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Ananya Bhakti (the singularity)

Week 32, Chapter 11, Shloka 32-55

Tremendous form of Krishna, as seen by Arjuna shows everything and every one of the mortal world rushing towards the fire-filled mouth of Shri Krishna- like the moths rushing towards the fire are consumed by the fire, the same way Arjuna can see the warriors of the mortal world and the army of the battlefield rushing towards the tremendous fire of destruction in the mouth of Krishna.

Having been witnessed this universal form, trembling with fear, Arjuna requests Krishna to return back to his gentle human form.

Says Krishna—

The universal form that you saw cannot be attained by studying Vedas or scriptures…nor by charity, penance, sacrifices can the universal form be attained.

भक्त्या त्वनन्यया शक्य अहमेवंविधोऽर्जुन |
ज्ञातुं द्रष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परन्तप || 54||

bhaktyā tv ananyayā śhakya aham evaṁ-vidho ’rjuna
jñātuṁ draṣhṭuṁ cha tattvena praveṣhṭuṁ cha parantapa

The only way to attain my universal form is through ‘Ananya Bhakti’. When the drops of rain falls, they have no other option but to fall towards the earth. When the river collects small streams on its way and naturally gravitates towards the ocean (as it has no other option).

When the wood burns and transforms into the fire (and loses its identity) and the sky lit up by the presence of the sun and/or the moon, the same way the darkness of ignorance and ego is lost once my universal form is attained. And thus, the seeker attains singularity.

He offers his karmas to me and is not fascinated by anything other than me. Through this temperament, he gravitates towards me.

Seeing both the forms of Shri Krishna, Arjuna prefers his worldly form as is easy for him to behold as his heart is free of fear and is at peace. Though Krishna does not accept Arjuna’s choice.

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