"daivī hyeṣā guṇa-mayī mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etāṁ taranti te" (Bhagavad Gita 7.14)
Translation:
"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who surrender unto Me cross over it easily."
Explanation:
Shree Krishna, in this profound verse, reveals an essential truth of human existence. Maya, His divine energy, is an illusion that binds us in the cycle of birth and death, pleasure and pain, and happiness and sorrow. Even the greatest yogis, munis, and rishis find it impossible to escape its clutches. The only way to overcome it is by surrendering to Him. No amount of mere intellectual knowledge or physical effort can defeat maya—only Shree Krishna’s grace can.
Now, let us explore the divine rule laid down by Shree Krishna and how it provides the ultimate solution to our struggles.
Understanding Maya: The Divine Illusion
We often underestimate the power of maya, thinking we can control it through knowledge, discipline, or effort. However, Shree Krishna makes it clear: No one can overcome maya on their own.
The Story of Smoky, the Dog
To illustrate this, Swamiji shares a simple yet powerful analogy:
Ramesh once visited his friend Dinesh, who had a ferocious pet dog named Smoky. As Ramesh approached the gate, Smoky growled menacingly. Panicked, Ramesh looked for another way in, only to find Smoky waiting there too. Helpless and scared, he called out to Dinesh, who came and commanded Smoky to sit. Instantly, the once-ferocious dog became docile and friendly.
This story symbolizes maya. Just as Ramesh couldn’t enter the house without the owner’s intervention, we too cannot escape maya without God’s grace. Trying to overcome it through our limited power is futile. The only way is to surrender to Shree Krishna, the master of maya.
Why is Surrender the Only Way?
Swamiji explains that even great sages and ascetics, despite their intense austerities, cannot defeat maya on their own. To think otherwise is to assume we can overpower God Himself, which is impossible.
A Conversation Between a Soul and Shree Krishna
A soul once challenged Shree Krishna:
"Lord, even a passerby would help a helpless infant fallen into a ditch. Yet, despite being our divine father, You watch us struggle in maya. Why don’t You grace us immediately?"
Shree Krishna patiently replied:
"Do you truly believe I am your father? You say so in prayers, but in your heart, you rely more on worldly relationships. You doubt my protection. If you truly accepted me as your father, you would surrender fully, and my grace would flow effortlessly."
This conversation highlights the key issue: We ask for Shree Krishna’s grace but are unwilling to surrender. The divine rule is simple - grace follows surrender.
God’s Unbreakable Rule: Justice and Grace
Shree Krishna follows a divine system of justice. If He were to grant grace indiscriminately, it would create chaos in the spiritual realm.
The Tale of Two Sons
A father once instructed his two sons to work in the field. The elder son toiled all day, while the younger one wasted his time drinking and loitering. At the end of the day, the father rewarded the hardworking son with $500. If he had given the same amount to the lazy son, the elder would have felt cheated, and both sons would lose the motivation to work.
Similarly, if Shree Krishna granted grace without surrender, saints who had strived for lifetimes would feel disheartened. The law of karma ensures that we receive grace based on our efforts and surrender.
The Illusion of Free Grace
A common misconception is that Shree Krishna, being all-powerful, should grant grace unconditionally. But even God abides by His own rules.
Imagine a government job where promotions are given based on years of service rather than merit. Employees stop working diligently, leading to inefficiency. Similarly, if Shree Krishna granted grace without surrender, spiritual seekers would lose motivation to strive for self-realization.
Therefore, Shree Krishna emphasizes that grace is not random—it is given to those who genuinely surrender.
Surrender: The Ultimate Solution
What Does Surrender Mean?
Surrender does not mean abandoning our duties or responsibilities. It means:
- Accepting Shree Krishna as our sole protector and guide.
- Letting go of ego and acknowledging our dependence on Him.
- Following His teachings and dedicating our actions to Him.
The Transformative Power of Surrender
When we surrender, Shree Krishna Himself commands maya to release us. Just as Smoky the dog obeyed his master’s command, maya too bows before Shree Krishna’s will.
This is the only way to overcome suffering and attain true peace.
Final Thoughts: Apply This Knowledge in Your Life
We often struggle with pain, disappointment, and unfulfilled desires. The world offers temporary solutions—money, relationships, success—but none provide lasting peace. Shree Krishna’s unbreakable rule gives us the ultimate way out: Surrender to Him, and He will carry us beyond maya.
By internalizing and applying this wisdom, we move closer to spiritual freedom and eternal bliss.
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