Meeting With Unknowable – In Gita Verse 4.11 As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā.
The Bhagavad Gita, a timeless scripture, is filled with profound wisdom that often appears paradoxical. In Verse 4.11, Krishna articulates a concept that is both intriguing and seemingly contradictory: “As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā.” This notion of exclusive surrender presents a fascinating duality, wherein the act of surrendering implies both a union and a separation.
In this verse, Krishna speaks of surrendering exclusively to Him. The term “exclusive” suggests a state where one no longer perceives a distinction between oneself and the divine. It is a state of oneness, devoid of otherness. However, Krishna also speaks of seeking refuge in Him. This raises an interesting question: if one has become one with the divine, where is the need for refuge? Refuge implies seeking shelter in something other, yet in this oneness, there is no other. This paradox highlights the profound nature of true surrender, where the seeker and the sought become indistinguishable.
True surrender occurs when the ego dissolves completely. It is not merely an act of bowing one’s head in reverence; it is the complete relinquishment of the ego. In many temples, devotees may prostrate themselves before deities, yet their egos remain intact, standing tall within. Surrender is only achieved when the ego is entirely vanquished, and there is no longer a distinction between the self and the divine.
Krishna’s teachings further delve into the concept of purification through the penance of knowledge. This too is paradoxical. Penance, often associated with physical austerity, can be driven by ego. An egoistic person may undertake severe penances, driven by a stubborn will. However, such penances do not purify the soul; instead, they can make it more impure. The penance of knowledge, on the other hand, is rooted in surrender. It is not a penance performed out of ego, but one that arises from a deep understanding and acceptance of divine will.
The penance of knowledge involves a surrender to the divine, accepting whatever comes, whether it be joy or sorrow, light or darkness. It is a life lived in harmony with divine will, where every action is seen as the will of the divine. This is the essence of true surrender, where the ego is no longer the driving force, and the soul is purified.
Krishna’s teachings are delivered with compassion, inviting us to turn inward and find oneness with the divine. He does not demand that we reach a particular state before He becomes available to us. Instead, He assures us that by turning inward, by being true to ourselves, we will find Him there, resonating with us at our frequency. This is the essence of divine compassion, where the divine meets us exactly where we are.
This idea can be likened to our interactions with children. When we play with a child, we become like them, resonating with their energy and perspective. In doing so, we are not separate from the child but one with them. Similarly, Krishna encourages Arjuna to be himself, to embrace his true nature, and in doing so, he will find the divine within.
Krishna’s own life exemplifies this principle of meeting others where they are. He presents himself differently to each person, whether as a child to Putana, an enemy to Kansa, a friend to Arjuna, or a lover to Radha. This adaptability is a reflection of his totality, his ability to be fully present and resonant with each individual’s unique experience.
In our own lives, we adapt our roles and interactions based on the relationships we have, whether as parents, spouses, or friends. However, the distinction between us and Krishna lies in his totality, his ability to be fully present and resonant with each individual.
Krishna’s message to Arjuna is one of turning inward and finding the divine within. In this silent communion, the self and the divine vibrate at the same frequency, represented by the sacred sound of AUM. This sound, as described in the teachings of Patanjali, is the universal resonance that brings about a sense of unity and centeredness.
Through the chanting of AUM, one experiences a transformation from a distracted mind to a centered one. The symptoms of distraction, such as anxiety, despair, and irregular breathing, give way to a state of bliss and harmony. This transformation is a reflection of the meeting with the unknown and unknowable, an experience beyond words.
Krishna’s teachings remind us that surrender is not about losing ourselves but about discovering a deeper connection with the divine. It is a journey of turning inward, embracing the unknown, and finding solace in the unity of existence. Through this surrender, the soul is purified, and we find ourselves resonating with the divine, not as separate entities but as one.
Tags: Meeting With Unknowable
