II y. Content like the ocean (2.69-70)

Yaanishaa sarvabhootaanaam tasyaam jagrati sanyami
jaagrud sarvaaNi bhootaNi saa nishaa pashyato muneh (2.69)

in that which is dark night
to the unsophisticated
all toward which they are inert
sleepy and unaware
the disciplined one is wide awake
that which excites and wakes up
ordinary mortals
that is seen as sleepy night
to the ascetic...

Dr. Ramanand Prasad

A yogi is aware of the thing (or Atma) about which others are unaware. A sage who sees is unaware of the experience (of sense objects) about which others are aware. (2.69)


AapuryamaaNamachalapratishThah
samudramaapah pravishanti yadvat
tadvat kaamaa yum pravishanti sarve
sa shaantimaapnoti na kaamakaami (2.70)

savoring every moment
rejoicing in the inner fullness,
the beauty of the vast potent
unmoved by even scathing change
just as rivers gush into the Ocean
and yet self-contained it can remain
fulfilled, disciplined and sane!

in such manner
the one who
remains unshaken
from knowledge
by even bountiful currents
of cravings and desires,
untrustable emotions
and moving doubts
steadfast in the ocean
of love and life within
content and deep-rooted...
such a one alone attains the peace...
not the flaky pleasure-chaser!

Mahatma Gandhi's version
70. He in whom all cravings subside, even as the waters subside in the ocean which, though ever being filled by them, never overflows—that man finds peace; not he who cherishes craving.

Dr. Ramanand Prasad's version
One attains peace in whose mind all desires enter without creating any disturbance, as river waters enter the full ocean without creating a disturbance. One who desires material objects is never peaceful. (2.70)

Weekly Knowledge #272 Bangalore Ashram 28 Sep 2000 India ~ Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

DEVOTEE BECOMES GOD

When a river meets the ocean, the river no longer remains a river. It becomes the ocean.

Question: What about backwaters?

Sri Sri: Sometimes the ocean goes into the river to greet it. Sometimes it seems that the ocean is pushing back the river. Similarly, the Divine puts many questions and doubts in the mind or gives an amazing experience to bring one back home.