Arjuna inquires about the fate of one fallen from the path of self realization. Is he a failure, both materially and spiritually?
One may begin the process with faith, but later desist due to worldly mindedness (6.37)
Analogy: Does such a man perish like a riven cloud with no position in any sphere? (6.38)
Arjuna expresses that only Krishna can dispel this doubt completely (6.39)
PLEASE below NOTE: Purports for Texts 6.37 — 6.39 are presented in their individual ‘Focus of Learning’ boxes
aBasic principle of self-realisation
Knowledge that the living entity is not this material body
He is different from the body and his happiness is in eternal life, bliss and knowledge
This eternal like is transcendental, beyond both body and mind
bHow to pursue self-realisation — 3 possible paths:
Path of knowledge (Jnana-yoga)
Practice of eight-fold yoga system (Astanga-yoga)
Devotional service (Bhakti-yoga)
cSimilarities in these paths
In each of these processes one has to realize:
The constitutional position of the living entity
His relationship with God
And the activities whereby he can re-establish the lost link and achieve the highest perfectional stage of Krishna consciousness
All 3 processes assure success sooner or later (This reassures the point made in Bg. 2.40:
“Even a little endeavor on the transcendental path offers great hope for deliverance”
dBhakti-yoga is the most suitable path in this age — Because it is the most direct method of God realisation
eWhy does Arjuna ask this question — Although Bg. 2.40 provides full guarantee on the transcendental path, still Arjuna wants to be reassured because one may sincerely accept the process but still fail for many reasons
Especially the jnana-marg and the astanga-yoga are very difficult for this age
First of all one may not be sufficiently serious about following the process
Even after constant endeavor one may deviate because to pursue the transcendental path is more or less to declare war on the illusory energy
fImportance of “Yogac calita-manasah” — Deviation from transcendental path
A conditioned soul is always allured by the modes of material energy
And there is every chance of being allured again even while performing transcendental disciplines