Hare Krsna,
My obeisances to all devotees, guru and gauranga.
Topic 4: BE CONCERNED BY CHANGE, BUT NOT DISTURBED BY IT
Verse discussed: Bg 2.16
nāsato vidyate bhāvo
nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ
ubhayor api dṛṣṭo ’ntas
tv anayos tattva-darśibhiḥ
Translation:
Those who are seers of the truth have concluded that of the nonexistent [the material body] there is no endurance and of the eternal [the soul] there is no change. This they have concluded by studying the nature of both.
CCD’s explanation:
The world around us is subject to constant change, change that is often unstoppable, uncontrollable and unpredictable. The Bhagavad-Gita indicates that the best way to cope with change is to focus on the unchangeable; our spiritual nature and our spiritual connection with Krishna.
This focus energizes us with the confidence that no external change can:
- Harm our essence, our indestructible souls
- Stop Krishna from loving us
- Stop us from remembering him and experiencing his loving shelter
When we meditate on these unchangeable realities of life, we feel reassured that the external changes are not the end of the world. When we render devotional service sincerely and prayerfully, we realize the tangibility of Krishna's presence, shelter and love. This realization takes us beyond conceptual awareness to experiential confirmation of reality's changeless dimension. Knowing that external change can't affect our core identity, we don't become disturbed by it and so don't get broken down or blown away by it. At the same time, knowing that external change does affect our circumstantial activity, we don't deny or neglect the change; with due concern, we act intelligently to deal with it.
Thus, by showing us how to be concerned without becoming disturbed, Gita wisdom enables us to tackle change calmly and resourcefully.
Chant and be happy.
Srila prabhupada ki jai..
Hare krsna
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