Bhagavad Gita shloka of the day: Learning to detach from praise as much as criticism

समः शत्रौ च मित्रे च तथा मानापमानयोः ।शीतोष्णसुखदुःखेषु समः सङ्गविवर्जितः ॥Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 18Translation“One who remains equal toward friend and foe, alike in honour and dishonour, balanced in heat and cold, pleasure and pain, and free from attachment, such a person lives in true equanimity.”In a world shaped by constant feedback, likes, opinions, compliments, criticism and comparison, emotional balance has become increasingly difficult to maintain. Praise can feel energising, while criticism can linger long after it is spoken. The Bhagavad Gita, however, offers a deeper insight: both approval and disapproval disturb us only when we allow them to define who we are.This verse appears in Chapter 12, where Lord Krishna describes the qualities of a spiritually mature person. Rather than emphasising status or achievement, he highlights inner steadiness, the ability to remain emotionally balanced regardless of external reactions. At the heart of the shloka lies the phrase mana-apamanayoh samah, remaining equal in honour and dishonour. Most people assume emotional strength means learning to ignore criticism. The Gita expands this idea by suggesting that attachment to praise can be equally limiting. Praise feels positive, yet it often creates subtle dependence. When approval becomes the foundation of confidence, self-worth begins to fluctuate with external validation. A compliment lifts the spirit; silence creates anxiety. Gradually, actions may shift from authenticity toward performance, shaped by the desire to be appreciated rather than the intention to act sincerely.Criticism hurts because it challenges identity, but praise and criticism both arise from individual perception. They reflect personal viewpoints, expectations and circumstances rather than objective truth.Krishna’s teaching encourages stepping away from this emotional pendulum. Equanimity does not mean indifference; it means recognising that external reactions are temporary. Just as heat and cold, mentioned in the verse, constantly change, public opinion also shifts. Peace built on something unstable cannot remain steady. Modern psychology often speaks about intrinsic motivation, acting from internal purpose rather than external reward. The Gita expressed this wisdom centuries earlier through the idea of freedom from sanga, or attachment.When actions arise from inner clarity rather than applause, satisfaction becomes deeper and more lasting. Praise is received with gratitude but does not inflate ego. Criticism is examined thoughtfully without becoming emotionally destructive. Detachment allows learning without insecurity and success without arrogance.Applying this teaching begins with simple awareness. Notice emotional reactions when appreciated or criticised. Observe how quickly identity attaches to external judgment. Instead of reacting immediately, pause and reflect: does this response come from truth, or from a need to be validated? Over time, this practice builds a quieter confidence, one rooted in effort and values rather than reputation. Work becomes sincere instead of performative, and relationships become less dependent on approval.The Gita does not ask us to reject praise or ignore criticism. Both can carry value. The teaching instead invites us to hold them lightly. Appreciation can be accepted gracefully; criticism can be used for growth but neither needs to define self-worth.In learning to detach equally from admiration and judgement, a person discovers a deeper freedom: the freedom to act without fear of opinion, to grow without ego, and to remain steady in a world that constantly moves between praise and criticism.