State Of Simplicity – In Gita Verse 17.18 Penance performed out of pride and for the sake of gaining respect, honour and worship is said to be in the mode of passion. It is neither stable, nor permanent.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 17.18, Lord Krishna explains that performing penance or any spiritual practice out of pride and ego, seeking respect, honour, or worship, falls under the mode of passion. Such actions are driven by the desire for recognition and external validation rather than genuine spiritual growth and connection with the divine.
When actions are done with pride and ego, they lack the depth and sincerity that are necessary for true spiritual progress. The focus becomes more on seeking external rewards and praise, rather than cultivating inner transformation and selflessness. As a result, the benefits of such penance or prayers are temporary and fleeting, as they do not lead to lasting spiritual evolution.
Krishna emphasises that true spiritual practices should be done with humility, selflessness, and sincerity, without attachment to external outcomes or recognition. When actions are performed with purity of intention and devotion, devoid of ego and pride, they lead to inner growth, peace, and spiritual fulfilment. Genuine spiritual practices done with humility and love for the divine lead to lasting transformation and inner stability, unlike those driven by ego which are impermanent and unstable.
In a beautiful story written by Leo Tolstoy, three men became renowned saints in Russia, much to the dismay of the highest priest who had not even heard of them. The priest, disturbed by people flocking to these unknown saints, believed that true saintliness could only be recognised by the church, indicating a rigid mindset towards institutional validation of spiritual stature.
Determined to investigate, the priest travelled across the lake to meet the three saints who turned out to be simple uneducated peasants. Despite their humility and simplicity, people revered them as saints, a fact that puzzled the high priest. When asked about their saintly status, the three men humbly denied claiming such a title and expressed their inability to convince others otherwise.
Regarding prayer, when the priest inquired about their practice, the saints admitted to not knowing any formal prayers. Instead, they had devised a heartfelt prayer based on their simple understanding of the Trinity: “You are three, we are three: Have mercy on us!” The priest, disapproving of their prayer, tried to teach them the orthodox Lord’s Prayer but found the saints struggling to remember it due to their lack of education.
Feeling embarrassed, the priest recited the prayer repeatedly and departed, only to witness a miraculous sight – the three saints chasing his boat across the water, asking for the prayer to be repeated once more. Realising the purity and sincerity in the simple prayer of the peasants, the priest had a moment of awakening and sought forgiveness for his arrogance and misunderstanding.
Ultimately, this story conveys the essence that prayer is not about elaborate words or rituals but stems from a state of purity and simplicity, deeply rooted in the silence of the heart. It underscores the idea that the true essence of prayer lies in genuine devotion and humility rather than elaborate formalities or outward displays of religious authority.
Krishna emphasises the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in managing the ego. Similarly, just as a priest symbolises purity and devotion, individuals are encouraged to engage inspection and self-reflection to observe and purify their egos.
The ego, often associated with pride and selfish desires, can cloud one’s understanding and hinder spiritual growth. By remaining vigilant and mindful of the ego’s influence on thoughts and actions, one can begin the process of purification. This entails recognising when the ego is in control and taking steps to transcend its limiting tendencies.
Through this awareness and transformation, the purified ego can evolve into qualities such as compassion and prayer. Compassion arises from the dissolution of ego-driven motivations, allowing individuals to connect with others on a deeper level and offer support and kindness selflessly. Prayer, which is often seen as a form of communication with the divine, can also be transformed when the ego is purified. Rather than seeking personal gain or recognition through prayer, one can offer heartfelt devotion and surrender, embodying humility and reverence.
By aligning with the purity and selflessness symbolised by the priest, individuals can transcend the ego’s constraints and cultivate qualities such as compassion and prayer that reflect a deeper connection with the divine and the world around them. This transformation not only enhances one’s spiritual journey but also fosters a sense of inner peace, harmony, and unity with the universe.
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