Ashtavakra Gita 4.5 -

Maharshi explains the benefits of Self-realization, making it relevant even for ordinary people. Spiritual pursuit is focussed solely on mind and intelligence, as Kurukshetra dialogue illustrates.

Arjuna had the worst discomfiture of his life, when he saw his grandfather, teacher, elders and relatives arrayed on both sides. Extremely nonplussed, he said he would retreat from the war. Keeping his bow and arrow down, he sat on the chariot!

It fell upon Krishna to treat the crisis. Krishna first admonished Arjuna, activating his intelligence to examine his stand. And lo, instantly Arjuna’s tears stopped. His pertinent questions led the dialogue become a full-fledged gospel.

It was a mento-intellectual exchange, Krishna speaking and Arjuna hearing. Krishna’s message became part of Arjuna’s mind. There was no prayer, no worship.

Arjuna left all desires and expectations. His mind became pure and expansive. He could leave his wrong assessments, evenize all dvandvas. He became stable, poised. Spiritual realization makes one renounce desire and hatred. While others struggle with their likes and dislikes, the Knower leaves them dexterously. Four kinds of being in creation are those born of womb (jarāyuja), hatched from egg (aṇḍaja), born of sweat and vapour (svedaja) and sprouting from seed (udbīja).

Four kinds of being in creation are those born of womb (jarāyuja), hatched from egg (aṇḍaja), born of sweat and vapour (svedaja) and sprouting from seed (udbīja).