In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna modifying His explanation a bit, to suit Arjuna’s smart question of skipping his “Karma Yoga” somehow and straightaway going to the “Gnyaana Yoga”. In order to make Arjuna understand that without passing through the “Karma Yoga” stage, it is impossible to go to the next level of “Gnyaana Yoga”, Bhagawan Krishna comfortably removes off the “Gnyaana Yoga” from the entire scheme of things, and explains that one can attain the “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” by traversing through the “Karma Yoga” itself. This comes as a shocker for Arjuna and from now onwards, it is high time that he shuns this idea of somehow escaping from the battlefield to perform penance in the forest!
Moving on thus, Bhagawan Krishna further convinces Arjuna – “Oh Arjuna! Please understand one thing – I’ve created certain people who are fit for “Karma Yoga” and I’ve created certain other people who are fit for “Gnyaana Yoga”. Most of us would fall into the first list wherein “Karma Yoga” is the only option. For instance, tell me one child on this earth who is starting to meditate with Bhagawan in mind, right from day one of birth! It is not possible, isn’t it? Thus, whenever the child cries for milk, rolls on the floor / bed upside down with some sort of a purpose, etc. – It is all part of the “Karma” of the child. Thus, all of us are born with “Karma” only. Hence, if such is the case, how will we be able to transcend to the “Gnyaana Yoga” so easily? The basic prerequisite for practising “Gnyaana Yoga” is complete control of senses. Right from childhood are you trained to do this? The answer is “No”! Thus, for normal people who do not have control over senses, “Karma Yoga” is the best path to realize the “Atma-Saakshaakaaram”. The “Gnyaana Yoga” path is only for those who have attained that level of sense control!”
Bhagawan Krishna continues further thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please remember – If you traverse the “Gnyaana Yoga” path, there is extremely very little margin for error. One mistake you make, and you’ve to start from the beginning once again! Do you have the patience and perseverance for this? For instance, if you’re sitting and meditating, one slip of your mind into some worldly pleasures, and you’re gone! Your priorities will drastically shift once and for all, and it would be very difficult for you to regain whatever you’ve lost! “Gnyaana Yoga” is like walking on a knife edge and is not as easy as you think! I can tell you hundreds of examples wherein people have undertaken this path and failed miserably! Even great sages have fallen prey to the mind and with that one slip, they’ve entered into desires, anger, etc., which would completely thwart your progress!”
Even in our daily lives we come across a common situation – To reach a destination from our home, we might have two routes – One might be a shorter route, but with a lot of potholes or traffic on the road and the other might be a longer route but the road conditions might be good and with lesser traffic. Now which one do we choose? Normally we might prefer the longer route, even though there is a shortcut, isn’t it? Why do we do so? It is solely because we do not want to get stuck up somewhere and thereby fail to reach our destination. Rather, it would be better if we traverse a longer route, but with utmost safety and surety that we would reach our destination comfortably. This is exactly what Bhagawan is also explaining here – The path of “Gnyaana Yoga” might be deemed to be a shortcut and might be tempting to take! However, this shortcut is like a road full of potholes and heavy traffic. One slip and we would end up meeting with an accident, isn’t it? However, the “Karma Yoga” is a circuitous path, but the road is clear and good. Hence, it is always safe for us to traverse the path which guarantees safety, isn’t it? Hence, Bhagawan Krishna advises Arjuna that it is better to take the path of “Karma Yoga” and attain “Atma-Saakshaakaaram”, even though the process might take time and effort.
In leadership and management we always keep saying – “There is no shortcut for success”, isn’t it? This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna is teaching us through the Bhagawad Gita! So for today, let us understand this point clearly and this is something which is applicable to all of us as well. We shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well to have an in-depth understanding on this point! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 