Stress & life's ups and downs

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः। आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥

Those external relations that bring cold and heat, pain and happiness come and go; they are not permanent. Endure them bravely, O Prince!

Simple meaning

Krishna compares pleasure and pain to summer and winter: they come and go. Feelings and circumstances are temporary, so learn to bear them steadily instead of being thrown around by each one.

In real life

यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ। समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते॥

The hero whose soul is unmoved by circumstances, who accepts pleasure and pain with equanimity, is only fit for immortality.

Simple meaning

Krishna says the person who isn't shaken by pleasure and pain, who stays steady through both, is ready for the highest freedom. Inner steadiness is a strength, not coldness.

In real life

दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः। वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते॥

The sage whose mind is unruffled in suffering, whose desire is not aroused by enjoyment, who is without attachment, anger, or fear—take him to be one who stands at a lofty level.

Simple meaning

Krishna describes a person of steady wisdom: not shaken in suffering, not hungry for pleasure, free from clinging, fear and anger. Such a person sees clearly because their mind is calm.

In real life