अभ्यासयोगयुक्तेन चेतसा नान्यगामिना ।
परमं पुरुषं दिव्यं याति पार्थानुचिन्तयन् ॥8/8॥abhyāsa-yoga-yuktena chetasā nānya-gāminā
paramaṁ puruṣhaṁ divyaṁ yāti pārthānuchintayan
Meaning: By practicing the Yoga or secret revealed by the Master or the guide, and the mind firmly fixed onto that infinite, O Arjun, by this practice, a person can reach to the ultimate being, the divine entity which resides within.
From Confusion to Guidance
Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta or Geeta gives a complete guidance to the seekers of infinite being – where to look for that infinite, who can guide you to find it, what it is and many more such questions. But if you do not apply your own wisdom, things will confuse you. I have seen people reading and rote Geeta still being far away from knowing or realizing its core meaning in life.
Also Read: How Many Versions of Mahabharata are there?
When Lord Krishna says I permeate every living being and everything in this universe and I also reside in your heart, where one should look for that. He says I am infinite and indestructible. Now it is amply clear that that power which is infinite and without beginning lies right within us and has to be searched within.
Now even though that power is within us, it is beyond our reach because it is beyond mind and intellect. This mind and intellect have their limitations. They cannot comprehend infinite even though that lies within. For this and this alone one should look for someone who is well-versed in this field and who can reveal it. Once asked by Arjun, Lord Krishna clearly says:
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया |
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिन: || 4/34||tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśhnena sevayā
upadekṣhyanti te jñānaṁ jñāninas tattva-darśhinaḥ
Meaning: Go to someone who is well-versed in the Knowledge of Self and has the capacity to reveal it to you. Inquire from him with reverence and service. When pleased they will reveal the secret to you.
Master and Disciple, Knowledge and Practice
Once revealed, you know the secret, the infinite within you that permeates every atom of this universe which is ever present.
Now comes the practice of that which has been known. For this Lord Krishna advises Arjun: Fight the war and remember me (practice what has been revealed) as well. Practice is very important part of it. Practice means to bring it forth into your life, bring it into your existence, being benefitted out of it. It was already there within, but it was not relatable, accessible. Practice means to relate with it, to be in touch with it. Be benefitted with its serenity and peace which is in it.
Also Read: Self-Knowledge: The Secret to True Happiness
This is what has been emphasized in the below mentioned verse (8/8):
अभ्यासयोगयुक्तेन चेतसा नान्यगामिना ।
परमं पुरुषं दिव्यं याति पार्थानुचिन्तयन् ॥8॥abhyāsa-yoga-yuktena chetasā nānya-gāminā
paramaṁ puruṣhaṁ divyaṁ yāti pārthānuchintayan
Meaning: Now, by practicing the secret revealed by the Master or the guide, and the mind firmly fixed onto that infinite, O Arjun, by this practice, a person can reach to the ultimate being, the divine entity which resides within.
The Challenges and Rewards of Constant Yoga
Practice it to such an extent that this mind doesn’t go anywhere except it. It is not such a practice which requires your other senses you use while performing your duties in this world. It requires your mind. It requires persistent practice. It requires your focus. Once fully practiced, you can cycle your way and talk to your fellow beings cycling with you. Balance has been achieved to such an extent that you can cycle and talk with your friend as well.
While in war, Arjun had to be extra cautious than us beings. He had to do three things: saving himself, killing the enemy and meditating. No so easy.
Also Read: The Path to Equanimity: Unlocking the Secrets of Yoga and Inner Peace
In the outset, this mind is tough to control, but by practice, slowly and gradually this is possible. This is evident when Arjun says this to Lord Krishna:
चञ्चलं हि मन: कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम् |
तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् || 6/34||chañchalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛiṣhṇa pramāthi balavad dṛiḍham
tasyāhaṁ nigrahaṁ manye vāyor iva su-duṣhkaram
Meaning: The mind is very restless, turbulent, strong and obstinate, O Krishna. It appears to me that it is more difficult to control than the wind.
Yes, it is difficult to control, but by constant practice, it can be subdued. In order to attain that highest aim in life, that is to be in touch with that infinite, to merge with the supreme being one must endeavor for it. Our effort to this end makes our life successful. This is what this life has been gifted to us for. There is no other supreme duty than this which befits this human life.
