Divine Reveals – In Gita Verse 18.77 O King, as I remember the wonderful form of Lord Kṛṣṇa, I am struck with wonder more and more, and I rejoice again and again.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.77, Sanjaya reflects on the extraordinary form of Krishna, expressing his wonder and joy. He is repeatedly astonished and filled with happiness as he recalls the divine vision. This sentiment underscores the profound impact that the divine presence of Krishna has on those who witness it.
O King, the continuous remembrance of Shri Hari’s form brings immense surprise and joy to my mind. The compassion shown by Krishna is remarkable. Despite Arjuna’s repeated doubts and questions, Krishna remained patient and compassionate. He never showed any anger or sadness. Instead, Krishna addressed Arjuna’s queries repeatedly, using different perspectives and words each time. This demonstrates Krishna’s unwavering compassion and knowledge, which ultimately dispelled Arjuna’s doubts and ignorance.
Sanjaya’s experience is one of sheer amazement and joy. He describes an inner song and a desire to dance, even though he is merely an observer. This highlights the blessedness of those who witness divine acts or hear the sacred sounds of a temple. Such experiences bring joy and happiness, even to those who are not directly involved.
Sanjaya’s unexpected encounter with Krishna’s opulence left him overwhelmed. This brings to light the importance of maintaining a fresh and open mind, ready to accept any unexpected experiences or truths. Such openness leads to tremendous excitement, ecstasy, and challenges.
The nature of the divine and truth is inherently unpredictable. Any expectations we hold are merely projections of our minds, which serve as barriers to experiencing the true essence of the divine. Identifying as a Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, or Jaina comes with certain preconceived notions and expectations about God and truth. These expectations can inhibit our ability to experience the divine authentically, as they are confined by our mental constructs.
When the divine reveals itself, it often comes in unexpected forms, as something unfamiliar or even as a stranger. If we are unable to embrace this unfamiliarity, we may find ourselves unable to fully grasp the truth. The key to experiencing the divine lies in our willingness to let go of our expectations and remain open to the unexpected nature of truth.
The divine cannot be theorised or confined to language. It remains an unfamiliar stranger, knocking at our door when we least expect it. If we are unable to accept this unfamiliarity and instead seek the familiar, we will miss the truth. The truth arrives without warning, in moments when we are not waiting or expecting it.
Meditation is essential for becoming alert, watchful, and aware. However, the truth often reveals itself outside of meditation, in unexpected moments. Consider the experience of a nun carrying water: as her bamboo pole breaks and the earthen pot falls to the ground, water flows freely, and she is suddenly awakened. Despite meditating for forty or fifty years without achieving enlightenment, it was in this unanticipated moment that she encountered the divine.
Meditation often involves an expectation, a subtle activity of the mind, even when one believes they have achieved absolute silence. The paradox is that true enlightenment occurs in a state of non-meditative meditation. The nun, while concerned about the bamboo and the earthen pot, was not actively seeking God. Her years of meditation had opened the door, but it was in this moment of non-meditative awareness that she experienced enlightenment. This illustrates that such profound realisations often occur when least expected, in moments of complete presence and absence of expectation.
Vyasa offered the Divine Eye to Dhritarashtra, but he declined, expecting only to witness the death of his sons. Instead, he asked Vyasa to give the Divine Eye to Sanjaya, who was not expecting anything. In gratitude, Sanjaya received the Divine Eye and witnessed Krishna’s opulence and heard his teachings.
The message of Krishna is to act without expectation, focusing on the present moment. By doing so, we remain open to receiving unexpected gifts and experiences. If we focus on the fruits of our actions, we risk missing the true essence of the divine.
The divine presence of Krishna, as described by Sanjaya, emphasises the importance of maintaining an open and receptive mind. By letting go of expectations and focusing on the present moment, we can experience the unexpected and profound truths of the divine. This message encourages us to embrace the unfamiliar and remain grateful, allowing us to receive the true essence of the divine.
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