39. Dropping Sense of Doership
K rishna tells Arjuna to be steadfast in yoga ( yoga being equanimity) while performing karma (actions) by renouncing the sangam (union/ identity) with polarities like success and failure (2.48). In other words, whatever we do would be harmonious when we stop identifying with polarities. Our daily life involves making a series of decisions and choices. The ever-judging mind constantly chooses among available options to maximize pleasure, victory, and success or to avoid pain, loss, and failure (2.38). Equanimity is the ability to treat polarities as equal, which is usually referred to as transcending them. When this realisation sinks in, the mind becomes powerless and achieves choiceless awareness. We may also achieve this choiceless state while asleep, intoxicated or sedated. But it is the ability to be non-judgmental while we are still capable of judging. It is being aware in the present moment by being a witness or sakshi . The practical way to attain equanimi...