Changes

Later, Arjuna is given the most heartening assurance that divine wisdom liberates even the most unrighteous. When knowledge of the Self dawns, all actions with their results are burnt by the fire of that knowledge, just as fuel is burnt by fire. When there is no idea of ahamkara, when there is no desire for the fruits of one’s actions, actions are no actions. They lose their potency. In order to attain divine wisdom one must have unwavering belief (shraddha) and devotion. Shraddha is therefore the most important qualification for a adhyatmik aspirant. The doubting mind is always led astray from the right path. It is shraddha that ultimately confers divine knowledge, which removes ignorance once and for all. Mere intellectual knowledge does not lead to liberation. It cannot grant one supreme peace and freedom. When one has achieved complete self-mastery and self-control, when one has intense shraddha and bhakti, then true knowledge dawns within and one attains liberation and freedom from all papas and weaknesses.  

Later, Arjuna is given the most heartening assurance that divine wisdom liberates even the most unrighteous. When knowledge of the Self dawns, all actions with their results are burnt by the fire of that knowledge, just as fuel is burnt by fire. When there is no idea of ahamkara, when there is no desire for the fruits of one’s actions, actions are no actions. They lose their potency. In order to attain divine wisdom one must have unwavering belief (shraddha) and devotion. Shraddha is therefore the most important qualification for a adhyatmik aspirant. The doubting mind is always led astray from the right path. It is shraddha that ultimately confers divine knowledge, which removes ignorance once and for all. Mere intellectual knowledge does not lead to liberation. It cannot grant one supreme peace and freedom. When one has achieved complete self-mastery and self-control, when one has intense shraddha and bhakti, then true knowledge dawns within and one attains liberation and freedom from all papas and weaknesses.  

The Chapter then concludes by emphasising that the individual who is devoid of shraddha; one who doubts gets destroyed. Without trust and belief in oneself, in the scriptures and in the words of the preceptor, one cannot make any headway on the adhyatmik path. It is doubt that prevents one from engaging in adhyatmik Sadhana and realising the highest knowledge and bliss. By following the instructions of the Guru and through sincere service, one’s doubts become baseless and divine knowledge manifests itself within. This leads to rapid Spiritual progress.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of Wisdom.</ref>

The Chapter then concludes by emphasising that the individual who is devoid of shraddha; one who doubts gets destroyed. Without trust and belief in oneself, in the scriptures and in the words of the preceptor, one cannot make any headway on the adhyatmik path. It is doubt that prevents one from engaging in adhyatmik Sadhana and realising the highest knowledge and bliss. By following the instructions of the Guru and through sincere seva (सेवा | selfless service), one’s doubts become baseless and divine knowledge manifests itself within. This leads to rapid Spiritual progress.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of Wisdom.</ref>

[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]

[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]

[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]

== References ==

== References ==