Answer
A seeker named Sanchit Swaroop wrote to Brahm Bodhi with a heartfelt question.
“After listening to and reading some commentators on the Śrīmad Bhagavad Gita, I have understood that the Gita instructs us to spend our lives in devotion to Bhagavan — performing our prescribed duties with equanimity, fulfilling our svadharma without attachment to the fruits of action, and keeping the welfare of all in mind. Is it possible to live in this manner in the present age? If you know of any enlightened person who lives in this way, please tell me about them so that I may seek their spiritual company. Jai Shri Radha-Krishna!”
Brahm Bodhi replied that the seeker had correctly understood the message of the Gita and, on the basis of that understanding, had asked two questions.
Is such a life possible in the present age?
The seeker’s first question was whether it is possible in the present age to attain the state described by the Gita. Brahm Bodhi’s answer was that it is certainly possible. One should continue striving patiently and persistently; anyone who does so can attain this state.
Do enlightened persons who live this way still exist?
The seeker’s second question was whether Brahm Bodhi knew of any enlightened person who has attained the state described by the Gita — and, if such a person exists, whether he would share their name so that the seeker might seek their spiritual company.
Brahm Bodhi observed that, today, the Bhagavad Gita is the most widely read of all the scriptures of Sanatana Dharma throughout the world. It is therefore not difficult to believe that there must be many enlightened individuals who are following the path shown by the Gita.
However, identifying them is not easy, because they do not necessarily wear any distinctive attire. They live and conduct themselves among us like ordinary human beings. Nor is it necessary that they should wish to publicise themselves or become well known, for their purpose is not self-promotion. Their purpose is to live according to the philosophy of the Gita and thereby attain the grace of God and moksha.
Some among them may not only strive to follow the ideals of the Gita in their own lives but may also actively work to fulfil the purpose expressed by Bhagavan in verses 68 and 69 of the eighteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. For this reason, some of them may be known to a few people, while others may be known to a great many.
The true aim: not only to find such a soul, but to become one
Therefore, Brahm Bodhi encouraged the seeker to continue his search and make an effort to identify such individuals and seek their spiritual company. Even more important, however, is that one remain in constant communion with the Bhagavad Gita and strive to live according to its ideals. Ultimately, the aim should not merely be to find such an enlightened person, but to become one oneself.
“The aim is not merely to find such a soul — but to become one.”