The Covid-19 has locked down all humanity and the crisis worldwide is deep and disturbing.
This virus has scared everyone stiff. An intelligent response is as simple as A B C.
A: Avoid all contact with people and things that can infect.
B: Bar infection by wearing protection.
C: Clean yourself thoroughly and often.
This morning's newspapers show data that the world has over 3 million cases and nearly 210,000 deaths. India has over 28,000 cases and nearly 900 deaths. We are all locked down and have to do everything to stay positive until the crisis blows over.
I have always maintained that the Srimad Bhagavadgita, often described as the Scripture for All Mankind, gives me guidance in every situation. So I woke up this morning asking myself, what does Bhagavadgita tell me in the Covid-19 context?
I shall quote relevant portions of verses and show you what Bhagavadgita has to say.
Bhagavan Krishna has a very simple approach: you have to take charge and deal with life's challenges by yourself. The mantra in other words is "right living and right doing", drawing from your inner resources. This is the right attitude or mindset.
So Krishna says, उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् (6.5) Raise yourself by your own devices. Do not do anything to harm yourself. So this tells one to take ownership and responsibility for one's own welfare.
When an external situation comes with pain and danger, Krishna's words make sense: मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः । आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥(2.14) Your contact with external objects alone gives sensations of heat, cold, pleasure and pain. They come and pass, so deal with them with forbearance.
Now how can I have forbearance in suffering? This calls for the right perspective, the attitude of a wise one (Jnani).This attitude is described clearly: जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधिदुःखदोषानुदर्शनम् ॥ (13.9) I have to recognise the existential realities of the cycle of birth and death, disease, and old age- and the consequent suffering.
This wisdom propels you to withdraw yourself inside and search for your inner bliss despite all external situations: यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः ।इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥(2.58) When a man withdraws his senses from external objects and stimuli like a tortoise draws his limbs and head inside, his wisdom is well established. No wonder everyone is saying these days that meditation brings inner poise.
When this practice bears fruition, you tap into your inner bliss. This is not escapism. This is rooted in a wise understanding of the circle of life and not allowing your mind to play the victim card: सर्वभूतस्थितं यो मां भजत्येकत्वमास्थितः ।सर्वथा वर्तमानोऽपि स योगी मयि वर्तते ॥ (6.31) Krishna is not saying you will find everything around you perfect and pleasant. He says when you have a universal and holistic compassion for all life, in whatever situation you find yourself in, you are a yogi able to connect with the universal reservoir of bliss.
Krishna also emphasises that you have to nourish yourself, occupy yourself, and entertain yourself wisely. युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु ।युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ॥ (6.17) Balanced food, recreation, and rest as well as activity ( Work from Home if you must!) is the yoga that removes distress. I have many friends who have engaged in creative pursuits and service to others in these difficult times. hats off to them!
By doing the right things, I am not merely helping myself, but actually serving the cause of society. Because, as Krishna says, यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः ।हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो यः स च मे प्रियः ॥ (12.15) The one who does not disturb society, and is not disturbed by others, gets liberated from excessive joy and sorrow and fear and excitement. He is indeed dear to God!
Not only that. Such a responsible person sets a great example for others to emulate. यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः ।स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते ॥ (3.21) The actions of a leader of the community are emulated by the community. Whatever he does becomes a standard of conduct, and others follow it.
This kind of a self-reliant, contemplative, and universally responsible, conduct leads to peace and bliss. I call it the best form of prayer. Such prayer brings the grace of all Existence. अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते ।तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥ (9.22) Those who pursue this prayer of right conduct with a single-minded focus, are always taken care of by Existence in the here and hereafter.
Srimad Bhagavadgita is my favourite book. The Song of God is for all mankind, for all time, for all situations.
॥ हरिः ॐ तत् सत् ॥
Post-Edit:
What about the Covid warriors? Doctors, nurses, policemen, service organisations, government officials, donors, people who are distributing food and medicines, and those who offer solace and support?
Does the Bhagavadgita not talk about them? of course Krishna says it emphatically:
यज्ञदानतपःकर्म न त्याज्यं कार्यमेव तत् ।
यज्ञो दानं तपश्चैव पावनानि मनीषिणाम् ॥ (18.5)
Krishna says that work as worship, charity, and work as a penance (in the face of hardship), should be pursued without let-up ever. In fact this is the duty of EVERYONE! This orientation to work as worship, charity and penance is what saves all humanity according to Krishna.
But there is a cautionary note. Most of us do charity and service with an attitude of superiority or ulterior motive. This is extremely counterproductive. Our work will be defective, our expectations will never be met in the long run. So service and duty are one's birthright, done the right way!
So hats off to all Covid Warriors toiling selflessly!
