Lotus the essence of the Gita

Lotus the essence of the Gita

Bhagavad Gita again and again emphasizes that one should cultivate an attitude of non-attachment or detachment (detached attachment). One should live like water on a lotus leaf.

Krishna says that “One who does actions, offering them to Brahman and abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin as a lotus leaf is untouched by water”—V.10.

brahmany adhaya karmani
sangam tyaktva karoti yah
lipyate na sa papena
padma-patram ivambhasa

In nine forms of Durga, in most forms she is seen sitting on the lotus (Sahilputri, Chandraghanta, kushmanda, Skandmata (two lotuses), Katyayani and Sidddatri. Only the Brahmacharini, Kalratri and Mahagauri lotuses are not seen.

Goddess Saraswati is also shown sitting on lotus. Both Saraswati and Skandmata depicts motherly attitude and the same is incomplete without learning detached attachment.

Lord Vishnu is also shown holding a lotus in the left lower hand.

Lord Brahma is also shown sitting on the lotus meaning thereby creativity is incomplete without detached attachment. According to some Brahma (creator)  is self-born out of a lotus flower which grew from the navel of Vishnu ( doer) again depicting that for creativity in doing one need to become like a lotus.

Attachment is due to infatuation and a sub quality of Rajas. Detachment is born of Sattva. The former is demoniacal and latter a divine attribute.

Attachment is born of ignorance, selfishness and passion and detachment is wisdom and brings with it freedom.

The practice of detachment is a rigorous discipline.  Failures are not stumbling-blocks but steppingstones to success.

Detachment can be practiced willfully with exercises (bali, sacrifice, donation) or can be experienced in meditation.

Attachment to the Lord is a potent antidote to annihilate all worldly attachments.Krishnaagain says by performing action without attachment man reaches the Supreme”—III.19.

Lotus feet is the other term used for GODS and signifies again extreme degree of detached attachment.