T Ram Sewak

DHRITI SAMATA

Kakabhushundiji continues the analogy of ghee preparation in Shri Ramcharitmanas 7.117, likening it to the attributes that a sadhak embarked on the spiritual journey must cultivate. He states,

dhriti jamavey

"The cool milk should then be congealed by mixing it with the culture (a little curd) in the shape of fortitude (Dhriti) and equanimity of mind (Samata)."

These attributes are vital for a sadhak, as the spiritual journey is challenging, beset with setbacks, and, notably, performed alone. Hence, a sadhak must develop dhriti because this attribute is called upon the most during the spiritual journey. It is that tremendous power of a sadhak's will.

Kakabhushundiji is referring to what Shri Krishna describes in Gita 18.33 as Sattvik Dhriti. It is the fortitude by which the mind, the prana, and the senses are regulated. This fortitude becomes unswerving and steady through yoga. The human body and emotions are reservoirs of various forms of energy, many of which counteract one another. However, through sattvik dhriti, one can harmonise and align these energies, channelling them effectively toward the spiritual goal.

Coupled with dhriti is samata, the perfect balance of mind. The mind is fickle, restless, and challenging to control. It constantly gets distracted by desires, thoughts, and emotions; its equanimity is central to spiritual growth and inner peace. In Gita, Shri Krishna repeatedly emphasises samata as a critical attribute for a sadhak/bhakt, and in Gita 14.24-25, he equates achieving samata with becoming Guna-ateet (transcendence over the gunas).

As the culture of little curd transforms milk into curd, so are these two attributes of dhriti and samata transformative because they transform the supreme milk of righteousness (Param Dharam). Until now, we have learned that when forgiveness is accompanied by contentment in performing one's righteous duties, the mind is purified and does not succumb to the force of desires or anger. Then, with fortitude and equanimity, the jeev achieves

stability, akin to the curd! / DAILY WORLD /

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com