Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyasa Yogam Verse 59:
(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)
The Soul Is Dependent On Many Facets Of God’s Creation Rather Than Living An Independent Life
यदहङ्कारमाश्रित्य न योत्स्य इति मन्यसे |
मिथ्यैष व्यवसायस्ते प्रकृतिस्त्वां नियोक्ष्यति || 18.59||
yad ahankāram āśhritya na yotsya iti manyase
mithyaiṣha vyavasāyas te prakṛitis tvāṁ niyokṣhyati || 18.59||
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 18- Ver. 59:
You believe that egoism will keep you from fighting battles. You are incorrect in your assessment. You will be driven by your nature.
Explanation
Now, Shree Krishna warns in a reprimanding tone. We shouldn’t assume we have unrestricted freedom to act however we like. The soul does not live an independent life; rather, it depends on numerous aspects of God’s creation. It is influenced by the three gunas in the materially bound state. Our nature is a product of the interaction of gunas, and we must operate in accordance with its rules.
Therefore, we do not have complete freedom to act however we like. We must decide between following God’s and the Bible’s wise counsel and giving in to our natural compulsions. There is a story about one’s nature. After thirty years of duty, a soldier retired and relocated back to his hometown. He was enjoying a cup of tea in the coffee shop one day when a friend came up with a practical prank.
“Attention!” he yelled from behind them. The soldier’s nature had evolved to include obeying that order. He unintentionally let go of the cup and placed his hands by his side. Shree Krishna forewarns Arjuna that his nature as a warrior will still drive him to battle if, out of pride, he chooses not to heed wise counsel.
Verse & what we can learn
Shri Krishna could have responded immediately to Arjuna’s question on whether or not to fight at the start of the Mahabharata war. Instead, he made the choice to present the Gita’s discourse, not just for Arjuna’s sake but also for the sake of all aspiring searchers in the future. After doing so, he now violently criticizes Arjuna’s choice. He makes it quite evident that choosing not to fight is the incorrect course of action. It is entirely egotistical and goes against Arjuna’s obligations as a warrior.
Arjuna likewise believed he could overcome his nature as a warrior and adopt a monastic lifestyle. Shri Krishna advised him to change his opinion since his innate propensity to battle would drive him to do so.
To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.
There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There is also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.
In the next shloka Shri Krishna speaks to Arjuna about his nature and duty.
Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…