3. November 9, 2009 11:30 am
In 1st chapter, there is depiction of subjective; and hence
(inspite of being very conscientious); erroneous perception,
feelings and response of Arjuna.
In 2nd chapter there is elaborate explanation of cosmic
consciousness and contingent nature of physical existence
of the nonliving and living world! There is also a detailed
account of the characteristics of the individual who realizes
this immortality and expresses accurate cognition, affect
and conation.
It is obvious that; even as reading per se; is not enough to
bring about the transformation in an individual and the
world; the role of reading and understanding the “road map
of blossoming” in the process of conscious evolutionary
transformation of an individual and thereby the world; can
not be denied.
The 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th chapters describe the concept
SWADHARMA and some of the relevant techniques in
brief; but which can vary according to geographical,
historical, social, religious and other circumstances.
7th chapter is meant for reinforcing these ideas by pointing
out how people in, crisis, need, greed or intellectual and
emotional yearning may get attracted to the absolute truth.
In 7th chapter Lord Krishna reveals His omnipresent
nature and indicates how He i.e. cosmic consciousness; is
present in every visible and invisible aspect of the universe
4. and how only few realize this nature and how rest others;
do not realize this! This can become clear to a discerning
student; when he would appreciate the stanza elucidating
how Lord Krishna is a light beyond the physical light and
remains inaccessible to most!
Throughout 6 chapters; one finds the common idea of the
rising of consciousness in an individual and the world; and
thereby getting freedom from petty, mean and trivial but
strong bondages. In 7th chapter there is endorsement of this
and also further buttressing of this point by indicating how
the cosmic consciousness encompasses every living and
nonliving matter, energy, space and time; and how
awareness of this enables one to reunite with this immortal
self.
Naturally Arjuna would ask about the nature of the
universe and relevance of it to human life. Thus cosmic
dynamics is described by Lord Krishna in 8th chapter. Lord
Krishna assures Arjuna that a person blossoms to get freed
from the shackles of subjectivity and reunites with one’s
true self, through the knowledge of inseparable bond
between the cosmic panorama and the individual and their
relationship!
But before we discuss this further, I think it is important to
talk about nonviolence.
AHIMSA i.e. nonviolence; appears in chapters such as 16th.
In my view this AHIMSA refers to negation or disapproval
of indiscriminate violence committed under the influence
5. of utter darkness of ignorance (a variety of subjective
activities destructive to self, society and the universe) and
also destruction (surgical violence) of everything that
opposes the union with cosmic consciousness i.e.
individual and global blossoming. .
Unqualified and indiscriminate nonviolence is NOT
advocated in Gita, which is clear from the repeated appeal
by Lord Krishna to Arjuna (and every one) to participate tin
the war against darkness and destruction (outside and
inside).
It is important to realize this to avoid perennial
schizophrenic state of upholding indiscriminate
nonviolence, (without being completely convinced) and
practicing violence with petty selfish motives (again
without being fully convinced).
In our society often indiscriminate violence is
legitimately practiced by killing animals to eat, killing
people of other countries for the so called national interest,
pride and profit, killing alleged criminals by death
sentences and implementing a variety of deterrent
punishments; and most importantly unleashing policies (in
all the fields) detrimental to the blossoming of individuals
and the universe.
If we understand that AHIMSA means NOT indiscriminate
nonviolence; but; protection and promotion of everything
conducive to individual and global blossoming and
destruction of everything that jeopardizes the blossoming
6. of individuals and universe, then it would resolve the
conflicts in the minds of all young and old and everywhere
in the world and promote practice of SWADHARMA and
blossoming of individuals and universe.
If we keep on trying to uphold AHINSA as indiscriminate
nonviolence, then it creates value crisis and semblance of
schizophrenia (contrasting, conflicting and contradictory
thoughts/feelings and actions); in everyone and
everywhere.
I found that the prescription of blossoming and merging
with the absolute consciousness through various techniques
and through comprehension of the nature and interactions
between the cosmos and the individual; and practicing
SWADHARMA; in 7 chapters; are not as simple as they
appear!
In daily routine we tend to get overwhelmed and confused
or bewildered (and cut off from our true self) by the
deceptive influences coming from our body, family,
society, world and the products of all these in terms of
literature, art, media, education etc. This makes the self
realization (dissolving the subjectivity in objective truth)
and self expression (i.e. SWADHARMA), which are
mutually nurturing and promoting; very difficult.
The inappropriate perception generates agony and urgency
to respond. But since the response is usually ineffective
(because of not being in conformity or harmony with the
nature) one becomes agitated and/depressed.
7. Actually in such a situation the prescriptions in Gita,
or the simplest means such as NAMASMARAN advocated
by saints and seers from all over the world, must be
practiced with greater conviction! But one can not “see”
how it would rectify the perceived pathos in personal or
global life (even if it be erroneous); and hence tends to
enter in a vicious cycle of increasing distress. It is at this
point that your SHRADDHA (which means unconditioned
and totally selfless commitment, sincerity, devotion and
dedication without any petty motive) can rescue you from
the vicious cycle of distress and help you to enter in the
wellness cycle.
In 6th chapter therefore it is reiterated by Lord Krishna that
mind is fickle and likely to fluctuate and vacillate, but one
should keep on trying; with victorious attitude!
Sometimes I find that no one seems to see; how holistic
perspective can create the difference in different fields and
hence become nervous, not realizing the agonizing plight of
people in the world is due essentially to lack of holistic
perspective and spirit of Gita, amongst the policy makers!
But I keep convincing myself that the SADHANA of any
suitable nature; or NAMASMARAN according to one’s
tradition; must never be stopped. To convey this strongly;
Lord Krishna has assured in 6th and 7th chapters and latter in
9th and 16th and 18th chapters; that one would never fail if
marches on this path of SWADHARMA!
8. I have begun to realize; which I did not realize before; that
all activities (especially NAMASMARAN) to reach the
truth, have their impact, though it may not be perceived
immediately due to one’s subjectivity.
The lesson from the 7 chapters therefore is to keep trying to
reach the absolute and keep working in its light to the
extent it is possible at any given time and in a victorious
manner; and haring the spirit and insights with others!
That is exactly the reason why I am writing this; and
making available for free download for sharing with any
one and everyone in the world without any precondition!
Trying to keep yourself connected with cosmic
consciousness; keeps you reassured on the one hand and
active participation in buoyantly charged and appropriate
manner (SWADHARMA); on the other.
The idea of arbitrary suppression or unabated indulgence
do not find place in Gita. Similarly regimentalized
stereotyped procedures also do not find place in Gita. That
makes Gita somewhat ambiguous initially, but as you go on
internalizing it you find that she is basically universal in
nature. In 3rd chapter, 4th chapter and also 6th chapters this is
evident.
Gita is universal because she shows the light to any one and
every one; irrespective of the state of evolution, region in
the world, his/her tradition; and without being judgmental
about anyone’s life style; in any way!
9. In 8th chapter Lord Krishna clarifies that a person engaged
in SWADHARMA through intellectual, emotional,
instinctual activities actually is connected with the absolute
and objective reality and hence does not get entangled and
shackled in the repetitive basal cycles through different
births.
There is also a declaration applicable to bright and dark
external and internal environments, which lead to the fate
of an individual. Thus individual is influenced by adverse
external physical, chemical and psychological activities and
inner hormonal, autonomic and central nervous activities.
But it is also assured that any one who keeps trying;
reaches the summit of union with cosmic consciousness.
