Mantralaya-2041

(Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s explanation - sukha duḥkhe same krvta)

Date : May 8, 2025

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||

Background

Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s explanation of Bhagavad Gita verse 2.38 (sukha duḥkhe same kṛtvā) in his work Gita Vivriti is described in Mantralaya (2041).

Meaning

In the eternal discourse of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Sri Krishna shares timeless wisdom with Arjuna. Through Arjuna, Sri Krishna speaks to all of humanity. Sri Krishna’s teachings show a path of purpose, strength and steady devotion. They guide us to live with clarity and stay connected to the divine in a constantly changing world.

Among the Gita’s many gems, verse 2.38 stands out as a beacon of wisdom:

|| sukhaduhkhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau
   tato yuddhaya yujyasva naivam papam avapsyasi ||

Which translates to - Having made pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat the same, engage in battle. Thus, you will not incur sin”. At the heart of this verse lies the phrase sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā, a call to cultivate equanimity in the face of life’s dualities.

But naturally, doubts arise.How can we truly treat happiness and sorrow the same?. Isn’t it human to rejoice in joy and grieve in pain?.How can we remain untouched by these powerful emotions?

Sri Raghavendra Swamy unpacks this profound phrase in his concise yet powerful commentary, Gita Vivriti. Gita Vivriti is a shining jewel of Dvaita Vedanta. It offers a clear, devotional and practical interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita. Gita Vivriti emphasizes three core principles: bhakti (devotion), samatva (equanimity), and nishkama karma (selfless action). These teachings form a timeless guide for facing life’s challenges and progressing toward liberation.Whether you are a scholar studying Dvaita philosophy or a seeker yearning for spiritual growth, Gita Vivriti speaks to you. It invites you to live the Gita’s truths with deep faith and purpose.As Sri Raghavendra Swamy beautifully expresses: “Every action offered to Vishnu becomes a step toward eternal peace.” This article explores his insights unfolding the philosophical depth, spiritual wisdom and timeless relevance of Sri Rayaru’s commentary. By reflecting on Sri Rayaru’s words, we learn how to face life’s highs and lows with grace, devotion, and steady faith.

Let us begin by understanding the context of the verse sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā (Bhagavad Gita 2.38). To truly appreciate Sri RaghavendraTeertharu’s interpretation, we must first see where this verse appears in the Gita’s flow. At this point in the Mahabharata, Arjuna stands paralyzed by sorrow on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is torn between his duty as a Kshatriya and his deep emotional ties to his family members on the opposing side. Confused and overwhelmed, he turns to Lord Sri Krishna for guidance.In response, Sri Krishna begins revealing the path of Karma Yoga, the path of selfless, duty bound action. Sri Krishna urges Arjuna to rise above personal attachments and act in accordance with dharma.Verse 2.38 becomes a turning point. Here, Sri Krishna introduces the idea of equanimity, the ability to treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat with equal detachment. This balanced mindset, Krishna explains, is essential for righteous and fearless action.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, in Gita Vivriti, approaches this verse with the precision of a scholar and the devotion of a saint. Sri Rayaru’s commentary illuminates how equanimity aligns with Dvaita’s core tenet, that is complete dependence on Lord Vishnu. Let’s explore the layers of his interpretation.

In Dvaita Vedanta, the material world is real but transient, subordinate to the eternal reality of Vishnu. Sri Raghavendra interprets sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā as a call to recognize the impermanence of dualities, pleasure (sukha) and pain (duḥkha), gain (lābha) and loss (alābha), victory (jaya) and defeat (ajaya). These opposites, Sri Rayaru explains, are manifestations of material nature (prakriti), which is under Vishnu’s control. They affect the body and mind but cannot touch the soul (atman), which is distinct and eternally dependent on God.

Equanimity, according to Sri RaghavendraTeertharu, is not about suppressing emotions. It means steadying the mind in the truth of Vishnu’s supreme control.Sri Rayaru explains that the phrase sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā “ - having made pleasure and pain the same”,  does not ask us to become numb. Rather, it urges us to rise above the dualities that disturb clarity and judgment. It is a call to see beyond what is temporary and to anchor the heart in divine trust.

Sri Krishna instructs Arjuna to treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat with equal detachment. This detachment enables him to fight without fear of sin.Sri  Krishna assures that such equanimity liberates the soul from karmic bondage.Sri Rayaru emphasizes that pleasure and pain are fleeting. They are experiences arranged by the Lord to guide the soul toward moksha,  liberation. By treating both as equal, one avoids attachment(rāga) and aversion(dveṣa ). These two bind the soul to the endless cycle of birth and death.

This understanding aligns with the Dvaita view. The soul’s highest purpose is to realize its eternal dependence on Vishnu and serve Him with unwavering devotion.

Sri RaghavendraTheertharu connects this to Arjuna’s dilemma. As a warrior, Arjuna faces the prospect of killing loved ones, a source of immense pain, or achieving victory, a potential source of pride. Sri Krishna’s instruction to “make pleasure and pain the same” is a reminder that both outcomes are temporary. By focusing on his duty (svadharma) and surrendering the results to Sri Krishna, Arjuna can act without incurring sin (pāpa). Sri RaghavendraTeertharu underscores that this equanimity is achievable through bhakti (devotion), as devotion to Vishnu purifies the mind and grants inner stability.

A hallmark of Sri Raghavendra Swami’s commentary is his integration of bhakti into every aspect of the Gita’s teachings. In Gita Vivriti, Sri Rayaru explains that true equanimity is not a stoic exercise but a devotional practice. The practitioner must meditate on Vishnu’s infinite qualities, His compassion, justice, and control over all creation. This meditation fosters trust that every experience, whether joyful or painful, serves a divine purpose.

For Sri Raghavendra Swamy, bhakti is the key to transcending dualities. By chanting Vishnu’s names, studying His glories, and offering all actions to Him, the devotee cultivates a mind that remains steady in all circumstances. Sri Rayaru cites the Gita’s broader teachings, such as 3.30 || mayi sarvaṁ samarpaya || “Surrender all actions to Me”, to reinforce that equanimity is inseparable from surrender. When Arjuna dedicates his battle to Sri Krishna, he is freed from the emotional weight of pleasure and pain, allowing him to act with clarity and righteousness.

Sri RaghavendraTheertharu highlights that in Dvaita, dualities are real but subordinate to Vishnu’s will. Equanimity, therefore, is not about dissolving distinctions but about aligning with God’s plan through love and trust.

One of the most compelling aspects of Gita Vivriti is its practicality. Sri RaghavendraTeertharu does not confine sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā to Arjuna’s battlefield but extends it to every facet of life. Whether you’re a student facing exams, a professional navigating career challenges, or a parent managing family responsibilities, this principle offers a roadmap for inner peace.Consider a modern scenario: a small business owner experiences a profitable quarter followed by a financial loss. The joy of profit and the stress of loss are natural, but Sri Raghavendra advises treating them as equal by offering both to Vishnu. This might involve a simple prayer: “O Lord, I dedicate this success and this setback to You. Guide me to act rightly.” Such an act of surrender detaches the mind from outcomes, fostering resilience and clarity.Sri RaghavendraTheertharu suggests practical steps to cultivate equanimity

through Daily Devotion, Selfless Action, Reflection and Community Service.

These practices transform sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā into a lived experience, making it accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.

The latter part of verse 2.38, naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi (“thus, you will not incur sin”), is central to Sri Raghavendra Swamy's commentary. Sri Rayaru explains that actions driven by ego, desire, or aversion create karmic bondage, leading to sin (pāpa). However, when actions are performed with equanimity and dedicated to Vishnu, they become pure, freeing the soul from consequences.

In today’s fast-paced, uncertain world, sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā is more relevant than ever. We face constant dualities: success and failure, praise and criticism, health and illness. Social media amplifies these swings, making equanimity a rare and precious skill. Sri Raghavendra’s interpretation offers a timeless antidote: by anchoring ourselves in devotion to Vishnu, we can rise above emotional turbulence and act with purpose.

Sri RaghavendraTeertharu emphasis on bhakti resonates with those seeking meaning beyond material achievements. Whether facing a global crisis or personal loss, the practice of offering all experiences to God fosters resilience and hope. Moreover, his practical advice—rooted in daily devotion and selfless action—makes this wisdom accessible to all, from scholars to laypeople.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s interpretation of sukha-duḥkhe same kṛtvā in Gita Vivriti is a profound invitation to embrace life’s dualities with grace and devotion. By recognizing the impermanence of pleasure and pain, dedicating actions to Vishnu, and cultivating a steady mind through bhakti, we can navigate any challenge without losing our spiritual compass. His teachings remind us that equanimity is not detachment from life but a deeper engagement with it, rooted in love for God.

As we face our own battles, whether in the workplace, relationships, or within ourselves, let us draw inspiration from Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s wisdom. By making pleasure and pain the same, we align with Krishna’s timeless counsel, finding peace in the present and a path to liberation. In the words of Gita Vivriti, every step taken with devotion to Vishnu is a step toward eternal freedom.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||