Playfulness And Reverence – In Gita Verse 18.57 In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me.
Krishna tells Arjun, by surrendering all your actions to me wholeheartedly, by relying on selfless action in the form of equanimity and devotion to me, you should always remain focused on me. This directive from the Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.57 emphasises the importance of surrendering one’s activities to a higher power, embodying selfless action, and maintaining unwavering focus on the divine. It is a call for complete dedication and mindfulness in every endeavour, ensuring that one’s actions are aligned with a higher purpose.
One primary obstacle to this form of surrender and devotion is ego. Ego creates a barrier that prevents true listening and understanding. When an individual is consumed by the belief that they already possess all knowledge, they become incapable of truly listening. Ego manifests as a form of deafness, an impenetrable barrier that even the loudest truths cannot penetrate. Unlike physical deafness, which can be mitigated by speaking louder, the deafness caused by ego is impervious to external efforts. It is an iron armour that shields the individual from new insights and deeper understanding.
True listening is distinct from mere hearing. While hearing is a physiological process, listening involves a deeper, more mindful engagement. Listening requires one to be mentally still, free from the interference of thoughts and preconceived notions. It is about being present and empty, allowing the message to resonate fully without the distortion of internal chatter. To truly listen, one must achieve a state of inner quietude, where the mind is still and receptive. This level of listening is essential for understanding the profound and eternal truths that Krishna imparts.
Mundane life, with all its activities and experiences, is the circumference of existence. To find the sacred and divine within this mundane life, one must engage deeply and wholeheartedly with the present moment. The divine is not separate from the world and its activities; it is found in the depth of our engagement with life. This perspective transforms everyday actions into opportunities for spiritual growth and discovery.
The verse also highlights the interconnectedness of playfulness and reverence. These qualities are not mutually exclusive but are deeply intertwined. True playfulness, when pursued to its core, naturally gives rise to a sense of reverence. This is contrary to traditional views that have often positioned playfulness and reverence as opposites. Historically, playfulness has been condemned, while reverence for the divine has been exalted. However, Krishna’s teachings suggest that these qualities can coexist harmoniously, enriching each other.
The synthesis of playfulness and reverence is exemplified in the concept of Zorba the Buddha. Zorba represents playfulness, while Buddha embodies reverence. For centuries, these aspects have been kept separate, to the detriment of both. The divine, when stripped of its playful and human elements, becomes too serious and lifeless. This separation has led to the deification of lifeless statues and the suppression of the vibrant, living qualities of the divine.
Krishna advocates for a life-affirming approach that integrates playfulness, humour, love, and respect. This integration transforms our understanding of the divine, making it more accessible and relatable. Reverence for life itself becomes the highest form of respect for the divine. Life, with all its joys and challenges, is the most sacred expression of the divine. Anything that detracts from the vibrancy of life is contrary to this divine respect.
Traditional religious teachings have often promoted a life-negative attitude, valuing renunciation and asceticism over engagement with the world. This has led to a dichotomy between the soul and the body, between this world and the next. Krishna’s teachings challenge this dichotomy by emphasising the unity of life and the divine. There is no separate world to aspire to; the divine is found within the depths of this world.
The true spiritual journey involves diving deeply into the present moment and the world around us. By fully engaging with life, one can uncover the divine essence that permeates all existence. The circumference of mundane life leads to the centre of divine truth. This journey requires a balance of Zorba’s playfulness and Buddha’s reverence, recognising that both are essential aspects of the same reality.
Krishna’s teachings call for a holistic approach to spirituality that embraces both the playfulness of life and the reverence for the divine. By surrendering all actions to Krishna and remaining fully conscious of Him, one can navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and devotion. This path leads to a deeper understanding of the divine, found not in renunciation but in the wholehearted engagement with the present moment.
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