47. Sthita-prajna is Internal


Krishna says in response to Arjuna’s query, sthita-prajna (one with coherent intellect or stoic) is content with self (2.55). Interestingly, Krishna didn’t respond to the second part of Arjuna’s query as to how a sthita-prajna speaks, sits and walks.

‘Content with self’ is an inner state and cannot be judged by external behaviour. Maybe, in the given circumstances, both an ignorant person and a sthita-prajna might speak the same words, might sit and walk in the same manner. This further complicates our understanding of sthita-prajna.

Krishna’s life is the best example of a sthita-prajna’s life. One should read epic Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavatam to understand Krishna’s life. He was separated from his parents at birth. He was known as ‘makhan chor’ (butter thief). His romance, dance and flute are legendary, but when he left Vrindavan he never came back seeking romance. He fought and killed when needed, but avoided war at times and was hence known as ‘ran-chod-das’ (who ran away from war). He performed many miracles and was a friend of friends. When it was time to marry, he married and maintained families. He traced the samantaka mani (valuable jewel) to ward off false accusations of theft and when it was time to give Gita Jnana, he delivered it. He died like any ordinary person.

Firstly, there is no external pattern to his life, but the internal pattern is living moment by moment. Secondly, it’s a life of joy and celebration despite difficult situations. Thirdly, “content with the self” implies relinquishing both kartapan (the sense of doership) and karma-phal (the fruits of action) while performing karma, yet without resorting to inaction (akarma).

Basically, it’s living in the present moment without any burden of the past or any expectations from the future. All power lies in the present moment, and everything happens in the present.

It is a life of joy that is intrinsic, unconditional, and independent of external circumstances, rather than happiness arising from the contact of the senses with their objects, for such happiness is fleeting and inevitably culminates in pain.


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