In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna highlighting two important points with regards to pursuing our “Yogam” non-stop. The context comes wherein Bhagawan Krishna answers Arjuna’s question on how do we bring our mind under control, so that we’re able to perform our “Yogam” uninterrupted. For this, Bhagawan Krishna replies that in order to control the mind, one needs “Abhyaasam” and “Vairaagyam”. Abhyaasam means repeated practice and Vairaagyam means will-power. Both are required in tandem so that our mind comes under control gradually. Often we face a situation wherein we become frustrated that our mind is not cooperating with us for performing our “Yogam”. We might begin this practice with a lot of fan-fare and as time goes by, it fizzles out because of this “non-cooperation movement” of our mind. But, there is a methodology to tame this non-cooperating mind as well, and this is through constant “Abhyaasam” and “Vairaagyam”. If we’re able to get up from every failed attempt with the “Vairaagyam” that someday we shall be able to achieve perfection, our “Abhyaasam” will also be with our 100% effort and dedication. With these two in place, our mind will gradually come under control.
Moving on thus, as Bhagawan Krishna concludes this discussion by describing the “Karma Yoga” in detail and how to attain the “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” through the “Karma Yoga”, Arjuna for a moment thinks that the Bhagawad Gita has come to an end! He heaves a heavy sigh of relief! 🙂 We’ve come to the end of six “Adhyaayas” and Arjuna is “relieved” that he has had enough advice from Bhagawan! Hence, Arjuna thinks that it is time for him to make a move into the “Yogam” by escaping out of the battlefield! It is exactly at this time of concluding the discussion of all these “Yogams”, Bhagawan drops the next bombshell thus,
“Yoginaam api sarveshaam madhgate na antaraatmana!
Shraddhaavaan bhajate yomaam sa ve yuktatamo mataha!!”
Maybe Arjuna might have thought that the Bhagawad Gita was over, but Bhagawan Krishna doesn’t! He has other plans too! He still thinks that only 30% of the Gita is over and the rest of the 70% is still to be told! Through the above shloka, Bhagawan Krishna beautifully explains to Arjuna thus, “Oh Kaunteya! Of course all of us know that there are many Yogis who are on track to achieve the “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” through the way that I’ve prescribed. However, amongst all the Yogis in the world, there is one special Yogi whom I like the most!” Upon hearing this, Arjuna gets surprised! He thinks thus, “Oh wow! I thought that the Gita is over, and now I guess Bhagawan is going to commence yet another round of Gita!” 🙂 Thinking thus, Arjuna asks, “Oh Bhagawan! Who is that? Whom do you like the most, and why haven’t you spoken about him till now?”
For this, Bhagawan explains thus, “Oh Arjuna! Till now I’ve only spoken about the “Karma Yoga” and people who have attained “Moksha” and “Atma-Saakshaakaram” through the “Karma Yoga”. But you’ve not yet understood that there’s something beyond the “Karma Yoga”, which is “Krishna Yoga”! A person who realizes me in everything that he does, is the person whom I like the most!” Now, this sows the seed for the commencement of the next Yoga which is called “Bhakti Yoga”. Now that we’ve completed the first six “Adhyaayas”, we’ve understood the “Karma Yoga” and the “Gnyaana Yoga” in detail and how do we execute the “Karma Yoga”. Now, from the seventh “Adhyaaya” onwards, all the way till the end of the ninth “Adhyaaya”, we’re going to witness Bhagawan’s beautiful and heart-moving explanation on the “Bhakti Yoga” and how is a “Bhakti Yogi” very close to Bhagawan’s heart!
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall commence the detailed discussion on the “Bhakti Yoga” as per Bhagawan Krishna! Stay tuned for an important accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 