The
Bhagavad Gita is a treasure trove of knowledge - all that you need to be is an
inquisitive student, because only when the student is ready, the master
appears! Join me this month in the 'April A to Z challenge,' as I take you
through selected verses of this monumental scripture, and try to decipher the
amazing lessons it has in store for us.
Read F for Faith here.
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Translation
In this verse, Krishna tells us to offer unto him first, whatever we consume. That way, it frees us from attachment and sin.
Does Krishna need our offering?
This verse is not just about offering food to Krishna before we eat. Wouldn't it be like taking a glass of water from the ocean and offering it back to the ocean? When he is the provider, what is the point in offering it to him? Krishna himself says that he accepts anything that you offer with love - be it a leaf (patram), flower (pushpam), fruit (phalam) , or even water (toyam). So this is not just about offering, it is about love and gratitude.
We are not independent entities. Our lives depend on several others and above all on Krishna himself as indicated in the subsequent verses. Showing gratitude keeps us grounded, and aware of this fact.
The story of Sudama.
We read the story of Krishna and Sudama as an example of friendship, but it is also a story of gratitude and affection.
Sudama and Krishna were the best of friends as students in the gurukul of Guru Sandipani. While Krishna went on become the king of Dwarka, Sudama lived a life of piety, worship, and unwavering devotion to Krishna. He found contentment in his poverty, offering whatever he had to Krishna before partaking it. Once, nudged by his wife to seek help from his wealthy friend, he went to Dwarka. Having nothing much to offer, Sudama carried a tiny bundle of flattened rice as an offering for his friend.
When Krishna saw his childhood friend, he ran towards him and embraced him warmly, treating him like a king. Though Sudama felt ashamed of his humble offering, Krishna accepted it with deep joy, seeing the love behind it. Sudama could not bring himself to ask for his help, and returned home with the bliss of having met Krishna. When he returned, his hut had transformed into a palace filled with everything one could think of. Krishna had given him everything without asking for it. Sudama was filled with gratitude—for true friendship that gives without being asked and remembers without being reminded.
Let's be grateful.
Bearing a sense of gratitude to everyone who makes life here possible for us, makes our hearts lighter and happier. Who/What are you grateful to/for?
