The readiness to stand apart from the world, as conveyed in this Bhagavad-gita verse (02.69), is central to the Gita’s practical application. The Gita’s message centers on providing a higher, spiritual vision of our place and purpose in the world. 

As most people don’t have or even care to have such a vision, they tread a path different from that tread by spiritualists. When we choose to live spiritually, we will be treading a path less traveled — as is asserted later in the Gita (07.03): Among thousands of people, only a few endeavor to know the ultimate reality — and even among them, only a few come to know that ultimate reality to be Krishna. While this verse conveys that such spiritual topics don’t interest materialists, the Gita later indicates that the wise are not interested in worldly topics: they prefer to stay in a secluded place and stay detached from the ways of people in general (13.11). 

Do these Gita guidelines mean that we as spiritualists are condemned to loneliness? Certainly not. 

First, the Gita recommends solitude, not loneliness. In loneliness, we crave for relating with people, but are unable to, whatever be the reason. But in solitude, we prefer, even prioritize, decreased socialization to focus on understanding and transforming ourselves. 

Second, the Gita doesn’t deny the reality that we are social creatures who need to connect with others. It addresses this need by encouraging, even endorsing, the association of fellow spiritualists who cherish similar values and purposes. Indeed, it (10.09) declares such association to be a source of both enlightenment and enrichment. When we learn to cherish and relish spiritual association, we unitedly stand apart from the world. 

One-sentence summary:

To live spiritually as the Gita recommends, we need to stand apart from those who devalue spirituality and stay aligned with those who value spirituality. 

Think it over:

  • How is standing apart from the world central to the Gita’s practical application? 
  • How does solitude differ from loneliness?
  • How can we address our need as social beings if we have to stand apart from the world? 

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02.69: What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage.

Stand apart — together

To know more about this verse, please click on the image