Unknown Fragrance – In Gita Verse 18.61 The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.61, it is stated that the Supreme Lord resides in the hearts of all living beings, directing their wanderings as if they are seated on a machine made of material energy. This verse emphasises the omnipresence and omnipotence of the Supreme Lord, who governs the actions and destinies of all creatures.
The concept of “mine” and “yours” is an illusion; it is a false dichotomy that distracts us from the ultimate truth that only one Supreme Being exists within all of us. This single divine presence orchestrates the entire cosmic play. Whether it is making individuals engage in conflict or ensuring their protection, it is all executed according to His will.
Krishna’s teachings underscore that God is not an external entity but an internal presence residing within our hearts. He is formless yet manifests through our forms, guiding our actions and decisions. This internal divinity is why self-realised individuals advocate for introspection. They encourage us to turn inward to encounter the divine, as God is not an external being but an internal essence present in everyone as a profound emptiness.
An ancient Zen master once said, “Turn your heart round and enter the origin. Do not search for what has sprung out of it! When you have gained the origin, what has sprung out of it will come to you of itself.” This wisdom aligns with the idea that we are born with an outward orientation – our senses are designed to perceive the external world. However, we lack an innate sense that provides insight into our inner being.
Meditation serves as the tool to discover this hidden eye, often referred to as the “buddha-eye,” which allows us to perceive our origin. This requires a significant shift in focus, where we momentarily disconnect from the external world to look inward. This introspective journey answers the myriad questions that plague our minds, offering a sense of fulfilment that external answers cannot provide.
When we delve into our inner emptiness, we initially perceive it as a void. This experience can be unsettling because it is unfamiliar. However, it is essential to embrace this emptiness and remain present with it. Over time, our perception shifts, and what once felt like loneliness transforms into a profound sense of aloneness, an infinite presence. In this state, the individual self dissolves, and the divine presence becomes apparent.
The relationship between God and the self is akin to a gestalt shift. When the self is prominent, God remains hidden. Conversely, when the self recedes, God’s presence becomes manifest. Our very existence can obscure the divine, functioning like a cloud that hides the sun.
It is crucial to cherish and immerse ourselves in this state of emptiness. Whenever possible, we should close our eyes and embrace this void. Gradually, the beauty of this experience reveals itself, offering a taste of an entirely new and intoxicating state of being. This transformation brings about ecstasy and profound change.
There is no external path to escape this state because it encompasses everything. The only way to revert to the mundane is by re-engaging the mind, driven by fear, which leads us to seek distractions in relationships, the marketplace, and societal norms. This diversion causes us to miss the door to our true essence that we have been seeking for lifetimes.
Master Otsu, commenting on this process of emptying the heart, stated, “The heart becomes empty, the situation quiet, and the body just as it is.” This signifies that despite reaching the origin of existence, nothing outwardly changes. However, the individual’s perception undergoes a profound transformation. They can now appreciate the beauty of a flower or a sunset with fresh, unclouded eyes, perceiving the origin of all things.
A person who understands their origin refrains from making judgments. This non-judgmental stance is a significant contribution to human consciousness, transcending the simplistic moral dichotomy of good and bad.
Krishna’s teachings reveal that the cosmic origin of all things transcends our intellect, mind, words, body, and circumstances. In moments of deep silence, we can connect with this origin, experiencing its dance, hearing its music, and sensing its unknown fragrance. This profound connection with the divine essence is the ultimate realisation that Krishna imparts.
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