Sacrifice Self-Unconsciousness – In Gita Verse 3.15 Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas, and the Vedas are directly manifested from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently the all-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas, and the Vedas are directly manifested from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently, the all-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice. According to this verse, karma has originated from the Vedas, and the Vedas have originated from the immortal God. Hence, the omnipresent Brahma is always established in the yagya.
Understand that karma has its roots in the Vedas. When Krishna speaks to Arjuna, he emphasises that karma originates from the Vedas. The term “Veda” signifies knowledge, not merely the scriptures known as the Vedas. Limiting the Vedas to just four scriptures was a significant misstep in the history of India. Veda represents knowledge, which is ever-evolving and dynamic. Knowledge is inexhaustible, even if millions of scriptures exist. It is infinite and originates from such boundless wisdom.
There are two types of karma: one born out of ignorance and the other out of knowledge, as Krishna explains. Karma born out of ignorance involves the doer and ego, where one claims, “I am doing it.” In contrast, karma born out of knowledge is devoid of ego, where one acknowledges, “God is doing it.” Ego and ignorance are intertwined; where there is ignorance, ego exists, and vice versa. They cannot be separated. Conversely, knowledge and egolessness are also intertwined phenomena.
Krishna asserts that karma born out of knowledge, akin to yagya-like karma, emanates from God. The statement that God created the Vedas is symbolic. God does not write books; rather, knowledge descends into individuals capable of relinquishing their ego. These individuals, in turn, write books. Thus, calling these books divinely inspired is accurate in the sense that their authors were merely mediums through whom God imparted knowledge. Knowledge is the nature of God, akin to light, while darkness is the nature of ego.
When one is full of ego, actions arise from ignorance. Actions born out of ignorance create bondage, sorrow, anguish, and pain. In contrast, actions arising from knowledge do not create bondage; they bring joy, peace of mind, and liberation. Such actions emerge only when there is no ego within, and where there is no ego, there is God.
The absence of ego signifies the presence of God. When we disappear, God appears within us. As long as we cling to our ego, God finds no place within us. Actions performed as sacrifices stem from knowledge, and such actions are liberating.
Krishna’s reference to the Vedas signifies wisdom, which is dynamic and ever-flowing, not static. This wisdom, created by God, is not limited to scriptures.
Krishna advises Arjuna that actions can be performed in two ways: self-unconsciously or self-consciously. Actions born from self-consciousness are acts of sacrifice, aligned with the universe, while those from self-unconsciousness are not. The purpose of human existence is to transcend and become self-aware. Each individual must find their path to self-awareness, without imitating others. Waiting for specific circumstances to act compassionately, like Buddha, is futile.
Krishna urges Arjuna to become self-aware and channel his energy into compassion, even in the context of war. This act of self-awareness becomes a sacrifice to the Universe. In my previous blog, Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.14, I emphasised the importance of recognising and harmonising with the five elements. By doing so, individuals can experience the divine energy that permeates all matter, fostering a deeper connection to the universe and the divine.
The only sacrifice needed is the abandonment of self-unconsciousness. While it may seem paradoxical, self-unconsciousness cannot be sacrificed directly, as it is akin to darkness. Instead, one must bring the light of self-consciousness, which dispels self-unconsciousness. This transformation can only occur in a state of utter relaxation, but one must remain vigilant to avoid slipping back into self-unconsciousness.
Meditation is about becoming more alert. Live the same life, but with heightened awareness. Eat the same food, walk the same path, live in the same house, and be with the same family, but be different from within. Awareness transforms everything, making the familiar seem new and different.
Changing one’s inner self transforms the outer world. The world and God are two perceptions of the same energy. Unawareness sees the world as mundane, while awareness reveals it as divine. The transformation lies in inner awareness.
Practising awareness in daily life leads to self-consciousness. Responding to the present moment with alertness turns every circumstance into an opportunity to transcend self-unconsciousness.
Krishna advises Arjuna not to perceive the Vedas as static. Veda represents wisdom, life flow, and dynamic force within. The present moment demands transcending self-unconsciousness to self-consciousness, even through war. Sacrifice everything to respond to the present moment.
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