dhyānenātmani paśhyanti kechid ātmānam ātmanā
anye sānkhyena yogena karma-yogena chāpare
dhyānena — through meditation;
ātmani — within one’s heart;
paśhyanti — percieve;
kechit — some;
ātmānam — the Supreme soul;
ātmanā — by the mind;
anye — others;
sānkhyena — through cultivation of knowledge;
yogena — the yog system;
karma-yogena — union with God with through path of action;
cha — and;
apare — others
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna is explaining to Arjuna how different people experience and understand the Supersoul, which is the higher power or universal spirit present in everyone. There are different paths and ways for individuals to perceive this Supersoul based on their beliefs, practices, and approaches to life.
1. **Meditation**: Some people find the Supersoul by looking within themselves through meditation. Meditation is a practice where individuals focus their minds, often by sitting quietly and trying to clear their thoughts. By doing this, they can connect with their inner self and realize the presence of the Supersoul inside. Think of it like taking a moment to pause and reflect deeply; it helps people feel a sense of peace and connectedness.
2. **Cultivation of Knowledge**: Other individuals choose to understand the Supersoul through studying and gaining knowledge. This means they read spiritual texts, learn about philosophy, and think critically about life and existence. They seek to understand the bigger picture of life, including the relationship between the individual soul (the unique self) and the Supreme Spirit (the Supersoul). It’s like going to school specifically to learn about life’s deeper truths.
3. **Working Without Attachment**: There are also people who perceive the Supersoul through their actions but with a twist—they do their work without focusing on the rewards or results. This means they work hard and contribute positively to the world out of a sense of duty or compassion, rather than for personal gain. For example, someone who volunteers at a community center helps others while not expecting anything in return. This selfless attitude can lead them to understand the Supersoul better, as they are aligning their actions with the idea of serving a greater purpose.
Overall, the verse indicates that there isn’t just one way to connect with the divine or the Supersoul. Different individuals might choose different paths based on their beliefs, interests, and experiences. Those who manage to truly believe in the existence of a higher power and work towards connecting with it—whether through quiet reflection, learning, or selfless actions—are on the right path. Each method leads towards a deeper understanding of spiritual life.
Krishna emphasizes that true devotees, or those who sincerely care about connecting with God and appreciate the spiritual side of existence, have a more profound spiritual understanding. They see life as having more than just the material aspects, recognizing that there’s a spiritual reality that goes beyond what we can see or touch.
Thus, whether through meditation, the pursuit of knowledge, or selfless action, each individual has their unique way of understanding and connecting with the Supersoul. Engaging in these practices can lead to greater self-awareness and a deeper connection to everything around them.