SARANAGATI

Saranagati or the Doctrine of self-surrender is the upaya which has been taught by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. It is the surest means that can be opted by us for redemption of our souls.

SEERS and sages in Ancient India practiced the Bhakti-yoga since they were well-equipped and therefore qualified for it in every way. But in this age when the life of man is short and his resources meager, few are competent to practice Bhakti yoga. So God in His Infinite Mercy has prescribed an alternative means which goes by the name of Saranagati. The Sastras proclaim that Saranagati is easy to perform and no one is debarred from performing it by reason of his birth, age or sex. It does not stand in need of any extra external aids and is finished in a moment. It has also the additional advantage of having the power to yield any fruit one desires and at any time one chooses at once or later.

Saranagati or the Doctrine of Self-surrender is the upaya which has been taught by Sri Krishna to Arjuna in the battle-field of Kurukshetra. One can appreciate the greatness of this upaya only when one understands the particulars setting in which it was taught, which we shall presently describe.

The two armies of the Pandavas and the Kauravas have been arranged in battle-array ready to begin the fight the moment the signal is given. The conches are blown and drums sounded to rouse the enthusiasm of the warriors. Arjuna thinks for a moment and wants to have a view of the warring forces. So he orders Krishna who has undertaken to be his charioteer in the battle to drive his chariot and station it between the two forces standing in array.

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