Life IS God’s Divine Play.

Life IS God’s Divine Play.

Hinduism envisions life as God’s Leela (a play), a divine drama orchestrated by the Supreme, where each soul plays a unique God-given role. As Shakespeare wrote in As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merely players.” In the Hindu perspective, this stage is a sacred performance where every individual contributes to God’s cosmic narrative, weaving purpose into existence.

The Cosmic Stage and Our Roles.

In this divine Leela, every life is a scene in God’s eternal drama. Like a play with varied acts, our lives are interconnected moments in the divine unfolding. Farmers toiling, students studying, warriors defending, or devotees praying—all fulfil their dharma (sacred duty). No role is superior or inferior; each is vital to the cosmic harmony of the whole. The Bhagavad Gita illuminates this through Lord Krishna’s counsel to Arjun, a warrior hesitant to fight family and friends on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Krishna advises:

Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana

Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhur Ma Te Sango ’Stv Akarmani

(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)

Meaning: “You have the right to perform your dharma (duty), but not to its fruits. Do not be driven by results or avoid inaction.” Krishna urges Arjun to embrace his warrior role without attachment to outcomes, teaching us that true fulfilment lies in playing our part in God’s Leela with dedication, free from expectation.

The Trap of Comparison.

Yet, we often falter, envying others’ roles as easier or more glamorous. The artist may covet the ruler’s power; the labourer may feel overshadowed or the housewife’s sacrifices go unnoticed by loved ones. Such comparisons, rooted in maya (illusion), obscure our duty. In God’s Leela, every role – whether in the spotlight or backstage - is essential. The stagehand’s precision matters as much as the lead’s performance. Gita teaches that liberation comes from surrendering to our role, trusting the divine Director’s perfect casting.

Hanuman and Karma Yoga in Treta Yuga.

In Treta Yuga (the silver age/era), Hanuman Ji, Lord Ram’s devoted follower, exemplifies Karma Yoga (selfless action). In the Ramayan, Hanuman leaps across oceans, carries mountains, and battles demons for Ram, seeking no reward or respite. He never envies others, like Lakshman or Sugreeva, nor deems his tasks burdensome. His selfless service, driven by unwavering devotion, shows Karma Yoga: performing duty, playing your role, with complete surrender to the divine, unattached to personal gain or others’ apparent ease.

The Gopis and Bhakti Yoga in Dwapara Yuga.

In Dwapara Yuga (the bronze age/era), the Gopis of Vrindavan embody Bhakti Yoga (devotion) through the Rasa Leela (divine dance) with Lord Krishna. Drawn by his enchanting flute, they abandon duties, homes, and egos to dance with Krishna, seeking only the joy of his company. Each Gopi feels Krishna is hers alone, yet dances harmoniously with the other Gopis, blending individual and collective devotion. Their selfless love defines devotion, offering their hearts to God without expectation, showing Bhakti Yoga: playing your role with complete love to the divine, unbothered by the blessings of others.

Our Role in Kali Yuga.

In Kali Yuga (the iron age/era), our age of material and spiritual challenges, we blend Hanuman’s Karma Yoga (selfless action) with the Gopis’ Bhakti Yoga (devotion). Unlike Treta Yuga, where Hanuman served physically, or Dwapara Yuga, where the Gopis danced with Krishna under moonlight, we navigate a world clouded by distraction. Yet, our dharma (duty) -as parents caring, workers serving, or students learning - calls us to act selflessly and lovingly. Krishna’s flute echoes through our daily responsibilities – calling us to play our role. A nurse tending patients, a mother caring for her family or a teacher inspiring minds—each act, offered to God with love but without attachment, becomes sacred, weaving us into the divine Leela.

Realizing God Through Our Role.

Realizing God, or moksha (liberation), is achieved by playing our part in this Leela. Through Karma Yoga (selfless action), like Hanuman, we focus on duty. Through Bhakti Yoga (devotion), like the Gopis, we act with love. A devotee sweeping a temple, a parent nurturing a child, a farmer ploughing his fields, a lawyer defending her client, a mother cooking for her family or whatever other role we may play, when done as an offering - becomes sacred. As Krishna teaches, it’s not the nature of the role but rather the spirit in which we play our role that leads to Him.

The Eternal Play Continues.

Life, as God’s Leela, is a dynamic drama. Our scenes - joys, struggles, triumphs, troubles - are fleeting yet vital to the eternal narrative. By embracing our role with faith, as Arjun, Hanuman, and the Gopis did, we glimpse the divine unity within the play’s diversity. Let us heed Shakespeare’s insight and play our parts with grace. In Kali Yuga, we are invited to act with Hanuman’s selflessness, love with the Gopis’ devotion, and dance in God’s Leela, realizing we are sparks of the Divine, forever part of the cosmic drama.

Jai Shri Ram! Jai Shri Krishna!