#231 Just be an instrument (of the sacred)
On the eve of battle, Arjuna found himself in a profound dialogue with the divine himself, Bhagavan Krishna, within the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita. At some point in time, Arjuna expressed a longing to witness the cosmic form of Bhagavan. And so, Bhagavan graciously bestowed upon him a divya-chakshu, a celestial eye that would unveil the panorama of his boundless being.
With this divine eye, Arjuna’s vision expanded beyond the limitations of mortal sight and he beheld the entirety of all existence. Within this infinite form lay all dimensions, planes of experiences, beings, intertwined with the timeless fabric of past, present, and future. He witnessed the impending clash of mighty warriors, both allies and adversaries, destined to meet their fates on the battlefield. The sight was both mesmerizing and harrowing, as the dance of life and death unfolded before his eyes.
Arjuna got a glimpse into the cosmic symphony, where every thread of life and destiny wove together the interconnectedness of all existence igniting a deeper understanding of his purpose.
He was not just an isolated entity but a part of a greater cosmic design, a sacred orchestra of life, in which his role, however humble, held immense significance. Top of Form
Lord Krishna then tells Arjuna, ‘nimmitta maatram bhava’ – just be an instrument or rather a channel for the cosmic plan to unfold. The force of karma is so strong that people on the opposing side have already met their end.
Then, what is Arjuna’s role? To just be the wind that nudges the ripe fruit to fall to the ground. The fruits of their karma were ripe enough to fall sooner or later. But the wind does its job of making them fall.
The phrase “nimitta maatram bhava” translates to “just be the instrument”.
An instrument allows itself to be a channel for a higher purpose that is Dharma.
An instrument is ever connected with the surroundings and is not rejecting of it.
An instrument does not have ragas and dveshas, binding desires of how people and situations have to be for it to work. The instrument works and allows itself to align with Dharma
If one is NOT an instrument, then one sees oneself as ahankara, an independent entity disconnected from Bhagavan. I am the sole controller of my life and other’s lives. As ahankara I have my own plan which is independent of Bhagavan and his cosmic plan. If I am not an instrument and functioning as the limited self, ahankara it leads to the following –
1.Limited, isolated perspective – As ahankara, there is a greater focus only on our individual desires, ambitions, and material pursuits leave us feeling disconnected and isolated. This narrow view can hinder our ability to see the interconnectedness of all beings, the greater tapestry of life and our role in it.
2.Struggles with Control: We are control freaks overtly or covertly. Some of you argue, After all, it is my life, right? No. This constant striving for controlling can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of dissatisfaction, as we try to manipulate circumstances to align with our limited desires. Some situations we can control but most situations we cannot. And that is the truth, no matter how intelligent or rich you are. E.g. a sudden illness, a road accident, your partner having an extra marital affair, finding out that your child lied to you, being laid off at work because the company is downsizing. When we disconnect from the understanding that there is a cosmic plan at work, we have a need to control every aspect of our lives. Why is it not possible to control? Because we did not create the cosmic laws of nature. And hence, at best we can be great contributors but never the complete controller of any result.
3.A sense of purposelessness and a lack of meaning As the ahankara an independent entity disconnected from Bhagavan, one can convince oneself to do one’s best in life but it all collapses into the meaningless heap called death. This can leave us feeling adrift in the ocean of life, without a sense of direction.
4.Lack of Surrender and Trust: Since the ahankara likes to call all the shots all the time, it is very difficult to surrender and trust in the flow of life, people and situations. Anxiety becomes a constant companion especially because change is constant. How does one find peace in uncertain circumstances, and have faith in the unfolding of events?
The ahankara can find peace and learn to relax by discovering Ishvara as pervading all forms. In seeing one’s connectedness to the panchamahabhutas and its many forms, the ahankara becomes a bhakta, a devotee.
The bhakta or devotee, can make the journey from being the mere ahankara to being a bhakta, a devotee and a nimitta, an instrument of Bhagavan? This involves undertaking a few journeys which are –
1.Journey from my plan to the cosmic plan – The cosmic plan of my life includes my roles and responsibilities towards family members, work colleagues, devatas, rishis/teachers, plants and animals and humanity at large. My notion of I expands to include all of these relationships and hence I focus on doing my dharma unto all of them, yatha shakti, according to capacity. By becoming an instrument, I align myself with a higher purpose i.e. my svadharma which provides a sense of meaning, fulfillment, and a deeper connection.
2.Journey from control to contribution – As a bhakta, I recognise that all control is but an illusion. With the shaktis given to me (iccha shakti, jnana shakti, kriya shakti), I contribute my best while Ishvara takes care of the rest. I am happy at peace knowing that my partnership with Ishvara is a thriving one.
3.Journey from Anxiety to harmony and peace – By recognising that anxiety is also sustained by Ishvara I start to relax by knowing that I am ever protected and taken care of every moment. I find serenity in accepting the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
4.Journey from struggle to mastery – For the ahankara, life feels like a burden. For the bhakta, life feels like a blessing. This is not brought about by a mere change in thought but through a committed process of growth and mastery. We learn to use our bodies and minds as bahya-karana and antah-karana first through our sadhana and seva to others. Through living the dharma of kindness, care and compassion one becomes a positive influence in the lives of others, bringing healing, inspiration and support to those in need.
Journey from the grind to grace – When we surrender and align with your svadharma, we feel guided, loved and supported by Ishvara. We experience the flow of grace and support which manifests as synchronicities, opportunities, guidance at all times and blessings that unfold every day.
Journey from being a nimitta to mukta – When we are a nimitta, we do not resist our functional reality. We are in harmony with what is and we experience a deep connection with Ishvara. We are ready to see that me and Ishvara were always one. We are free.
On the face of it, when one looks at the flute, it looks like an ordinary object. It is a lightweight, hollow bamboo with holes. And yet when the flute is brought to life by the controlled breath of the player, its true beauty unfolds. As the melodies flow through its hollow body the magic of music elevates us.
The flute reminds us that it is in the elegance of its simplicity that it becomes an instrument. Its beauty lies not in complexity but by allowing oneself to be an expression of Ishvara with every breath.
Just as the flute does not dwell on ragas and dveshas, binding desires about the kind of music that must be played through it, so too as a nimitta, one becomes a conduit for sacred expression, with a lightness of being.
In many ways, the flute symbolizes the harmony and unity between the individual and Ishvara. Just as the player blows air through the flute to create harmonious melodies, a nimitta acts as a channel for the cosmic plan of Dharma and wisdom. It represents the collaboration between the individual and the divine in creating a symphony of contribution, purpose and fulfillment.
Just as the flute produces moving melodies, nimittas who align themselves with Ishvara live the Dharma of love, power, compassion, kindness, justice and peace, creating a harmonious and uplifting impact on others
Just as the music starts through the flute and rises into the surroundings, being an instrument of Ishvara, one can rise and break free from the limitations of the ahankara and see the all pervading Atma that one is.
