The Most Important Thing to Carry all the time.

My steadfast answer is “Equanimity,” an enduring companion that shall journey with me wherever I roam.

Equanimity shall be my unwavering guide through life’s myriad experiences. Its essence will empower me to navigate challenges with grace and embrace the world’s fluctuations with a steady heart and mind.

I have found and adopted two easy paths to achieve my goals: 1) Vedantic Approach: Upanishads (Advaita-Non-Dualism) & 2) Yogic Approach (Patanjali Yoga sutras)

Why?  Let me justify:

The pursuit of an unwavering sense of balance and inner tranquility becomes crucial in a world where life’s journey is characterized by uncertainty and hardships. If there is one item that sticks out as being the most crucial to always have with you, it is unquestionably “Equanimity.” Being calm and balanced in the middle of life’s ups and downs is a treasure that enlivens each moment and equips us with the fortitude and grace to sail across the turbulent waters of existence.

Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, is one of the most remarkable examples of equanimity. The profundity of Aurelius’ awareness of life’s transience and the value of preserving composure is evident in his reflections. He is a prime example of the value of inner tranquility because of his ability to face difficulties and failures with a serene demeanor. He understood that while we have no influence over the outside world, we do have control over how we choose to react to it. With this realization, he made the decision to carry the serenity torch, illuminating his way through the difficulties of governing an empire and the struggles of his personal life.

Equanimity in the Bhagavad Gita: A Spiritual Pathway

Lord Krishna’s ageless proclamation in the Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom on achieving equanimity. In Chapter 12, Krishna emphasizes that devotion is not just about rituals but involves a transformation of the heart and character. The qualities he highlights—non-enmity, compassion, humility, contentment, equanimity, and non-harming—shape the devotee into a vessel of divine love and grace.

Krishna stresses the importance of remaining unmoved by life’s dualities: happiness and grief, success and failure, pleasure and suffering. This equanimity arises from perceiving all beings with equal compassion, transcending judgments and biases that often taint our interactions.

Key Bhagavad Gita Shlokas on Equanimity:

• Shloka 13: The Divine values individuals who are compassionate, free from ill intent, and who cultivate an empathic heart.

• Shloka 14: Emphasizes contentment, detachment, and the ability to stay balanced amidst life’s challenges.

• Shloka 15: Humility as a core virtue, with the perfect devotee embodying humility to deepen spiritual connections.

• Shloka 16: Forgiveness and non-harming are key virtues, urging the devotee to be unbiased and free from hatred.

• Shloka 17: Reaffirms equanimity, encouraging a mind that remains steady amidst honor, dishonor, joy, and suffering.

• Shloka 18: True devotion involves being unaffected by praise or censure, staying content and constant in spiritual practice.

Lord Krishna’s Teachings on Compassion and Non-Attachment

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches that equanimity is closely linked with detachment. However, detachment here does not mean withdrawing from life but rather letting go of attachments to outcomes. It’s about seeing life’s changes with a balanced mindset. The following principles help us achieve inner peace:

• Contentment: Being happy and fulfilled with what we have.

• Non-attachment: Not being affected by success or failure.

• Forgiveness and Humility: Cultivating a peaceful heart, free from pride or anger.

These qualities form the foundation of a steady life that can handle any challenges that come our way.

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The Teachings of Lord Jesus Christ on Equanimity

The life of Lord Jesus Christ is a powerful example of unwavering peace. His ability to accept suffering and forgive those who wronged him shows the true spirit of equanimity. Even when facing hardship, Christ remained calm and compassionate.

By embracing Christ’s peace, we can develop more empathy and resilience. This allows us to rise above our own struggles and build a more compassionate society. His example of grace and forgiveness in tough times serves as a model for us all.

“Carrying a positive mindset is integral to facing every challenge, but to cultivate that mindset from the start of the day, a grounding practice like morning gratitude can set the tone for your entire day. Learn more about how to establish a powerful morning routine in my post on Morning Gratitude Ritual: Boost Energy and Happiness.”