Chapter 2, Verse 14
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
mātrā-sparśhāḥ—contact of the senses with the sense objects; tu—indeed; kaunteya—Arjun, the son of Kunti; śhīta—winter; uṣhṇa—summer; sukha—happiness; duḥkha—distress; dāḥ—give; āgama—come; apāyinaḥ—go; anityāḥ—non-permanent; tān—them; titikṣhasva—tolerate; bhārata—descendant of the Bharat
English translation
The contact of the senses with the objects, O son of Kunti, which causes heat and cold, pleasure and pain, has a beginning and an end; they are impermanent; endure them bravely, O Arjuna.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.14
Commentary
Cold is pleasant at one time and painful at another. Heat is pleasant in winter but painful in summer. The same object that gives pleasure at one time gives pain at another time. So the sensecontacts that give rise to the sensations of heat and cold; pleasure and pain come and go. Therefore; they are impermanent in nature. The objects come in contact with the senses or the Indriyas; viz.; skin; ear; eye; nose; etc.; and the sensations are carried by the nerves to the mind which has its seat in the brain. It is the mind that feels pleasure and pain. One should try to bear patiently heat and cold; pleasure and pain and develop a balanced state of mind. (Cf. V.22)
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
The contacts of the senses with their objects, O son of Kunti, produce heat and cold, pleasure and pain. They have a beginning and an end; they are impermanent. Endure them bravely, O Bharata.
Context & Background
Krishna explains why human beings experience emotional turbulence and physical discomfort, pointing out that all sensory experiences are temporary.
Key Philosophical Teaching
Pleasure and pain are transient physical sensations. Developing mental tolerance (Titiksha) allows one to remain undisturbed by fluctuating external conditions.
Practical Application
When discomfort or difficult emotions arise, pause and notice that experiences change. Give yourself time, respond gently, and seek support when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Titiksha mean in BG 2.14?
Titiksha means cheerful endurance and forbearance — remaining steady through pleasure and pain without resentment.
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