Follow Your Nature – In Gita Verse 18.60 Under illusion you are now declining to act according to My direction. But, compelled by the work born of your own nature, you will act all the same, O son of Kuntī.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 18.60, Krishna addresses a profound message to Arjuna emphasises the inevitability of action dictated by one’s inherent nature, despite any conscious resistance due to attachments or misconceptions.
When one refrains from acting out of attachment, they are often compelled by their intrinsic tendencies to act regardless. This attachment manifests as an emotional entanglement with one’s surroundings and relationships. Arjuna’s predicament illustrates this vividly. He perceives his loved ones, including his teachers, grandfather, brothers, cousins, and friends, standing on both sides of the battlefield. This overwhelming attachment causes him to waver, not out of a genuine sense of non-violence, but because of his emotional bonds.
If Arjuna’s family were not present, and the opposing side consisted of individuals with whom he had no personal connection, he would engage in battle without hesitation. His internal conflict is not rooted in a philosophical or moral stance against violence but in his attachment to those he loves. This attachment clouds his judgement, leading him to question the righteousness of his actions.
Krishna’s assertion that Arjuna’s hesitation is born out of illusion highlights a critical point: true non-violence, like that of Buddha or Mahavir, arises from deep compassion and a philosophical commitment to peace. Arjuna’s reluctance, however, stems from personal attachment rather than a profound ethical stance. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of his dilemma.
Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna underlines the importance of recognising and transcending such illusions. He emphasises that one cannot be taught the ultimate truth directly but can be guided to recognise what is not true. This process involves deconditioning from societal and religious influences that have shaped one’s perceptions. By shedding these layers of conditioning, an individual can uncover their true nature, which is inherently divine.
“Follow your nature” is a directive to align with one’s intrinsic self. Each person possesses a unique nature, much like water flows downward and fire rises upward. This innate nature, when unburdened by societal conditioning, reveals one’s true essence. Krishna’s teaching is to act in accordance with this inner nature, which is synonymous with divine will.
When Krishna states that one will act according to their nature, he implies that humans are inherently divine beings. The ultimate fulfilment and contentment come from realising and expressing this divine nature. Material wealth, power, and prestige cannot satisfy the deep-seated need for spiritual awakening and self-realisation. Only by allowing one’s divine nature to blossom can true contentment be achieved.
Society often imposes rules and commandments that dictate behaviour, suppressing the individual’s inner voice. These external prescriptions can enslave the spirit, leading to a life of conformity rather than true freedom. The priests and leaders, driven by their own agendas, fear individuals who follow their nature because such individuals cannot be easily controlled or manipulated.
Listening to one’s inner voice, the voice of one’s true nature, is the path to liberation. This inner guidance, if heeded, empowers an individual beyond the reach of societal constraints. However, accessing this inner voice requires overcoming the deep-seated conditioning imposed by society.
Krishna’s message is clear: true freedom and fulfilment come from following one’s intrinsic nature. This nature is a source of infinite guidance, akin to the divine voice that spoke to prophets and sages. It continues to speak to each individual, but one must be willing to listen and be receptive.
A person of consciousness, as Krishna describes, responds to situations with spontaneity and clarity, free from the bondage of preconceived notions and societal expectations. Such actions, born from a place of inner truth and awareness, do not create karma or bondage but instead liberate the individual.
Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita urge individuals to transcend their attachments and societal conditioning to discover and follow their true nature. This path leads to ultimate freedom and self-realisation, aligning one’s actions with the divine will inherent within. This profound wisdom serves as a timeless guide for those seeking true fulfilment and liberation.
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