Play the part of the part and the whole will fill the hole

We sometimes feel a hole within – a sense of emptiness that gnaws especially when we aren’t deadening ourselves internally with the racehorse pace and the mindless entertainment of our times.

What is the cause of the hole?

The absence of the Whole, the Supreme Absolute Truth, Krishna.

The Bhagavad-gita (15.07) indicates that we are parts of Krishna. As parts of the all-blissful Supreme Being, we gain complete fulfillment by harmonizing with him through loving service.

Unfortunately, we refuse to play the part of the part. Being misled by our mind and senses, we imagine ourselves to be the whole. Or rather, we believe that fulfilling the desires of the mind and senses will make us satisfied, that is, whole. However, mental and sensual gratification can never fill the inner hole.

Why?

Because nothing can serve as a substitute for the all-attractive Supreme.

The presence of the Whole alone can fill the inner hole.

And the easiest way to invoke Krishna’s presence is through devotion.

When we practice bhakti-yoga sincerely, we express to Krishna our desire to love him, to install him on our heart’s altar, displacing the many things that the mind and senses have impelled us to place there in the past. Being pleased by our devotional intention, he reciprocates by manifesting his presence in our heart, thereby releasing within it electrifying currents of oceanic happiness – currents that increase in intensity and ecstasy as our devotion increases.

And the path of bhakti is so inclusive that it doesn’t demand external disconnection for inner connection. We can connect with Krishna not only through explicitly devotional activities alone but also through our vocation according to our talents and inclinations. By worshiping him with our work (Bhagavad-gita 18.46), we can spiritualize that vocation and relish sublime fulfillment therein too.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Text 07

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