Srimad Bhagavatam
Chapter 10 Skandha 11
Uddhava Gita : Chapter 5
Uddhava Gita Chapter 5: ( Summary)
After Using Avadhutas parable Krishna starts teaching his philosophy to Uddhava
In the first twelve slokas of Chapter 5 he talks about what his follower would do. Then he talks about the world which believes in performing sacrifices to go to heaven. Krishna elaborates on that process of sacrifices which results in a endless cycle of birth and death only and no permanent release. Hence the need to seek the unity of Atma and Paramatma
Then Uddhava asks the simple questions to bring more clarity.
The man who has taken refuge in Me will attend to his particular duties as prescribed and perform the rites as per the order of life with an unattached mind !!"
Chapter 5:
“The cycle and the Jiva (Self)”
After Avadhuta's explanation of lessons learnt from the Gurus , Krishna elaborates on his philosophy and those who believe in him
Krishna tells Uddhava that the one who believe in him will attend to his duties as prescribed with an unattached mind. With a clear mind he will also notice the mishaps that happen to those who are attached to the sense objects and go as per the dictates of sense objects" .
"Just like the dreams in the sleep state are unreal , so is the diversity of objects created by the sense organs. The one intent on him, gives up actions that will make one follow the continuous cycle of birth and death. Being thoroughly launched on the quest of truth he should pay no attention to the injunctions of work that drives one towards the dualities of life merits or demerits ( Punya or Papa) , happiness and unhappiness ( Sukha and Duhkha).
Krishna continues saying that the one intent on Him, should always attend to Yamas and Niyamas, meaning attending to universal moral principles (Yamas) and the rules of conduct (Niyamas). He should be free from pride and jealousy , free from envy and not given to frivolous talk. He should be firmly devoted to to know the truth eagerly from the Guru who has reached the goal.
Then Krishna explains that Atman is different from the body , just like the fire which is different from the combustible wood . The body which is created by Lord's Maya is the cause of man's perpetual cycle of birth and death. Knowledge of Atman serves to destroy that cycle. Therefore by means of discrimination one should realize the Unity of Atman with the absolute, the Paramatman. . This is to be achieved through a Guru. The highly refined wisdom which comes out of a Guru removes the delusion which is due to the three Gunas ( Tama, Raja and Satva).
Then Krishna raises the counter question
“ Dear Uddhava , there are philosophers who challenge the above conclusions.”
“They say that the natural position of the living entity is to engage in actions that build merit and demerit. They see him as the enjoyer of happiness and unhappiness that accrue from those actions. According to this philosophy the heavenly spheres , time scriptures and soul are eternal. The existence of all things are real and eternal. The birth and death is eternal too. Even if you accept that philosophy there will still be perpetual birth and death , old age and disease since all living entities must accept the material body subject to influence time”.
Krishna continues, explaining that process of following merits and demerits ( Punya and Papa)
“If a duty is properly performed then one attains heavenly spheres. The man of sacrifices goes to heaven by performing sacrifices on the earth. Like a God he enjoys the celestial pleasures in the heaven which is earned by his merits. He enjoys himself in the company of Nymphs and praised by Gandharvas. While he is happy in the garden of Gods , he does not think of his fall. He enjoys in heaven till his merits last. At the end he falls down against his will. Owing to company of wicked people, if he is addicted to sin or slaughters animals against the scriptures then he goes to hell instead of heaven and finally enters Tamasik bodies. So performing actions through bodies , they again get new bodies “.
“What happiness come to mortals in this process”.
“The heavenly spheres and the Lords of those spheres who live up to a cycle have apprehensions about me. Even Brahma who has longevity of two parardhashas to be afraid of me. The organs create actions. The Gunas direct actions and accordingly the fruits. Those who uphold this doctrine are ultimately smitten with grief only as it is endless.
Hearing this Uddhava asks Krishna:
“O Lord so long as the Jiva is mixed up with the attributes that spring from the body how can help being bound by those attributes. And if he is not originally not bound by those attributes how does he come to be bound”.
“How do the free and bound souls live and enjoy?”
“How can the free and bound souls be recognized?”
"Oh the best of the knower of answers to questions answer this to me. Is the same soul eternally bound and eternally free ?”
Thus ends Chapter 5
om tat Sat
Oh Achyuta , the best of the knower's of answers to questions tell me. Is the same soul eternally bound and eternally free?