The Bhagavad Gita, an eternal spiritual guide, offers profound wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. In its verses, Shree Krishna reveals the source of our abilities and the hidden powers within our minds. Let us explore how this divine wisdom can inspire and transform us.
Divine Qualities Manifest in Humans
Shree Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita (10.4-5):
" बुद्धिर्ज्ञानमसम्मोहः क्षमा सत्यं दमः शमः। सुखं दुःखं भवोऽभावो भयं चाभयमेव च।। अहिंसा समता तुष्टिस्तपो दानं यशोऽयशः। भवन्ति भावा भूतानां मत्त एव पृथग्विधाः।। "
Translation: "From Me alone arise the varieties of qualities in humans, such as intellect, knowledge, clarity of thought, forgiveness, truthfulness, control over the senses and mind, joy and sorrow, birth and death, fear and courage, non-violence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, and infamy."
This statement encapsulates the essence of human virtues. When exceptional qualities manifest in individuals, the divine power within them comes to the forefront.
Take intellect, for instance. At times, you might notice someone’s intellectual ability surging unexpectedly. This is often attributed to divine intervention. Shree Krishna explains that such enhancements unfold as part of a divine design, guided by past karmic influences and the greater purpose of the grand cosmic design.
Consider the story of Bill Gates. His rise to dominance in the tech world with Microsoft Windows could be considered part of a divine design to simplify global communication. God can elevate individuals to achieve extraordinary outcomes for the betterment of humanity. Similarly, Shree Krishna’s role is evident in guiding the human intellect towards spiritual and material success.
Another fascinating example is the rise of certain historical empires. When asked why power and influence seem to shift across civilizations—from ancient India to the Middle East, Greece, Rome, Europe, and beyond—a sage like Maharishi Aurobindo suggested that God’s plans are beyond human comprehension. As the orchestrator, Shree Krishna moves the world stage in ways that fulfill his divine purpose.
The Gift of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the most profound yet challenging qualities to embody. It requires immense spiritual maturity. A shining example is Nelson Mandela, who endured 27 years of imprisonment under the worst conditions during South Africa’s apartheid era. Despite the unimaginable hardships, Mandela forgave his oppressors and steered his nation from civil war. When asked if he felt bitterness, he replied, “I realized that to fulfill my purpose, I needed to completely let go of bitterness.”
Shree Krishna emphasizes that such an ability to forgive is a divine gift. Cultivating forgiveness is essential for spiritual progress; holding onto grudges only pins us down and prevents growth.
Clarity of Mind and Intellect
Shree Krishna also bestows the quality of “Sammohan,” freedom from confusion. He grants individuals the clarity to distinguish between right and wrong, spiritual wealth, and material gain. Great minds like Einstein embodied this clarity. As Einstein famously said, “If you cannot explain something simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” This mental sharpness is a divine blessing.
On the other hand, confusion can cloud judgment. A humorous example is the story of a mosquito’s first flight, where it misinterprets human clapping as applause. Shree Krishna’s teachings help us rise above such illusions, empowering us to see clearly and make sound decisions.
Restraint and Self-Control
Restraint over the senses (“Dham”) and control over the mind (“Sham”) are pivotal for spiritual growth. Shree Krishna grants these qualities to those who seek them.
Arjun, the Pandavas prince, is a prime example. When the celestial Apsara Urvashi approached him at night, Arjun’s restraint and respect prevailed. He addressed her as “Mata” (mother), recognizing her as the consort of his father, Indra. Such unparalleled self-control was divinely inspired by Shree Krishna.
Likewise, restraint is essential in daily life. Imagine a chaotic situation at an airport when a flight is canceled. While one passenger loses their temper, another calmly approaches the airline staff, seeking solutions. The latter person achieves far more through composure, demonstrating the power of self-control that Shree Krishna encourages.
Another example of restraint is of the historical figures like Swami Vivekananda. He faced many challenges and criticisms when he traveled to the West to share India’s spiritual wisdom. However, his self-control and unwavering focus on his mission made him a beacon of inspiration worldwide.
Awareness of Self
Self-awareness (“Bhava”) is another gift from Shree Krishna. It involves recognizing our flaws and taking responsibility for our actions. A story of a monk illustrates this beautifully:
This monk carried a mirror in his belongings wherever he traveled. At first glance, this habit puzzled his disciples, who saw it as contradictory to spiritual detachment. One day, they asked him, “Guruji, why do you carry a mirror? Doesn’t such an attachment to one’s appearance seem contrary to the principles of spirituality?
The monk smiled and explained, “This mirror is not for vanity. Whenever I face a challenge or conflict, I look into this mirror to see the root of the problem. It reminds me that the solution lies within me, not outside. I must focus on improving myself rather than blaming others.”
This profound practice highlights the importance of self-reflection. Shree Krishna’s teachings inspire us to cultivate such awareness, enabling us to grow spiritually and solve problems constructively.
Embracing Life and Overcoming Fear
Fear of death (“Abhav”) is universal. It drives our survival instincts and motivates us to endure life’s difficulties. Shree Krishna describes this in the Bhagavad Gita (2.27):
" जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च। तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि।। "
Translation: "For one who has taken birth, death is certain, and for one who has died, birth is certain. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable."
This innate will to live, termed “Jeeveshana,” ensures we persevere through karmic challenges and evolve spiritually. Even in the depths of misery, people instinctively cling to life. Consider someone who says, "My life is terrible; it would be better if I died." If you jokingly place your hands on their neck, they’d exclaim, “What are you doing?” Their response underscores the universal fear of death, rooted deeply in human nature. Even a patient on their deathbed, with tubes and restraints, wishes for life. This yearning, instilled by God, motivates us to face struggles, clear karmic accounts, and move toward spiritual growth. Shree Krishna’s wisdom reminds Arjun and us to bear life’s burdens courageously, knowing a better afterlife awaits those who persevere.
Effort and Grace: The Perfect Balance
Does divine grace imply we should not make an effort? Shree Krishna’s teachings advocate for balance. Effort and grace go hand in hand. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “When you pray, pray as if it depends on God. When you fight, fight as if it depends on you.”
This philosophy underscores the importance of personal effort and reliance on divine grace. The Ramayana’s sage Vasishtha advised Lord Ram similarly: do your best externally while remembering that success ultimately depends on God’s grace.
Cultivating Devotion Through Awareness of Divine Qualities
Shree Krishna’s description of his divine qualities (“Vibhutis”) serves a dual purpose. It inspires us to cultivate these qualities and deepens our devotion. Recognizing these divine gifts in ourselves and others fosters gratitude and strengthens our connection with God.
By acknowledging that our intellect, forgiveness, self-control, and resilience are blessings from Shree Krishna, we become more attuned to his presence in our lives. This awareness motivates us to channel our abilities for the greater good and align with our spiritual purpose.
Unlock Your Mind’s Hidden Powers
Shree Krishna’s teachings are a treasure trove of wisdom for energizing the mind and unlocking its hidden potential. By embracing the divine qualities he bestows, we can lead more fulfilling and spiritually enriched lives. Whether cultivating forgiveness, practicing self-restraint, or developing clarity of thought, each step brings us closer to our true purpose.
Take a moment to reflect on how Shree Krishna’s guidance can transform your life. Recognize the divine hand in your abilities and strive to embody the virtues he champions. In doing so, you will enhance your mind’s potential and embark on a spiritual awakening journey.
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