Look at life honestly

indriyārtheṣu vairāgyamanahaṃkāra eva cajanmamṛtyujarāvyādhiduḥkhadoṣānudarśanam

Dispassion toward the objects of the senses, freedom from ego, and seeing clearly the pain in birth, death, old age and illness.

What it means

Knowledge, Krishna says, includes looking honestly at what every body goes through. Birth, ageing, illness and death all come with the field. This is not gloom. Seeing it clearly loosens the grip of endless wanting, and of the anxious ego. What remains is calmer, and kinder.

The story

At a forest lake, a spirit asks Yudhishthira for the greatest wonder in the world. He answers gently. Every day, beings leave this world, yet those who remain live as if they never will. The spirit is satisfied. Honest sight is the answer.

In your life

You visit your grandfather in his care home. His hands shake as he pours the tea. Instead of looking away, you stay and steady the cup with him. Today, call someone older, and listen without hurrying.