Gita Sāra 6- आत्मवश्यैर्विधेयात्मा प्रसादमधिगच्छति

 

Sthitaprajna, the embodiment of steadfast wisdom, is an individual who exemplifies extraordinary qualities on the path of spiritual growth. Remarkably, Sthitaprajna is untouched by the afflictions of attachment and aversion, as well as the clutches of fear. Their unwavering equanimity remains steadfast, regardless of the ebbs and flows of joy and sorrow.

These virtues, essential for anyone seeking spiritual progress, serve as a crucial foundation, even in the preliminary stages of attaining direct experiential knowledge (Aparokshajnāna). However, for most aspirants, these virtues must be cultivated through diligent effort and unwavering dedication by observing and imbibing these virtues and paving the way for the realization of higher knowledge.

While our external efforts to control our senses may yield some benefits, true liberation of the mind can only be achieved through the realization of the Supreme Being. The significance of worldly pleasures pales in comparison to the sheer joy of perceiving God. For those who have beheld the divine vision of the Supreme Lord, washing away all material attachments becomes effortless. In the presence of God's boundless love, everything else loses its significance and appears trivial. Such is the transformative power of divine love, which has the capacity to dissolve all illusions and worldly attachments.

In the absence of experiencing the profound bliss arising from love for the Supreme Lord and engaging in His meditation, we find it challenging to turn away from worldly indulgences. Merely abandoning these indulgences and redirecting our focus towards God can seem insurmountable. To attain the strength and determination needed for such a transformation, it is essential to contemplate upon the divine qualities of the Supreme Lord and recognize the inherent flaws within material objects. Through this process, awareness of the defects present in the material world naturally awakens, fostering a sense of renunciation or Vairāgya, and nurturing devotion to God by associating with His divine attributes.

In our attachment to the material realm, we often find qualities that captivate us, causing us to develop an intense love for them. However, this love only strengthens our entanglement in worldly affairs. When any disruption arises, anger may emerge, clouding our memory of our duties and disregarding the guidelines outlined in scriptures. As a result, our own wisdom becomes corrupted, and we act recklessly, inviting our own downfall. Reflecting on the consequences that occur when we become consumed by our desires is crucial. 

In a beautiful analogy, the Sthitaprajna is likened to a river merging with the vast expanse of the sea. Just as the water of the river seamlessly integrates into the sea, the Sthitaprajna, with their unshakeable wisdom, accept the presence of material things. The sea remains undisturbed and maintains its inherent calmness, regardless of the river's entry. Similarly, the Sthitaprajna remains unaffected and undistorted even when they engage with material substances. Their state of inner equipoise is unwavering, and they harbor no complaints or grievances, whether they possess or renounce material objects. This does not imply a rejection of the material world, but rather a shift in perspective and relationship with it, understanding that true fulfillment lies beyond the realm of material acquisitions. 

It is vital to understand that restraining the senses does not equate to tormenting or weakening them. Instead, by channeling their energies toward appropriate objects and engaging them in virtuous activities, we achieve self-restraint and moderation. By consciously directing our senses towards noble pursuits, we harmonize our actions with our higher aspirations. Through diligent practice, we gradually cultivate self-restraint, allowing our senses to become tools of spiritual progress rather than sources of distraction. 

Therefore, let us strive unceasingly to walk the path of meditation with unwavering self-restraint, progressively transcending the allure of worldly pleasures. In doing so, we can unlock the gates to divine wisdom and experience the profound tranquility that comes with attaining Aparokshajnāna. 

श्रीमध्वेशकृष्णार्पणमस्तु

✍️-Ashutosh Prabhu 

To be continued.