By recognizing our identity and redefining our activity, we revolutionize our destiny

Our identity, activity and destiny are our defining features. But do our names, jobs and dreams actually define us? After all, we can change them – and yet we remain at our core the same. And are our dreams our actual destiny? Even if we can actualize them, they will all end at death. Is such extermination meant to be our destiny?

Not at all, Gita wisdom assures us.

First, the Gita guides us to contemplate seriously the question of our identity. Such critical cognition, when guided by scripture, leads to the re-cognition that we are eternal souls beyond our temporary bodies. The Bhagavad-gita (15.07) asserts that we are as souls parts of the Whole – the Supreme Being, Krishna. Our identity is incomplete without our connection with him manifested through activity.

When we become disconnected from Krishna, whatever we do boils down to one thing: struggle.

And our actual activity is essentially the activity of a part: contribution to the Whole through service. When we become disconnected from Krishna, whatever we do boils down to one thing: struggle (karshati). Whatever activities we do while being disconnected from Krishna remain a struggle – and a vain struggle at that – against the adverseness of life’s predicaments, the limitedness of all material pleasures and the finiteness of our lifespan.

Recognition of our identity, Gita wisdom reminds, should lead to redefinition of our activity. By practicing bhakti-yoga diligently, we learn to see our activity not as a material profession to earn a living or gain respectability, but as a form of devotional service to Krishna. This redefinition revolutionizes our destiny here and hereafter. In this life, we use our God-given talents for doing constructive contribution to society and also, by our actions and words, we assist others in their spiritual journey. And at death, far from being exterminated, we are elevated to eternal life with Krishna.  

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Text 07

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