एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह य: | अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति || 16|| |
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“O Partha, those who do not follow the wheel set into motion and live only for the delight of their senses live in vain!”
Commentary
The cycle of creation, perpetually driven by the Laws of Nature, unfolds incessantly. With each passing moment, a new life emerges into existence within this realm of ceaseless activity, crafted by the divine hand of Brahma. Positioned as a single reference point upon this cosmic wheel, humanity experiences a cyclical journey through the epochs of Kali yuga, Dwapara yuga, Treta yuga, and Satya yuga. Each rotation through these four yugas marks the culmination of a distinct period within Brahma’s time frame. This eternal wheel of time and activity continues its ceaseless rotation on a macro-cosmic scale.
Aligned with the cyclical rhythm of the wheel, individuals are tasked with fulfilling their karmic duties in accordance with the era and age into which they are born. Adherence to the laws of dutiful activity becomes a daily imperative, with offerings of food, thoughts, and actions as yajna to the gods, drawing forth an abundance of health, wealth, and happiness.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, Samsara embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth—a realm fraught with suffering and devoid of discernible origin or end. Humans find themselves ensnared within this ceaseless cycle, driven by ignorance and bound by the relentless pursuit of cravings and desires. Those who succumb to sensory pleasures miss the profound purpose of existence, perpetually riding the Ferris wheel of worldly indulgence.
Even minor alterations within the intricate neural networks of the brain necessitate a complete 12-year solar cycle. To navigate this wheel of karmic duty, adherence to the Law of Dharma becomes paramount. Liberation, however, demands a span of a million years if one remains steadfast in their commitment to this cosmic dance.
Much like a master who trains his dog with a leash, the wise devotee exercises self-control over the five senses, allowing occasional respite for enjoyment in worldly pleasures. Yet, just as swiftly as the leash is loosened, it is drawn taut once more, with the practitioner withdrawing prana repeatedly to revolve around the axis of the spine. A single complete rotation along this spinal axis signifies one solar cycle.
In the same vein that a wealthy benefactor may alleviate the debts of one burdened with loans, a Guru possesses the capacity to absolve the karma of a sincere devotee. With the Guru’s guidance, liberation is accelerated in an extraordinary manner, enabling the devotee to transcend the ever-turning wheel of time-bound activity within a condensed timeframe.