The Steady Wisdom
One whose mind is unshaken by adversity, free from desire, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.
The sthitaprajna—one of steady wisdom—remains unperturbed by life's ups and downs. This is not emotional suppression but transcendence through understanding. Such a person has realized their true nature and no longer depends on external circumstances for peace. The closing verses of the Gita's second chapter are devoted to describing this sthitaprajna, answering Arjuna's direct question about such a person.
One whose mind remains unshaken amidst misery, who does not crave for pleasure, and is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.
Ramana Maharshi pointed to this verse as describing the natural state of Self-realization, where the mind rests in its source regardless of external conditions.
Bhagavad Gita
Written about in
- What the Bhagavad Gita says about conflict with people close to you
The sthitaprajna is defined entirely by what no longer moves him: misery, craving, attachment, fear and anger. In a conflict with someone close, the Gita's standard is not winning the argument but not being shaken by it.