Verse-61
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 61
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
īśvaraḥ sarvabhūtānāṁ hṛddeśe'rjuna tiṣṭhati
bhrāmayansarvabhūtāni yantrārūḍhāni māyayā
🕉 English Translation
Prani hai Arjun yahan jitney bhi,
Rahe Ishwar sabke hirday mein bhi.
Maya se apni sabhi jeevo ko,
Chalata hai karmon ke anusaar woh.
📜 Translation
English
O Arjun! The Lord dwelling in the hearts of all beings causes them to revolve by His power of maya (illusion) as if mounted on the machine, in the form of the body in accordance with their actions.
Several questions often arise in the minds of all persons in connection with action. Somewhere, it stated that actions are performed as per one's nature and elsewhere it is termed as fate or destiny. It is said that whatever is in one's fate that will transpire. Nothing is in the hands of the human being. Sometimes it is said all is done and caused to be done by the Supreme. On reading and hearing this, many assumptions, doubts or questions naturally arise in the context of action. While deliberating on this verse let us try to seek answers to these questions.
In connection with this verse are given some important indications–that the Lord dwells in the heart of all beings. This state exists equally for all; there is no partiality or discrimination in this regard. The word 'sarvabhutanam' is for all beings; all are governed by the Lord. All actions are performed with the power of the Lord; without Him even a leaf cannot move–such words are usually heard in this connection. This is true also. Without the power of consciousness of the Divine all are insentient. Consciousness or the power of activity comes from Him. Here two questions arise naturally. One, if there is the same power of consciousness in all the why is there the difference? Second, if nothing moves without divine consciousness, everything is accomplished by his power of consciousness then why should the human being be held responsible for bad deeds?
So far as the power of consciousness of the Divine is concerned, that is the same in all; there is no discrimination or partiality in this regard. The difference is due to qualities and actions, in accordance with them the being engages in further action in future. Electric current is the same; in all appliances it is the same! The difference lies in the appliances. As is the appliance so will be the effect of the electric current. Somewhere an appliance may be emitting light, some may be heating the water, others may be cooling it. The cause of this is not the electric current as it is giving power, energy; Just as the appliance is so will be the effect.
Similarly the Supreme is the supreme power of all powers. From there everyone gets the same consciousness or energy; just as the influence of the previous attributes and destiny is, the actions will be in accordance with it. The Lord is doing or getting it done; this is true from this point of view as without that consciousness no task can be accomplished. This too is the absolute reality that by acquiring consciousness from the Supreme the embodied being further performs his actions. Destiny is also influenced by the qualities. If the satvic attributes are predominant, the inclination and dedication of the being will be towards the Lord; then automatically good deeds will ensue. If rajoguna is prevalent then under the subjection of desire, avarice or egoism, the being will give greater importance to the world and actions will also be in tune with it. But if the influence of tamoguna is greater, then prohibited and evil actions will take place.
That is why the Blessed Lord is specifying here that the Lord abides in the hearts of all; that is why the insentient body by gaining consciousness is able to perform actions. But mounted on the machine in the form of the body, it is He who turns it round and round according to the nature. Where is the freedom of action? Whether it is called destiny or fate or influence of the attributes–all this is right, but it cannot be made a weakness of life and should not be made so. There is no question of disappointment. If the Lord abides in all beings then certainly He dwells in me too. Awaken your discrimination. Bring about some alertness; this is possible and you can do the same. In this area, you are independent and this is your prerogative also; make use of that. If the divine consciousness resides inside then what is this arrogance for? Attributes, fate, destiny–are all right but concentration inside should be directed towards the indwelling Almighty. The effect of destiny will gradually wane and life further will pace towards natural virtuosity.