Equanimity

Theme

Maintaining an even keel regardless of success, refusal, or unexpected chaos in the warm-up ring. It helps regulate the rider's nervous system, which directly settles the horse.

Mantra

Samatvam Yoga Uchyate (समत्वं योग उच्यते) translates to "Equanimity is called Yoga."

It is a landmark phrase spoken by Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 48).

The Complete Verse

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनंजय। सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Samatvam: Equanimity, balance, evenness of mind

Yoga: Union, spiritual discipline, state of alignment

Uchyate: Is called / is defined as

Core Meaning

Perform your duties with an established mind, relinquishing selfish attachment, and remaining unswayed by success or failure. Such balance of mind is true Yoga.

Key Principles

Redefining Yoga: Yoga is not merely physical postures or intellectual study; it is an internal state of mental poise in the face of life's fluctuations.

Mastery Over Dualities: It teaches emotional equilibrium through life's standard opposites—pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat, praise and criticism.

Calm in the Storm: Maintaining Samatvam prevents panic during failure and excessive ego during success, allowing you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.