In the previous episode, we had witnessed the “Phala-Stuthi” for understanding the “Avatara-Rahasyam” of Bhagawan Vishnu. In due course, we’ve also discussed the six main characteristics and purposes behind Bhagawan’s incarnations in this world with time. As Bhagawan Krishna concludes this important accord, He emphasizes the point that all those who understand these six important characteristics and purposes will be able to directly attain “Moksha” and this would be their last birth in this world! All their sins would be washed away with immediate effect and this person would become completely eligible in Bhagawan’s eyes for reaching the highest Vaikunta. Those who are able to understand and appreciate Bhagawan’s “Avatara-Rahasyam” will permanently be able to find a place for themselves at Vaikunta in the close vicinity of Bhagawan Vishnu.
With this, we come to the conclusion of this important discussion as part of the fourth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Moving on further, Bhagawan has to continue from where He had left in the third “Adhyaaya”. We might have a doubt here – Where did Bhagawan stop in the third “Adhyaaya” and what was it about? It is nothing but the discussion on “Karma Yoga” and “Gnyaana Yoga” only! We might wonder how Bhagawan Himself deviated so much from this context for this long! This is what we say in Sanskrit called “Prasangita”. For instance, if we are giving a spiritual discourse or if we are writing a blog like this, we would be focused on talking / writing about a topic continuously. However, something related to this topic, but not part of this topic, would start ringing in our mind, and we would want to talk / write about that as well. We’ve also done this many times in the past as part of this blog as well. This “offshoot” discussion would come to the tip of our tongue and at that point we would not be able to control ourselves, but talk about it! This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna did as well. As He was sequentially explaining the “Karma Yoga” and the “Gnyaana Yoga” to Arjuna, suddenly a thought came in His mind that He should explain the significance of His “Avatara-Rahasyam”, which practically has no connection with what was being discussed earlier! However, Bhagawan couldn’t control His divine will and wish to explain the “Avatara-Rahasya” in the middle of the Karma Yoga” – “Gnyaana Yoga” discussion!
Hence, we shall now continue from where we left with regards to “Karma Yoga” and “Gnyaaya Yoga”. Now, after listening to the “Avatara Rahasyam” and as Bhagawan again drifts back to the “Karma Yoga”, Arjuna has a huge doubt in his mind! Initially, Bhagawan had given a step-wise template to Arjuna, in which, the “Karma Yoga” is the first step. After we climb the first step successfully, we go to the second step called “Gnyaana Yoga”, which is at a higher level. However, Arjuna got confused during the third “Adhyaaya” and we might remember that since “Gnyaana Yoga” is one step higher, can we directly go to that step, by skipping the “Karma Yoga” step. This is where, Bhagawan clarifies that it is not necessary that one goes to the “Gnyaana Yoga” step to attain “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” everytime, and performing the “Karma Yoga” meticulously itself would take him there. Now as we come into the fourth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan spins a fresh narrative. Bhagawan says thus,
“Karmani akarmayah pashyeth akarmani cha karmayaha!
Sa buddhimaan manushyeshu sa yuktaha krisnkarma krith!!”
Now Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Arjuna! A person who is able to see the “Gnyaana Yoga” within the “Karma Yoga” and the “Karma Yoga” within the “Gnyaana Yoga” is considered to be a great “Gnyaani” (Scholar and a realised soul)!” Now it seems to us in a way that Bhagawan Krishna wantedly trying to confuse Arjuna here, isn’t it? 🙂 How can one see “Karma” within the “Gnyaana” and “Gnyaana” within “Karma”? Is it really possible? What does Bhagawan mean when He spins such a seemingly confusing narrative? We shall wait till the next episode to find this out in detail! So for today, let us understand up to this point wherein Bhagawan Krishna is coming back to this discussion of “Karma Yoga” and “Gnyaana Yoga” and He now gives a new narrative to the entire discussion that we’ve had so far. We shall wait till the next episode to continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 