This Attitude – In Gita Verse 18.34 But that determination by which one holds fast to fruitive results in religion, economic development and sense gratification is of the nature of passion, O Arjuna.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.34 highlights that the determination rooted in the pursuit of results in religion, economic development, and sense gratification is characterised by passion. This passion-driven determination often leads individuals to misinterpret the connection between their perceptions and outcomes, resulting in significant challenges. Many believe that external forces are the source of their sorrow, but this is often a consequence of their own assumptions and notions.
Individuals frequently think that others are causing them distress, but in reality, they are troubled by their own thoughts and beliefs. Over numerous lifetimes, people weave complex webs of notions and strive to justify them, regardless of the discomfort these notions cause. Krishna, in his teachings, emphasises that such determination, which clings to sleep, fear, worry, sorrow, and even madness, is of a tamasic nature.
There are three types of beliefs, meditation, and landholdings. A person driven by the desire for results, even in religious practices or acts of charity, does so with an expectation of outcomes. This desire for results often leads to suffering and sadness, as wishes are rarely fulfilled, and even when they are, satisfaction is fleeting. The pursuit of desires is akin to chasing the horizon – always out of reach, perpetually distant.
No matter the wealth, the desire for more persists. Positions of power and luxuries do not quell the longing for more. This relentless pursuit causes perpetual dissatisfaction. The desire for success, driven by passion, ultimately leads to sadness and emptiness, yet individuals continue to hold on.
Krishna asserts that determination focused on results is inherently passionate. This concept is illustrated through a story of a farmer and his son. The farmer, who gave the best seeds to the universe, reaped large watermelons, while his son, focused on profit, received smaller ones. The farmer’s gratitude towards the universe contrasts with his son’s desire for monetary gain, which Krishna identifies as passion.
The Kaivalya Upanishad offers further insight, suggesting that a pure, undisturbed heart is essential for true meditation and devotion. This purity is achieved by discarding negative emotions and accumulating positive ones. However, humans tend to remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones, which pollutes the heart and mind. This attitude must be changed. One must go on accumulating positives and throwing out negatives; then the heart becomes purified.
To purify the heart, one must consciously choose to focus on positive aspects and let go of negatives. For instance, if someone is angry, instead of fixating on the anger, one can observe the vitality and energy it brings. This shift in perspective transforms the experience into a learning opportunity, rather than a source of distress.
Gurdjieff’s teachings provide practical applications of this principle. He would create situations that provoked anger in his students, then instruct them to become aware and observe their reactions. This practice turned anger into a study object, allowing students to master their responses and shift their energy towards gratitude.
Ultimately, all circumstances should be viewed as opportunities to express gratitude. The story of the farmer and his son, along with Gurdjieff’s exercises, illustrate how shifting focus from receiving to giving transforms our experiences. Krishna emphasises that determination itself is neither good nor bad; its value depends on whether it fosters gratitude and giving (mode of goodness) or is driven by the desire to receive (mode of passion).
Krishna’s teachings emphasise that comprehending and implementing these principles can result in a more fulfilling and serene life. By prioritising generosity and gratitude, we align ourselves with the mode of goodness, moving beyond the constraints of passionate determination. This transformation not only purifies the heart but also cultivates a profound connection with the universe, ultimately leading to genuine happiness and contentment.
Tags: This Attitude
