Childlike Helplessness – In Gita Verse 18.46 By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work.
By worshipping the Supreme God, the origin of all beings and the pervasive force in the universe, one can attain ultimate success through their natural actions. This philosophy underscores the idea that one’s life and work should be a form of worship. There is no need for external rituals or offerings; instead, every action performed should be an offering to the divine. This approach simplifies spiritual practice by integrating it into daily life, making every task a sacred act.
The essence of this teaching is to avoid the unnecessary trouble of changing one’s deeds. Whatever you do, offer it at the feet of the divine. Consider yourself a tool in the hands of the Supreme. Your actions, thoughts, and emotions should be seen as an extension of the divine will. This perspective removes the ego from your actions and aligns your work with a higher purpose, creating a seamless blend of spirituality and daily life.
Krishna’s guidance encourages us to become prayerful through our work, leading to perfection. This aligns with the concept that prayer is not merely a ritual but a state of being. Prayer is an expression of our innermost being, a spontaneous outpouring of gratitude and reverence. It is not confined to specific acts but permeates every aspect of our existence.
Understanding the hierarchy of existence is crucial. There are things below us, which we can control and understand precisely, and there are things above us, which transcend our comprehension. Prayer belongs to the latter category. It is not something that exists within us; rather, we exist within it. This higher dimension of prayer envelops us, making us part of a larger, more profound reality.
Modern society’s emphasis on precision and exactness has diminished many beautiful aspects of life. This obsession with clarity has led to the denial of anything that cannot be precisely defined, such as God, love, and beauty. This mindset strips the world of its inherent meaning and beauty, reducing it to a mechanical existence devoid of soul and purpose.
Meaning in life is a delicate phenomenon, akin to the fragrance of a flower. It cannot be grasped or contained, yet it is undeniably present. Similarly, prayer cannot be precisely defined or measured, but its presence is felt deeply. The essence of prayer is gratitude and thankfulness for the gift of life and the beauty that surrounds us. This gratitude does not depend on the existence of a deity; it is a fundamental recognition of the blessings we receive.
Whether or not there is a God is secondary to the act of being thankful. Gratitude itself opens the door to experiencing the divine. It is through this heartfelt appreciation that one can connect with the higher power. Just as sensory organs have specific functions, gratitude is the faculty through which we perceive and connect with the divine.
Prayer is not confined to specific times or rituals; it is a continuous way of living. It should not be a mere formality performed out of obligation. True prayer is informal and heartfelt, an ongoing state of gratitude and reverence that permeates every moment of life. It is not about repeating sacred names or phrases but about maintaining an inner awareness of the divine presence.
A person who lives in prayer remains in a state of prayerfulness throughout the day. This continuous connection with the divine transforms every action into an act of worship. Such a person experiences a seamless integration of spirituality and daily life, where every breath, every step, and every thought is imbued with a sense of divine presence.
Prayer, in this sense, is not about asking for specific outcomes or demanding favors. It is a humble request, a recognition of our dependence on the divine. Like a child asking its mother, prayer is an expression of our vulnerability and trust. It is not about exerting control but about surrendering to the greater wisdom and benevolence of the universe.
Krishna emphasises that true prayer does not involve demands. We cannot claim anything from the divine; we can only ask with humility and trust. This childlike helplessness and dependence form the essence of prayer. It is a state of being that acknowledges our limitations and seeks the support and guidance of the higher power.
This verse advocates for a life where work and worship are indistinguishable. By offering every action to the divine and maintaining a continuous state of gratitude and reverence, one can attain ultimate success and perfection. This approach transforms daily life into a spiritual practice, making every moment an opportunity for connection with the divine.
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