02.07 – Those who overestimate their intelligence underutilize their potential
When things go wrong, we may appeal to Krishna for help. If no help appears forthcoming, we may doubt Krishna: “Why doesn’t he help me?”
The problem is not that Krishna doesn’t help, but that we demand his help on our terms. We overestimate our intelligence and underestimate his intelligence.
When faced with problems, we often assume that we know the solution. All we need from Krishna is to implement that solution. We want him to use his omnipotence to fix things up as per our plan. Thus we seek only Krishna’s power and not his intelligence. By overestimating our intelligence, we deprive ourselves of the growth opportunities hidden in problems.
Problems come upon us due to our own past karmic misdeeds. But Krishna expertly orchestrates problems so that they can also become growth opportunities. Provided we make the right choices, of course.
If we are to make those right choices, we need to open ourselves to Krishna’s guidance internally and externally. Empowered by his guidance, we can unleash our latent potentials as spiritual beings and grow.
In the Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter, Arjuna wanted to solve his problem on his terms. He wanted Krishna to support and implement his plan. But soon Arjuna realized that his own intelligence was getting him nowhere. So in the Gita (02.07) he surrendered to Krishna and asked for guidance. And thus he was blessed by Gita wisdom, which enabled him to discover his hidden potentials as a spiritual being, as a part of Krishna. By tapping into both Krishna’s intelligence and power Arjuna gained emotional and spiritual strength to use his abilities for individual and social wellbeing.
We too can similarly discover of our hidden potentials if we stop seeking Krishna’s help on our terms and instead open ourselves to his guidance.
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02.07 – Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.