SPIRITUAL QUEST
Spiritual Dilemma
Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta chapter 5a
Most people live with a spiritual dilemma. This way or that, start now or wait a little longer, follow blindly or try to figure out the reason. These opposing ideas pervade our minds. Our veil of ignorance is so thick that the spiritual light from inside refuses to shine through. And we live our lives yearning for a single moment of clarity, a turning point in our spiritual ascension.
I am no exception. Perhaps this is our best response to the uncertain juggernaut of life. However, in the hindsight, I see a flaw in this strategy.
Will a deaf and blind traveler ever catch the train if he just sits at the station waiting for it? We resemble this traveler. While we wait for the tipping point, we are inept to acknowledge the moment of truth.
Arjun is no different. He pleads to Shri Krishna to dispel his veil of ignorance and help him decide the one spiritual practice that best suits him.
Verses 5.1 to 5.5
The dilemma itself is an illusion
Are we different from Arjun? Perhaps not. Aren’t we blessed enough to have access to the knowledge of the spiritual way of life? Still, we are reluctant to come out of the doldrums and act. We take pride in analysis and get paralyzed before we move an iota. This way or that — many sleepless nights pass by and we never cease to debate on the subject that is beyond all mental exercises.
One more meeting, yet another brainstorming session on the Vedas, Spirituality, Religion, God, and Yoga; and the time slips by our side. Do we question our way of life? Not at all, for we wield not enough courage. The life is so fast-paced that taking a siesta is NOT permitted, recuperation is a sign of weakness, and spiritual ascend is a secondary pursuit.
The only thing that puts us at disadvantage vis-à-vis Arjun is the absence of Shri Krishna in our life. Not a statue of Shri Krishna, neither those scripts that talk about his teachings, but an accomplished guru who knows it all, sees it all, and can guide us to the unambiguous path.
Arjun acknowledges his incompetence in choosing the one, for his analysis is paralyzed under the influence of nature. Karma Yoga and Gyan Yoga (Gyan Karma Sannyasa Yoga) look equally attractive, he admits and pleads to know the one suitable path for him.
To Arjun’s surprise, Shri Krishna says, “There is no difference between Karma Yoga and Gyan Yoga, for the two lead to the same destination through the same route.”
What separates the two spiritual endeavors is not what their followers do to seek spiritual ascend, rather how they manage their time and effort otherwise.
Karma Yogi takes complete responsibility for her livelihood and dedicates her efforts to the cause. Gyan Karma Sannyasa Yogi, on the contrary, renounces her worldly duties to dedicate her life to spiritual ascend. From the outside, they differ. But from within, they are inseparable. For both of them are arduous and committed to spiritual practice in the most disciplined manner.
Shri Krishna says, while the two are inseparable at the spiritual level, Karma Yoga is preferable to Gyan Karma Sannyasa Yoga for Karma Yogis lead by example. They set the cultural norms in the society and inspire other seekers to strive for all-around development of humanity. Their effort leads to overall upliftment of living standards and superior social practices.
Sounds strange? How can a yogi be a contributor to social upliftment? Shri Krishna gives the answer. In the following verses of this chapter, Shri Krishna talks about the characteristics and distinctions of a yogi.
Who is a real Sannyasa Yogi? And, who is a real Karma Yogi? Can mere appearance or spiritual deliberations make one Sannyasa Yogi or Karma Yogi? In the next blog, we will see what Shri Krishna has to say about it.
Want to hear more from Shri Krishna? Stay tuned. Seek Spirituality.
Related Post: My realization on other chapters of Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta: Chapter-1; Chapter 2a; Chapter 2b; Chapter 3; Chapter 4a; Chapter 4b; Chapter 4c
Where can I get access to the original text?
Beginners may find this useful.
For deeper insights, get a copy of the book from Vihangam Yoga. If you are in the US, contact North America Institute of Vihangam Yoga.
These revelations are based on my over twenty years of immersion in Swarved, The Encyclopedia of Spirituality. Swarved is available on Amazon and on Google Play store in multiple languages.