Give Up Desire – In Gita Verse 2.71 A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego – he alone can attain real peace.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 2.71, it is stated that a person who has relinquished all desires for sense gratification, lives free from desires, has given up all sense of proprietorship, and is devoid of false ego is the one who can attain real peace. This profound teaching is echoed throughout the scripture and serves as a guiding principle for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
A man who is devoid of desires is rare to find. The individual who has transcended his ego through unwavering focus on Brahma, who has detached himself from worldly life and its associated religions, and who remains indifferent to all external subjects, wandering with a Brahmabuddhi (mind focused on Brahma), is the one who attains supreme peace. This state of being, known as Brahmi, is the state of attaining Brahma. Once achieved, the individual is no longer susceptible to attachment. Krishna emphasises this to Arjuna, who is in search of salvation, explaining that even a moment in this state can lead to liberation.
Krishna addresses Arjuna, referring to him as Partha, and speaks of Arjuna’s curiosity about liberation. Interestingly, Arjuna did not initially seek liberation; his primary concern was avoiding the war. However, Krishna, through his teachings, transforms Arjuna’s curiosity into a quest for liberation. This transformation signifies a shift from the immediate concern of war to a deeper spiritual quest.
The term “Arjun” itself is significant. Derived from “Riju,” meaning simple, Arjun signifies an oblique or indirect desire. Arjuna’s journey reflects the transformation of his curiosity from worldly concerns to spiritual liberation. Krishna’s teachings highlight that while man’s initial curiosity may be about the world, it can be redirected towards liberation and salvation. This redirection is possible because, at a fundamental level, every individual’s deep-seated curiosity is for liberation.
Even when individuals seek wealth, power, or escape from conflict, their underlying desire is to overcome inner poverty, self-deprecation, and anguish. However, they often seek fulfilment in the wrong places. Krishna thus emphasises that true liberation comes from transcending these superficial desires and realising one’s true nature.
One must respond to the demands of the present moment without being driven by personal desires. Acting from a universal perspective rather than personal ambition leads to actions that are not influenced by ego but by the tranquillity of the universe. Both Buddha and we engage in actions; however, the key difference lies in our approach. Buddha surrenders himself to the universe, while we often surrender to our desires. This distinction is crucial, as Buddha does not resist desire but instead, channels it through his surrender to the universe. This approach allows him to remain unattached, acting with compassion and serenity.
Unlike us, Buddha’s actions are not hurried or anxious. He accepts the outcome with gratitude, regardless of what it may be. His actions are grounded in compassion and silence, devoid of any desire to assert superiority. This fundamental difference underscores the importance of where we place our surrender, which significantly impacts the nature and quality of our actions.
In a similar vein, Krishna advises Arjuna to act from a place of self-awareness. By being self-alert, one can give up personal desires and act from a space of inner peace and silence. This self-alertness is the first step towards relinquishing all desires from one’s actions, leading to true liberation.
The story of Buddha encountering an angry young man illustrates this principle. When the young man insulted Buddha, Buddha remained calm and explained that the anger belonged to the young man, not to him. This story highlights the importance of not being affected by external provocations and acting from a space of inner peace.
In our daily lives, we often encounter situations where we are eager to advise or help others, driven by a desire to assert our superiority. However, true help and support should come without any expectation or desire for recognition. This selfless action is the essence of giving up all desires and acting from a space of inner silence.
Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna emphasise the importance of acting from a place of self-awareness and inner peace. By doing so, one can transcend personal desires and attain true liberation. This state of being, where one is free from ego and desires, is the path to real peace and spiritual enlightenment.
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