Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 6: The Path of Meditation

Bhagavad Gita 6.32

ātmaupamyena sarvatra samaṃ paśyati yo'rjuna | sukhaṃ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṃ sa yogī paramo mataḥ ||

One who, by comparing others with oneself, sees the same everywhere, Arjuna, whether it is pleasure or pain, is considered the highest yogi.

Modern context

The highest yogi is defined here by empathy. Atmaupamya means 'using oneself as the measure'. As I feel pleasure and pain, so does everyone else. This is the golden rule turned into a spiritual summit. After all the talk of posture, breath and stillness, the chapter's highest praise goes to the person who feels another's pain as their own. Meditation that does not lead here has missed its point.