False Learning – In Gita Verse 17.28 Anything done as sacrifice, charity or penance without faith in the Supreme, O son of Pṛthā, is impermanent. It is called asat and is useless both in this life and the next.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 17.28, Krishna conveys the essence of Shraddha and dedication in spiritual practices, emphasising the need to surrender the ego and become an instrument of the divine. Alongside this, Krishna introduces the concept of “asat,” denoting false learning. He explains that any action performed without trust in oneself is considered asat, ultimately rendering it futile and without lasting value.
Trust originates from “Sat,” representing right learning. Sat embodies the essence of truth and righteousness, guiding individuals towards genuine self-belief and alignment with divine will. By embracing Sat, one can cultivate a sense of authenticity and clarity in their actions, paving the way for spiritual growth and evolution.
The essence of Shraddha, or dedication, echoes throughout the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, signifying a deep commitment and surrender to the divine will. When one embodies Shraddha, they are essentially becoming an instrument through which the divine can manifest. This concept emphasises a shift from individual desires and ego-driven actions towards a state of selfless devotion and alignment with higher truths.
Shraddha is a profound act of letting go of the self and allowing the divine to guide one’s path. It involves a willingness to relinquish personal wishes and aspirations, recognising that the ultimate purpose is to live in harmony with the divine will. By stepping aside from the throne of the ego and inviting the divine presence to reside within, individuals can experience a profound sense of unity and purpose in their spiritual journey.
Shraddha is likened to a state of surrender and sacrifice, mirroring the act of dying to the self so that the divine can live through us. By embracing this level of dedication and trust in the divine, individuals can transcend the illusions of false learning and ego-driven pursuits, paving the way for a transformative spiritual experience rooted in truth and righteousness.
Ultimately, by nurturing a deep sense of Shraddha and allowing the divine to guide their actions and intentions, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth with a sense of purpose, integrity, and alignment with the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
The profound concept that “The moment you become a mortal, you become Shiva” encapsulates a deep truth about the nature of existence and spiritual realisation. When one embraces their mortal identity, recognising their impermanence in this world, they open themselves up to the divine presence within them, symbolised by Shiva, the supreme deity of transformation and transcendence.
This realisation of becoming like a dead body, free from the trappings of the ego and worldly attachments, the verse underscores the idea that when one lets go of their personal identity and desires, the essence of God, or Shivatva, begins to emerge from within. This state of surrender and humility allows the divine consciousness to flow through the individual, guiding their thoughts, actions, and intentions towards the path of truth and enlightenment.
Understanding the inherent mortal nature of human life and accepting one’s role and destiny in this existence is key to attaining Shivatva, the state of oneness with the divine. By aligning oneself with the flow of cosmic energy and relinquishing the illusion of separation between the self and the universe, one can transcend the limitations of the material world and realise their true spiritual essence.
According to Krishna, as individuals acknowledge and embrace their mortal nature with humility and surrender, they unlock the transformative power of Shiva within them. This journey paves the path towards spiritual growth, self-realisation, and the attainment of Shivatva – a state of divine consciousness and union with the ultimate reality. This journey is marked by a singular penance that leads to self-effacement, a sole sacrifice that dismantles the ego, and a single act of donation that gifts oneself entirely to the divine. Upon the culmination of these practices, what endures is akin to the vast ocean after the vanishing of a wave – the eternal resonance of Om Tat Sat, signifying the ultimate truth and existence.
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