CHAPTER
18b: THE YOGA OF LIBERATION THROUGH
RENUNCIATION
About
renunciation (its threefold nature) and its service with
the divisions of society as the ultimate of
liberation.
(41)
'O chastiser of the enemy, the activities of the
intellectuals and priests (brahmins), the rulers and the
military (kshatriyas), the traders and farmers (vais'yas)
and the servants and laborers (s'ûdras), are
divided to their own natures that originate from the
material modes. (42)
Equable, self-controlled, austere, pure, tolerant, and
surely straight and of knowledge, wisdom and belief in
God is of a brahmin the activity born from his own
nature. (43)
Valor, vigor, determination, resourcefulness in
opposition and not fleeing, generous and taking the lead
is the occupation born from the nature of a kshatriya.
(44)
Plowing, tending cows and trade is the natural way of a
vais'ya while the nature of a s'ûdras duty consists
of being of service.
(45)
Each fulfilling his own duty does man gain in perfection.
Now listen how doing ones own job that maturity is
attained. (46)
From whom all living entities emanated, by whom all this
is pervaded; doing his own duties in respect of Him, a
man achieves perfection. (47)
It is better to be unsuccessful with ones own duty than
to perform perfect minding another's business as doing
work restricted to one's own nature one will never run
into offense. (48)
Although faults occur working for a result, o son of
Kuntî, one should never give it up as for sure all
beginning is with faults the way fire is covered by
smoke. (49)
With an unobstructed intelligence in all respect in
control of oneself and with the longing gone, one attains
by the renounced order the perfection of freedom from
reactions.
(50)
Understand from Me how in sum, o son of Kuntî,
achieving mastery, without fail the spiritual is
achieved; the stage of knowledge which is transcendental.
(51-53)
With the intelligence completely cleared, connected in
ones determination and
also regulating oneself with things as sounds, giving up
on the obects of the senses and refraining from passion
and a negative attitude;
living secluded, eating little, with ones speech, mind
and body under control, all day in the beyond of
mediation having taken to the shelter of detachment;
unidentified with the body, physical power, false pride,
lust, anger and material accumulation, one, freed from
possessiveness in peace qualifies for spiritual
realization. (54)
Existing spiritually is the soul pleased, does one never
lament, nor desire and is one equal to all living beings;
one gains the transcendental of My devotional service.
(55)
Through devotion one can know Me as I really am; knowing
Me thus in truth he thereafter reaches. (56)
Despite of always performing all kinds of activities,
does one, by the mercy of My protection achieve the
imperishable eternal abode. (57)
Just become aware of Me all day by consciously giving up
all kinds of activities under My lead, taking to the
shelter of the intelligence of yogic union.
(58)
Being conscious of Me you will overcome all impediments
by My mercy but if, identifying with the body, you do not
hear, you will be lost. (59)
If, taking to false ego, you think not to fight, then
your resolve is all wrong; from your material position
you will have to engage. (60)
From your own point of view, o son of Kuntî, caught
in your own actions, you prefer not to engage in that
which from illusion you will even do involuntarily.
(61)
The Supreme Master resides in the heart of all living
entities, o Arjuna, directing each creature subject to
the mechanical of time and matter. (62)
Be sure to surrender in all respects unto Him, o son of
Bharata; by His grace you will obtain the transcendental
abode of eternal peace. (63)
Thus the greater secret of confidential knowledge has
been explained by Me; in full consideration of this, do
that what you wish to do.
(64)
Hear once again from Me about this most confidential of
supreme instruction; you are very dear to Me and
therefore I speak it to your benefit. (65)
Thinking of Me becoming My devotee, offering your
obeisances unto Me becoming My worshipper, for sure you
will come to Me in truth - this I promise you as You are
dear to Me. (66)
Go, leave the variety of religions behind for
surrendering to Me only; I will deliver you from all the
consequences of sin, don't worry! (67)
This is never to be told by you to someone void of
austerity, never at any time to a non-devotee, never to
one not willing to listen nor to anyone indignant towards
Me. (68)
Anyone who explains this most confidential secret of Mine
amongst the devotees is doing transcendental devotional
service unto Me and will without doubt for sure come to
Me. (69)
Never is there anyone among men more dear to Me than him
nor will also on earth another one become more dear to Me
than him. (70)
He who will study this sacred conversation of ours; by
him I will, by the sacrifice of spiritual knowledge, be
worshiped. Thus is My view. (71)
A man who with faith listens free from envy; also he
being liberated, will attain to the auspicious of the
spheres of the pious. (72)
O son of Prithâ, have you heard all this with a
concentrated mind? Has now the delusion brought about by
your lack in knowledge been dispelled, o conqueror of
wealth?'
(73)
Arjuna said: 'My being mistaken is overcome, by Your
mercy does it all come back to me. With all my doubts
removed, o infallible one, I am ready to put Your words
into practice.'
(74)
Sañjaya said: "Thus I have heard this discussion
of Vâsudeva and of the great soul Arjuna, so
wonderful, that it makes my hair stand on end.
(75)
Through the grace of Vyâsadeva I have heard this
confidential about the supreme of yoga directly from the
personal speaking of the master of yoga Krishna Himself.
(76)
O King, over and over remembering this wonderful message
so Holy of Kes'ava and Arjuna, delights me time and
again. (77)
And also each time remembering the most wonderful form of
the Lord fills me with great wonder, o King, and makes me
rejoice again and again. (78)
I am convinced that wherever there is the Lord of Yoga
Krishna and the son of Prithâ carrying the bow and
arrows, that there opulence, victory, great power and
morality are assured."
Spoken
by Anand Aadhar Prabhu
to the text offered below