But why is independence a problem? After all its something that everyone look for.
Having understood a fair deal on our relationship with God, let’s explore this concept of independence. But before that, can we think aloud and see what we mean as independence and is it something which is really possible? At least going by general parlance, independence can be associated with a sense of feeling where everything is under one’s control where one can dictate terms and be in a position according to his own whims and fancies. I am sure this definition of independence would have raised a few eyebrows and made one ponder as to where we are heading. We are heading to understand if this is really possible and whether we really are in such a position.
But before that we need to understand the nature of our surroundings. The world we have occupied is a place of duality where both happiness and distress coexist. The Lord himself confirms this in the Bhagavad Gita terming this world as “dukhalayam asasvatam” – meaning a place of misery and that which is temporary. As we have come to see and as confirmed by the authorities there are four things in this material world which are there to exist – birth, death, old age and disease. These four things cannot be stopped and is experienced even up to the highest planet in this material world which is Brahmaloka. And even if one happens to be the richest of the richest he cannot stop this. Besides these four things there are other natural disturbances like flood, famines, earthquakes etc which are beyond anybody’s control. Despite the advancement in science and technology these things still cannot be checked.
So now it’s time to question ourselves. Can we actually remain independent given the nature of our environment and the place which we occupy? The obvious answer should be no, because it is clear that we do not have control over our surroundings and as such the question of independence never exists.
But one may argue that there is a limited independence which exists. This argument is valid and it is a fact that we are naturally independent. The Lord is all independent and we being a part and parcel of the Lord also have that natural independence. But currently we are unable to utilize it fully because we have misused that independence. The misuse of independence happens when we attempt to be independent to the source of our independence itself. In other words we want to enjoy being separated from God and not wanting him to be with us. It is just like a son or daughter who in the name of independence intents to act according to his or her whims without adhering to the instructions of the parents. In the beginning it may be nice, but the end result can be devastating. So the solution lies in using that limited independence which we currently enjoy to dovetail our activities to the service of the Lord. That will reinstate us in our true feeling of independence. But am I not forcing myself to undertake something which I don’t enjoy? The point is that unlike serving a master in this material world out of need or necessity the pleasure in serving the lord is immense. This is because the Lord is by nature full of eternal, bliss and knowledge and we being his parts and parcels also have that quality.
We conclude this part by clearly voicing that Independence is not a problem, in fact it is a boon but one needs to properly understand and not misuse it.
Part3
But at the end of Part 2, are we sounding impractical or are we getting too theoretical? So Let’s explore the practical means to achieve what we discussed in the upcoming Part 3.
--- by Krsna Caitanya Das
