Teachings from Jnaneshwari of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj

The bug (Gochid) on the body of the cow only sucks in the blood, though the sweet and pure milk is in the immediate vicinity behind the skin.

At the root of the lotus, the frog and butterfly live near each other but the butterfly picks up the fragrance, while the frog is left to stew in its own mud.

An unfortunate man will pass his whole life in misery without food, even when a large fortune (of which he is not aware), lies buried under his humble abode.

 

In this manner, the unseeing human turns his mind towards the object of senses and tries to find happiness in material comfort, though, I (Krishna), the Lord of everything and the goal of happiness, am seated in his heart.

Such action is stupid. It is like throwing away nectar at the sight of mirage, and exchanging the magic stone for a piece of mother-of-pearl.

Those whose minds are steeped in egoism thus struggle in the currents of life and death. They do this because, they do not know My nature.

From Jnaneshwari of Dnyaneshwar Maharaj

In this verse (those whose minds are steeped in egoism ... they do not know my nature.) from the Jnaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Lord Krishna elucidates the consequences of egoism and the ignorance of His true nature. Let's expand upon the themes present in this verse:

Egoism (Ahankara): Egoism refers to the state of identifying oneself solely with the individual self or ego, detached from the broader reality of existence. When one's consciousness is steeped in egoism, they perceive themselves as separate from the divine or from others, leading to a sense of isolation, pride, and self-centeredness.

Struggle in the Currents of Life and Death: Egoism traps individuals in the cyclical nature of existence, known as Samsara in Hindu philosophy. Life and death represent the continuous cycle of birth, existence, death, and rebirth. Those driven by egoism find themselves ensnared in this cycle, constantly experiencing the ups and downs of life without transcending to higher states of consciousness.

Ignorance of Krishna's Nature: According to the Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures, Krishna represents the Supreme Being, the ultimate reality, and the essence of existence. Ignorance of Krishna's nature implies a lack of understanding or realization of the divine essence that permeates all of creation. When one remains ignorant of this transcendent reality, they fail to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and their essential unity with the divine.

Liberation through Self-Realization: The teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the path to liberation (moksha) through self-realization (jnana). By transcending egoism and gaining insight into the true nature of the self and the universe, individuals can break free from the cycle of birth and death. This liberation involves recognizing one's inherent divinity and experiencing union (yoga) with the Supreme.

In summary, this verse underscores the importance of transcending egoism and gaining knowledge of the divine nature as a means to attain liberation from the cycles of life and death. It invites individuals to cultivate self-awareness, humility, and spiritual wisdom in order to realize their true nature and attain ultimate liberation.