Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Srimad Bhagavat Gita commentary Chapter 2 verse 18


Chapter 2 verse 18

“It is said that these bodies of the embodied self have an end. The self is eternal, indestructible, and incomprehensible. Therefore, fight, O Arjuna!”

Lord Krishna has talked about the indestructible self in the previous verse, points again to the body which has an end. The self for those who have a veil of ignorance in our hearts and mind is incomprehensible. Sometimes in life you get a sign from somewhere where you are least expecting it. This happens when you are “aware” and ready. For example, Adi Shankara’s interaction with a “chandala” who apparently came in his way and his disciples had asked him to move out of the way. Chandala had questioned what should be moved-his body which is no different in makeup compared to Adi Shankara or his soul which is the same as Adi Shankara. It is said that Adi Shankara understood the message, prostrated before the chandala and wrote the manisha Panchakam. It is claimed that the chandala was none other than Lord Shiva. That if it was Lord Shiva is not a matter of debate since the knowledge can come from anyone when a person is ready. Adi Shankara was ready. Krishna gives Arjuna the most important self knowledge and goads him to fight. However the question: Is Arjuna ready to take the knowledge?


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