समः सङ्गविवर्जितः।।12.18।।
"He who is the same to foe and friend, and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and heat, in pleasure and pain, and who is free from attachment."
This verse illuminates a key aspect of Equanimity as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teaching here addresses one of the fundamental challenges faced by spiritual seekers: taking things personally. The verse speaks to the principle of balanced mind, which is essential for understanding the Gita's approach to this theme. The classical commentators, including Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, offer complementary perspectives that enrich our understanding of this profound teaching. Shankaracharya interprets this verse through the lens of non-dual knowledge, while Ramanujacharya emphasizes its devotional implications. For the modern seeker, this verse provides a practical framework for addressing emotional roller coasters with clarity and equanimity.
Apply this: Apply this teaching by practicing balanced mind in one specific situation today. Start small and build consistency.
How to Apply These Verses
To get the most from these verses on Equanimity, choose one verse to sit with for an entire week rather than reading all at once. Read it each morning, carry its teaching through your day, and reflect on it each evening. The Srimad Gita App provides audio pronunciation, multiple translations, and detailed commentary for each verse to deepen your understanding.
Why Equanimity Matters in the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita's teaching on Equanimity is among its most practical and widely applicable wisdom. Set against the backdrop of Arjuna's crisis on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, this teaching addresses the universal human struggle with emotional roller coasters and overreacting to events. Krishna does not offer mere philosophy — he provides a framework for action that has guided seekers for over five thousand years.
In the modern world, the relevance of equanimity has only grown. Whether you are dealing with emotional roller coasters, seeking clarity about overreacting to events, or working to develop beyond pairs of opposites, the Gita's teaching provides tested, reliable guidance. The verses in chapters 2, 5, 6, 12 lay out a progressive path from understanding to practice to mastery.
What makes the Gita's approach distinctive is its emphasis on integration. Rather than requiring withdrawal from the world, Krishna teaches Arjuna — a warrior, a family man, a person with real-world responsibilities — how to practice equanimity right in the middle of daily life. This makes the teaching accessible to students, professionals, parents, and seekers of all backgrounds.
Key Concepts in Equanimity
The Gita's teaching on Equanimity encompasses several interconnected concepts that work together to form a complete path of practice:
- Beyond pairs of opposites: This aspect of equanimity teaches us how to approach emotional roller coasters with wisdom and equanimity. Understanding beyond pairs of opposites is essential for putting the Gita's broader teaching into practice.
- Balanced mind: This aspect of equanimity teaches us how to approach overreacting to events with wisdom and equanimity. Understanding balanced mind is essential for putting the Gita's broader teaching into practice.
- Emotional resilience: This aspect of equanimity teaches us how to approach mood swings with wisdom and equanimity. Understanding emotional resilience is essential for putting the Gita's broader teaching into practice.
- Non reactive awareness: This aspect of equanimity teaches us how to approach taking things personally with wisdom and equanimity. Understanding non reactive awareness is essential for putting the Gita's broader teaching into practice.
- Yoga as equanimity: This aspect of equanimity teaches us how to approach emotional roller coasters with wisdom and equanimity. Understanding yoga as equanimity is essential for putting the Gita's broader teaching into practice.
Each of these concepts builds on the others. As you study and practice them, you will notice how understanding one naturally deepens your grasp of the rest. The Srimad Gita App provides detailed commentary on each of these themes, allowing you to explore them at your own pace.
How to Begin Practicing Equanimity
Starting a practice of equanimity does not require any special background or preparation. The Gita teaches that every person, regardless of their current situation, can begin right where they are. Here is a simple approach to getting started:
Step 1: Read the key verses. Begin with BG 2.14 and BG 2.15. Read them slowly and reflectively, using the Srimad Gita App for multiple translations and audio pronunciation of the Sanskrit.
Step 2: Choose one principle to practice. Rather than trying to implement everything at once, select one aspect of equanimity — such as beyond pairs of opposites — and focus on it for a full week.
Step 3: Observe and reflect. Throughout your day, notice moments where the teaching is relevant. In the evening, spend a few minutes journaling about what you observed. This reflective practice accelerates understanding.
Step 4: Deepen gradually. After your first week, add another dimension of the teaching. Over time, your practice of equanimity will become more natural and integrated into your daily life.
The Bhagavad Gita's Context for Equanimity
The Bhagavad Gita, often called simply "the Gita," is a 700-verse scripture that forms part of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. Set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, it records the dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer Lord Krishna, who reveals himself to be the Supreme Divine. The teaching on equanimity emerges directly from Arjuna's real-life crisis — facing a battle where his own relatives and teachers stand on the opposing side.
This setting is significant because it means the Gita's wisdom on equanimity was not given in a monastery or ashram, but in the most intense, high-stakes situation imaginable. Krishna's teaching is designed for people engaged in the world, not withdrawn from it. When he speaks about beyond pairs of opposites, he is addressing someone who must act immediately and decisively.
The classical commentators who have shaped our understanding of the Gita's teaching on equanimity include Adi Shankaracharya (8th century), who founded the Advaita Vedanta school and emphasized non-dual knowledge; Ramanujacharya (11th century), who established Vishishtadvaita and highlighted qualified non-dualism with devotion; and Madhvacharya (13th century), who taught Dvaita or dualistic devotion. Each of these masters brought a unique lens to the same verses, and studying their perspectives enriches understanding immensely. The Srimad Gita App includes commentary references from these traditions.
Related Bhagavad Gita Teachings
Equanimity connects deeply with several other important Gita themes. Exploring these related teachings will enrich your understanding and provide multiple perspectives on the spiritual path:
- Vairagya — Freedom from attachment to outcomes, possessions, and worldly desires
- Shanti — Achieving mental calm, emotional balance, and lasting inner peace
- Self-Realization — The journey toward knowing the true Self and achieving spiritual awakening
The Bhagavad Gita's genius is in showing how all these teachings converge toward the same goal of self-realization, inner peace, and liberation. By studying equanimity alongside these related themes, you develop a comprehensive understanding that supports genuine spiritual growth.