Pseudo Religions – In Gita Verse 3.36 Arjuna said: O descendant of Vṛṣṇi, by what is one impelled to sinful acts, even unwillingly, as if engaged by force?
Arjuna poses a profound inquiry to Krishna, reflecting on the nature of human actions and accountability. He questions, if God orchestrates all events and if everything unfolds according to the natural order, why do individuals commit sinful acts even against their will? This question challenges the fundamental understanding of free will and divine orchestration. Arjuna seeks clarity on the forces that compel individuals to engage in undesirable actions, despite their reluctance.
This inquiry delves into one of the most significant philosophical questions humanity has faced across various religions, be it Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, or others. If God governs all, and if individuals do not wish to commit wrongful acts, why do they still engage in them? Furthermore, why would a benevolent God wish for such acts to occur? This raises the question of the origin of evil and the forces that drive individuals toward sin.
Various thinkers have attempted to address this question, often attributing such actions to an external malevolent force, such as a devil. However, this explanation lacks depth and raises further questions about the power dynamics between God and this evil entity. If a devil exists, is it more powerful than God? If so, why should individuals not align with this force instead? This simplistic explanation fails to satisfy deeper philosophical and theological inquiries.
Arjuna’s query highlights the human struggle to achieve a virtuous life amidst the challenges posed by internal and external influences. He seeks to understand the forces that hinder individuals from realising lofty ideals and lead them to succumb to negative impulses. This introspection is representative of the universal human struggle to align actions with moral and ethical standards.
Human conscience plays a crucial role in this struggle, serving as an internal guide that distinguishes right from wrong. It is rooted in the divine nature of the soul, which inherently gravitates towards virtue and goodness. Despite this innate understanding, individuals often find themselves compelled to act against their better judgement, driven by a force that seems beyond their control. Arjuna seeks to identify this compelling force that overrides one’s moral compass.
The concept of sin and virtue is often tied to one’s consciousness and awareness. When individuals act unconsciously, disconnected from their true selves and the universe, they are more prone to committing acts deemed sinful. This unconsciousness leads to a lack of understanding of how to respond appropriately to situations, resulting in actions that are not aligned with the natural order of the universe.
The universe operates on the principle of originality and uniqueness, encouraging individuals to respond to each moment authentically. Children exemplify this originality in their responses, which are genuine and free from guilt. Sin and virtue arise when actions lack originality and are burdened with guilt and anxiety.
Pseudo-religions often exploit the concept of sin to instil guilt and control individuals. By labelling human errors as sins, they create a psychological dependency on religious teachings and figures. This strategy undermines individual potential and autonomy, binding individuals to a cycle of guilt and dependence on external validation.
Understanding the distinction between mistakes and sins is crucial. Mistakes are human errors that can be corrected without inducing guilt. In contrast, labelling actions as sins implies a transgression against divine will, creating a sense of guilt and moral failure.
Arjuna’s question about the impetus for sinful acts reflects a reliance on scriptural teachings rather than personal experience and originality. By seeking answers in scriptures, he avoids taking responsibility and fails to engage authentically with the present moment. True understanding and moral action arise from conscious awareness and originality, rather than imitation or adherence to external doctrines.
Ultimately, the focus should be on awakening the doer within, rather than adhering to prescribed notions of right and wrong. Conscious actions, rooted in awareness and authenticity, align with the natural order and transcend the duality of sin and virtue. By fostering this awareness, individuals can navigate their actions with clarity and integrity, free from the constraints of guilt and external judgement.
Tags: Pseudo Religions
