We all feel an innate need to gain some understanding of
things in our life. When things don’t make sense, we resort to our preferred
analytical frames for coming up with explanations.
Thus, for example, atheists with anti-religious bias may
blame all terrorist violence on religious ideology without considering any
historical, economic or political causes of insurgency. Or spouses with
pro-astrology predilection may blame every marital problem on lack of
astrological consultation, overlooking that millions of marriages the world
over have endured without consulting any astrologer.
In attributing a complex problem to a single cause, we
succumb to the temptation for quick intellectual comprehension, which is
somewhat like the temptation for quick sensual gratification. We want the
gratification for comprehension without the hard work of systematic, sustained
analysis. Rather than analyzing a problem in its complexity, we reduce it to
fit into our favorite analytical framework.
Pertinently, for helping us make sense of things, the
Bhagavad-gita (14.05-09) introduces us to the analytical framework of the three
modes. But it is quick to underscore (14.10) that these modes often compete
with each other. The overlap of the modes often leads to complex situations
that need to be specifically analyzed, not simplistically generalized.
More importantly, Gita wisdom treats the universe as a
university, wherein Krishna, the source of all wisdom, guides us from within
and without towards a life of ongoing learning. The higher fulfillment coming
from our spiritual connection with him increases our immunity to the temptation
for quick intellectual comprehension – we don’t feel insecure because of being
unsure. Being secure in our spiritual connectedness in him, we don’t need to
reduce our life experiences to any quick explanations; we can wait with
patience and diligence as we process events intellectually in a mood of
devotional service till mature understanding dawns
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