We are in the midst of the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, a sacred gathering that occurs once every 144 years—a culmination of 12 Kumbh Melas, each held at 12-year intervals. Spiritually, the Kumbh Mela is seen as an opportunity for purification, rooted in the Puranic story of Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality, a few drops of which are said to have fallen at Prayagraj. Taking a dip in the sacred waters symbolizes purification and the embrace of divinity.
However, I believe the significance of Kumbh Mela goes beyond the ritualistic act of the holy dip. It serves as a deeper spiritual gathering where common folk engage with Spiritual Masters, drawing inspiration for inner transformation. More than religious tourism, it is a living tradition of Sanatan Sanskriti—one that encourages voluntary participation rather than enforcing rigid adherence.
Religious traditions, especially among relatively younger faiths, are often perceived as rigid dogmas requiring unquestioning obedience. However, true spirituality is not about blind adherence but an ongoing quest for self-improvement and inner evolution. Hinduism, with its timeless adaptability, embraces this eternal truth. This theme finds resonance not only in Indian spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads but also in the philosophical explorations of thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche.
This blog seeks to explore that very idea—the fluid, evolving nature of spirituality and how it transcends dogmatism in its pursuit of higher wisdom.
While seemingly from vastly different cultural and historical backgrounds, these sources share a fundamental principle: the purpose of spirituality is not submission but transformation—the elevation of human consciousness beyond limitations, illusions, and weaknesses.
Bhagavad Gita & Upanishads: The Journey Towards Self-Realization
As I discuss the idea of self-propelled spirituality, I wish to quote a verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18), where Shri Krishna tells Arjuna:
इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया।
विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु॥ (18.63)
English Translation:
“Thus, I have explained to you this wisdom, the most secret of all secrets. Reflect upon it fully, and then do as you wish.”
No dictums, no threats—just pure wisdom placed before the disciple, allowing them to develop spiritually at their own pace. How different this is from the approach of some followers of spiritual masters who believe that salvation can be attained merely through blind faith in their Guru! In my view, this mindset significantly deviates from the true essence of Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, which offer complete freedom to choose one’s path without any rigid constraints of time or method.
Since we believe in the rebirth of the soul and the continuation of Samskaras (impressions from past lives), spiritual evolution is not a process that resets to zero with each birth. Instead, we carry forward the wisdom and efforts of our past journeys, allowing continuous growth across lifetimes. In this way, the philosophy of the Gita and Upanishads presents one of the most profound methods for self-improvement and spiritual development.
The Gita: Action & Self-Overcoming
In the Bhagavad Geeta, Krishna urges Arjuna to transcend fear, doubt, and attachment, advocating the path of karma yoga (selfless action), jnana yoga (knowledge), and bhakti yoga (devotion)—not as rigid dogmas, but as ways to liberate the self from ignorance and weakness.
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥ ( 6.5)
English Translation:
“Let a man lift himself by himself; let him not degrade himself. For the self alone is his friend, and the self alone is his enemy.”
Meaning & Context:
In this verse, Lord Krishna emphasizes self-effort and self-discipline as key to spiritual progress. He advises that one must uplift oneself through inner strength and wisdom rather than succumb to negativity or weakness. The verse highlights that our own mind and actions determine whether we become our greatest ally or our own worst enemy.
This aligns with the Gita’s emphasis on self-mastery, urging individuals to take charge of their spiritual evolution rather than relying entirely on external forces. It resonates deeply with the principles of Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, which all emphasize conscious self-improvement.
The Upanishads: Transcendence Beyond Illusions
The Upanishads, deeply meditative and introspective, emphasize Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the self). They reject ritualistic religion and focus on self-inquiry, inner realization, and direct experience of truth. Unlike dogmatic faiths that impose rigid beliefs, the Upanishads encourage questioning, reflection, and transcendence.
For example, in the Katha Upanishad, Nachiketa seeks the truth of existence beyond materialism and conventional religion, illustrating how spirituality is a journey of fearless self-discovery rather than passive faith.
Both the Gita and Upanishads affirm that spirituality is a process of breaking barriers, overcoming ignorance, and reaching a higher state of being—a vision that echoes Nietzsche’s philosophical ideals.
Nietzsche: Self-Overcoming & the Übermensch
Rejection of Dogma: “God is Dead”
Nietzsche, like the Upanishads, rejected the dogmatism and moral rigidity of traditional religion. His famous declaration—“God is dead”—was not an atheistic claim but a challenge to societies that blindly followed outdated, life-denying religious values without seeking deeper truths. He believed that conventional morality enslaved people rather than empowering them.
Übermensch: The Higher Self
Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch (Overman/Superman) shares striking parallels with the Gita’s self-realized yogi or the Upanishadic liberated soul (Jivanmukta). He argued that individuals must transcend weaknesses, fears, and social conditioning to create their own values and attain true greatness.
His concept of “Will to Power”, which drives human excellence and transformation, aligns with Krishna’s exhortation to act with strength and wisdom, rising above self-doubt.
Eternal Recurrence: The Ultimate Test of Spiritual Strength
Nietzsche proposed the idea of Eternal Recurrence, asking: If you had to live your life over and over again infinitely, would you live differently? This is a profound test of one’s courage, integrity, and authenticity—very much in line with the Gita’s teaching that one must act without regrets, with full consciousness of dharma (righteous duty).
Dogma vs. Spiritual Growth: The Common Ground
The Table below provides a comparison of the guidance of the Bhagavad Geeta and Upanishads with Nietzsche’s philosophy:
| Aspect | The Bhagavad Geeta and Upanishads | Nietzsche’s Philosophy |
| Rejection of Blind Faith | Encourages self-inquiry over rituals | Critiques herd mentality and passive belief |
| Self Transformation | Karma, Jnana and Bhakti Yoga | Übermensch (explained above ) , Will to Power |
| Beyond Fear & Guilt | Liberation from karma and ego | Freedom from moral guilt |
| Call for Duty | Nishkama Karma (Action without attachment) | Act boldly, create your own path |
| Ideal Human | The self-realized yogi | The Übermensch |
I wouldn’t say that there is exact similarity . Yet, despite their differences, both traditions emphasize breaking free from limitations and becoming one’s highest self. Neither promotes a life of passive acceptance; instead, they demand courage, responsibility, and continuous growth. And talking of Spirituality- I firmly believe that it cannot be thrust upon anyone by anyone but depends on how one evolves.
Conclusion: Spirituality is Evolution, Not Submission
True spirituality, whether from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads or the radical philosophy of Nietzsche, is not about obedience but evolution. It is not about accepting dogma but questioning, refining, and rising beyond mediocrity.
Both perspectives urge us to embrace inner strength, cultivate wisdom, and live fearlessly—transforming ourselves and, in turn, the world. In this sense, spirituality is not a rigid doctrine; it is a dynamic quest for self-improvement, excellence, and transcendence.
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