Discover Yourself – In Gita Verse 4.34 Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realised souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.
In the Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.34, it is emphasised to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master with humility and a sincere heart. The self-realised souls who have seen the truth can impart knowledge to those who seek it. This verse is invaluable as it highlights the importance of bowing down, asking questions, and receiving knowledge from wise individuals.
Questions can be asked in various ways, but Krishna stresses the significance of bowing down before seeking knowledge. Curiosity often drives questions, but true seekers approach with a genuine desire to learn. Asking out of curiosity may not yield deep answers, as the intention behind the question matters. It is essential to approach with humility and a thirst for knowledge.
Bowing down symbolises humility and receptivity. It signifies the willingness to surrender the ego and open the door to knowledge. The act of bowing down is not merely physical but a reflection of inner humility. The wise do not answer questions posed by the ego but respond to genuine inquiries from humble seekers.
The relationship between a disciple and a Guru is one of readiness to learn. A disciple acknowledges their ignorance and seeks guidance with an open heart. Being a disciple requires humility and a willingness to learn, as the Guru imparts knowledge to those who are receptive. The act of bowing down signifies a readiness to receive wisdom and guidance.
The story of the emperor and the gatekeeper illustrates the importance of humility in seeking knowledge. In a royal court, an emperor challenged his scholars to show him the presence of Brahma in the world, likening it to finding salt in the sea. Despite their efforts to explain through quotes and knowledge, they failed to satisfy the emperor’s demand. The gatekeeper, observing the situation, boldly stepped forward and asked the emperor to bow down. As the emperor humbled himself, he realised that the search for Brahma outside was futile, as the divine presence was within him all along. This act of humility led the emperor to a profound realisation, showing that true wisdom comes from within.
The emperor’s experience taught him that true understanding comes from humility and introspection. By bowing down and looking within himself, he found the answer he was seeking. The gatekeeper’s simple yet profound gesture revealed to the emperor that the search for truth and enlightenment begins by acknowledging and embracing the divinity within oneself. This story highlights the importance of humility and inner reflection in attaining true wisdom and enlightenment.
The art of asking questions and being a disciple has been lost in today’s world. True discipleship involves a genuine thirst for knowledge and a willingness to bow down in humility. Only when questions arise from a place of deep yearning for liberation can true knowledge be imparted by the wise.
Bowing down is not a mere formality but a profound act of surrender and receptivity. It allows for the transmission of energy and knowledge from the wise to the seeker. The act of prostration creates an electric circuit between the seeker and the wise, facilitating the flow of wisdom and blessings.
Krishna emphasises the importance of learning something that cannot be explicitly taught, but rather hinted at – the truth. The truth transcends notions of right and wrong, and can only be realized through personal experience. Having a living Master to guide individuals towards *Discover Yourself* is essential, as it is synonymous with finding the truth.
In the story “Havana Cigar,” an American seeker embarks on a journey to find a wise man who can guide him towards discovering the ultimate truth. Despite initial confusion over the wise man’s unconventional request for a cigarette, the seeker learns that enlightenment does not preclude simple pleasures. The wise man’s condition for revealing the truth, the need for a Havana cigar, serves as a metaphor for the unique and individualised paths to enlightenment.
The Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.34 emphasises the significance of humility, openness, and sincere inquiry in the quest for knowledge. It guides seekers towards self-discovery and reflection, urging them to uncover their true essence within. Dogen’s words, “When we realise the truth is within us, we become our authentic selves,” reinforce the importance of self-realisation and inner contemplation in the pursuit of truth.
The tales of the emperor and the gatekeeper, as well as the American seeker and the old wise man, woven into Krishna’s teachings, deepen the understanding of the significance of humility and openness in seeking truth. Reverence towards the wise, with a genuine heart, paves the way for transformation and the transmission of wisdom from those who have attained enlightenment. True discipleship entails a readiness to learn, relinquish the ego, and approach with a sincere thirst for knowledge.
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