The Art of Being Unflappable

What the Bhagavad Gita teaches about staying steady in a shaky world.

The Bhagavad Gita is not just a spiritual text, it’s a manual for steady living.

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the world’s most revered scriptures. It is a powerful guide to handling life with a calm mind and a clear intellect, especially during times of stress, change, or emotional upheaval.

The Gita opens on a battlefield.

Arjuna, a master archer and the greatest warrior of his time, stands ready to fight. For thirteen years, he and his brothers have prepared for this war during their exile.

But just before the battle begins, he asks Krishna, his charioteer and friend, to place the chariot between the two armies so he can see who he must face.

What he sees undoes him.

Across the field are not enemies, but his own cousins, teachers, elders, and friends. His composure collapses. His bow slips from his hands. His body trembles — and he refuses to fight.

This is the very opposite of unflappability.

Witnessing Arjuna’s agitation, Krishna remains silent. He knows there is no point in speaking when someone is emotionally unhinged. Krishna doesn’t say a word until Arjuna surrenders to Him for guidance in Chapter II, Verse 7.

Arjuna’s breakdown is not unique. It’s human.

We remain composed while life moves in our favour. But when it turns — when plans fall apart, when relationships fail, when there’s loss or uncertainty of any kind — our balance goes with it.

We forget to pause. We react and take things personally. Like Arjuna, we become overwhelmed, confused, and unable to act with clarity.

This is where the Gita becomes invaluable — not as philosophy alone, but as a guide for daily living.

What is Unflappability

Unflappability is the highest art of living.

It’s the ability to witness your mind and the world with love and attention, without getting emotionally entangled.

Most people do the opposite. They get involved with the hope of satisfaction, only to lose themselves and whatever peace they had.

By practising the art of observation — of standing back and witnessing life and your mind, you remain calm and composed, whatever is happening around you. With a strong understanding that everything in life is temporary, you remain unflappable.

There’s a story about an old philosopher who saw the world as a play. To him, the world was an illusion, and everyone was just playing their various roles. When someone conversed with him, he would listen and always reply in the same way: "Is that so?”

Whether he was being criticised or praised, he bowed and replied, "Is that so?”

One day, the townsfolk accused him of wrongdoing. He simply said, "Is that so?” They later discovered that they were mistaken and begged for his forgiveness. He simply replied, "Is that so?” For him, there was nothing to forgive because nothing had happened.

He was gracious, full of love for the townsfolk, yet completely unaffected by the affairs of the world.

Final Contemplation

If we can learn to step back and view the world objectively, as an actor on the stage, we will become unflappable.

An actor doesn’t get involved in what’s happening on the stage. He knows he is just an actor playing a role. For example, Hugh Jackman. He knows that he is Hugh Jackman at one time playing Wolverine, another time playing The Boy from Oz, and another time playing The Greatest Showman.

He plays his roles to perfection, but never loses himself in the role. Similarly, for peace and happiness, look at your life as a play. Never lose yourself. Play your roles as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sportsperson, to the best of your ability and move on.

Then step off the stage — untouched, undisturbed, peaceful and free.

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Till next time, 
Be well, 
Meredith ♾️ The Elder Sage

The Secret No One Tells You About Happiness