13/W.I.S.E

NATURE, THE ENJOYER, AND CONSCIOUSNESS

The final six chapters of Bhagavad-gita focus on “jnana” - higher-dimensional wisdom which supports one’s detachment from the material world and deepening attachment to Krishna. Chapter Thirteen covers topics previously discussed, but explores them in a more analytical way. Wise readers can take advantage of Krishna’s logical presentation to strengthen their conviction and remove any lingering doubts.

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Arjuna asks Krishna to define six subjects: prakriti (nature), purusa (the enjoyer), ksetra (the field of activities), ksetrajna (the knower of the field), jnanam (knowledge and the process of knowing), and jneyam (the object of knowledge). These subjects are key constituents of Vedic philosophy and Krishna therefore spends the entire chapter defining and discussing them. Arjuna, although an established transcendentalist, plays the part of a materially entangled individual so he can pose questions for the benefit of humanity. His astute inquiries create the opportunity for Krishna to offer answers to life’s most profound mysteries. Krishna begins by first defining ksetra and the ksetra-jna.

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These verses describe how the ksetra-jna (spirit soul) can disentangle himself from the ksetra (body) by cultivating jnana (knowledge). Since transcendental knowledge is revealed within the heart of a deserving person, the real method to acquire it is through the cultivation of divine qualities, of which humility is foremost. Becoming wise is not simply a matter of information and memorisation, but intimately connected to personal character and practical behaviour. One who nurtures a saintly disposition experiences a change of heart, which invokes Divine revelation, helping the eternal soul to relinquish its deep-rooted identification with the temporary body.

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Having described the ksetra, ksetra-jna and jnanam, Krishna now describes jneyam, the object of knowledge. Knowledge is meant to help one directly perceive the soul and the Supersoul, who are eternally individual but intimately related. It is the prerogative of the soul to understand the Supersoul, but the Supersoul is sometimes described as ‘avijneyam’, or unknowable. How to reconcile this? Empirical researchers who try to fathom the Supreme using mundane logic and material sense perception are invariably baffled, and the Supersoul remains unknowable to them. Those who approach the subject matter with the proper attitude, ready to see through the eyes of spiritual preceptors, will surely be successful.

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The chapter concludes with descriptions of the final two subjects – prakrti and purusa. The living entity’s desire to control and enjoy matter (prakrti) binds him to the material world. In reality the Supersoul is the only enjoyer (purusa) and everything (material nature and the individual souls) is meant for His enjoyment. This need not leave us dissatisfied. Pouring water over the root of a tree automatically energises the trunk, branches, and twigs. Feeding the stomach naturally enlivens the senses and limbs of the entire body. Similarly, offering worship and service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead for His pleasure and satisfaction, automatically satisfies all living entities, including ourselves. We need not make any separate endeavour for happiness.

“THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT DAYS IN YOUR LIFE ARE THE DAY YOU ARE BORN, AND THE DAY YOU FIND OUT WHY” ~ MARK TWAIN