Turning In – In Gita Verse 4.8 To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.
In every age, there comes a time when the divine must intervene to restore balance. The Bhagavad Gita’s verse 4.8 speaks of such divine intervention, where Krishna declares his purpose of appearing millennium after millennium: to uplift the saints, vanquish the wicked, and reestablish the principles of righteousness. This profound message invites us to explore its deeper meanings and implications.
The notion of delivering the pious raises intriguing questions. By definition, a saint is someone who has attained a level of spiritual enlightenment that seemingly requires no external salvation. If a saint cannot elevate themselves, then what distinguishes them as a saint? The wicked, on the other hand, are more straightforward in their need for transformation. Krishna’s mission, as described, is not just to save the saints from external threats but to preserve the sanctity of their spiritual path.
A true saint, in essence, cannot be harassed by the wicked. If a person claiming to be a saint is troubled by evildoers, it suggests a discrepancy in their spiritual integrity. The saint remains unperturbed, whether adorned with a garland of shoes or flowers, for their peace comes from within. Thus, the harassment of a saint is more a reflection of the wicked’s struggle with their own conscience than any real threat to the saint.
Krishna’s role in the salvation of saints may also be interpreted as a call to rid them of hypocrisy. In times of moral decay, even those who appear saintly may harbour duplicity. The presence of wickedness often signals an era where true sainthood is rare, and those claiming to be saints may be hypocrites. Therefore, Krishna’s intervention seeks to cleanse this hypocrisy, allowing genuine spirituality to flourish.
The destruction of the wicked, as Krishna describes, is not a literal annihilation but a transformative process. Wickedness can be eradicated, but hypocrisy is more insidious, requiring a shift in consciousness. Evil, with its tangible manifestations, can be confronted, whereas hypocrisy demands introspection and self-awareness. Thus, Krishna’s mission is to guide individuals back to their inherent divinity by awakening their self-consciousness.
Krishna’s earthly presence serves as a catalyst for those ready to transcend their self-unconsciousness. He did not eliminate all evil during his time on earth, but he did inspire those open to transformation. His interactions with figures like Putana, Kamsa, and the Pandavas illustrate his ability to tailor his guidance to each individual’s readiness to embrace self-awareness.
The core of Krishna’s teachings emphasises introspection over the correction of others. This inward journey is not about physical movement but rather about halting the relentless quest for external gratification. By ceasing to seek satisfaction outside oneself, true contentment is discovered within. It is in this state of inner stillness that the omnipresent divinity is unveiled, marking the genuine inward turn.
Efforts to venture inward paradoxically lead outward. All endeavours are inherently external, as the concept of an inward journey is a misconception; one is already at the destination. The cessation of outward striving and the dissipation of desires that cloud the mind signify the true essence of turning inward. It is not an act of turning at all, but rather a state of simply not venturing outward.
Language often struggles to convey such profound truths, but the concept of turning inward is about recognising the futility of external desires. When the mind ceases its restless wandering, a natural stillness emerges. This state of being is akin to awakening from a dream, where one realises they have always been whole and complete.
Reflect on moments in your life when you have guided someone not by correcting them but by helping them rediscover their own wisdom. The joy and satisfaction of witnessing their growth and self-realisation are profound. Like a teacher guiding students with gentle hints, we too can foster self-awareness in others, allowing them to take responsibility for their own journey.
We are all children of the universe, each with the potential to awaken to our true nature. The divine does not abandon us but gently nudges us towards self-consciousness. Krishna’s mission to deliver the pious is a reminder of this eternal guidance, urging us to turn inward and embrace our divine essence.
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