47. Sthita-prajna is Internal
K rishna 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-...