Memories – In Gita Verse 4.5 The Personality of Godhead said: Many, many births both you and I have passed. I can remember all of them, but you cannot, O subduer of the enemy!
In the sacred dialogue of the Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.5, Lord Krishna imparts profound wisdom to Arjuna, addressing the nature of existence and memory. He tells Arjuna, “You and I have experienced numerous births, but while I can recall them all, you cannot.” This statement is more than a mere revelation of divine memory; it serves as a reminder of the limitations of human perception and understanding.
It’s important to consider the implications of Krishna’s words. Often, we are quick to dismiss what we cannot perceive or remember, assuming that such things do not exist. This is a common human error, akin to the natural fallacy Arjuna makes. We tend to believe that our knowledge encompasses all that is real, yet there are countless phenomena beyond our comprehension. Just because something is beyond our current grasp does not render it non-existent. For instance, if asked about the events of a specific day decades ago, we may struggle to recall any details, yet we accept that the day occurred. Our inability to remember does not negate its reality.
Krishna’s assertion is delivered with a simplicity and confidence that underscores its authenticity. He speaks without hesitation, a quality that distinguishes those who possess true knowledge from those who rely on second-hand information. Philosophers often rely on hypothetical reasoning, constructing arguments to reach conclusions. In contrast, sages and seers, like Krishna, speak from direct experience. Their statements are declarations of truth, not conjectures.
The Western world, accustomed to philosophical argumentation, has historically struggled with the directness of Eastern wisdom. When the Upanishads were first translated, Western thinkers were perplexed by the straightforward declarations of existence, such as the existence of Brahman, without preliminary arguments or evidence. This approach contrasts sharply with the Western tradition of building logical cases before drawing conclusions. However, the directness of spiritual truths is akin to stating the obvious, like the existence of the sun.
In Krishna’s era, knowledge was bold and unhesitant. Today, however, much of what we consider knowledge is borrowed and lacks the courage of direct experience. Ignorance, ironically, has become more assertive. When Krishna tells Arjuna, “You do not know, but I do,” he offers no argument, only a straightforward statement. This clarity and directness penetrate the depths of the soul, reaching places that arguments and evidence cannot.
Arjuna, seeking proof and validation, is caught in the limitations of a body-centric perspective. He questions Krishna’s existence before the sun, unable to comprehend a reality beyond the physical. Krishna, however, speaks from a place of experience, not needing to justify his knowledge with arguments. Those who have true understanding use arguments to elucidate, not to prove.
Krishna’s unhesitant declaration that he knows what Arjuna does not is a testament to the power of direct experience. This is akin to a sighted person explaining the existence of the sun to someone who is blind. The simplicity and straightforwardness of Krishna’s words convey a profound truth.
The inability to recall past lives is a natural aspect of human existence. Nature, in its wisdom, prevents us from being overwhelmed by the multitude of memories we accumulate. If we were to remember every moment of our lives, we would be unable to function in the present. Our consciousness selectively retains what is meaningful, allowing us to focus on the future. Memories are stored in the mind’s recesses, accessible but not constantly present.
Buddha referred to this storage as the “storehouse of consciousness.” Like an attic filled with forgotten items, our memories remain, unseen but present. This system allows us to live in the present, free from the burden of past experiences. Through practices like meditation, we can transcend the identification with our memories, using them as resources rather than being dominated by them.
Krishna exemplifies this mastery over memory. Unlike Arjuna, who is overwhelmed by his immediate past, Krishna accesses only the relevant memories needed for the present moment. This ability to remain unburdened by the past enables Krishna to respond with clarity and wisdom.
The difference between Krishna and most of us lies in our relationship with memory. We are often entangled in our past, while Krishna operates from a place of detachment. By not identifying with his memories, he can use them as tools to navigate the present. This detachment allows for a clear perception of reality, unclouded by the confusion of past experiences.
Krishna’s teachings invite us to transcend our limitations, to see beyond the immediate and to embrace the vastness of existence. His words encourage us to recognise the potential of our own consciousness, urging us to live fully in the present while acknowledging the richness of our past.
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