Bliss – In Gita Verse 3.17 But for one who takes pleasure in the Self, whose human life is one of self-realisation, and who is satisfied in the Self only, fully satiated – for him there is no duty.
For an individual who finds joy in the Self, whose existence is characterised by self-realisation, and who is wholly content within the Self, there is no obligation to perform any duty.
In alignment with the natural order of creation, such individuals live harmoniously with life, embracing its flow rather than resisting it. This is a hallmark of a truly religious person. Conversely, an irreligious person exhibits opposing traits, often denying the existence of God. This denial is not based on evidence, as no one can definitively prove the non-existence of God. The absence of God would imply the absence of anything left to know, a state no human can claim to have reached. Therefore, the assertion that God does not exist is unfounded.
Those who deny God’s existence often do so out of a desire for autonomy from life’s natural order. If there is no God, they believe they are free to oppose life. However, the presence of God necessitates harmony with life. One cannot combat God; one can only love and pray to Him. This is why theories and doctrines that advocate for opposition to life typically begin with the denial of God.
It is noteworthy that influential figures such as Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao, who promoted ideologies of struggle, commenced their theories with the assertion that God does not exist. This denial is crucial for their philosophy of conflict, as God represents an order that cannot be fought against, only embraced.
According to this principle, life is an interconnected whole. We are born from it and ultimately dissolve back into it. Those who resist the natural flow of life become afflicted and unwell. To achieve complete health, one must align with life’s inherent order. This foundational concept has shaped India’s natural philosophy of life.
Krishna emphasises that true bliss is attainable only through self-awareness. This state of bliss is achievable when the mind ceases to interfere, when its tricks and strategies are fully understood and transcended. Engaging in a battle with the mind only entangles one further. The key is to observe the mind’s deceptions and then, without struggle, simply set it aside. This process is akin to a snake shedding its old skin effortlessly.
When this detachment from the mind occurs, one experiences a sense of boundlessness. The mind imposes limitations and definitions that, once removed, reveal the infinite nature of the Self. The disappearance of these constraints gives rise to bliss, which is essentially freedom from all limitations.
While it is relatively easy to recognise that one is not the body, as hunger and thirst are clearly bodily sensations, it is more challenging to detach from the mind. Emotional responses such as anger, greed, and lust are more immediate and consuming. However, maintaining awareness during these moments is crucial. By reminding oneself “I am not this,” one can observe these emotions without becoming entangled in them. This detachment allows the emotions to dissipate, revealing a profound peace that follows the storm.
As one continues to cultivate this awareness, energy that would have been consumed by negative emotions becomes available. This surplus of energy leads to a state of overflowing vitality, which is the essence of bliss. Discovering this inexhaustible source of energy within, which is the state of no-mind, is tantamount to discovering God. God is not an external entity but the very core of one’s being.
Consciousness has the potential to create either ego or egolessness. In a state of self-unconsciousness, ego arises, leading to a life of suffering. In contrast, self-consciousness fosters egolessness, opening the door to paradise. The world exists in a state of paradise, but without awareness. When an individual enters this state knowingly, it signifies the ultimate realisation of human potential. This awareness is both a blessing and a challenge, as only a few achieve it while many fall into the trap of the ego.
Krishna’s message to Arjuna is clear: self-consciousness, coupled with the grace of God, leads to bliss and fulfilment. This state of being allows one to experience wholeness, transforming actions from duties into responsibilities.
Tags: Bliss
