In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna returning back to His normal form upon Arjuna’s request. As Bhagawan does so, He controls His fury and frustration and once again comes back with His ever-smiling and handsome face in front of Arjuna. We’ve seen that Bhagawan’s fury is because He is none other than the incarnation of “Kaala-Devata”, who is responsible for the destruction of the entire world. Bhagawan is seemingly frustrated with the level of “Adharma” that is going on in the world and has taken a divine “Sankalpa” to destroy it completely without leaving a trace. For this, Bhagawan doesn’t want to take people head on, instead, He is going to use Arjuna and the Paandava brothers as His divine instruments to execute His divine mission. Upon seeing Bhagawan’s “Vishwa-Roopam” and His subsequent return back to His original form, Arjuna worships and praises Bhagawan Krishna. His only contention is that, even though Bhagawan Krishna has enormous significance, He is closely bonded and moving with Arjuna and the Paandava brothers, even though they are normal human beings without any significance. This shows Bhagawan’s infinite compassion and affection towards those who try to follow the path of “Dharma”, isn’t it?
Moving on further thus, as Arjuna worships Bhagawan Krishna, this marks the end of the eleventh “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Now we move on into the twelfth one, which is the last “Adhyaaya” that explains Bhakti Yoga in a great detail. Once we’re done with the twelfth “Adhyaaya”, we shall finish off this Bhagawad Gita discussion quickly thereafter. Here, Bhagawan Krishna conveys yet another important message to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! If you feel that you’re unable to perform “Bhakti” like several other “Mahatmas”, it’s fine. Do not worry about it! However, you’ve to start somewhere, right? So start thinking of my “Gunas” (Characteristics), features, etc. and thereby invoke these thoughts when you sit down to meditate. With this procedure, you will slowly get into the “Bhakti Maargam”. Again, this will also be tough initially, but you can still do it in the long-term. Even if this is not possible for you to do, you can even simply perform “Kainkaryam” (Seva activities like helping out people in whatever ways possible). By doing the “Kainkaryam” towards others, you can think of me and dedicate your activities to my divine lotus feet. With this, you will have an opportunity to get into the “Bhakti Maargam”. Even if this is not possible for you to perform, you may even simply sit and think of your “Atman” and perform the “Atma-Dhyaanam”!”
As Bhagawan lists out several procedures like this, Arjuna immediately asks thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Whatever you’re saying seems very good on paper, but when it comes to implementing, these are quite tough for people like me who do not have any background on spiritual upliftment and thinking about you. What do I do and where do I start?” For this, Bhagawan Krishna laughs and explains thus, “Oh my dear Arjuna! I know it is tough, but still there’s a reason why I’m telling all this to you – You’ve to start somewhere, shouldn’t you? For performing whatever I say, you’ve to have a “Sthira-Buddhi” (Stable mind and intellect). You’ve to slowly develop it with time. However, for the time being, if you want me to simplify this further, I shall suggest another way! Oh Arjuna! There are certain “Gunas” of mine that you can think of and recollect. Do this for some time and you will slowly start attaining the “Sthira-Buddhi”!”
So for today, let us understand up to this point with regards to the implementation of the “Bhakti Yoga” in our day-to-day life, which Bhagawan Krishna is explaining beautifully step-by-step. As Bhagawan talks about the “Gunas” that we’ve to focus on, He is now going to explain which are those “Gunas” that we’ve to focus on and we shall see them in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 