How Krishna precedes enlightenment with encouragement  – In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Arjuna enquires about the fate of the unsuccessful yogi. In a question that spans three full verses (06.37-39), Arjuna asks Krishna whether such a yogi who has already abandoned the path of worldly success to focus on spiritual growth ends up doomed, having failed both materially and spiritually.

In response (06.41-45), Krishna outlines the post-mortem trajectory of yogis with varying degrees of spiritual advancement; he delineates how they all will resume their spirituality in their future lives and ultimately attain perfection (06.45). But before giving this enlightening description, Krishna speaks one verse (06.40) that is surcharged with encouragement: those who seek the ultimate good will never meet with destruction, either in this life or the next; indeed, they will never end up in an inauspicious destination, 

The double assurance addresses a universal, understandable apprehension about the spiritual path: it requires enormous determination and discipline. Many may find that prospect so daunting to even try. Arjuna’s questions give voice to their apprehensions and Krishna’s words provide them all unequivocal confidence. 

Suppose we are guiding someone to do something challenging and they ask some questions that indicate their reservations. While answering their questions, we need to address not just the issues of reason but also the issues of emotion. We don’t just need to tell them what to do; we need to also give them the confidence that they can do it. How much more is such confidence needed for those embarking on the demanding spiritual journey to an invisible post-mortem domain! Providing encouragement is as important as, if not more important than, providing enlightenment. 

One-sentence summary:

To answer questions effectively, don’t just hear for meaning; hear also for feeling. 

Think it over: 

  • How does Krishna address Arjuna’s question about an unsuccessful yogi’s post-mortem destination?
  • While guiding others, what two issues do we need to address? 
  • When answering others’ questions, how can  you incorporate both meaning and feeling?

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06.40: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Son of Prutha, a transcendentalist engaged in auspicious activities does not meet with destruction either in this world or in the spiritual world; one who does good, My friend, is never overcome by evil.

How Krishna precedes enlightenment with encouragement

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