Yatharth Geeta -Swami Adgadanand 16

Yatharth Geeta -Swami Adgadanand Ji

PREFACE To regard the Geeta as just a sacred book is not enough. A book is at best a sign-post that guides readers to knowledge. It is said that one who has known the truth of the Geeta is a knower of the Ved-which literally means knowledge of God. In the Upanishad Brihadaranyak, Yagnvalkya calls the Ved “the breath of the Eternal.” But all the knowledge and all the wisdom that the Geeta embodies, we must always remember, comes to consciousness only within the worshipper’s heart. The great sage Vishwamitr, we are told, was absorbed in meditative penance. Pleased with this, Brahma appeared and-said to him, “From this day you are a sage (rishi).” But not satisfied with this, the hermit went on with his intent contemplation. After a while Brahma, now accompanied by other gods, returned and said, “From today you are a royal sage (rajarshi).” But since Vishwamitr’s wish was yet unfulfilled, he continued with his incessant penance. Attended upon by gods, virtuous impulses that constitute the treasure of divinity, Brahma came back again and told Vishwamitr that from that day he was a supreme sage (maharshi). Vishwamitr then said to the oldest of all gods, “No, I wish to be called a brahmarshi (Brahmin sage) who has conquered his senses.” Brahma protested that it could not be because he had not yet subdued his senses. So Vishwamitr resumed his penance, so rigorously this time that the smoke of the fire of penance began to rise from his head. Gods then entreated Brahma and the Lord of creation once more appeared before Vishwamitr and said, “Now you are a brahmarshi.” Thereupon Vishwamitr rejoined, “If I am a brahmarshi, let the Ved wed me.” His prayer was granted and the Ved was awakened in his heart. The unknown essence-all the mysterious knowledge and wisdom of the Ved-now became known. This direct apprehension of truth rather than a book is Ved. So wherever Vishwamitr-an enlightened sage-is, the Ved abide there.