There are certain iconic verses in the Gita that serve as anchors of consciousness. Chapter 2 v 45, comes to mind, “Be without the three gunas...possessed of the Self (atmavan)”. Lord Krishna provides the first truly profound instruction to Arjuna. Allow your self Arjuna to be held, possessed by Atma, that which is beyond the world of thinking, the world of loss and gain, of cause and effect. That state of awareness that is pure consciousness in its own nature. That state that some refer to as the silent witness. Rest there Oh Arjuna.
Another iconic verse for me is found in chapter 6 v 32. Lord Krishna said, “He who sees evenness in everything... Is thought to be the highest yogi”.
There is a five verse run up to this verse starting with verse 28 and the “contact with Brahman”. Then to verse 29, the seeing of Self in all beings and all beings in the Self. Verse 30, seeing all things in Me (Krishna). Verse 31, the honoring of Me (Krishna) abiding in all beings. And finally, verse 32, seeing evenness in everything.
In my humble opinion I find this to be the end of the Gita in many ways. Since, we have been taken from seeing everything as Self, a very non-personal state. To seeing everything in Me, the Lord Krishna, a very personal state. To seeing everything as evenness, a non-personal and personal state combined. A state where the Self and devotion to God meet in such a way that perfect oneness is known. Where both the illumined individual and the universal God are inseparable. Could there be more?
I never thought so until my new iconic verse hit me.
In chapter 13 v 12 through 16, yet another five verse run, there appears to be yet another wrinkle. Verse 12 states that the highest (param) Brahman is (na sat) not existence. Nor (na asat) non-existence. Whoa, what have we here?
Some say its both, in an attempt to regain a consciousness foundation. But, Lord Krishna says very plainly that its neither.
Right here is why full enlightenment is said to be incomprehensible. Logical thinking will never be able to explain the state of full enlightenment. I love it. A reality that will always be a mystery.
These five verses go on with statements like, outside and inside beings, moving and not moving, far away and also near. Finally ending in verse 16 with, “This is to be known as the sustainer of beings, their devourer and creator”.
Now, that’s heavy.
My sense is, Lord Krishna has painted an impossible portrayal, leaving Arjuna and in turn all true seekers with only one alternative - Surrender. Surrender to the will of God. You are the actor as well as not the actor. So act.
copyright © jim rocca, 2020