Surrender To Reality – In Gita Verse 18.62 O scion of Bharata, surrender unto Him utterly. By His grace you will attain transcendental peace and the supreme and eternal abode.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 18.62, Krishna advises Arjuna to seek the exclusive refuge of the Supreme God in every way. By the grace of this Supreme Being, one can attain ultimate peace and the eternal Supreme Abode. This profound teaching underscores the importance of surrendering oneself completely to the divine.
No individual has ever achieved such peace through ego, attachment, or falsehood, nor has anyone reached the Supreme Abode through these means. The primary obstacle is the self, which generates unrest in the mind. This unrest is not due to external circumstances, such as war, but is rooted in the individual’s own ego.
The inner self often claims ownership over external entities, creating a false sense of possession. However, when one looks inward and recognises the divine presence within, distinctions such as “mine” and “yours” dissolve, revealing that everything and everyone is part of the divine.
Krishna emphasises the importance of seizing moments of surrender. These moments are precious and often occur when one is on the verge of awakening. Surrendering at such times can lead to profound spiritual growth.
Surrender embodies a paradoxical condition wherein the individual ego dissolves, yet in this dissolution, one emerges anew, resplendent in infinite glory and multidimensional magnificence. This process can be likened to a dewdrop that, once dissipated, cannot be recovered in its original form. It ceases to exist as a singular, finite entity and instead merges with the ocean, adopting a boundless and infinite nature. Though it no longer retains its individual identity, it persists in an expansive, limitless form.
Surrender entails the relinquishment of the self-centred ego, facilitating the unveiling of one’s true, infinite, and multidimensional nature. This transformation underscores the profound shift from a limited, isolated existence to an expansive, interconnected state of being. The individual, in surrendering, transcends the confines of the ego and discovers an existence characterised by boundless potential and infinite dimensions, thus achieving a state of unparalleled splendour.
Buddha also emphasised the importance of surrender. He taught that surrendering to reality is fundamental. Fighting against reality only creates more obstacles and conflict, whereas surrendering allows one to flow with the natural course of life.
True surrender involves letting go of the ego and becoming one with the river of existence. When the ego disappears, one becomes aware of the eternal presence that has always been there. Buddha advised his disciples to surrender all gains from meditation back to the universe, preventing attachment and allowing the self to dissolve.
In Eastern philosophy, surrender is meticulously examined, often symbolised by driftwood in a river. This imagery captures the essence of tranquillity, trust, and acceptance. The driftwood, devoid of personal desires, aligns its purpose with the river’s flow, embodying the sentiment, “The river’s goal is my goal.” As the river moves towards the ocean, the driftwood surrenders to this journey, illustrating profound acceptance and unity with the natural course.
Coming to a Master and surrendering to their guidance is akin to entering the stream of existence. The Master, having surrendered to the river of existence, can help disciples navigate their spiritual journey. The presence of a Master provides a tangible connection to the otherwise invisible river of existence.
Becoming a disciple means being ready to float with the Master, enjoying the journey and shedding all anxieties. This process leads to total surrender, where one realises their innermost being and attains enlightenment.
Surrender is a profound state that arises naturally, beyond intentional action or inaction. It cannot be forced but unfolds spontaneously during everyday activities, eventually bringing immense blessings. True surrender involves recognising the ego’s futility and releasing it, which dissolves societal conditioning and unveils inherent bliss.
Krishna compares surrender to effortlessly swimming in a river, suggesting that life flows more smoothly when one stops resisting and allows the natural current to guide them. This concept transcends religious doctrines, embodying deep trust and love as fundamental principles of all spiritual paths.
By relinquishing the ego, knowledge, and intellect, one experiences a form of rebirth, embracing the present moment. Ultimately, surrender leads to transcendental peace, liberation, and eternal bliss, connecting us to the divine presence within and around us.
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