The Genius of Dnyaneshwar Dnyaneshwari Verses 151–181 Geeta Chapter 3
151
Chapter 37
Social Contract1/Leading by Example
From the history of the sacramental 2 ritual fire, the yadnya, Shrikrishna in the Geeta and Dnyaneshwar in the Dnyaneshwari, now embrace the subject of a social contract and the need to lead by an example rather than preach to the undeserving. These verses include a real historical example, they distinguish between a leader and the rest of the men, restate how the flow of karma is a natural phenomenon and how man must participate in this flow. They also make a point that no less than Shrikrishna himself participates in this flow and the reasons for his participation. King Janak And other great men of the past Held to their social karma Steadfast And then merged with the eternal* At last …414 * eternal to mean Brahma or spirit
Note that here heaven is not mentioned in their afterlife. They just merged with the eternal. Shrikrishna then tells Arjun Lead from the front Bear the brunt Save this world From this dreadful crunch Show the world That you do your deeds To set an example Is a vital need …415 The next verse assumes that most people need guidance just like the blind and the old are led across a street by a boy scout. Arjun