In the previous episode, we had witnessed how Kali Yuga is advantageous, although it can be treacherous in many ways. We’ve of course witnessed how “Adharma” would be at its highest peak during the Kali Yuga and how Bhagawad Bhakti would get diminished dramatically with time. People would adopt wrong and illegal ways and means to earn money, name and fame and with this, Bhagawan would be totally forgotten. However, just like how an oasis beautifies a large desert, “Naama-Sankeerthanam” beautifies this treacherous Kali Yuga. We’ve also witnessed yesterday and in the past as to how many people have attained “Moksha” in this Kali Yuga too, with their exceptional levels of Bhakti exhibited through “Naama-Sankeerthanam”. Thus, to answer the important question whether one can attain “Moksha”, even though the Kali Yuga is filled with “Adharma” everywhere – It is very much possible. Hence, it is up to us to take that conscious effort and strive towards it. There is no point in blaming the Yuga for our lack of effort. If we’re not putting the right effort, no matter which Yuga we are in, we wouldn’t be able to attain Bhagawan.
Thus, this is an important point for all of us to understand here. Irrespective of whichever Yuga we are in, there would always be constant “Adharma” that would be taking place somewhere or the other. This cannot be pointed out as an excuse for not following Bhagawan’s words. Just because someone is falling into a gutter, would we fall into it? The answer is a big “No”, isn’t it? Similarly, if there is some sort of an “Adharma” that is taking place right in front of our eyes, it doesn’t mean that we would also contribute to the same, just because someone is doing that. This is where our “Karma” would also play a role. If we have some “Paapa Karma” accumulated over time, it would try and push us to do a wrongful act. This is where we should use our discrimination to set our direction right. At some point in time, we’ll have to try and overcome that temptation. Many times we would fail, and this is quite natural. It can happen to any of us. In fact, Bhagawan Krishna explains this very clearly in His Bhagawad Gita. He says thus, “Oh Arjuna! It is virtually impossible for you to come out of this vast “Karma” cycle! You would keep doing what you’ve to do, over and over again, even though you might know that whatever you’re doing is wrong! Hence, there is no escape from this, as a normal human being!”
As Arjuna hears this from Bhagawan Krishna, he immediately pats himself with a bit of happiness and replies back thus, “Oh Vasudeva! If that is the case, then why should I fight this war? Let me put down the bow and go to the forest and do penance! Anyways, nothing is going to change because of me, isn’t it? I’m not going to come out of this Karma cycle by myself. So why fight and kill so many thousands of innocent people for no fault of theirs?” Upon hearing this from Arjuna, Bhagawan Krishna gets angry! He replies to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please listen and interpret my words carefully! I told you that you do not have the power to come out of the Karma cycle. But I never said that you cannot get out of it completely. There is a way for you to get out – It is through my divine grace and blessings! If you’re completely surrendering to my feet, I shall make sure that you are pulled out of the Karma cycle, thereby enabling you to attain “Moksha”!”
This is exactly what is applicable to all of us as well – If we’re doing any action (Karma) with a selfish motive by trying to take credit for what we’re doing, we’re in for some stick! There is always Bhagawan’s hand behind, which would stimulate our “Paapa Karma” to come to the forefront, thereby making us commit a mistake! Whereas, if we perform the same action with complete surrender to Bhagawan, He would ensure that the action attains success and ensures that this action would pave the way for us to attain “Moksha”. Killing thousands of human beings is one of the greatest sins that a person can commit. Yet, Arjuna is doing that with the divine instruction and grace of Bhagawan Krishna. Hence, even a sinful act gets converted into a “Punya Karma”, thereby elevating Arjuna to higher levels of spiritual progress, isn’t it? Similarly, if we surrender ourselves to Bhagawan and perform our Karma legitimately, we would definitely be able to come out of the “Karma” cycle, and would in turn be able to attain “Moksha”.
So, this is the message for all of us today. From today, let us understand this point clearly and let us consciously surrender ourselves to Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet before performing any Karma. This would automatically ensure that the “Phalam” (Result) of the Karma gets taken care of by Bhagawan in the appropriate way, that we do not get affected in any way by it. We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 