82. We Reap what We Sow

Krishna gives insight into the relationship between the all-powerful unmanifested and manifested when he says, “In whatever way people are devoted to Me, in that measure, I manifest Myself to them. All men, in every manner, pursue a path to Me” (4.11). It is akin to the fact that all of us are destined to live on the same earth throughout our lives, irrespective of our lifestyle or circumstances. In the same way, different paths ultimately converge upon the same underlying reality.

This is firstly an assurance from the Lord that whatever path we pursue and however contradictory these paths may appear, all of them are paths to the Paramatma. Secondly, the Lord responds like a multi-dimensional mirror that reflects as well as resonates our feelings, thoughts and actions. Thirdly, when we sow a seed, it takes time to attain its full potential as a tree and this time lag prevents us from fully understanding this principle of resonance of Paramatma.

If we fill our lives with unconditional love and shraddha (trust), love and shraddha inevitably return in due course making our lives joyful. If we sow anger, fear, hatred, cruelty or jealousy then the same will be served back, making our lives miserable. There are countless examples around us of this universal principle. A point to be noted is that we miss the organic link between the two due to the time lag between the sowing and reaping.

This verse operates both at a subtle and gross level. While aiming to realise our big dreams, we should never lose sight of small wins that help us realise the supreme consciousness at the experiential level.

Krishna further says that “Desiring success of their actions, men adore the devatas, as achievement accruing from an activity is readily attained” (4.12).

Devatas are nothing but glimpses of Paramatma. In the contemporary context, they may be regarded as scientists who help fulfill our material needs and desires. We must shed ahankaar to realise Paramatma, but it takes time. Devatas are the halfway point in the journey towards realising the Paramatma while we are in the process of shedding ahankaar.


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