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The eternal truth

CHENNAI : The Supreme Being revealed the truth in the scriptures for the sake of humanity after creation and it has come down to this day through successive generations. Besides, the Lord teaches the truth from time to time to suit the requirements of the age and clime. In the preface to his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Adi Sankara says that the Almighty showed two ways to mankind to realise Him: the path of renunciation and by following Dharma in worldly life. As the first path can be followed only by a few, engagement in the world becomes the option for the majority. Worldly life is circumscribed by Dharma but in course of time impelled by desires mankind loses its commitment to lead a virtuous life, which necessitates rejuvenating this ideal in society.

In his discourse, Swami Omkarananda said Lord Krishna told Arjuna that He taught the truth to Vivasvan (sun-god) and he in turn taught it to Manu. Manu taught it to his son Ikshvaku and the knowledge was transmitted through the royal sages of this lineage. A doubt might arise as to how this knowledge, which was taught in the days of yore will continue to have relevance today. Spiritual knowledge is eternal in nature and hence it will not lose its validity at anytime. Besides, the human predicament and the worldly sorrows faced by man are not any different from that of ancient times though the situations and lifestyles may be very different. As only knowledge of the Self (Atman) can remove man's ignorance, this teaching will never lose its significance.

It becomes apparent then that spiritual knowledge has to be taught time and again, which was the basis of Lord Krishna's teaching of the truth in the Bhagavad Gita. He clarified to Arjuna, "Thus transmitted in succession from father to son, Arjuna, this Yoga remained known to the royal sages. It has, however, long since disappeared from this Earth. The same ancient Yoga has this day been imparted to you by Me, because you are My devotee and friend; and also because this is a supreme secret."

It is important to note that Arjuna was Lord Krishna's friend all along but it was only after he surrendered to Him with the request to teach him, that which was decidedly good for him that He started to teach him this supreme Yoga on the battlefield.

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