In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an important conversation, wherein Yudishtra is still steadfast in renouncing the kingdom and going to the forest to perform “Tapas”. Several people like Arjuna and Bheemasena have had their say on this, and they try to convince Yudishtra to rethink his decision. Meanwhile, we’ve also seen the Rishi Kumaras highlighting the point that one cannot attain “Moksha” just like that, without performing any of his / her duties in this world. This is an in-depth concept which the Rishi Kumaras are talking about here. Yudishtra is trying to shun his duty and go to the forest, thinking that he doesn’t need to do anything over there! Through his words itself, Yudishtra conveys that the forest would be very beautiful and he can enjoy everything there by just living on minimal facilities and work! This, according to the Rishi Kumaras, is nothing but mere “escapism” from performing the duty. If a king escapes from his duty towards the kingdom, it is neither going to benefit him in anyway, nor his subjects.
This is the gross misconception many of us have, when it comes to exhibiting “Sharanagati” and attaining “Moksha”. If we look outwardly at what the “Shaastras” say, it would paint a picture as if when we exhibit “Sharanagati” towards Bhagawan, we do not need to worry about anything henceforth! Bhagawan will take care of everything! However, if we have an in-depth look into what the “Shaastras” say about “Sharanagati”, it paints a very different picture. Yudisthra is getting carried away with this outward meaning only. However, the real meaning of “Sharanagati” is this – If we exhibit “Sharanagati”, Bhagawan will accept it definitely and after that, our job is to continue our duty with “detachment”. Bhagawan never says that we should shun everything and sit quietly! We have to continue performing our duties with the same rigour as earlier. Only difference here is the change of attitude – Till now, until we’ve expressed “Sharanagati” towards Bhagawan, we would have been performing our actions with the thought that “I” am the doer, and “I” will take the credit for whatever results that come out of our actions. Once we exhibit “Sharanagati”, the actions will continue the same way, but now Bhagawan becomes the doer, instead of “I”. By surrendering to Bhagawan, we are not worrying about the results of our actions. If Bhagawan is the doer, Bhagawan will be the person who will take care of the result as well. It is not for us to bother about it henceforth. If the time is right, Bhagawan will ensure that we taste success. However, if the time is not right, Bhagawan might delay the success of our actions, but will definitely ensure that success is experienced, perhaps when the time is right.
Thus, the point here is very simple – If “I” am the doer, I’m completely attached to the actions that I perform and I’m extremely concerned with the outcomes of our actions. Whereas, if Bhagawan is the doer and I’m merely an instrument in His divine hands, we do not need to worry about the results of our actions. The focus should only be on the “Shraddha” (Dedication) towards our actions, and not on the results. This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna explains to Arjuna in the “Karma Yoga” chapter of the Bhagawad Gita. Bhagawan Krishna explains to Arjuna that he has to fight the war, not with a narrow intention of merely winning it and becoming the king. The war has to be fought with a bigger picture in mind – By being Bhagawan’s instrument, in performing the duty assigned by Bhagawan, for the greater good of the world, which is restoring “Dharma”! This is exactly what the Rishi Kumaras are explaining here to Yudishtra as well – While ruling the kingdom and discharging the duties associated with it, is primarily Yudishtra’s duty, he should perform it with the sense of “Sharanagati” that, Bhagawan is ruling the kingdom and Yudishtra is just His divine instrument!
So for today, let us understand the real meaning of “Sharanagati”. Merely surrendering to Bhagawan and not performing any of our duties, is a myth surrounding the concept of “Sharanagati”. We should continue performing our work and duties, but with a sense of detachment towards the results. “Sharanagati” should change our attitude towards work, whereas, it should not result in escapism from our duties! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 