27. Shun all Dharmas

 



Krishna explains about swa-dharma (2.31-2.37), para-dharma (other’s nature or paradigm) (3.35) and finally advises shunning all dharmas to unite with Paramatma (18.66).

Arjuna’s despondency arose out of his egocentric fear of damaging his reputation if he fought the war and killed his brethren. Krishna tells him that he would damage his reputation even if he avoided battle, as fighting is his swa-dharma (2.34-2.36). The community would feel that Arjuna was fearful of engaging in battle and for a kshatriya fearing battle is worse than death.

Krishna further explains that swa-dharma, even if it’s faulty or devoid of merits, is better than para-dharma. Death in the path of swa-dharma is better as para-dharma is fraught with fear (3.35).

Para-dharma appears easy and regarded more favourable by our outward looking senses, especially when we observe successful people. Ordinarily, our sense of self-worth comes from being favourably compared. These include the prestigious family where we are born, grades in school, good earnings and power or fame that comes our way. Krishna advises perseverance in self-knowledge (13.12) which is nothing but perusing our swa-dharma without getting attracted to a beautifully described para-dharma.

Finally, Krishna advises us to shun all dharmas and take refuge in him for He would liberate us from all sins (18.66). This is akin to surrender in bhakti yoga and is one of the foundations of spirituality.

Just as a river loses its swa-dharma of meandering on becoming a part of the ocean, we too should lose ahankaar and swa-dharma to unite with Paramatma.


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