252. Equanimity is Bhakti

 

Krishna says, "Serene in the self by being engrossed in the Brahman (the eternal), neither grieves nor desires and beholds equality in all beings, such a yogi attains parama bhakti (supreme devotion) to Me (18.54). By that supreme devotion he knows My essence -what and who I am; after knowing these truths, he quickly makes his entry into that (Me)" (18.55).

Firstly, these verses indicate that parama bhakti is beholding equality in all beings which transcends our general understanding of bhakti as devotion to Gods. Bhakti is unconditional love towards all beings by beholding equality. The second indication is that parama bhakti is a state of no desires and not a ritual to fulfill our desires by satisfying our beloved Gods. Thirdly, this equanimity leads to the understanding of who really HE is. It is like a salt doll melting in the ocean and becoming one with the ocean by shedding the illusion of its own existence.

Krishna further says, "While performing all kinds of actions, my devotees take full refuge in Me. By My grace, they attain the eternal and imperishable abode (18.56). Consciously dedicating all actions to Me, having Me as the supreme goal, taking shelter in the buddhi-yoga (yoga of intellect) ever fix your mind in Me" (18.57).

Apart from being equanimous, parama bhakt (supreme devotee) surrender all their karmas (actions) to HIM. They don't have any ownership of karta-pan (sense of doer ship) nor look for a particular Karma-phal (fruits of action). The same was indicated earlier when Krishna told Arjun that he would incur no sin if he fights (performing a karma) while maintaining the balance between pleasure and pain; gain and loss; and victory and defeat (2.38). Essentially, this is the coherence of samatva (equanimity) and karma which answers many of our dilemmas as to how to perform any karma.


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