133. Shraddha Bestows

 

Existence is the coherence of manifested (man) and unmanifested (Paramatma). Basic interactions happen at a man-to-man level with disregard to Paramatma; Krishna termed this as the path of demons (7.15). The next level of interaction is between man and Paramatma. This transition starts as one gets tired of chasing mirages or is vexed by misery.

In this regard, Krishna says these interactions or worship between man and Paramatma are of four types. The first category of worshippers wants to get rid of their difficulties, the second want to attain wealth, success or peace of mind, the third want to attain knowledge and the fourth are jnani (wise) (7.16).

He says that the first three, who are otherwise deprived of wisdom, approach different forms (Gods) to fulfil their desires (7.20). This is like consulting the concerned doctor based on the ailment. He further says that when they worship with shraddha (devotion or trust), He (Krishna) makes that shraddha unflinching (7.21) and their desires get fulfilled because of their shraddha (7.22). But these three paths give limited results (7.23).

Firstly, this appears to run contrary to performing karma without expecting the karma-phal (fruits of action) (2.47) which is the attribute of desireless eternal state. A point to be noted is that, out of compassion, Krishna guides us through a gradual transition from darkness of ignorance to the radiant light of the eternal state.

Secondly, he says that their shraddha fulfils their desires and He is behind that shraddha. This implies that our shraddha in relationships; towards God or towards work bestows due rewards. If we have ever attained anything in the physical world it’s because of our shraddha. Shraddha is having the same dedication even in adverse situations where we need to have patience and that’s why it is said ‘shraddha with saburi (patience)’.