Chapter 4 Shloka 37
यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन।
ज्ञानाग्नि: सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा।।३७।।
Bhagwan says:
Arjuna! As a blazing fire burns fuel to ashes, similarly the flame of knowledge consumes all karmas.
What does a seeker learn from the knowledge he receives?
a) You are the Atma and not the body.
b) The Atma is a non-doer – and indeed, even the acts of the body are not yours.
c) All actions and even the qualities of the mind are the creation of Prakriti.
d) This creation of Prakriti, along with its forms and qualities, impels the body into action and thus the various qualities interact with one another.
The sadhak first gains this knowledge whilst living in close proximity with his Guru in an attitude of humble obeisance – pranipaat, and constant service – seva. After watching his Guru’s actions and life, he questions his preceptor for clarification on those points which he does not understand.
1. Such a sadhak will have seen in his Guru, the practical manifestation of Supreme Knowledge.
2. He will have witnessed the complete indifference of the Guru towards his own body.
3. He will have perceived his Guru’s complete silence towards himself.
4. He will have seen the Guru spurning fame and renown.
5. He will also have observed the humility inherent in such a one’s dealings with the foolish and ignorant.
6. He will have observed the importance his Guru accords to duty.
7. He will have observed the Guru helping the weak who seek refuge in him.
8. He will have seen how his Guru is ever prepared to efface himself for the sake of others.
Close observation of all this, with faith and humility, accompanied by constant service and questioning of his Guru, grant him an insight into That Perfect One who is the culmination of Spirituality. It thus becomes easier for him to emulate the Atmavaan and to approach his goal.
At this juncture, the sadhak ignites within himself an unwavering, questing flame.
1. His own actions are consumed in that flame.
2. His desires, concepts and opinions lose all importance.
Attachment with his own body is also burnt in that purifying fire. He knows that his body is kept alive by destiny – the body follows the dictates of destiny through all life’s situations, performing all its tasks in accordance with destiny. But he himself is no longer affected by the quirks of destiny because of the flame of wisdom that has been ignited within him.
