श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 2.14 — मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 2.14 — मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मात्रास्पर्शाः
mātrā-sparśhāḥ
contact of the senses with the sense objects
तु
tu
indeed
कौन्तेय
kaunteya
Arjuna, the son of Kunti
शीत
śhīta
winter, cold
उष्ण
uṣhṇa
summer, heat
सुख
sukha
happiness, pleasure
दुःख
duḥkha
distress, pain
दाः
dāḥ
give, bestow
आगम
āgama
come, appear
अपायिनः
apāyinaḥ
go, disappear
अनित्याः
anityāḥ
non-permanent, transient
तान्
tān
them
तितिक्षस्व
titikṣhasva
tolerate, endure
भारत
bhārata
descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)
Complete Translation
हे कुन्तीपुत्र ! शीत और उष्ण और सुख दुख को देने वाले इन्द्रिय और विषयों के संयोग का प्रारम्भ और अन्त होता है; वे अनित्य हैं, इसलिए, हे भारत ! उनको तुम सहन करो।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 14
Author: Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa)
Period: Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
Spoken on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, this is among Krishna's first instructions to the grief-stricken Arjuna in the Sankhya Yoga chapter. Having explained the eternity of the soul, Krishna now turns to the practical discipline of enduring the body's dualities. The teaching of titiksha became a cornerstone of Vedanta's spiritual training, echoed by sages and Acharyas across the ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core teaching of Bhagavad Gita 2.14?▼
It teaches that cold, heat, pleasure and pain arise only from the contact of the senses with sense objects. Since they have a beginning and an end, they are impermanent and should be endured with calm forbearance rather than allowed to disturb the mind.
What does titiksha mean here?▼
Titiksha is patient endurance — the capacity to tolerate the pairs of opposites (sukha-duhkha, sheeta-ushna) without being elated or depressed. Krishna presents it as essential training for steadiness of mind and spiritual progress.
Why does Krishna call sense experiences impermanent?▼
Because they are produced by changing contact between senses and objects, they constantly arise (āgama) and pass away (apāyinaḥ). Recognising their transient nature frees one from being a slave to momentary likes and dislikes.
How can I apply this verse in daily life?▼
When facing discomfort, criticism, loss, or any unpleasant experience, remember that it is temporary. Practise observing the feeling as a passing wave, endure it patiently, and keep the mind anchored in the unchanging Self.
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