Equilibrium

As a child I had learnt while studying science the importance of ‘equilibrium’. I do not clearly remember its definition. It meant to me the natural ability for a thing to stand up on its own – to maintain its stability. It was taught that if the centre of gravity is closer to the ground, it increases the stability of anything in adverse circumstances. Like extreme push or pull, a jump or a fall etc.

Today, I find that equilibrium is equally important for human beings. What is means to me is the ability to retain our feet on the ground. Extreme emotions may tend to shake the feet but adequate control of the mind helps us develop the ability to remain on the ground.

‘Stithpragye purush’

The Bhagwad Gita, which an excellent treatise on human life emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and composed in happy situations as well as in most challenging ones. In Chapter two, on the request of Arjuna; Lord Krishna defines the Stithpragya Purush’. He is the one who maintains equanimity in all circumstances. This definition encompasses the following qualities of a human being which may be difficult to develop but become. 

The greatest asserts of an individual. 

1. Developing an ability to remain unperturbed amid sorrows. It gives strength to fight the daily battles of life effectively.
2. The thirst for pleasure needs to be eradicated altogether. Pleasure will elude the pleasure seeker.
3. The human being who is never upset because of fear of any kind. He is the one who can practice a positive attitude.
4. The person who does not get lost in activities of any nature bust performs the same with an ardent sense of duty.
5. The person may be likened to a tortoise which draws in its limbs from all directions and remains protected by the solid dome of its back.

It may difficult to imbibe these qualities in one’s personality, but with consistent practice the same can be achieved.