207. Single Pointed Devotion

 



The fourteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is called ‘Guna Traya Vibhag Yoga’ (Union through transcending three gunas -modes of nature) where gunas and guna-atheeth are explained. Krishna concludes the chapter by offering a solution to transcend gunas and says, “Those who serve Me with unswerving (a-vyabhicharen) devotion rise above the three gunas (guna-atheeth) and come to the level of the Brahma (14.26). For, I am the basis of the Infinite, the Immortal, the Indestructible; and of eternal dharma, formless Brahma and absolute bliss” (14.27).

Krishna uses the word vyabhicharen, which means multiple desires. ‘A-vyabhicharen devotion’ is single pointed devotion. In a similar context, Krishna used a-vesya (12.2) to indicate the same. Essentially, it is transcending from multiple minds to single pointed devotion to Him which will make us guna-atheeth.

Firstly, the guna-atheeth drops the sense of doership by realising that there is no karta (doer) for any karma (action) and all karmas are the result of interaction between the various gunas. Secondly, he realises that even others are not responsible for any karmas which were perceived to be done by them. As a result, he is not affected by respect or insult as both are the interplay of gunas which culminates in the dropping of enmity.

Finally, he realises that satva, rajo and tamo gunas are capable of creating pleasant and unpleasant situations. Hence, he is no longer influenced by such situations. Similarly, he is not affected by praise and criticism as he understands that gunas are behind them. This state of guna-atheeth is a state of joy and this should be the aim of life for all of us.


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