256. Do as You Wish

 


‘The existence’ doesn’t expect us to behave in a particular manner. It gives us the freedom to make our own choices. But the consequences of the choices we make are subject to the natural principles enumerated in the Bhagavad Gita. The same is reflected when Krishna says, “Thus, I have explained to you this knowledge that is more secret than all secrets. Ponder over it deeply and then do as you wish” (18.63). This verse dispels the notion that Krishna is compelling Arjuna to fight. Instead, at the end of the Gita Krishna offered him the freedom to choose.

This verse comes in the background of Krishna telling Arjuna, “Because of ahankaar if you think ‘I will not fight’, your resolution will be in vain. Your nature will compel you to fight” (18.59). Another aspect is that Krishna always told us to drop our desires and wishes, but here he says do as you wish. These aspects need to be kept in mind to understand this verse.

Firstly, ahankaar (aham-karta or I am doer) is responsible for all our behaviours and desires. While choosing, we can be in tune with existence which is nothing but accepting anything that comes our way or we can choose out of ahankaar. When we choose out of ahankaar, Krishna clarifies that our resolution would be in vain.

Secondly, these verses delve into the delicate debate between free will and determinism - a major focus of philosophical debate. Free will is about our ability to choose our actions whereas determinism states that these actions are predetermined by external factors.  One inference is that we have the freedom to perform karma in the present moment but no right over its results (karma-phal) which unfolds in the future and is determined by so many factors beyond our control, including but not limited to our efforts (2.47).

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