Profound Emptiness – In Gita Verse 4.28 Having accepted strict vows, some become enlightened by sacrificing their possessions, and others by performing severe austerities, by practicing the yoga of eightfold mysticism, or by studying the Vedas to advance in transcendental knowledge.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reveals to Arjuna the myriad paths to enlightenment, each a unique journey towards transcendental knowledge and self-realisation. According to Verse 4.28, some individuals attain enlightenment by sacrificing their material possessions, others through the rigours of austerity, the disciplined practice of the eightfold path of yoga, or by immersing themselves in the study of the Vedas. These diverse practices are unified by their ultimate goal of transcending the ego and dedicating oneself to a higher purpose.
Service, when viewed as a sacred offering to God, becomes a profound spiritual practice. However, this service must be free from ego. When service is performed with the expectation of gratitude or recognition, it becomes an extension of the self, rather than a true offering. The act of service should be an expression of divine grace, with the individual serving as an instrument of God’s will, much like a leaf carried by the wind. In this way, service transforms into a form of worship and prayer, a path to divine realisation.
The simplicity of this concept can be deceptive. While it may seem straightforward to serve with humility, true surrender to God is challenging. The ego, even in its subtlest form, can obstruct the path of selfless service. Genuine surrender requires the dissolution of the self, a state where actions are seen as manifestations of divine will. This understanding transcends intellectual reasoning, emerging instead from the heart. It is a profound realisation that one’s very existence is a gift from the divine, and all actions are expressions of this sacred connection.
Krishna also speaks of the path of non-violence, a principle deeply embodied by Mahavira, the proponent of Ahimsa. Non-violence, in its truest sense, is not merely the absence of physical harm but a state of being free from the desire to harm. It is an internal transformation where the senses no longer seek to dominate or possess. This path aligns with the teachings of Mahavira, who emphasised the immortality of the soul and the futility of violence.
The essence of non-violence is the absence of aggression, both overt and subtle. It is a return to the self, a withdrawal of the senses from their outward pursuits. This inward journey, or Pratikraman, leads to a state of meditation and inner peace. In this state, the individual transcends the duality of violence and non-violence, reaching a place of profound harmony with the universe.
Krishna’s teachings emphasise the unity of paths like service, non-violence, and yoga, all leading to self-realisation by transcending the ego. This journey shifts from mere intellectual understanding to a heart-centred awareness, where actions are deeply connected to the divine. Krishna advises Arjuna that self-realisation is attainable through diverse paths, urging individuals to integrate these teachings into daily lives, not merely by adhering to the words, but by embodying the actions with humility, embodying actions and surrendering the ego to the divine.
In every action, maintaining self-awareness is crucial. It is this mindful engagement that allows us to transcend our basic instincts and cultivate a higher consciousness. By nurturing this awareness, we can grow towards self-realisation without renouncing the material world. Acting from a place of inner stillness – free from judgement, interpretation, or negativity – enables us to connect with our true essence.
When thoughts dissolve, what remains? A profound emptiness, a state of pure being. In this space, you are untouched by external influences, a clear mirror reflecting nothing but the essence of existence itself.
In this context, self-realisation is not an arduous task requiring accolades or recognition. It is a natural state of being, an inherent truth that unfolds with gentle introspection.
The path to self-realisation is one of playfulness and ease. It is a journey of letting go, of recognising the divine within and around us. When we release our grip on achievements and outcomes, we open ourselves to the effortless flow of existence. Life becomes a joyous dance, a celebration of the divine play.
Krishna advises Arjuna to embrace this playfulness, to direct his focus inward and meet his true self. In doing so, Arjuna can transcend his attachments and act without enmity, becoming a vehicle for divine will. This is the essence of self-realisation: a state where the ego is sacrificed, and the individual becomes one with the divine.
Through these teachings, Krishna invites us to explore the depths of our being, to recognise the interconnectedness of all paths, and to embrace the simplicity and joy of existence. By surrendering the ego and embracing the divine, we can transcend the limitations of the mind and experience the boundless freedom of the soul.
Tags: Profound Emptiness
