Logic – In Gita Verse 4.4 Arjuna said: The sun-god Vivasvān is senior by birth to You. How am I to understand that in the beginning You instructed this science to him?
Arjuna, in his quest for understanding, poses a question that seems both logical and perplexing. He asks Krishna how it is possible that He, who appears to have been born recently, could have imparted wisdom to the Sun-god, Vivasvān, who existed long before. This inquiry, while seemingly straightforward, delves into the deeper realms of faith, trust, and the nature of existence itself.
Krishna’s response challenges Arjuna to transcend the limitations of linear thinking. He suggests that the essence of wisdom and truth is not bound by temporal constraints. The teachings, passed down through generations – from the Sun-god to Manu, and then to Ikshwaku – are eternal, beyond the confines of time. Arjuna’s struggle is emblematic of the human condition; we often find it difficult to trust what we cannot logically comprehend.
The question of trust is a profound one. Arjuna, like many of us, grapples with the notion of belief. The query “How can I trust?” is an infinite loop, a cycle that often leads to doubt rather than faith. Trust is not something that can be quantified or explained through logic; it is a leap into the unknown, a surrender to something greater than oneself.
Krishna’s aim is to guide Arjuna beyond the superficial understanding of existence. He wants Arjuna to see that the physical form is but a vessel for the eternal soul, which transcends time and space. The wisdom Krishna imparts is not confined to His current incarnation but is part of the timeless truth that has always existed and will continue to exist.
Arjuna’s challenge lies in his perception; he is captivated by Krishna’s physical form, unable to discern the spiritual essence within. This mirrors a common human struggle – our tendency to judge by appearances, overlooking deeper truths. Logic often exacerbates misunderstandings, persistently emphasising duality while ignoring the interconnectedness of all things.
To illustrate this, consider the story of Gautam Buddha. When asked about the existence of God, Buddha gave seemingly contradictory answers to different individuals, each tailored to the seeker’s level of understanding and prejudice. His intention was not to provide a definitive answer but to shatter preconceived notions and guide each person towards their own authentic experience of truth.
Similarly, Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna are not about providing logical explanations but about encouraging Arjuna to experience the truth within himself. The journey is not one of acquiring knowledge but of shedding ignorance and embracing the innate wisdom that resides within us all.
Arjuna’s question, while logical from his perspective, misses the essence of Krishna’s teachings. It is not about when or how the knowledge was imparted but about recognising the eternal nature of the soul and the timeless wisdom it embodies. The physical body is transient, but the soul is eternal, having existed before the sun and continuing long after it ceases to exist.
The task of a spiritual master is complex, as they must navigate the diverse prejudices and conditionings of their disciples. They must dismantle these barriers to reveal the pure, untainted essence of the soul, much like a mirror that reflects everything yet holds onto nothing.
Arjuna’s inquiry highlights the limitations of logic in understanding the profound truths of existence. The path to enlightenment is not paved with logical reasoning but with a clarity of mind and heart that embraces the mysteries of life. It is about letting go of preconceived notions and allowing oneself to be filled with wonder and awe at the infinite possibilities of the universe.
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