Friendship With Existence – In Gita Verse 18.50 O son of Kuntī, learn from Me how one who has achieved this perfection can attain to the supreme perfectional stage, Brahman, the stage of highest knowledge, by acting in the way I shall now summarise.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 18.50, Krishna imparts profound wisdom on attaining supreme perfection. He addresses Arjuna, the son of Kunti, and elucidates the path to achieving the highest stage of knowledge, Brahman. This supreme state is attained through actions that Krishna succinctly outlines.
A man devoid of attachments and desires, guided by a living conscience, reaches the pinnacle of renunciation. Such a person, who has purified their conscience, attains the state of Sachchidanandaghan Brahma, embodying supreme devotion to Tatvgyan. This verse highlights the significance of purity of intellect and the importance of solitude, a pure environment, and a vegetarian lifestyle. It underscores the necessity of controlling one’s mind, speech, and body, and achieving steadfast renunciation.
Krishna emphasises the importance of constant meditation and yoga. By controlling one’s conscience with Sattvik dharna, renouncing objects of desire, and destroying attachment and aversion, a person can attain unity with Sachchidanandaghan Brahma. This involves renouncing ego, force, pride, lust, anger, and attachment. A person who is free from these attributes and remains calm is capable of achieving this supreme unity.
Krishna’s teachings extend beyond mere renunciation. He advises on how to live a multidimensional life. Life, according to Krishna, is not linear but multifaceted. It encompasses various phases, including joy and sadness. To navigate this paradoxical nature of life, there are two approaches: one driven by effort, will, and ego, and the other by effortless existence and harmony with the universe.
Historically, religions have advocated the first approach, promoting a struggle against nature, the world, and even oneself. This path, characterised by fighting and striving, has largely failed, as evidenced by the scarcity of individuals who have achieved the ultimate experience of life. The second approach, which Krishna advocates, involves aligning with the flow of existence. This approach recognises that nature is not an adversary but a supportive force. Just as one cannot fight against a vast river, one cannot oppose the immense force of existence. Instead, one should learn to coexist harmoniously with it.
Krishna teaches that nature, being our origin, cannot be against us. Our bodies, which function autonomously even when we are asleep, exemplify this supportive relationship. The wisdom of the body, which continues to breathe and the heart to beat without our conscious effort, illustrates the inherent intelligence of nature. Thus, rather than renouncing the world, Krishna advises learning the art of living, which involves rejoicing in existence and transforming challenges into opportunities, much like how a scientist transforms poison into medicine.
If one perceives antagonism from nature or the world, Krishna suggests that it is likely due to ignorance or a misguided attitude. The key lies in understanding the art of living, which involves recognising that existence is inherently supportive. This perspective requires gratitude rather than condemnation, a shift from traditional religious teachings.
Krishna further elaborates on the concept of friendship, describing it as the ultimate expression of love. Unlike love, which can be tainted by passion and lead to enmity, friendship is pure and unearthly. True friendship, according to Krishna, is a spiritual phenomenon that modern society has largely forgotten. This form of friendship, which transcends mere acquaintanceship, is akin to the highest form of prayer. It involves a deep connection with existence, characterised by a sense of homecoming.
Krishna asserts that our relationship with existence mirrors our internal state. If we approach existence as a friend, it reciprocates a thousandfold. Conversely, if we view it as an enemy, it responds in kind. Modern society’s approach of conquering and fighting nature has led to widespread destruction. Krishna advocates for a return to fundamental principles, emphasising the need for humanity to learn anew how to coexist harmoniously with nature.
Krishna’s teachings provide a comprehensive guide to achieving supreme perfection. By cultivating a pure conscience, practising renunciation, and embracing a multidimensional approach to life, individuals can attain unity with the highest knowledge, Brahman. This path requires a fundamental shift in perspective, from viewing existence as an adversary to recognising it as a supportive force. Through friendship with existence, one can achieve true harmony and fulfilment.
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