2016, Spiritual Q & A Part 2 (Gita Knowledge, Devotion, Karma and Infinite Journey of Soul)

Part-2: Ultimate Knowledge of Gita, Devotion, Karma, and the Infinite Journey of the Soul

Introduction

In this discussion, deep spiritual questions are raised about the teachings of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, devotion (bhakti), knowledge (gyan), karma, rebirth, subtle worlds, and the ultimate destination of the soul.

The central theme revolves around understanding:

• What did Sri Krishna really mean by complete surrender?

• Does devotion alone lead to the highest spiritual state?

• What determines the soul’s journey after death?

• What is the highest possible stage of the soul?

• What is the meaning of knowledge of the infinite?

According to Bapuji, the first subject of the spiritual path is knowledge. Knowledge determines remembrance, remembrance determines destination, and destination determines the level of liberation.

Gita’s Core Teaching – Complete Surrender to the Divine

In Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna tells Arjuna: “Abandon all forms of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I will liberate you from all sins. Do not despair. Always remember Me.” According to Bapuji, Krishna explains many types of dharma (spiritual principles), such as:

• Non-attachment, Righteous action, Devotion, Knowledge, Surrender

But ultimately Krishna emphasizes complete surrender: “Sarva Dharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Sharanam Vraja”.  This means leaving all belief systems and surrendering to the Supreme source. When a soul is freed from karmic reactions, only then can it reach Paramdham (supreme abode).

A key spiritual principle explained: The soul reaches the spiritual realm of the being it remembers. If someone remembers Krishna as Vishnu’s incarnation, the soul may reach Vaikunth. But if one understands Krishna as an incarnation of the Almighty Authority, the destination becomes higher. Thus, knowledge determines destination.

Meera Bai’s Devotion – Does Bhakti Alone Lead to Liberation?

Meera Bai is considered a symbol of ultimate devotion. She renounced royal luxury and dedicated her entire life to Krishna, declaring: “I am yours and you are mine.”

According to Bapuji’s explanation:

• Meera Bai remained absorbed in devotion to Krishna.

• She eventually merged in Krishna at Dwarka.

• Since Krishna was present in subtle form in Swarglok at that time, she first reached Swarglok.

• Later, when Krishna moved to Vaikunthlok, she also reached there.

This demonstrates the principle: The soul goes where its remembrance is directed. Bhakti (devotion) is powerful, but knowledge determines the highest destination.

Bhakti, Gyan and Karma – Three Spiritual Paths

Krishna described three major paths:

1. Bhakti (Devotion)

2. Gyan (Knowledge)

3. Karma (Action)

According to Bapuji:

• Worship determines destination.

• Different devotees worship different deities such as Mahadev, Mahakali, Krishna, or Ram.

• The soul reaches the spiritual realm of the deity it worships.

This is described as a natural spiritual law. However, to reach the Supreme of the Supreme, one must have knowledge of the Almighty Authority, considered beyond all deities.

Thus: Knowledge reveals the ultimate source behind all divine forms.

Ramakrishna Paramhansa and the Knowledge of the Supreme Element

A famous spiritual story describes how Totapuri guided Ramakrishna Paramhansa to transcend the form of Kali and experience the Supreme Element (Param Tatva).

Bapuji explains that realization of divine forms is not the final stage. Higher knowledge reveals deeper dimensions of spiritual reality.

According to this interpretation:

• Many divine incarnations occur in different cosmic cycles.

• Souls progress through knowledge and spiritual effort.

• Knowledge of the ultimate source is considered rare.

The emphasis again is: Spiritual progress depends upon level of knowledge and awareness.

Cycle of Birth, Karma and 84 Lakh Yonis

A traditional belief states that a soul passes through 84 lakh life forms before attaining human birth.

Bapuji explains:

• The soul’s next birth depends upon karma and spiritual power.

• Souls may take repeated human births.

• Continuous negative actions reduce soul power.

• Degradation in consciousness can lead to lower births.

• Highly negative actions over multiple lifetimes may result in ghost-like existence.

 Thus, karma influences the soul’s movement through different forms of life. Karma influences soul evolution. Free will exists within the framework of karmic law.

What Determines the Soul’s Highest Destination?

According to this philosophy:

• Knowledge of Shiv leads toward Shiv.

• Knowledge of Mahashiv leads toward Mahashiv.

• Knowledge of higher dimensions leads toward higher spiritual realms.

The soul’s journey is gradual, not instant. The soul evolves through:

• Awareness, Remembrance, spiritual power, knowledge of higher realities

Ultimately, the highest aim described is realization of the infinite source of creation, referred to as the Almighty Authority.

The Role of Knowledge in Spiritual Evolution

Bapuji emphasizes that: Knowledge transforms the soul from:

Jeev → Shiv → Mahashiv → Param Mahashiv → Infinite Consciousness

Spiritual progress is described as expansion of awareness into higher dimensions of existence. Knowledge of the infinite is described as understanding multiple layers of cosmic reality beyond physical perception.

Kundalini Awakening vs Direct Soul Awareness

Two spiritual approaches are described:

Bhakti path

Involves practices such as:

• chanting Om

• awakening kundalini

• raising energy through chakras

Gyan path

Focuses on:

• soul consciousness

• awareness of inner light

• remembrance of supreme source

According to Bapuji:

Direct awareness of the soul as a point of light connects the individual with higher spiritual power without necessarily practicing kundalini techniques.

Subtle Worlds and Spiritual Dimensions

The discussion describes multiple levels of existence:

• Physical world (gross dimension)

• Subtle world (energetic dimension)

• Incorporeal world (pure consciousness)

It is suggested that:

• Thoughts and remembrance connect the soul with subtle dimensions.

• Souls of saints and spiritual teachers may exist in subtle realms.

• Spiritual experiences such as visions or trance may occur through deep meditation.

Karma, Forgiveness and Spiritual Power

Forgiveness is described as beneficial because:

• It removes negative mental impressions.

• It reduces karmic burden.

• It creates mental peace.

However, true transformation of karmic impressions requires spiritual power. According to Bapuji: The soul regains power by connecting with the supreme source of spiritual light. This connection is described as charging the soul like a battery.

Samadhi – Incorporeal State of Consciousness

Samadhi is explained as a state where:

• Awareness moves beyond body consciousness.

• Subtle and causal impressions become inactive.

• Consciousness experiences incorporeal stillness.

In this state: Physical sensations may not be perceived. It is described as the soul’s connection with higher spiritual realms.

Role of Knowledge in Liberation

One of the central conclusions is: Liberation depends upon knowledge of the ultimate source of creation. Different spiritual teachers provide different levels of knowledge.

The seeker is encouraged to:

• examine teachings carefully----understand the source of knowledge---contemplate deeply---seek higher truth

Ultimate Aim of the Soul

According to this discourse: The highest aim of the soul is realization of the infinite source of existence and attainment of supreme peace and supreme knowledge. Knowledge expands consciousness beyond limited identity and connects the soul with higher dimensions of existence. The journey of the soul is described as infinite, evolving through awareness, knowledge, and spiritual realization.

Conclusion

This discussion presents a philosophical interpretation of spiritual evolution emphasizing:

• remembrance determines destination

• knowledge determines remembrance

• spiritual awareness determines liberation

The ultimate teaching emphasizes: Seek knowledge of the highest truth. Understand the source of existence. Elevate consciousness beyond limitation. The journey of the soul continues until realization of the infinite.