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Gita Lesson - 1204: Journey

Bhagavad Gita
Unit - 12
Lesson - 1204: Summary of the Journey
By Raja Subramaniyan

Knowledge is the greatest purifier of us. We are deluded to think that we are a limited, mortal being suffering all the time. Knowledge makes it clear to us that we are not limited by space and time. We are immortal. Our natural state is ever witnessing joy.

Thus, knowledge will lead us to live life joyfully.

Knowledge removes our ignorance. The ignorance has caused our delusion. All our suffering is due to our delusion. Thus, the knowledge removes our suffering. Therefore, the knowledge is the greatest purifier.

All our actions purify our mind so that it is ready to receive the knowledge. Once the knowledge is gained, we are liberated from all the suffering.

While everyone is traveling on the path devised by God to reach him, the speed and direction in which one moves varies. Following three qualities make one move at a faster pace.

(a) Faith in the words of teacher

(b) Ability to control the sense organs

(c) Dedication of action as an offering to God and acceptance of the results as the gift from God

With these three qualities, one gains self-knowledge at a faster pace and therefore reaches the destination sooner.

The following three qualities slow down the progress towards Joyful Living.

(a) Doubting everything

(b) Not wanting to learn from a teacher with faith

(c) Feel attached to the action and do not want to let it go even after gaining mental maturity.

Therefore, one should work towards gaining mental maturity in the first part of the path and as soon as it is gained, one should move on to the next step of gaining self-knowledge. One might have to abandon action in order to move from Active Dharma to Passive Dharma. Only then, self-knowledge can be gained.

Teaching 70: Faith and scientific investigation leads to Joyful Living

Chapter 4: Source of knowledge [Verses: 38 - 42]

4.38 In this world, there is no other purifier like knowledge. In due course of time, such knowledge is gained in the mind, which is matured through action.

4.39 One who has faith, who is devoted and whose sense organs are restrained attains knowledge. Having attained knowledge, he will soon attain supreme peace.

4.40 But those who are faithless persons and doubt the knowledge that is revealed in scriptures remain ignorant. For the doubting person there is no happiness in this world or in the next.

4.41 Therefore, Oh Arjuna, actions do not bind one who has renounced all actions through knowledge, who has destroyed all doubts and who is situated firmly in the self.

4.42 Therefore, with the sword of knowledge destroy the doubts which have arisen in your mind and which are born out of ignorance. Oh Arjuna, stand up and fight.

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