Geethartha Chinthane 155: The Link between Sheetoshna and Happiness

Team Udayavani, Jan 14, 2025, 11:25 AM IST

“Matraa Sparshaastu Kaunteya Sheetoshna Sukhaduhkhadah” (Gita 2.14).

Why was the topic of cold (sheetha) and heat (ushna) introduced during the discussion on the destruction of kin? It highlights that Arjuna’s grief was not a natural reaction. Joy is linked to cold, while sorrow is linked to heat, not separation (viyoga). The loss of relatives causes grief, but the root lies in attachment (raga-dwesha) and ego (abhimana).

Grief does not arise from separation alone. Every day, people die and are born in the world. Do we grieve for every death or celebrate every birth? No, such emotions are felt only when attachment is present. Arjuna’s sorrow stems from attachment, not just the death of his kin.

In reality, no one is truly related to anyone else. Identifying others as relatives is a result of attachment, not truth. Decisions should be based on facts. At birth, we bring nothing with us. So, what truly belongs to us?

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

Participate in the ‘Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna’
Gita Mandir, Udupi
Contact Number: 8055338811