The message as expressed in Bhagavad-Gita (6.6) is like ‘that one is, in the final analysis, his own friend or his own enemy. If one were authentic, clear and skilful in his actions and thoughts, no one else can ever cause him any damage.’

Further, no wrong can reach him but by his own ill deeds. His welfare is in his own hands and that none but himself can rob him or repose.

The art of right reaction to matters, which would ensure one is not damaged by situations, transactions or developments, is also summed up in these immortal lines of Ella Wheeler Wilcox in her poem Worthwhile,” Tis easy enough to be pleasant,/when life flows along like a song;/ But the man worthwhile is the one who will smile/ when everything goes dead wrong.”

Retaining one’s cheer and thus his presence of mind too, is thus, is vital stage in attaining that sublime ‘Victory over one self. This is brought about by being watchful and aware of one’s instincts and impulses and thus refining them by and by (shanihi, shanihi). This is the art of transition from being reactive to proactive.

And thus by attaining ‘Victory over one self ‘one indeed can ‘never know any defeat’