Are We Just Machines?
In the previous verses, Krishna spoke about 'Gyan' and 'Vigyan'. He stated that out of thousands of people, only one strives to know Him. This brings us to a fundamental existential crisis. If the Divine is so great, why do we feel so small, anxious, and insignificant? Most of us wake up in the morning and immediately dive into a 'to-do list'. The pressure of office deadlines, rent, relationship issues, and the constant comparison on social media makes us feel like we are just cogs in a machine. Is this all there is to our existence?
We often fall into the trap of thinking we are merely a bundle of matter—bones, flesh, and synapses. We believe that if we change our jobs, move to a new city, or buy a new phone, we will finally be happy. But Krishna is about to reveal a massive truth here. He explains that beyond this material world (Apara Prakriti), there is another power without which everything is dead matter.
Have you ever felt a deep, overwhelming emotion? That spark of love, that fire of ambition, that sting of sorrow—where does it come from? Is it just a chemical reaction? Krishna says no. It is consciousness; it is the soul. We often mistake ourselves for 'inert matter' (Apara), treating ourselves like machines that just need to function. This misconception is the root cause of the depression and emptiness felt by the youth today.
Krishna wants to remind us of our 'true identity'. He says you are not just 'Apara'; you are 'Para'. This verse is for everyone who feels defeated, limited, and trapped. Today, we will dive deep into this shloka and learn how to reconnect with that supreme energy, even if we feel we have forgotten it.
Imagine standing on the shore of a vast ocean. The waves you see are the material world. But the depth of the ocean—the vastness that remains constant—is the 'Para Prakriti'. Krishna introduces us to that depth so we can rise above our daily anxieties.
॥ ७.५ ॥
अपरेयमितस्त्वन्यां प्रकृतिं विद्धि मे पराम् ।
जीवभूतां महाबाहो ययेदं धार्यते जगत् ॥
Here, Krishna addresses Arjuna as 'Mahabaho', the mighty-armed one. This address is crucial because it reminds us of the inherent strength within us. We are not weak; we have simply forgotten our own potential.
Simple Meaning: What is 'Para' and 'Apara'?
This verse has to be understood in three parts. Krishna says everything you see in the material world—earth, water, air, mind, intelligence—is 'Apara Prakriti'. It is dead matter. It has no agency of its own. 'Apareyamitastvanyam'—beyond this, there is another nature, which is 'Para'.
'Jivabhutam'—this is the living soul, which is what we all are. It is consciousness. It is energy. 'Yayedam dharyate jagat'—by which this entire universe is sustained. Think about it: if we were not here, what would the value of this world be? This consciousness is what makes the world 'alive'.
Key Takeaways:
1. We are not the material body (Apara); we are 'Jivabhutam' (Consciousness).
2. The world itself has no consciousness; it is sustained by us.
3. Our true identity is linked to the 'Para' energy, which is a part of Krishna.
Insights from Swami Ramsukhdas Ji
Swami Ramsukhdas Ji emphasizes the word 'Jivabhutam'. He explains that the nature of the soul is 'Chinmaya' (full of consciousness). He reminds us that the body belongs to the world ('para'), but the soul is the 'Self' ('sva'). We suffer because we identify with the material. As soon as we begin to see ourselves as the 'Jiva', the worries of the material world become secondary. He notes that we shouldn't abandon the world, but we should stop treating it as our 'identity'.
Prabhupada Ji's Perspective
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada interprets this through the lens of devotion. He explains that we are Krishna's 'Para Prakriti', meaning we are His parts and our natural disposition is to serve Him. Until we serve Krishna, we remain slaves to this 'Apara' (material) world. Prabhupada warns us that trying to find happiness by attaching ourselves to dead matter is a futile endeavor. Devotion is the only way to awaken our 'Para' nature.
Swami Mukundananda Ji's Modern Application
Swami Mukundananda Ji uses a beautiful analogy. If the body is a car, the 'Jiva' is the driver. The car cannot move on its own. Today's youth are so busy polishing the 'car' (career, looks, social status) that they have forgotten the 'driver' (the soul). He suggests a 'mental shift'. When you realize you are the driver, not the car, the stress of office or relationship failures won't break you. You become the observer of your own mind.
Real Life Scenario
Imagine being at work. Your boss is yelling. You feel like 'I' am being crushed. Stop! You are operating at the 'Apara' level. Remind yourself: I am the 'Para' (consciousness). The boss is also 'Para', and his anger is just a disturbance of his 'Apara' (mind). This shift in perspective will make you calm instantly. This is the practice of living in the Gita.
Self Q&A
Q: Do I have to leave my job to realize this?
A: Swami Ramsukhdas Ji says no. You must sustain the world by performing your duty, but change your attachment. Work, but know that you are the soul, not the body.
Q: Can I always feel the Para nature?
A: Prabhupada Ji suggests bringing in the attitude of service. When you work for Krishna, your consciousness elevates to the 'Para' level.
Q: My mind is too unstable.
A: Swami Mukundananda Ji says this is the nature of 'Apara'. Accept it and repeatedly remind yourself that you are the observer.
🙏 Hare Krishna — Jai Shri Krishna 🙏
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