Continuation of verse 4.

5. Endure all dyads. If one is able to sustain with what comes to him on its own as destined, then he is unaffected by the dyads of happiness and sorrow. Desire is one of the dreaded enemies of humanity. If one gives importance to the empirical body that embodies the Self, he becomes bound by opposites and dyads. Pleasure and pain, happiness and sorrow and all such opposites are only for the body. They do not affect the Self within. Opposites are the products of mind. Those who are free from pride and delusion, having won over the miseries of attachment, perpetually connected with the Self and whose desires have ceased to exist are totally freed from dyads and reach the supreme state of immortality. For every action, there will be equal and opposite reaction. When our actions are surrendered to Brahman, then there will be no reaction for our actions. These reactions are called karmas. When we surrender, no karmas will accrue. Both pleasure and pain are part of human life. We should not become elated when we are enjoying pleasure and should not be depressed and dejected when we experience pain. Such modifications will seriously hamper tranquillity of mind; pure mind alone is important for realizing the Self. Hence all types of dyads should be ignored and a spiritual aspirant should remain steadfast under all circumstances.

6. Do not unnecessarily speak. It says avoid gossiping. In previous verses, it is said not to enter into arguments. Now, it is said do not ever indulge in unwanted conversations. If a spiritual aspirant moves with worldly persons, the topic of discussion could stray into non-spiritual subjects, which could cause impressions in his mind. This impression could later on develop into desires and attachments. It is always better to observe silence. Unnecessary speech also includes indulging in social media and watching televisions, etc. The idea behind this conveyance is that one should remain isolated and in silence in order to protect his mind from wandering. One should read and understand Vedanta Scriptures like Upanishads. In every possible way, one should improve his knowledge about Brahman, as this knowledge is about understanding the subtlest of all.

7. Remain indifferent to happenings around. The material world is full of various kinds of activities. Those who have desires for material living can be associated with those happenings. But, a spiritual aspirant should stay away from the attractions of material world. Love and compassion are part of quality human existence. But, every being has its own karma. There are certain things that we cannot prevent, which happen due to destiny. A true spiritual aspirant should not directly get involved in worldly activities, but he can pray for peaceful coexistence. Kṛṣṇa emphasizes three primary conditions to attain liberation and they are the non-attachment, subdued senses and devoid of desires. If we are not indifferent to happenings around us, then we get ourselves engaged in all types of dualities. Hence, it is advised that spiritual aspirants should stay away from activities of the world.

8. Do not make your living, by depending on others. We have to live within our means. Why we see destruction of so called spiritual organizations. Such organizations depend upon others’ wealth and services. A spiritually evolved person should not depend upon others for his luxurious living. A Guru can be offered dakṣiṇa, but if a Guru expects dakṣiṇa, it is not right. One should not sell mantras and highest spiritual knowledge. Anticipation should not be there. A spiritual aspirant should always remain in meditative state. He will have no time to think about his way of living. When mind is purged of all impurities, mind becomes so transparent, where Brahman can be realized. Dependency on others will cause impressions in the mind. Any sort of affliction in the mind is not good for spiritual pursuit. Dependence on others, arises only if one is not able to live within his means. This is applicable to all serious spiritual aspirants.

Further Readings:

SADHANA PANCHAKAM - 7

SADHANA PANCHAKAM - 8

SADHANA PANCHAKAM - 10