In the Bhagavad-gita (6.30), Krishna describes the vision of the enlightened yogi. Such seers have a dual divine perception: they see Krishna in everything, and they see everything in Krishna. This means recognizing that, rather than being captivated by the specifics of things, one sees how these specifics are ultimately manifestations of Krishna.

In the Bhagavad-gita (10.41), Krishna states that everything attractive manifests a spark of his supreme all-attractiveness. To see Krishna in everything means recognizing him in various forms. For instance, when we admire a charming singer or take in the beauty of a river flowing at the base of a towering, green mountain reaching up to the clouds, we should not just focus on the specifics of these perceptions. Instead, we remember that the singer’s talent comes from Krishna, and the beauty of that natural landscape also originates from Krishna.

Seeing Krishna in everything doesn’t mean ignoring the world’s beauty or rejecting its attractions as mere distractions. Rather, we see them as pointers to Krishna rather than competitors. However, to develop this vision of seeing Krishna in everything during our day, we need to cultivate it specifically and exclusively during our sadhana time.

The second part of this vision is to see everything in Krishna. During our focused spiritual practices, we bring our consciousness into Krishna’s divine presence, manifested as his holy name, sacred texts of wisdom, or beautiful deities. By being ushered into Krishna’s sublime presence, we gain some realization and recollection of the vital truth that Krishna is far bigger than the world. Turning away from the world for sadhana reminds us of a higher reality beyond the distractions of daily life.

Krishna is not merely a reality larger than this world; he is the supreme reality overseeing all worldly events, as he declares. When we are securely situated in the understanding that everything is within Krishna, we don’t feel inordinately tempted or swayed by external stimuli. This stability enables us to perceive Krishna within those stimuli. The more we see that everything is situated in Krishna, the more we can recognize how Krishna is also situated in everything.

Summary:

  • The vision of the seers is that Krishna is situated in everything, and everything is situated in Krishna.
  • To have this vision, we need to cultivate conscious spiritual practice and realize that Krishna is a reality bigger than this world, guiding its movements.
  • This understanding provides stability, allowing us to see Krishna within daily stimuli.

Think It Over:

  • To always think about Krishna, do we need to turn away from the world and move through it with closed eyes? If not, why not?
  • What does seeing everything as being in Krishna mean?
  • How does seeing everything in Krishna help us see Krishna in everything?

***

6.30 – For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.

The Dual Vision of the Yogi