Gita’s Greatest Secret

The Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the essence of spiritual wisdom imparted by Lord Krishna to the warrior prince Arjuna. Among its numerous teachings, one stands out as the pinnacle of divine guidance: the principle of surrender or Sharanagati. This profound teaching is encapsulated in the verse:

'सर्वधर्मान् परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज। अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥' (18.66)

'Abandon everything else and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not despair.'

This verse is considered the most profound and supreme by previous acharyas.Lord Krishna Himself referred to this statement as 'the most secret of all secrets' and 'the supreme mystery - सर्वगुह्यतमं भूयः शृणु मे परमं वचः' 'रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम्' 

The Essence of Surrender

Surrender, or Sharanagati, signifies a complete and unconditional submission to the Supreme Lord, relinquishing all personal endeavors and trusting solely in divine grace for liberation. 

Shri Venkatanatha, a distinguished acharya, praised this verse, drawing a parallel between the self-luminous Kaustubha gem and the self-illuminating wisdom encapsulated in this verse. Just as the Kaustubha gem resides in the heart of the Lord, this verse is embedded in the heart of the Bhagavad Gita, radiating the knowledge of divine surrender.

Universal Relevance of Sharanagati

The profound teaching of surrender is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. It is a universal remedy for the distress caused by ignorance, weakness, and urgency for liberation. Lord Krishna, in His infinite compassion, established this path for the benefit of all seekers. By surrendering to the Lord, one is assured of divine protection and liberation from all sins.

Sharanagati is not just a theoretical concept but a practical and accessible path for all. It transcends the complexities of other spiritual practices like Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, making it the most straightforward and effective means of attaining liberation.

Components of Surrender

According to the Ahirbudhnya Samhita, surrender consists of six essential components:

1. Aanukoolyasya Sankalpah - Resolving to act in accordance with the Lord's will.
2. Praatikoolyasya Varjanam - Avoiding actions that are contrary to the Lord's will.
3. Rakshishyati Iti Vishwasah - Firm faith that the Lord will protect the surrendered soul.
4. Goptritva Varanam - Accepting the Lord as the protector.
5. Karpanya - Feeling of helplessness without the Lord's grace.
6. Atma Nikshepa - Surrendering oneself at the feet of the Lord.

These components ensure that the surrender is complete and effective, leading to liberation and divine protection.

Significance of Sharanagati

The significance of Sharanagati lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It is the ultimate teaching of the Gita, offering a direct and uncomplicated path to liberation. The verse emphasizes that by surrendering to the Lord, one can overcome all obstacles and attain the highest spiritual state.

The Taittiriya Aranyaka and the Ahirbudhnya Samhita highlight the profound nature of surrender, describing it as a supreme secret and the highest form of tapas (austerity). Surrender is not merely an act of submission but a profound spiritual discipline that encompasses all other forms of spiritual practices.

Relinquishing Previous Teachings

In the verse 'सर्वधर्मान् परित्यज्य,' Lord Krishna indeed suggests relinquishing all forms of dharma, which include the various paths He has taught throughout the Bhagavad Gita such as Sankhya (knowledge), Yoga (action), and Bhakti (devotion). By saying 'abandon all forms of righteousness,' Krishna is not diminishing the value of His earlier teachings but rather pointing out that complete surrender to Him is the highest and most inclusive path. It subsumes all other paths and leads directly to liberation without the intermediary steps of analysis, action, or even conventional devotional practices.

This directive signifies that when one surrenders to Krishna, they inherently align with the highest aspects of knowledge, action, and devotion, as these are naturally integrated into the act of surrender. It highlights the ultimate unity and simplicity in spiritual practice, where surrender to the divine encompasses all other practices and leads directly to the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation).

Nature of the Prayer in Prapatti

The nature of the prayer in Prapatti, as described in the Ahirbudhnya Samhita, is a heartfelt plea to the Lord:

'अहमरम्यपराधानामालयोऽकिंचनोऽगतिः त्वमेवोपायभूतो मे भवेति प्रार्थनामतिः। शरणागतिरित्युक्ता सा देवेऽस्मिन् प्रयुज्यताम्।'

'O Lord, I am the abode of innumerable sins, destitute, and without any means. Therefore, O Supreme Lord, You become the means for my attainment.' This prayerful attitude is called Sharanagati (surrender).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the teaching of surrender (Sharanagati) is the most profound and significant message of the Bhagavad Gita. It embodies the essence of divine wisdom and offers a practical and accessible path to liberation for all seekers. By embracing this teaching, one can attain the highest spiritual state and experience the infinite grace and protection of the Supreme Lord.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi