The second half of the first verse of the Chatur-Shloki (10.08) states the result of knowing about Krishna: they become enlightened and wholeheartedly devoted to him. This indicates that knowledge of God is not meant to be merely theoretical or informational; it is meant to be profoundly transformational.
To appreciate why, consider the metaphor of an orphan boy who gets amazing information: he is the lost child of a billionaire. That knowledge would spur him to learn how to reconnect with his father and make all efforts to be reunited. If he didn’t make any such efforts at all, it could well be argued that he hadn’t understood that information. The same applies to our knowledge of God.
To know God means to know that we all are his beloved children. Just as he is eternal and eternally blissful, so too are we meant to be. But when we see him merely as a source of fulfilling our worldly desires or for freeing us from worldly problems, then we don’t really know him.
That those who know God devote themselves to him — this is the conclusion of the previous Gita section (10.01-07): those who know Krishna thus are left with no option except to become devoted to him. That doesn’t mean they are forced against their will; it just means that the intellectual persuasiveness of knowledge of God’s position makes any other course of action un-intellectual or even anti-intellectual. Thus, this Gita section inverts the charge sometimes levelled against bhakti: it is for the non-intellectual or sentimental. Such devotion may be practiced by those who know just a little about God, but those who know him truly are a different category indeed.
One-sentence summary:
Knowledge of Krishna is profoundly transformational, inspiring us to devote ourselves to him.
Think it over:
- Why is knowledge of God meant to be transformational?
- How are those who know Krishna left with no alternative except to devote themselves to him?
- How does the Gita correct common misconceptions about bhakti?
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10.08: I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.
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KRISHNA is the KNOWLEDGE
Hari Bol,
What a scrutiny observed.
The orphan boy is a good analogy.
Like the orphan boy, till we get the information, we will be lost for direction, but after we are fortunate to get it, we have no other way. Thank you for the metaphor – it makes difficult concepts clear. Bhakti is logical, once we have the knowledge.
True.