In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna concluding the “Purushothama Yoga”, which is the fifteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Here, we’ve seen Bhagawan Krishna declaring how He exists within our own physical body in various forms, and a Bhakta who understands this and appreciates Bhagawan’s significance through this “Purushothama Yoga” is definitely going to attain the highest “Moksha”. Subsequently, we shall now move into the sixteenth chapter wherein Bhagawan is going to talk about how His ardent Bhaktas are equivalent to the “Devas” (Celestial Beings) and how the “Abhaktas” are equivalent to the “Raakshasas” (Demons). In today’s episode, we shall have this discussion in detail.
Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Arjuna! All those people who are able to realize me in them, and who has the desire to act according to the “Shaastras” and “Vedas” (which are the guidelines that are set by me for the entire world), I see them as spiritual seekers and highly realized souls. However, on the other end, if someone wantedly goes against the “Shaastras”, I see him / her as my biggest enemy. So Arjuna! You tell me in which category you belong! Do you belong to the “Devas” category or the “Raakshasas” category?” As Bhagawan asks thus, Arjuna laughs and replies back, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! How can I give an answer to this? You’re the one who decides whether a person is a “Deva” or a “Raakshasa”. You are the one who sets the rules and regulations! You are the one who has given the “Vedas” and the “Shaastras” to the world. Hence, if someone is following the “Shaastras” or not, it is for you to judge and decide, isn’t it? Moreover, till now you’ve been the one who’s talking continuously with so much philosophy and “Vedanta”. Hence, how can I have an answer to this question of yours? You decide which category I belong to!”
As Arjuna says thus, he continues further too – “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Even if I decide which category I should belong to, is it going to be final? You’re the ultimate approving authority, aren’t you? You can do some last minute changes and bring me from one category to the other in no time! For instance, you can change Prahlaada’s mindset in a minute if you want to! You can change Hiranya Kashibu from a “Raakshasa” into a “Deva” within no time! You have that capability to do anything and everything in this world! Hence, you decide as to which category I should belong and where you would like to see me!”
Saying thus, Arjuna is in tears and he exhibits complete surrender to Bhagawan Krishna, which moves Bhagawan’s heart! As Arjuna falls down on Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet, Bhagawan gives a very important reply thus, “Oh Arjuna! I know you’re a very pure person with a pure heart and I would never want to change it for any reason. I always want you by my side. However, you should know how a “Raakshasa’s” mindset and behaviour are – A “Raakshasa” thinks that everything in this world happens only because of him / her. A “Raakshasa” thinks that everything that he / she achieves during lifetime is all because of his / her effort only. A “Raakshasa” thinks that everything that he / she has won over is only because of his / her intelligence and smartness. A “Raakshasa” thinks that there is nobody in this world who can equal him / her. A “Raakshasa” thinks that he / she is the supreme lord in this world and he / she is invincible by any force! If someone tries to challenge the “Raakshasa” in some way, all he / she knows is to attack them back and ensure that he / she reigns supreme again! Moreover, a “Raakshasa” thinks that he / she is completely capable of taking care of his / her life without any interference from anybody. If at all any challenges arise, a “Raakshasa” thinks that he / she can overcome them singlehandedly without any interference from anyone! Oh Arjuna! I’m saying all this because you should not fall into such a trap ever in life!”
As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna listens carefully, however, is Arjuna going to remember these important points about a “Raakshasa” henceforth in his lifetime? In due course of the war, we’re going to see several instances wherein Arjuna himself is going to be trapped into the “Ahambhaava” that he is the one who is the leader, forgetting the fact that Bhagawan Krishna is the one who is leading the way for him! So for today, let us understand these points clearly and we should ensure that we do not fall into these traps set by Bhagawan! If we fall, obviously Bhagawan is going to deem us as “Raakshasas” only! We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 