Question


Understanding Bhagavad Gita 2.46, 2.47

Answer


There are two paths open to every human being as expounded by the Vedas. One path is for those who want to reap the fruits of their actions, this is the path of the fathers. By rightful living one can gain wealth in this life as well as heaven after death. Krishna expounds on this path to Arjuna in verses 31-38. On this path, after reaping the fruits of the karma generated in heaven, one is born again in the world.

In verses 39-72 (and verses 46-47 you referenced) Krishna now expounds the second path open to human beings outlined in the Vedas, the path to Brahmaloka, to Liberation. These verses explain the path of yoga which is the means to attain Liberation and the ending of the rounds of ceaseless birth and death.

It is up to you whether you want to follow the path of yoga or not. The Vedas and the Gita also show the other path that is open to human birth - gains in this world and in the various heavens. It is entirely up to you which you want to follow.

Up to you, but as Lord Krishna explains in verses 42-44, the path that leads to pleasure and power only promise rebirths, which is an endless rathole.

One does not get over the feeling of attachments to such things as success and failure, etc. by wishing it away overnight. It takes daily practice and daily endeavor. Only with sustained daily practice does it go away. Vyasa says repetition is necessary to attain perfection. When you travel from Delhi to Mumbai, the farther away you get from Delhi, the closer you get to Mumbai. The more you practice spiritual practices, the farther away will the feelings of success and failure become.

Stop worrying whether you have the feelings of success and failure. Practice spiritual practices daily, they will give you up when the time is ripe.


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