Equanimity of Mind

Health and Happiness - Dr Dwarakanath

This sloka explains the path to reach oneness in life, which is the root to come out of the influences of Maya. From time immemorial, in the Indian tradition, it has been taught to us by the sages that Vishnu (God) is the all-pervading power in me, in you and everywhere. This Vishwam (universe) is nothing but Vishnumayam, i.e., the all-pervading reality. How to believe this truth? There is no short-cut for this. Every student of spirituality has to understand this reality in one's own heart, till then, it is a kind of repetition, which is necessary to emphasise that one point, which says that the multiplicity is the nature of the world, but the realised soul sees only oneness in and through all. It means, there is only one, without second and that one is appearing in multiple facets, because of one's ignorance. As long as one does not realise that oneness in all, one keeps getting doubts and requires answers too. When one has reached the perfection or realised the truth, then the feeling of imperfection will automatically give way to completeness or complete satisfaction. 

The first step to reach the ultimate or to realise the truth, it is to be-equal-minded in all circumstances. It is a tall order, as most of us are in the grip of moods and momentary pleasures. No amount of study of scriptural literature will help one to realise the truth, unless one applies the knowledge learnt in search of that truth. Theoretical knowledge to know how the "sweet" tastes is fine, but the experience will be altogether different if one really tastes "sweet". Likewise, the acquired knowledge should help us to realise the truth and make us to resolve not to take rest till we achieve the ultimate. The ultimate is nothing but "atma-saakshaatkaaram (self-realization)", which is possible to be accomplished by making our mind receptive to the truth, such as, first one has to make a concerted effort to remove all the cobwebs that have been formed over a period of time, erase all likes and dislikes from the mind, be equal minded for anything and everything. We should position and treat oneself as mere witness to the whole drama that is unfolding in front of one. As one succeeds in this Sadhana, the subtle influence from the higher planes of consciousness starts emanating and the mind has to be made to listen to these influences to progress and to reach the ultimate reality - samachittatvam i.e., equanimity of mind, is an important ingredient in the whole sequence of things, which makes one to lead a life of a witness rather than a participant. This equanimity or even-mindedness should not get disturbed or shaken by the world of external objects and either positive or negative happenings in one’s life. One has to be solid and strive to filter away from one's mind the influences of life in order to develop the mental equipoise. All this is possible with Sadhana, dedicating the action, devotion to the lord, service to the mankind, constant introspection, and contemplation on the highest. Samatvam, i.e., equal vision on all things and beings and in all circumstances is, therefore, an essential part of Sadhana to attain the ultimate.

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