Ladder Of Consciousness – In Gita Verse 4.31 O best of the Kuru dynasty, without sacrifice one can never live happily on this planet or in this life: what then of the next?
O Arjuna, the esteemed member of the Kuru dynasty, those Yogis who partake in the nectar of knowledge that is the result of sacrifices, attain the eternal Supreme God. Without sacrifices, life in this human world holds no pleasure for an individual, so how can the afterlife bring joy?
Individuals who lead a life of sacrifice, free from desires and ego, are the ones who reach the Supreme God, the nectar, and bliss. On the contrary, those who do not lead a sacrificial life do not find joy even in this earthly realm, let alone in the afterlife. In this sutra, Krishna imparts several key teachings to Arjuna.
Firstly, Krishna stresses the importance of living a sacrificial life. This involves moving away from a life driven by desires and ego, and instead, focusing one’s existence around God. This shift in focus, where one becomes a servant of God rather than revolving around personal desires, signifies the transformation towards a sacrificial life.
Moreover, Krishna emphasises the significance of attaining the nectar of knowledge. Ignorance, represented as death, is dispelled through knowledge. Realising that death is merely an illusion created by ignorance opens the path to immortality and eternal bliss. By understanding the true essence of life and shedding light on the falsehood of death, individuals can experience the everlasting nature of their being.
The pursuit of self-knowledge is crucial, as it unveils the immortal consciousness within each individual. This self-awareness transcends the limitations of the physical body and provides a deeper understanding of one’s existence. By delving into the depths of self-discovery, one can uncover the essence of life and attain the nectar of knowledge that leads to eternal bliss.
Krishna’s teachings highlight the interconnectedness of the inner and outer worlds. The division between this world and the afterlife is not temporal but spatial, existing here and now. By aligning oneself with the divine presence within, one can experience joy in both realms simultaneously.
The path to eternal happiness lies in leading a sacrificial life, attaining the nectar of knowledge, and realising the unity of the inner and outer worlds. By embracing self-knowledge and transcending ignorance, individuals can unlock the gates to immortality and experience boundless joy in all aspects of existence. Krishna’s wisdom serves as a guiding light towards a life filled with eternal bliss and divine connection.
Krishna advises Arjuna that to find true bliss, he must release his attachment to the outcomes of the war. By focusing solely on the results of his actions, Arjuna will be unable to experience genuine happiness. Krishna explains that even if Arjuna chooses not to fight, his inaction will be considered a sin if he is not in a state of bliss.
To better understand Krishna’s message, we can explore the concept of Three Steps to Heaven: Instinct, Intellect, and Intuition. Instinct, the lowest level, is inherent in all living beings and is driven purely by biological needs. Intellect, the middle level, allows for reasoning and logic beyond basic instincts. However, it can also lead to conflicts between instinct and intellect.
Intuition is considered the pinnacle of the Ladder Of Consciousness, which consists of three distinct divisions: instinct, intellect, and intuition. The term “in” is present in all three divisions, indicating that these qualities are inherent and cannot be acquired or enhanced through external means.
Intuition, the pinnacle, is a form of inner knowing that transcends logic and reasoning. It is a deep connection to one’s true self and can provide answers to existential questions. By tapping into intuition, one can achieve self-awareness and inner peace.
In Arjuna’s situation, Krishna urges him to move beyond his instinctual desires and intellectual reasoning. By connecting with his intuition, Arjuna can align with his true self and make decisions from a place of inner wisdom. This shift from instinct to intuition is crucial for personal growth and spiritual awakening.
Tags: Ladder Of Consciousness
