The Bhagavad-gita’s concluding call for surrender (18.66) can evoke negative reactions because many people associate ‘surrender’ with a confrontational or martial scenario. To deal with such reactions, let’s contrast martial surrender with devotional surrender in terms of two factors: causes and consequences.
Martial surrender: In terms of causes, when one military general surrenders to another, such surrender occurs because of defeat and helplessness; the surrendering general has run out of all options. In terms of consequences, the surrendered rarely receive good or fair treatment. They are often forced to accept exploitative and humiliating terms that post-surrender they have no power left to oppose. They may even be tried in kangaroo courts that are designed to persecute and prosecute to the worst degree.
Devotional surrender: Thankfully, none of these negative causes or consequences apply to the Gita’s call for surrender. This surrender to the divine arises out of enlightenment, not resentment. The Gita explains that we all are precious parts of the all-attractive divinity, Krishna (15.07) — and loving harmonization with him is in our highest interests because therein we attain the supreme fulfillment (10.09); he is our greatest benefactor (05.29). Though we may initially approach Krishna because we have run out of alternatives (07.16), we evolve over time to realize that he is the embodiment and fulfillment of our heart’s deepest aspirations (07.19). Even if we have several good options, we choose Krishna as our best option — we surrender willingly, affectionately, joyfully. And post-surrender, Krishna welcomes us into his intimate circle of love, wherein we are treated as a treasured family member who has returned home after a long and unfortunate estrangement. And we rejoice with him in a delightful life of immortal love.
One-sentence summary:
Whereas martial surrender frequently arises out of resentment and leads to exploitation, devotional surrender arises out of enlightenment and leads to loving reunion.
Think it over:
- What are the two ways in which martial surrender is associated with negativity?
- How does such negativity not apply to devotional surrender?
- Do you associate surrender with any negative connotation? How can you use Gita wisdom to remove that connotation?
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18.66: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
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