In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna offers what might be best described as user-friendly spirituality. This is seen in his declaration that all people are on his path (04.11).

What does this mean? Aren’t some people, even many people, making choices and leading lives that are taking them away from Krishna and even from spirituality in general? Yes. Still, they are on the one same journey of consciousness, wherein they are striving for some object of consciousness that will grant supreme fulfillment. As Krishna is the all-attractive supreme reality who alone can provide such fulfillment, it can be said that everyone is on his path – everyone is on the one same journey of consciousness that is meant to culminate in Krishna consciousness. 

Though many, even most people, may be turned away from Krishna, he still offers everyone opportunities to turn toward him, from their place and at their pace. Let’s see how. 

From our place: No one is disqualified from turning toward Krishna, even if they are unqualified in the sense of not having adequate spiritual credentials or even spiritual interests. Everyone, even the most fallen, can get aboard the boat of spiritual knowledge (04.36) and take shelter of him (09.32).

At our pace: Though Krishna wants us to attain eternal life and love as quickly as possible – hence his clarion call to just surrender to him (18.66) – he acknowledges that not everyone will be ready for such spiritual focus. He accommodates such people, by providing them gradual pathways that are comfortable for them; he even urges that such people not be disturbed with instructions that are too advanced for them (03.26). 

Access his grace: Krishna accompanies us all personally as the Supersoul. He directs our wanderings in material existence (18.61) while giving us the necessary resources for the journey (15.12-15). Through all our travels and travails, he is forever wanting and waiting and working for us to turn toward him. 

In a nutshell:

Krishna offers user-friendly spirituality that can be phrased as: from our place, at our pace, access his grace.

Think it over:

  • How is everyone on the one same journey?
  • How does Krishna offer user-friendly spirituality?
  • Which aspect of Krishna’s user-friendliness inspires you the most? 

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04.11: As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Prutha.

How is everyone on Krishna’s path?

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