Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verse 4

English Translation

Thereafter, that State has to be sought for, going where they do not return again: I take refuge in that Primeval Person Himself, from whom has ensued the eternal Manifestation.

Detailed Commentary

15.4. Commentary -- The Lord, in the earlier verse, has spoken of detachment from samsara. This proves that severing ties with the world is essential before seeking Paramatma. The reason is that Paramatma is ever-present everywhere, at all times, but the acceptance of one's relation with samsara obstructs the experience of Paramatma. Remaining connected to samsara causes slackness in the quest for Paramatma, and even performing Japa, Kirtan, and Swadhyay does not yield significant benefit. Therefore, the sadhaka must first sever ties with samsara. The Jiva is a part (amsha) of Paramatma. Due to identifying with samsara, the Jiva has forgotten its relation with its source (Amshi), Paramatma. Thus, when this forgetfulness is erased, the reality "I belong to Bhagavan alone" becomes manifest. Bhagavan states that the eternal connection with the Supreme Abode (Paramapada, Paramatma) already exists; one merely has to discover it. As long as one considers samsara as one's own, the eternally attained Paramatma appears unattained (aprapta). A search is only for that which already exists. Paramatma is everywhere; seeking Him does not mean searching with external means. Not taking refuge in that which was never one's own – the body, family, wealth – but taking refuge in Paramatma alone, is the true quest for Him. The sadhaka's devotional practice (bhajan) is very essential, but it is not correct to believe that Paramatma will be attained *through* it, as this can foster ego, which is an impediment (badhaka). The sadhaka, through spiritual practices (sadhanas), destroys what has been self-created as "non-means" or impediments (asadhan). If there is earnest desire to eliminate these impediments, strength is received by the grace of Paramatma. Humans often think that just as worldly objects are obtained through effort, Paramatma is attained through spiritual practices. In reality, this is not true. Attainment of Paramatma is not the fruit of any action (karma). Through renunciation (tyaga) and austerity (tapasya), severance of connection with inertness (jadatā) – the world and the body – occurs. As soon as this severance happens, the experience of the eternally present tattva (reality) that exists everywhere dawns. Arjuna also stated, "Smritiḥ labdhā" (My memory is regained / I have regained remembrance). By severing ties with samsara, the experience of Paramatma is attained. It is the nature of living beings (pranis) to seek refuge in that from which they expect the greatest hope. For instance, people work hard for money because they hope to obtain desired objects from it. When the sadhaka understands that there is nothing greater than Paramatma and that His attainment brings such bliss, then they advance towards obtaining Paramatma. The refuge in samsara is, in reality, illusory (mithya). The refuge in Paramatma alone is true. One should become fearless (nirbhaya) and worry-free (nishchint) by taking refuge in Bhagavan. The sadhaka must renounce attachment (sanga) to samsara and also abandon the ego of non-attachment (asangatā). Taking refuge in Bhagavan means surrendering everything to Paramatma. True refuge is where Bhagavan's will is paramount. Through exclusive surrender (ananya sharanagati), transcendental love for Bhagavan awakens, which grants infinite bliss. To take refuge in Paramatma means to surrender oneself to Paramatma. By Bhagavan's power of grace (kripashakti), one's faults are destroyed. Renouncing all other refuges, one should take refuge in Bhagavan. This very sentiment is also expressed in the Gita. By taking refuge in Bhagavan, true love is found, and in self-surrender alone does ineffable love (anirvachaniya prema) arise. Ultimately, the reality is that we belong to Paramatma alone. Withdrawing one's hand from the objects of samsara, one should take refuge in Paramatma alone and establish a relationship with Him. Connection: The characteristics of those great souls (Mahapurushas) who attain the Supreme Abode (Paramapada) by taking refuge in Adi Purusha Paramatma are described in the subsequent verse.