Gita 05.29 – Knowing Krishna’s greatness and kindness grants profound peace

We can move onwards in our journey towards Krishna. Bhoktaram Yajna Sam.

This is the last verse of the fifth chapter. And here, this is the only reference to mom, to me that Krishna makes directly in this chapter. So, the chapter is Karma Yoga.

This thing is Karma Yoga, but it culminates in Bhakti Yoga, where one understands God not just as a provider of things, but as the enjoyer of things. All the austerities that we perform, all sacrifices that we perform, Krishna is the enjoyer of those things. Then Sarvaloka Maheshwaram.

He is the appropriator of all the worlds. So, everything that we claim as ours is ultimately belonging to Krishna. And not just our property, our car, our house, but even our intelligence that also belongs to Krishna.

In fact, we ourselves also belong to Krishna. For we are His children, we are His loved ones. That belonging, of course, is not in terms of domination and subjugation, but it is in terms of affection and reciprocation.

Surudham. And that point is indicated through Surudham Sarva Bhoktanam. Krishna is the well-wishing friend of all living beings.

Surudham. So, in the context of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is saying that Arjuna, although I am situated on your chariot as your friend, and you could refer to me as a Sakha, but actually I am the friend of even the Kauravas. And the war that is being fought is actually for their benefit also.

If they remain in power, then they will continue to do more and more adharmic activities, and they will get more and more karmic reactions because of that. And they will have to suffer the consequences. So, Arjuna, I am the friend of all living beings.

Whatever I do is for the benefit of everyone. And Yantramam, if you understand me like this, then Shantim Richchati, you will attain peace. Now, Arjuna was on the verge of a devastating battle.

And we too, in our daily course of action, have to face many battles. Battles with adverse social, financial, psychological situations. And when we understand Krishna's position by our side as our guide, then we gain peace.

This understanding of Krishna as a guide by our side is vital. He is Suratam. He is a friend in the sense that he wants our highest well-being and he wants us to make choices by which we can attain that highest well-being.

So, he is a guide and he is by our side in our heart. The soul is there and next to the soul, the Supersoul is there. So, Krishna does not place himself on a high moral pedestal, but he places himself right next to us as he had placed himself right next to Arjuna.

In fact, as a charioteer, Krishna was at a slightly lower level than Arjuna. So, now, significantly lower level actually, as a way to assist Arjuna. So, actually, the first two lines talk about Krishna's supreme position.

He is the enjoyer, he is the appropriator. But the third line comes down to a very intimate level. There is a heart-to-heart friendship.

Suhruta, the Bhagavad Gita in the sixth chapter will differentiate between various kinds of friends. Surun, Nitrari, Udasina, Madhyas, Tadvesh, Bandhus, Mitra, Udasina. Among all these, Suhruta is the most intimate friend and Krishna is saying that I am that kind of friend.

So, when we understand Krishna's greatness, as is indicated by the first two verses, first two lines of the verse, that brings submission. But when we understand Krishna's kindness as manifested through his being a guide by our side, that brings affection. And this combination of submission and affection, this combination of understanding Krishna's position and Krishna's, of Krishna's greatness and his kindness, that brings peace in our heart.

So, when we are remembering Krishna and struggling to remember him, at that time meditating on his greatness and kindness stimulates in our heart submission and affection and thus enables us to absorb ourselves in his remembrance and relish that remembrance. And once we relish, start absorbing ourselves and relishing that remembrance, then we get peace. So, when we understand Krishna, when we understand Krishna, we understand Krishna as the reservoir of kindness, of greatness and kindness.

Then we understand that he has the power to protect me and he loves me. He is very kind to me and he will protect me. And whatever dangers we may face, whatever threats we may face, we become infused with a sense of great peace.

Not a peace that comes by the elimination of dangers, but by the elevation of our consciousness to a level above dangers. Yes, at the material level, things may go wrong, but the one thing that will never go wrong is Krishna will always love me and Krishna will always be with me. And even through adversities, he will, by his guidance, show me opportunities and enable me to grow.

Therefore, let me just absorb myself in his remembrance and relish the empowering peace that will enable me to.