04/E.A.R.S

TRANSCENDENTAL KNOWLEDGE

Spiritual knowledge is known as sruti – “that which is heard.” In bygone ages, people would hear such knowledge, immediately remember it, assimilate it, and flawlessly communicate it to the next person with clarity and accuracy. From guru to disciple, the knowledge passed through many generations. Chapter Four is entitled “Transcendental Knowledge” since this wisdom empowers one to establish their divine connection with God. The famous Vedic aphorism thus encourages, “see God through the ears rather than the eyes.”

E

Eternal Education (1-10)

Just as every device is accompanied by an instruction manual, this entire universe comes with guidelines about its purpose and function. Such knowledge is of divine origin and is imparted at the time of creation. Krishna explains how this eternal educational system was originally set up by Him. This system perpetuates in the universe through qualified and saintly teachers, who impart spiritual knowledge to the masses in a dynamic, relevant and practical way. Thus, the material creation is essentially a university to help us rediscover and reawaken our relationship with God. As the creator and maintainer, Krishna periodically appears in the world to re-inject spirituality, remove materialistic influences and re-establish the ultimate purpose of the creation.

A

Accurate Application (11-15)

Most people know something about God and religion, but their conceptions can often be quite hazy and confused. When transcendental knowledge is received through the eternal educational system it has to then be applied accurately. In three verses, Krishna clears up three common mis-applications of philosophy. Verse 11 addresses the misconception that all spiritual paths lead to the same destination – Krishna explains that while there is unity in diversity, there are also different gradations of spiritual elevation. Verse 12 addresses the misconception that Vedic scriptures talk of polytheism and the worship of many ‘gods’ - Krishna clarifies that while there are various universal controllers, there is ultimately only one God. Verse 13 addresses the misconception that the caste system we see in India today is unfair and exploitative - Krishna establishes the true purpose and criteria of such social stratification.

R

Removing Reactions (16-24)

In addition to clearing up philosophical doubts, transcendental knowledge also helps one to clear up their ‘karmic bank balance.’ Karma is a universal law of nature – for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. While bad karma is obviously undesirable, the Gita teaches that even good karma should be avoided since it also binds one to material existence. Beyond good and bad, are activities performed for a spiritual objective. Such activities, devoid of selfishness, yield no material reaction and quickly free one from the complexities and entanglements of this world. Such action is known as akarma.

S

Sacrifice (25-42)

In order to acquire, understand and internalise transcendental knowledge, one must make a tangible sacrifice. In other words, our intellectual faculties, in and of themselves, are insufficient in making us truly knowledgeable. Transcendental knowledge is a gift that we receive - we can know it through what we become. Sacrifices help refine one’s character so they become suitable receptacles to hold this valuable wisdom. One of the biggest sacrifices is to relinquish our pride by humbly submitting oneself before an authentic guru. By faithful service and sincere inquiry within such a relationship, the heart becomes fertile ground for spiritual knowledge to blossom.

“GOD GAVE US MOUTHS THAT CLOSE AND EARS THAT DON’T. THAT MUST TELL US SOMETHING!”

~ UNKNOWN