Virtues Promoted By Dharma - Samatva

By Author: Chaitanya Kumari
Total Articles: 190
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“Samatva” is a highly valued virtue in Sanatana Dharma, meaning “equanimity.” It refers to a mental state in which a person remains balanced and calm, no matter the external circumstances. Many age-old Indian scriptures speak about ‘Samatva” as a highly crucial state that has to be cultivated by people. Now, it is appropriate to focus on the key points related to equanimity, as taught by Hindu Dharma.

• Hindu Dharma conveys a salient point specific to “Samatva.” If an individual is serious about developing equanimity, it is indispensable that they first acquire a few other positive traits. Wisdom, the ability to distinguish between the right and the wrong, mental calmness, patience, and faith are a few of those.
• A person with equanimity maintains mental balance without stress. They remain grounded during positive experiences or achievements and do not get carried away. Similarly, when faced with adversity, they do not let the situation overwhelm them. They control their emotions, preventing depression and negativity from disturbing their mind.
• Here, it needs to be highlighted that, ...
... as per Hinduism, “Samatva” is not just an ideal state of mind. It is a basic spiritual prerequisite for a person wanting to live their life by Dharma. Even in the sacred Bhagavad Geeta, Lord Krishna stresses the relevance of equanimity. The Lord teaches that “Samatva” is essential for a human being to attain the ultimate goal of life - salvation.
• Sanatana Dharma says that “Samatva” is not just about spiritual growth. Equanimity also helps in maintaining harmonious relationships with others.
• The Vedas, the oldest Indian scriptures, clearly elaborate the value of equanimity. These texts state that having a “Samatva” mind is essential for performing certain religious rituals, such as hymns and mantras. The Vedas emphasize that only when a person is equanimous can they live in harmony with nature and the universe.
• Many holy books of Hindu Dharma explain that spiritual practices such as mindfulness and meditation are of immense help in attaining equanimity. People who are into these practices learn to see the divine in everything and everywhere. These persons develop detachment in a positive sense. They neither display arrogance when things are going favorably for them nor get bogged down by sadness or fear when facing testing times.
• Many people feel that reaching a state of “Samatva” is extremely tough; some consider it impossible. But it’s not so. If a person is fully committed, achieving equanimity is not as difficult as it is often believed to be.
• They simply need to follow some key guidelines. Regular introspection and honest analysis of their thoughts, actions, and behavioral patterns will reveal areas that need improvement. Taking prompt corrective measures will bring them closer to a state of equanimity.
• Some people erroneously think that equanimity is synonymous with Stoicism which is not completely true for various reasons. Stoicism is a philosophical system that came into existence around 300 BC but equanimity concept is much older by thousands of years. Equanimity is the primary aspect of this philosophy. Ideally, the adherents of Stoicism are expected to be equanimous amid all kinds of circumstances. It has to be understood that in Sanathana Hindu Dharma is a vast philosophy, with “equanimity” being a small but important part of it as one of the virtues promoted by dharma. In that way stoicism can be considered a part of Sanathana Hindu Dharma, with dharma being much more beyond the virtue of stoicism.

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