receive spiritual bodies or at least divine bodies for higher worldly enjoyment. So whatever happens in this, there is no reason to worry.
A person who has perfect knowledge of the individual soul, the Supreme Soul, and the states of material and spiritual nature is called a brave person. Such a person is never deluded by the change of body.
The Maya doctrine of the non-dualism of the soul can be rejected on the basis of the fact that the soul is not divided into parts. Such division into individual souls makes God a divided or changeable being. This is contrary to the doctrine of the immutability of God. As stated in the Gita, the divine elements are eternal (sanātanus) and are called ksāra; that is, they have the nature of falling into material nature. These elements are eternal. Even after liberation, the individual soul remains as an element. But after liberation, it lives an eternal life of bliss and knowledge with God. The doctrine of reflection can be applied to the one who is present in every body and is known as the Supreme Soul. He is different from the individual soul. When the sky is reflected in water, the sun, moon and stars are also seen in the reflection. The stars can be compared to the living entities, just as the sun or the moon can be compared to God. Arjuna represents the soul, while Krishna, the Supreme Being, is the Supreme Being. As will be clear from the beginning of the fourth chapter, they are not on the same level. If Arjuna is on the same level as Krishna, and Krishna is not higher than Arjuna, then the relationship between them as teacher and taught becomes meaningless. If both of them are bewitched by Maya, there is no need for one to be the teacher and the other the taught. Since no one can be a true teacher when under the spell of Maya, such instruction is useless. In these circumstances, Krishna, who is higher than Arjuna, the forgotten, bewitched being, is accepted as the Supreme Being.
Matrasparshah – sense perception; tu – only; Kaustheya – O Kuntipurra; sita – winter; vattama – dry; sukha – happiness; duhkha – sorrow; dah – causes; agama – coming; apaayinah – passing away; anityah – temporary; tan – them; titikshasva – should be endured; bharata – O descendant of Bharata.
O Kaunteya! Happiness and sorrow are temporary, and in time they pass away, like the coming and going of winter and summer. O Bharata! They are caused by sense impressions. One must learn to endure them without becoming agitated.
Commentary: In the proper performance of one’s duties, one should learn to tolerate temporary pleasures and pains. According to the Vedas, one should bathe early in the morning even in the month of Magha (January-February). Even though it is very cold at that time, a person who is committed to religious practice does not hesitate to bathe. Similarly, a woman does not hesitate to cook in the kitchen even in the hottest months of the summer, May and June. A person should perform his duties despite the inconveniences of the weather. Similarly, fighting is the duty of a Kshatriya. Even if he has to fight with a friend or relative, a Kshatriya should not deviate from his duty. In order to rise to the level of knowledge, one must follow the rules and regulations related to religion. Because only through knowledge and devotion can he free himself from the bondage of illusion.
It is also significant that Arjuna is addressed by two names. The address as “Kaunteya” indicates his blood relation on his mother’s side, and the address as “Bharata” indicates his greatness on his father’s side. He has a great heritage from both sides. Great heritage brings responsibility in the discharge of duty. Therefore, he should not give up fighting.
The man who is strong in pain, who is strong in strength, who is equal in sorrow and happiness, who is patient in suffering and death, who is the cause of all suffering.
yam – whom; hi – certainly; na vyathayanti – do not afflict; eteh – all these; purusham – man; purusha rishabha – O best of men; sama – without change; duhkha – in sorrow; sukham – in happiness; dhiram – one who has courage; nah
