The Bhagavad-gita (18.66) concludes with an
intriguing call: Give up all religions (sarva-dharman parityajya).
This begs the question – why would a
religious book ask its readers to give up all religions? After all, the Gita
(04.08) has earlier stated its intent: to re-establish dharma (dharma
samsthapanarthaya).
The answer lies in recognizing the many
meanings of the word ‘dharma’. It can refer to both outer socio-religious
obligations and inner spiritual nature. Based on our social roles, we have
various obligations. But based on our essential identity as souls, eternal
parts of Krishna, our nature is to love him purely and perennially. All
religious obligations are meant to help us attain that love.
This verse stresses that love (mam ekam
sharanam vraja) by enjoining the shedding of those socio-religious duties that
impede surrender. Implied is the call to accept those socio-religious duties
that promote surrender. This dynamism is evident in how Arjuna surrendered – by
doing Krishna’s will (Gita 18.73). For him, surrender meant fighting the
impending war against irreligion. Arjuna faced a conflict between his
kshatriya-dharma (professional duty) that required him to fight against
wrongdoers and his kula-dharma (family duty) that required him to protect his
relatives. His conflict was: What to do when the wrongdoers were relatives? Do
what is best for one’s and others’ devotional evolution, answers Gita wisdom.
For Arjuna, that meant persevering in his kshatriya-dharma and fighting the
war.
Thus, surrender is not an abstract
conception or an amorphous emotion – it is expressed through tangible and
practical action. What surrender would mean for us today will depend on our
time-place-circumstance. The Gita places the onus on each one of us to become
intellectually responsible, seek sage advice and embrace those socio-religious
duties that help us surrender, thereby stimulating our spiritual growth.
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