Unshaken by the heaviest sorrow

yaṃ labdhvā cāparaṃ lābhaṃ manyate nādhikaṃ tataḥyasminsthito na duḥkhena guruṇāpi vicālyate

Having gained it, one sees no greater gain, and resting in it, one is not shaken even by the heaviest sorrow.

What it means

Krishna keeps describing this inner state. Once a person finds it, every other prize looks smaller. And when sorrow comes, even crushing sorrow, it does not tear them from their roots. They may still weep. Feeling grief is human. But underneath the tears, something holds.

The story

Later in the epic, Bhishma lies on a bed of arrows, wounded and in pain for many days. Yet he is calm. The Pandavas gather round, and he teaches them about life and duty, clear and gentle to the end.

In your life

At her father's funeral, Clara cries openly. She also finds she can speak, hold her mother's hand, and greet each guest. Grief and steadiness live in her together. She lets both be there.