The Bhagavad-Gitas Reflection on the Image of Gods
The Bhagavad-Gita's Reflection on the Image of Gods
The Bhagavad-Gita, a core text of Hinduism, delves into the nature of the divine and the diverse forms that the divine can manifest. This profound scripture offers insights into how the concept of God is perceived not in a singular, static form but rather in an ever-changing and multifaceted manner. Through its teachings, it guides practitioners on the path to spiritual realization and the eventual perception of the divine.
Deviations in the Perception of the Divine
In the Bhagavad-Gita, the nature of God is not seen as confined to a single form but rather as a versatile entity that can be experienced in various forms. For instance, God is described as Omkar, the sound of creation, and as the gravitational waves caused by the passage of time on mass. This omnipresent nature of the divine is also symbolized by 0 in the context of virtual reality and as the infinity symbol ∞. Additionally, the Bhagavad-Gita refers to the divine as the Equal To sign (), which symbolizes the conservation of energy, momentum, and mass.
Furthermore, the Bhagavad-Gita associates the divine with the concept of Bidhi, indicating that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, adhering to the law of Karma. The text emphasizes the conservation of energy, momentum, and mass from any vibration, as well as the idea that time serves as a witness to this process. The divine is perceived through various states, elements, and forms, captured through chakras or nervous plexuses, and through yogic meditation.
God as the Ultimate Reality
The Bhagavad-Gita posits that the highest form of the divine, known as Brahma, is best perceived in states of deep meditation, particularly in the state of Nirvikalpa samadhi, where the mind is completely transcended, and the true nature of the divine is experienced. This state is characterized by a singularity of perception, where no passage of time occurs, and the divine is perceived without any conceptual barriers.
As one moves from the highest state, known as Brahmarandhra (spiritual orifice), to various chakras, particularly the Agya chakra, the divine manifests in more anthropomorphic forms. These forms can be seen as moolaprakriti, the root of desire, and lead to Savikalpa samadhi, a state where the divine is perceived in a more vivid, animated form. This is a path described as tamasik or negative, which is discouraged by the Bhagavad-Gita.
Understanding Through Yoga and Wisdom
The Bhagavad-Gita introduces the concept of Yog darshana, or the wisdom through yoga, which includes various practices such as Karma Yoga (the yoga of action), Gyana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge), and Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion). These practices are meant to help individuals understand the divine in a deeper and more profound way.
Karma Yoga is highlighted by the Bhagavad-Gita as a path that involves performing actions without attachment to the results, aiming to be free from the effects of Karma. This form of yoga helps individuals to detach themselves from the consequences of their actions, focusing instead on the act itself.
Gyana Yoga, or the yoga of knowledge, encourages individuals to seek the ultimate truth through wisdom and introspection. This path involves the self-inquiry and understanding of the true nature of reality, ultimately leading to the perception of Brahmo, the divine in its most transcendent form.
Bhakti Yoga involves devotion and love towards the divine. While it is mentioned, it is often seen as a more superficial path when compared to the other forms of yoga described in the Bhagavad-Gita.
Conclusion
The Bhagavad-Gita offers a comprehensive understanding of the many faces of the divine. It invites practitioners to explore the divine through various forms of yoga and wisdom, ultimately leading to a deep and profound realization of the true nature of the divine. Through its teachings, the Bhagavad-Gita guides individuals towards self-discovery and the ultimate perception of the divine in its various forms, challenging the reader to explore the transcendent and the immanent in the search for spiritual truth.