Yukta refers to a great soul who has achieved a bond with God, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI, as he shares ways to be one
Lord Krishna has used the word “yukta†several times in the Bhagavad Gita, three times in one verse alone (6.17). Why? Because it is a very important word in the spiritual context. One Sanskrit dictionary defines it as a great soul who has achieved a bond with God. This word comes from the Sanskrit word “yujâ€, which means to be linked, besides having many other meanings.
And when we speak about yukta behaviour, it has deep significance. One must have the required material knowledge. For example, when the Lord refers to yukta aahar, He is emphasising on eating wholesome and nutritious food, which is just right for the person concerned. This is one aspect. Another aspect of yukta behaviour is the purpose behind it. For example, why do children of tender age prefer company of the opposite gender? This has very likely to do with lust rather than the likeability of that person. And the third yardstick is whether we are progressing in life or regressing. For example, when a businessman uses unfair means to advance his business, he is regressing, compared to a businessman, who plays by the rules, though this is much harder to do. He will be better off.
Why is yukta behaviour so important? Lord Krishna gives one very important reason, which is reduction of suffering in life. (6.17) This material world is an impermanent of miseries. (8.14) Three kinds of troubles are not too far from us. These are: what we give to ourselves by not doing yukta behaviour now and in the past, including previous lives. Then, others give us trouble, mostly as mediums of what is due to us from, once again not yukta behavior. The third source of suffering is from natural elements like excessive heat, cold, rain, etc., because we have not qualified for higher planets due to our earlier not yukta behaviour. And sufferings are painful to say the least. They have to tolerate, which is not easy. This is the first requirement, i.e. acceptance of the reality of the necessity to tolerate. If it wasn’t so, the Lord would not have asked us to be tolerant. (6.17) It is unavoidable in spite of doing our best; because those who do practice yukta behaviour tolerate better but they are not exempt from suffering either. God’s help in getting the strength to tolerate should be sought by praying to Him.
As for the yukta behaviour, the start has to be made with the basics. There are two parts to this. One is striving appropriately and the other is appropriate activities. Both are important. Our activities must be according to ‘dharma’. If not, they will not be aligned with God’s plans for us; we will be crossing ‘maryada’. Our activities must ensure that we can maintain ourselves adequately. If we can serve others as well, that is very good. And they must suit our individual natures, which can, then, be sustained over a long period.
Now turning to how much should we exert? Obviously, there shouldn’t be overwork, because it cannot be sustained. Similarly, there should be no procrastination. Multitasking is okay once in a while. These efforts will be largely determined by our strengths, which are: physical, mental and the extent to which we can tolerate. Human life is much too precious to be squandered by not being sensible about everything. Shouldn’t we behave like cultured persons? Yes, we must at all times and do what is yukta.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com
