139. State of Brahma

Krishna mentioned that one realises Brahma when one strives for salvation by taking refuge in Him (7.29) and Arjuna enquires as to what is Brahma (8.1). Krishna says that Brahma is that which is aksharam (imperishable or indestructible or permanent) and paramam (supreme) (8.3). This implies that there is nothing beyond it and it’s not dependent on any external factors. But we only know about those things which are changing, impermanent and perishing.

Our own physical body constantly changes. It is estimated that 95 percent of it gets replaced in about 7 years without our knowledge while our DNA remains constant. The solar system would perish in 4 billion years and the universe in about 150 trillion years. Similarly, our thoughts keep changing. Opinions about things, people and situations vary with time; people form diametrically opposite opinions based on the same facts, much like the story of the five blind men perceiving an elephant differently. Even our goals evolve, especially after achieving them.

Our senses are the biggest hurdle in the path of realising the state of Brahma. They evolved to perceive the changes in the outside world in terms of sounds, light, smell and touch. Undoubtedly, this ability is essential for our survival, but at the same time this prevents us from realising the ‘aksharam’ as it is said that ‘what brought us here (survival) won’t take us there (Brahma)’. That’s why Krishna cautions about senses on many occasions.

It’s about shedding the impermanent by understanding impermanence; what finally remains is the ‘aksharam’. It’s like realising a stable pivot in a swinging pendulum; the fixed axle of a rotating wheel. It’s about not getting attached to impermanent ones (creation) and always keeping sight of the eternal (creativity) which is realising oneness in diversity.


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