Bhagavad Gita 2.41
Excerpt from Michael Beloved’s Translation of Bhagavad Gita:
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिर्
एकेह कुरुनन्दन ।
बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च
बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम् ॥२.४१॥
vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kurunandana
bahuśākhā hyanantāśca
Buddhayo'vyavasāyinām (2.41)
vyavasāyātmikā — intentional determination; buddhir = buddhih — technical insight; ekeha = eka — one view + iha — in this instance; kurunandana — O dear man of the Kuru family; bahuśākhā — many offshoots; hyanantāś = hi — in fact + anantāś — endless; ca — and; buddhayo = buddhayaḥ — views; ‘vyavasāyinām = avyavasāyinām — of the person with many hopes
When a person’s intentional determination is guided by technical insight, he experiences one view, O dear man of the Kuru family. But the views of a person with many hopes are diverse and endless. (2.41)
My Interpretation:
I read this verse in the Kriya Yoga Bhagavad Gita as I was about to retire for bed. At the time it resonated tremendously since it spoke to my inconsistency in adhering to the Kriya path. Many times, I neglect the Kriya perspective because of a need to indulge or satisfy some sensuous gratification. Other times, I am intimidated by the Kriya perspective due to its demand for a restrictive lifestyle. Intimidation is often the premise for my diversion.
The intellect says, “Hey buddy, you are no big-time yogi, why don’t you compromise?” “Your ass is grass anyways, be free and embrace the consequences!” Neglecting the Kriya perspective can sometimes bring about an illusory and/or temporary release of the pressures being faced. But the repercussions may prove to bring about even more tensions than previously experienced.
I gather that Sri Krishna is suggesting that one should be rooted in the Kriya perspective. By this, it should guide one’s interactions with material nature and the persons involved. One should be determined to maintain the perspective or revert to it if one is shifted by the diverse energies encountered. However, if one wavers, then one’s perspective will be scattered, constantly shifting, and varying. Leading to many flawed actions and interpretations.
