Be Flow – In Gita Verse 2.70 A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires – that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still – can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.70 elucidates a profound principle: an individual who remains undisturbed by the continuous influx of desires, akin to rivers merging into an ever-still ocean, is the one who attains peace. This analogy highlights the essence of maintaining equanimity amidst the ceaseless flow of desires and temptations.
Consider the ocean, which retains its dignity and serenity despite being fed by countless rivers. It remains unchanged, undisturbed, and unwavering. Similarly, a sage who does not waver in the face of various enjoyments and desires achieves peace and salvation. This state of being, where one remains unaffected by external pleasures, is the epitome of tranquillity and liberation.
Krishna emphasises the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in this context. Just as a river flows towards the ocean, human beings have the potential to grow in consciousness. This growth necessitates a heightened awareness of the present moment, free from the influences of past regrets or future anxieties. Desires, inherently oriented towards the future, often distract us from the present. Like a river aware of its journey towards the ocean, we must remain conscious of our present desires and challenges.
Desires are inherently forward-looking and often remain unfulfilled, perpetually existing on the horizon. In modern times, the challenge lies in remaining undisturbed by these desires. When a desire arises, it brings with it a sense of self, an ego. By observing this process, we can understand that before desire and thought, the ego does not exist.
Buddha’s technique of mindfulness offers a practical approach to managing desires. He advised his disciples to simply note the arising of thoughts and desires without becoming identified with them. For instance, when a thought or desire arises, one should mentally note its presence, progression, and eventual disappearance. This practice helps create a distance between oneself and the desire, preventing the formation of ego.
Initially, it may be helpful to verbalise these observations. For example, if you see a beautiful car and desire to possess it, you might say aloud, “I have seen a car. It is beautiful. Now a desire has arisen to possess it.” This verbalisation creates an immediate sense of detachment. As you become more adept at this practice, you can make these observations internally.
By consistently noting the arising and passing of desires, you cultivate a sense of detachment. You begin to see desires as transient events that do not affect your core being. This practice aligns with Buddha’s teachings: by noting the impermanence of desires, you maintain a state of equanimity and inner peace.
Krishna’s teachings further emphasise the importance of focusing on the gaps between desires and thoughts. Just as a book contains spaces between words and sentences, our minds have intervals between thoughts and desires. By shifting our attention from the filled spaces (thoughts and desires) to the unfilled spaces (gaps), we can experience a deeper sense of self.
In these gaps, where desires and thoughts momentarily cease, lies the essence of our being. It is in these intervals that we can dissolve into the ultimate beauty, truth, and goodness. By emphasising the unfilled spaces, we cultivate a sense of inner stillness and peace.
Krishna’s message is clear: to attain peace, we must become indifferent to desires and focus on the gaps between them. By doing so, we achieve a state of silence and tranquillity. This practice of mindfulness and self-awareness allows us to navigate the incessant flow of desires without losing our inner peace.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.70 teaches us the importance of maintaining equanimity amidst the ceaseless flow of desires. By practising mindfulness and focusing on the gaps between desires, we can achieve a state of inner peace and tranquillity. This timeless wisdom offers a path to liberation and self-realisation, guiding us towards a life of serenity and fulfilment.
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