Liquid Phenomenon – In Gita Verse 18.31 O son of Pṛthā, that understanding which cannot distinguish between religion and irreligion, between action that should be done and action that should not be done, is in the mode of passion.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.31, Krishna addresses Arjuna, also known as Partha, and describes a type of understanding that is unable to distinguish between righteousness and unrighteousness, as well as between actions that should be performed and those that should not. This type of understanding is characterised as being in the mode of passion, or Rajasic. The Tamasic intellect, on the other hand, perceives things in a distorted manner, while the Satvik intellect sees things clearly and accurately. The Satvik intellect perceives reality as it is – stone as stone, flower as flower, righteousness as righteousness, and unrighteousness as unrighteousness. This clarity of perception is the hallmark of Satvik wisdom. Conversely, the Tamasic intellect sees things in a distorted, upside-down manner. The Rajasic intellect lies somewhere in between, characterised by confusion and an inability to make clear distinctions.
A person with a Rajasic intellect is often confused and unable to discern the truth about righteousness and unrighteousness, as well as about duty and non-duty. This confusion leads to a state of uncertainty and indecisiveness. Such individuals may see elements of religion in unrighteous acts and vice versa, leading to a state of perpetual dilemma. Even knowledgeable individuals are certain about what they perceive as true or false, while ignorant individuals are equally certain about their own perceptions. However, those with a Rajasic intellect waver between these certainties, unable to make firm decisions. They are like tightrope walkers, sometimes leaning left and sometimes right, never fully committing to one side. This constant state of indecision causes significant stress, unrest, and restlessness in their lives.
Krishna emphasises that an intellect that cannot discern the truth about righteousness and unrighteousness, as well as duty and non-duty, is Rajasic, driven by passion. In contrast, the Satvik intellect understands the paths of inclination and retirement, duty and non-duty, fear and fearlessness, bondage and liberation, and perceives things as they truly are. Figures like Duryodhana and Buddha do not need to ask questions because they are certain in their paths. Arjuna, however, is in the middle and must ask questions because he is uncertain and needs to make decisions. Krishna’s goal is to guide Arjuna away from becoming like Duryodhana and to help him engage in battle with the purity and innocence of Buddha.
Krishna’s teachings extend to the concept of authenticity. Following others without one’s own understanding is inauthentic and driven by passion. When individuals follow their parents, teachers, or masters without understanding, they are not being true to themselves. This inauthenticity is what Krishna refers to as phoney. Living a religious life without personal experience of God leads to a pseudo-religious existence, where individuals imitate others whom they perceive as religious. This imitation is dictated by societal standards, trapping individuals in a cycle of conformity and minimal consciousness.
True honesty and morality are not mere social conveniences or policies but are rooted in living one’s life with sincerity and authenticity. Honesty involves living in freedom, without pretence, and being true to oneself regardless of societal acceptance or rejection. An honest person respects themselves enough to risk everything for their authenticity. However, many people live arduous, ascetic lives, trying to cultivate a certain character, but this cultivated character is phoney and devoid of true bliss. Bliss arises only in those who are real and rooted in their true nature, like a real rose that needs the earth, sun, and rain to thrive.
Living according to scriptures or societal norms without listening to one’s own inner voice leads to a life devoid of true bliss. People must live according to their own light, which they have inherently within themselves. Great spiritual leaders like Buddha, Mahavira, and Krishna never lived according to someone else’s instructions; they followed their own inner guidance. True respect for a master comes from understanding and embodying their teachings, not from literal imitation.
Imitation is easier and requires no intelligence, but it leads to a life of contradiction and inner conflict. An intelligent person learns, understands, and follows their own light. Krishna advises dropping so-called morality, honesty, and religious life if they are not authentic. Instead, he encourages creating a consciousness that brings its own character. This character is a liquid phenomenon; it has no rigidity. This consciousness leads to a life of authenticity, freedom, and true bliss.
Tags: Liquid Phenomenon
