The game can be won or lost, but not the player himself. If he has worked hard, he has improved his game and indeed his faculties; this happens in defeat fully as much as in victory. As the contestant is related to his total person, so is the finite self of any particular lifetime related to its underlying Atman.
The quote emphasizes that the outcome of a game does not define the player. Regardless of whether the player wins or loses, their efforts and perseverance contribute to personal growth and improvement. This transformation occurs through challenges faced in both triumph and loss, highlighting the value of experience over mere success.
Furthermore, the statement suggests a philosophical connection between an individual's finite self and their deeper, eternal self, known as Atman. This implies that one's true essence transcends the ups and downs of life, reinforcing the idea that spiritual growth and self-improvement are constants, irrespective of external circumstances.
