Be Nobody – In Gita Verse 18.70 And I declare that he who studies this sacred conversation of ours worships Me by his intelligence.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.70 declares that an individual who diligently studies this sacred conversation between Krishna and Arjuna worships Krishna through their intelligence. This profound dialogue is not merely a conversation but an embodiment of spiritual intercourse, where the essence of Krishna’s teachings is conveyed. Engaging with this dialogue, as Krishna emphasises, is akin to participating in a divine exchange, fostering an environment of harmony and deep cooperation.
Krishna speaks of two forms of interaction: conflict and dialogue. Conflict arises when one’s thoughts are contrary to what is being communicated, whereas dialogue occurs when there is a consonance of thoughts, creating a harmonious experience. This dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna is an exceptional event where both individuals immerse themselves in each other’s consciousness, transcending their individual egos and identities.
Krishna refers to this unique event as Dharmamay, an event of religion where two consciousnesses merge so profoundly that there is no longer a declaration of separate identities. This merging is comparable to a drop dissolving into the ocean or a river flowing into the sea. The daily reading of this religious dialogue, the Gita, is a practice that has developed predominantly in the East. Unlike the West, where books are read once and set aside, the East fosters a tradition of reciting religious texts daily, recognising that their meanings unfold layer by layer over time.
Daily reading is not ordinary reading; it is a continuous exploration of deeper meanings. Each reading of the Gita reveals new dimensions and insights, as the words of Dharma possess profound, multi-layered meanings. As one’s wisdom evolves, the understanding of these sacred texts deepens. By comprehending Krishna’s teachings, one gradually embodies the essence of Krishna, transitioning from reading like Arjuna at the beginning to reading like Krishna by the end.
The Gita’s words resonate differently depending on one’s state of mind. On days when the mind is calm and joyful, new meanings emerge, whereas on days of turmoil, the same words may fail to leave an impression. This continuous engagement with the Gita in various emotional and conscious states allows for an ever-evolving understanding, revealing new meanings and insights with each reading.
A religious text, therefore, is one that cannot be fully comprehended through a single reading but requires recitation and contemplation. The Gita, with its endless layers of meaning, is such a text. The ultimate goal is to peel away these layers, much like peeling an onion, until the core emptiness is revealed. This emptiness is the essence of Krishna, where surrender and true understanding occur.
Krishna emphasises that those who engage in this religious dialogue and recite it daily worship him through the yagya of knowledge. This form of worship, according to Krishna, is sufficient; no other yagya is necessary. By reading and internalising Krishna’s words with love, devotion, and faith, one participates in the divine ecstasy shared between Krishna and Arjuna, performing the yagya of knowledge repeatedly.
True surrender comes from intelligence. There is no conflict between intelligence and surrender; rather, surrender is an act of intelligence. However, it is crucial to distinguish between intellect and intelligence. Intellect is taught and imposed by others, whereas intelligence is innate, an inherent part of one’s being.
Understanding one’s aloneness is the first realisation that comes from intelligence. Aloneness is an intrinsic aspect of existence, untouched by external relationships or societal constructs. It signifies the shedding of the personality bestowed by the crowd, leading to the discovery of one’s true, nameless, and formless self. This realisation requires courage, as it involves embracing one’s nobodyness and experiencing a metaphorical death and resurrection.
Courage stems from love – love for oneself, for existence, and for the life that has been given. This love fosters the courage to stand alone, to transcend the ego and personality, and to discover one’s eternal, deathless essence. Aloneness is the foundation of the search for truth, and without embracing it, the quest remains unfulfilled.
Meditation serves as a strategy to strip away the layers of personality, thoughts, and identity, leaving one alone with their pure, living essence. This aloneness, characterised by watchfulness and awareness, is the ultimate realisation. It is not about physical solitude but about maintaining a state of watchfulness regardless of one’s surroundings.
This watchfulness is the essence of enlightenment, the true nature of being a disciple. Being a disciple is not about believing in a master but about learning the discipline of being oneself. In this realisation lies the treasure of life, transforming one from a beggar to an emperor, with the universe as their empire.
Krishna’s teachings in the Gita guide one towards this self-realisation. By knowing oneself, one conquers the universe, attaining the ultimate state of being.
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