137. Mantra of A to Z.



Physical entities like us (manifested) are invariably affected by two delusions. The first one, yoga-maya, born out of three gunas, leads to ahankaar (aham-karta or I am doer) whereas 'actions' happen because of interactions between gunas. Second is the delusion brought by polarities of longing and aversion which leads to desires to possess things, people and feelings; and develop an aversion to others whereas it's about witnessing 'actions' without longing or aversion. These two complement each other. While ahankaar justifies desires; desires, especially fulfilled ones, enhance ahankaar.

In this regard, Krishna says, "Those who strive for liberation from old age and death (jara-marana-mokshya), taking asritya (refuge) in Me, they realise the Brahman (the whole/absolute), Adhyatma (spirituality/individual self) and akhilam-karma (all aspects of action) (7.29). Those who know Me as Adhibhuta (above elements), Adhidaiva (above God's) and Adhiyagna (above sacrifices) even at the time of death, they, steadfast in mind, know Me" (7.30).

Interestingly, Krishna brings death and old age immediately after delusions (7.25 and 7.27) as these delusions instil fear in us like the fear of desires not getting fulfilled or ahankaar getting hurt. But death is the root fear which takes many forms of fear and overcoming this will help us transcend delusions, hence, many cultures use death as an instrument of vairaagya (dispassion) to control the mind and overcome all fears. Krishna advises 'asritya' (refuge) which is taking refuge in Paramatma leading to understanding HIM in totality. 

The state of 'asritya' is like a wise man who actively accepts all outcomes to be the LORD's blessings to his prayers; his mantra being reading letters from A to Z and requesting the paramatma to assemble them in whichever manner the Paramatma sees fit -as whatever is needed and whatever happens, is embedded in these syllables.

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