Sonal Srivastava’s article “Only One in Million Attains Supreme Godhead” argues that spiritual realization is rare and suggests disengagement from worldly activities to achieve it. While this aligns with certain Vedantic interpretations, the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads teach that true spiritual growth often blossoms through selfless action within the world.
Main points:
- Spiritual Realization is Rare: The article discusses why only a few people achieve supreme godhead or self-realization, referencing the Bhagavad Gita.
- Focus on Spiritual Practice: It emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual practices (sadhana) like meditation and chanting, rather than engaging in worldly activities.
- Avoiding Worldly Distractions: Engaging in social work or other worldly activities can distract from the true goal of self-realization.
- Philosophical Perspective: The Vedanta philosophy prioritizes the realization of Brahman (the ultimate reality) over solving worldly problems.
- Historical Context: It mentions historical spiritual masters who did not engage in social work to maintain their focus on spiritual goals.
I agree that we live in a world where materialism often clouds spiritual thought, making it increasingly challenging to balance personal growth with societal demands. While renouncing the world is seen by some spiritualists as essential for attaining eternal bliss, it is not a universal precondition for spirituality. There is, however, a section of spiritualists who argue that withdrawal from worldly affairs is necessary for the focus required to achieve higher spiritual states. This blog explores how spirituality can harmonize with active engagement in the world, drawing insights from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads to challenge the notion that renunciation is the only path to eternal bliss.
1. Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action
The Bhagavad Gita repeatedly emphasizes karma yoga, the performance of duty without attachment to outcomes. In Chapter 3, Verse 19 (3.19), Krishna declares:
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः।।
“Therefore, always perform your duty without attachment, for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme.”
This teaching underscores that spiritual realization does not require renunciation of action but detachment from its fruits. Engaging in duties selflessly leads to liberation, suggesting that social work and worldly involvement can be integral to spiritual progress. While renunciation has its place in certain paths, the Gita emphasizes the transformative potential of selfless action within the world. The overemphasis on Jnana Yoga and claiming it to be the only path leading to the Supreme neglects all those who diligently follow the path of Karm Yoga.
2. Lokasangraha: Welfare of the World
Exploring further into whether or not it is a precondition to renounce the world in the path of spirituality, let’s delve into the Chapter 3, Verse 25 (3.25), Krishna explains the concept of lokasangraha (welfare of the world):
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत।
कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम्।।
“As the ignorant act with attachment to results, O Arjuna, so the wise should act without attachment, for the welfare of the world.”
Thus, Krishna emphasizes that even those who have attained wisdom should continue working for the good of society, not for personal gain but to guide and uplift others. While Karma Yoga emphasizes personal liberation through selfless action, it also extends to collective well-being through Lokasangraha. This clearly refutes the notion that worldly activities are distractions from the path to supreme realization. As I understand this advice from Yogeshwar Krishna, if one were able to attain wisdom, it should be used for welfare of the world. How is this possible by renouncing the world?
3. Sri Krishna as an Exemplary Leader
Krishna himself is a perfect example of balancing spirituality and worldly engagement. Despite being the epitome of divine wisdom, he actively participated in governance, diplomacy, and even war when necessary. His life exemplifies that spirituality does not demand withdrawal but wise, compassionate involvement in worldly matters.
4. Teachings from the Upanishads: Brahman and Action
The guidance from the Upanishads is an excellent source to seek guidance when in doubt on the matters of spirituality. The Isha Upanishad offers a profound perspective on the harmony between action and spiritual realization in Verse 2:
कुर्वन्नेवेह कर्माणि जिजीविषेच्छतं समाः।
एवं त्वयि नान्यथेतोऽस्ति न कर्म लिप्यते नरे।।
“One may desire to live for a hundred years by performing one’s duties, for in this way, actions will not bind the soul. There is no other way to liberation.”
This verse teaches that action performed with the right attitude—without selfish desires—does not bind the soul but liberates it. It reinforces the idea that engagement with the world, when done selflessly, is not a hindrance to spiritual progress but a means to it.
5. Sri Ram and Guru Nanak: Icons of Spiritual and Social Balance
- Sri Ram exemplified maryada purushottam (the perfect adherent of dharma). His rule, known as Rama Rajya, is still revered for its justice and compassion. His life demonstrates how deeply spirituality can be integrated into leadership and service.
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that spirituality and service are intertwined. His life’s mission was not only to guide individuals toward divine realization but also to fight against social evils like caste discrimination and inequality.
6. Vedanta: Integrating Spirituality and Social Responsibility
While Vedanta focuses on the realization of Brahman, it does not negate the importance of action in the world. Adi Shankaracharya, though a proponent of non-dualism, established mathas across India to ensure the preservation of dharma and societal order. His actions underscore that even the most profound spiritual realization does not exclude active engagement in worldly affairs.
7. Jnana and Karma: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The Bhagavad Gita in Chapter 5, Verse 4 (5.4) unites the paths of knowledge (jnana yoga) and action (karma yoga):
साङ्ख्ययोगौ पृथग्बालाः प्रवदन्ति न पण्डिताः।
एकमप्यास्थितः सम्यगुभयोर्विन्दते फलम्।।
“Only the ignorant speak of knowledge and action as different, but the wise see them as the same. Whoever properly follows either path attains the same goal.”
This verse affirms that the pursuit of knowledge and the path of action are not mutually exclusive but complementary, both leading to the same ultimate realization.
Conclusion: Action as a Gateway to Spiritual Realization
The notion that spiritual realization demands withdrawal from worldly activities is incomplete. The lives of Sri Ram, Sri Krishna, Guru Nanak, and countless other spiritual leaders demonstrate that true spirituality manifests through selfless service. The Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads teach that action, when performed without attachment, becomes a powerful tool for liberation.
In serving the world, one serves the divine. Spiritual realization and social responsibility are not conflicting pursuits—they are two harmonious aspects of the same profound journey.
In a world yearning for both spiritual depth and social justice, the harmonious path of selfless action offers a guiding light. Let us embrace the wisdom of our spiritual heritage to create a world that thrives both spiritually and socially.
As we navigate a world increasingly divided between material pursuits and spiritual aspirations, let us draw from this wisdom to embrace selfless action as a gateway to both personal fulfilment and societal progress
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