मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः। आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत
Krishna explains that the contacts between the senses and their objects, which cause sensations such as heat, cold, pleasure, and pain, are temporary and fleeting. They arise and pass away quickly, indicating their impermanent nature.
These verses offer a spiritual view of the enduring self. In a period of loss or change, you can consider that perspective without demanding that grief disappear or neglecting care for your body.
Go deeper into this verse
How does Krishna describe the feelings of heat, cold, pleasure, and pain in relation to sensory experiences?
Krishna describes these feelings as results of the interaction between the senses and their objects. He emphasizes that these sensations are transient and not permanent, highlighting the changing and impermanent quality of sensory experiences.
Why does Krishna advise Arjuna to tolerate the feelings caused by sense contact, such as heat and cold or pleasure and pain?
Krishna advises tolerance because these sensations are temporary and constantly changing. By understanding their fleeting nature, one can avoid being disturbed or overwhelmed by them, thereby maintaining equanimity and inner peace amid life's ups and downs.
What practical lesson about dealing with pleasure and pain can we learn from Krishna's statement in this teaching on Arjuna?
The practical lesson is to develop patience and endurance when facing pleasure or pain, knowing they will not last forever. By accepting the transient nature of these sensations, one can cultivate steadiness of mind and avoid being controlled by external circumstances.
What does this teaching on Arjuna suggest about the relationship between the body’s sensory experiences and the soul’s true nature?
This verse implies that sensory experiences are superficial and temporary, linked only to the physical body. The soul, in contrast, remains unaffected and eternal. Recognizing this helps one to detach from sensory disturbances and realize the soul's unchanging and peaceful nature.
The contacts of matter, O son of Kuntî, giving cold and heat, pleasure and pain, they come and go, impermanent; endure them bravely, O Bhârata.