Swasthya – In Gita Verse 4.33 O chastiser of the enemy, the sacrifice performed in knowledge is better than the mere sacrifice of material possessions. After all, O son of Pṛthā, all sacrifices of work culminate in transcendental knowledge.
O Arjuna, the sacrifice of knowledge is the greatest of all sacrifices, surpassing even those made with material possessions. For, all actions ultimately lead to transcendental knowledge, O son of Pṛthā. Our lives can be likened to a sacrificial fire, burning with desires and wishes. The flames of ignorance often consume us, leaving us feeling restless and dissatisfied. However, amidst this turmoil, there exists a deep yearning for something more, a quest for peace and fulfilment beyond worldly desires.
It is crucial to grasp another important point here – when we speak of having no worldly demands, it does not mean that there can be non-worldly demands. Similarly, when we say there is no desire for worldly things, it does not imply a desire for salvation. Our true yearning is not for material possessions, wealth, or even peace and bliss. What we truly seek is the vision of God, liberation, and knowledge.
Worldly demands will always be worldly; desires are inherently of this world. It is essential to remember that desires are limited to the material realm. Peace cannot be demanded; it is the result of letting go of unrest. Those who seek peace will never truly find it, as their very desire for peace creates further unrest within them. Peace is not something to be asked for; it is only attained when one relinquishes unrest.
In our pursuit for solace, we may turn to religion, prayer, and meditation. Yet, even in these moments of seeking, our minds are clouded with desires. We ask for worldly things, seeking satisfaction in material possessions and fleeting pleasures. But true yagya lies in the pursuit of knowledge, devoid of worldly demands and aspirations.
It is crucial to understand that true liberation comes from relinquishing all desires, not just those of the material world. Seeking peace or salvation through desires only leads to further unrest and dissatisfaction. The yagya of knowledge involves letting go of all desires, including those for spiritual fulfilment, and embracing a state of pure consciousness.
The path to true knowledge yagya lies in surrendering ourselves completely, living as if God resides within and around us. By aligning our actions with divine will and letting go of all desires, we can attain ultimate liberation and freedom from the bondage of ignorance. This knowledge of yagya is the key to true health and well-being, transcending physical healing to reach a state of spiritual wholeness.
Swasthya, a term with deep spiritual connotations, signifies being rooted in oneself and free from all vibrations of desire. Just as a flame remains steady in the absence of wind, our consciousness can find peace and stability by letting go of all desires. The fear of death, born out of incessant desires, dissipates when we embrace a state of desirelessness and pure consciousness.
Refrain from rejecting or resisting anything; rather, embrace all without bias or interpretation. What happens when we let go of our judgements? Allow me to share a tale from the days of Lao Tzu in ancient China, a story cherished by the sage himself.
In a humble village lived an old man, possessing a magnificent white horse that even kings coveted. Despite offers of great wealth, the man refused to sell the horse, viewing it as a friend rather than a possession. When the horse disappeared one day, the villagers lamented the loss, deeming it a misfortune. However, the old man simply stated the fact that the horse was gone, refusing to pass judgement.
To everyone’s surprise, the horse returned with twelve wild horses in tow. Once again, the villagers rushed to praise the old man’s good fortune. Yet, he cautioned against hasty judgements, reminding them that life’s events are interconnected and unpredictable.
When his son broke his legs while training the wild horses, the villagers were quick to declare it a tragedy. However, when war broke out and the son was spared from conscription due to his injury, they realised the folly of their judgements. The old man, ever wise, urged them to refrain from passing premature verdicts, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding.
In the teachings of Krishna to Arjuna, the importance of relinquishing judgements in the pursuit of true knowledge is emphasised. By surrendering our desires and aligning our actions with divine will, we can transcend ignorance and attain spiritual liberation. This yagya of knowledge leads us towards eternal peace and fulfilment, guiding us on the path to enlightenment.
In essence, by embracing a mindset free from judgements and biases, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life’s events. Through this surrender of knowledge, true wisdom and knowing will illuminate our path towards ultimate liberation.
Tags: Swasthya
