THE YOGA OF WISDOM AND
REALISATION
Summary of Seventh
Discourse
What happens after the expected goal of self-integration is
reached by way of direct restraint of the senses and the mind, and meditation
as per the suggestions given in the Sixth Chapter? Meditation on what?
There is not much detail on this subject in the first six
chapters. There was a reference to the Atman towards the end of the Fifth
Chapter, and this continues throughout the Sixth Chapter: ātmanyeva vaśaṁ nayet (6.26).
This has been reiterated several times. The restraint of the
mind and the senses is intended for the purpose of achieving Self-identity — the
establishment of consciousness in the Atman. We have heard this word ‘Atman’ a number of times, but in the
Sixth Chapter the Bhagwad Gita does not go into detail as to what this Atman
is, though it says that it is immortal, and it is pervading everything.
From the Seventh Chapter onwards, we enter into a new field of
observation and study — namely, the encounter of the individual with the cosmic
purpose. Very little of the cosmos is mentioned in the first six chapters other
than a reference to the three gunas of prakriti,
etc., in the Third Chapter.
But a direct onslaught, as it were, on this great subject of the
Universal Being having an organic connection with the individual, and God being
the Creator of the world, did not receive adequate emphasis. “Do this.” “Do not do this.” “Restrain
yourself.” We heard this many a time in the first six chapters.
From the Seventh Chapter onwards, the Supreme Lord assumes an
important position. In the first six chapters, Sri Krishna speaks as an
instructor, as a mentor, as a good guide,
a friend, philosopher and guide, as
it is said.
Now he speaks in a different tone altogether, as a representative of the Almighty Himself.
He is no more
a teacher of the ordinary type.
He is not a simple friend of Arjuna or a philosopher par excellence
but is God Himself speaking. He is the mouthpiece of the Almighty. Therefore,
the ideas of “Come to Me. Resort to Me. Be intent on Me.
Depend on Me. Surrender yourself to Me” are more prominently
emphasized from the Seventh Chapter onwards.
Krishna
says that whatever exists is nothing but Himself. He is the cause of the
appearance of the universe and all things in it. Everything is strung on
Him like clusters of gems on a string.
He is
the essence, substance and substratum of everything, whether visible or
invisible. Although everything is in Him, yet He transcends everything as
the action less Self.
Prakriti
or Nature is made up of the three Gunas or qualities — Sattwa, Rajas and
Tamas. These three qualities delude the soul and make it forget its true
nature, which is one with God. This delusion, termed Maya, can only be removed
by the Grace of the Lord Himself.
Sri
Krishna tells Arjuna that the supreme Godhead has to be realized in both its
transcendent and immanent aspects. The Yogi who has reached this summit has
nothing more to know.
This
complete union with the Lord is difficult of attainment. Among many thousands
of human beings, very few aspire for this union, and even among those who
aspire for it, few ever reach the pinnacle of spiritual realization.
Love
