Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verses 44 to 46 - Some thoughts

April 21, 2000

In Verse 44, Lord Krishna distinguishes between ‘true knowledge' (paravidya)

and ‘knowledge (aparavidya).' When the intellect is well established in the

SELF, that is true knowledge. When the intellect focuses on worldly knowledge of

enjoyment and power, it is not well established! Shankara in Vivekachoodamani

makes the statement, that knowledge of Vedic scriptures qualifies only as

aparavidya. Paravidya implies one-pointedness of mind in God (Self).

In Verse 45, Gitacharya suggests Arjuna to stand above the three modes (Sattva,

Raja and Tamas). The only way to go beyond the modes (gunas) is to seek the

eternal truth. The ritualistic practices are necessary to maintain the worldly

life which is influenced by the gunas. The higher order of perfection can be

attained by focusing the attention on the Supreme Reality. Lord Krishna makes

clear distinction between life - indulging on body, mind and intellect paradigm

and liberated life focusing on the SELF.

Verse 46 describes an analogy to highlight His point of view forcefully: When

there is a river flooded with plenty of water, no will pay attention to the

little pond (or well). A wise person will take the true knowledge from the Vedas

(river) instead of going for the ritualistic knowledge (pond or well). The

Lord, the knower of Vedas carefully articulates that Vedas contains an ocean of

knowledge on SELF and we should focus on the eternal knowledge instead of the

limited knowledge (rituals). Limited knowledge is helpful for leading a worldly

life for a fixed time period where as eternal knowledge can bring permanent

happiness!

Programs and functions in temples, churches (including office parties), etc.

require cooperation and service from a large number of volunteer workers. Some

are visible and many invisible. The visible ones always want to make a show of

their presence to the audience. The invisible workers concentrate more on the

work consequently no one notices. The visible workers seek temporary happiness

and temporary fame where as the invisible workers look for permanent happiness.

In the long run organizations recognize and appreciate the service of the

invisible workers. The visibility seeking workers do not stay in organizations

longer and look for organizations with greater visibility! This is the reality

of life!!

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