96. Wisdom is in the Self

Once the Creator was thinking about where to conceal ‘That’ wisdom after attaining which nothing is left to be attained. His wife suggests a high mountain or a deep sea, but both were discarded as man can climb or swim. It was then decided to keep this wisdom inside man, while man searches for it outside for lifetimes. This metaphor makes it easy for us to understand when Krishna says, “Certainly, nothing in this world is as sanctifying as wisdom. In due course of time, he who has perfected yoga finds it in the self” (4.38). The essence is that ‘wisdom’ is in the self and by the same measure everyone has it. It’s the question of realising it both in self as well as in others.

Krishna further says, “Shraddha-vaan (one with shraddha) and jitendriya (one who won senses) attain wisdom leading to parama-shanti (supreme peace)” (4.39). Krishna gives contrast and says, “The ignorant, devoid of shraddha is ruined and there is no happiness for him in this world or the other” (4.40).

‘Shraddha’ is a common thread in the Gita. The word ‘Shraddha’ is formed by the combination of two words, ‘Shrat’ and ‘Dha’. ‘Shrat’ means truth, and ‘Dha’ means to hold or sustain. Thus, Shraddha means holding or abiding in Truth. Devotion, trust or positive thinking are among its closest meanings. Krishna talks about shraddha on many occasions and encourages Arjuna to be shraddha-vaan. Shraddha is not a ritual meant to fulfil our desires or to obtain the fruits of actions of our choice. It is the inner strength to accept with gratitude whatever comes our way - however adverse it might be, as the best thing that could have happened to us in the given circumstances. It is the realisation that we can’t have desires separate from those of existence.

Making senses subservient is an integral part of the Gita. Krishna elsewhere compares senses with horses and tells us to control them like a trainer who rides horses by understanding them. Certainly, it is understanding but not suppression.