45. Non-Oscillating Intellect
I n the normal course of our lives, we get perplexed when we hear conflicting opinions on the same subject -be it news, philosophy, others’ beliefs etc. Krishna says that we will attain yoga when intellect remains nischal (non-oscillating) and steady in samadhi (established in self) despite hearing various opinions (2.53). Once again, Krishna uses ‘hearing’ as a metaphor, and this principle applies to all senses. The best metaphor for this verse is the tree with its visible upper portion and an invisible lower portion consisting of the root system. The upper part gets disturbed to different degrees based on the strength of the winds. On the other hand, the root system is not affected by them. While the upper portion oscillates in response to external forces, the inner core remains in nischal samadhi, steadily fulfilling its duty of providing both stability and nourishment. The same is nothing but yoga for the tree where the external part oscillates and the internal ...