Pretender – In Gita Verse 3.6 One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.6, Lord Krishna underscores the futility and self-deception inherent in merely restraining the physical senses while allowing the mind to dwell on sense objects. Krishna asserts that such an individual is deluding themselves and can be rightly called a pretender. This profound statement highlights the critical distinction between external control and internal transformation – a concept that resonates deeply across various disciplines, including psychology and philosophy.
Krishna’s assertion predates modern psychological insights by thousands of years. The act of suppressing the senses does not equate to controlling the mind; in fact, it often intensifies the mind’s fixation on those very desires. The senses, Krishna explains, are merely instruments of the mind, which commands them. When the mind instructs the eye to see beauty, the eye complies; when it instructs the hand to touch, the hand obeys. Thus, the senses themselves are blameless and innocent, merely following the mind’s directives.
The problem arises when individuals attempt to control their senses without addressing the underlying desires of the mind. This approach leads to internal conflict and hypocrisy. For instance, if one fasts to suppress the desire for food, the mind may become more obsessed with eating, leading to an internal struggle that manifests in dreams or other subconscious activities. This internal conflict can lead to conceit, as individuals may outwardly display self-control while inwardly grappling with unfulfilled desires.
Krishna’s teachings emphasise the importance of internal transformation over external suppression. The mind, not the senses, is the true battleground. Without understanding and transforming the mind, mere suppression of the senses is futile and leads to self-deception. This self-deception can result in arrogance and hypocrisy, where individuals present a facade of self-control while internally struggling with the same desires.
The concept of meditation is introduced as a vehicle for both extroverts and introverts to embark on their respective journeys. For extroverts, meditation can lead to a cosmic journey, where the universe appears as an extension of oneself. For introverts, it can lead to an inner journey into the depths of nothingness, where the self dissolves into the greater existence. Meditation, therefore, is a tool for internal transformation, independent of one’s external actions or sensory control.
Krishna’s message is clear: true change comes from within. Suppressing the senses while allowing the mind to dwell on desires is not only ineffective but also leads to greater internal conflict and hypocrisy. This internal conflict can manifest in various ways, including pride, deception, and falsehood. Krishna’s use of the term ‘pretender’ is not meant to condemn but to highlight the futility and self-deception involved in such an approach.
Krishna’s use of the term “pretender” is not intended to condemn but to inform. He calls out the folly of those who suppress their senses without addressing their mental desires. Such individuals become trapped in a cycle of hypocrisy and arrogance. This falsehood is worse than ignorance because it creates a deceptive appearance of virtue while hiding internal turmoil.
Understanding Krishna’s message requires recognising the difference between truth and falsehood. Falsehood, or “Mithya,” is not outright untruth but a deceptive state that appears truthful on the surface. Those who fall into this state create a facade of self-control while internally struggling with unaddressed desires. This internal conflict leads to a divided self, where one’s outward actions do not align with their inner reality.
Krishna’s approach to Arjuna is nuanced. He does not directly accuse Arjuna of falsehood, as this might provoke resistance and strengthen Arjuna’s ego. Instead, Krishna speaks in general terms, describing the folly of those who suppress their senses without transforming their minds. He knows Arjuna’s extroverted nature and addresses the issue indirectly to avoid confrontation.
Krishna’s strategy is to highlight the consequences of falsehood and the importance of internal transformation. By doing so, he aims to guide Arjuna towards self-awareness and genuine change. This approach is rooted in deep psychological understanding and emphasises the need for harmony between the mind and senses.
An illustrative story from the Buddha’s teachings further elucidates this point. A learned man once approached Buddha with questions, but Buddha deferred answering, explaining that the man was not ready to receive the truth due to his preconceived notions and internal conflicts. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of internal readiness and openness to true knowledge and transformation.
Krishna’s teachings in this verse go beyond mere sensory control to address the deeper issue of self-deception and internal conflict. True knowledge and transformation come from understanding and addressing the mind’s desires, not merely suppressing the senses. This insight is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago, providing valuable guidance for personal growth and self-awareness.
Krishna’s message in this verse is a timeless reminder of the importance of internal transformation over external suppression. By addressing the mind’s desires and achieving true self-awareness, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of self-deception and hypocrisy, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
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