- Materialist on a Dunking Stool

“Just like a criminal on the dunking stool, sometimes he is submerged in the water, and sometimes he is in the air. But either way, his position is miserable. This is the condition of the materialist.

Because Arjuna understood his relationship with Krishna, his fighting was of a different quality to Duryodhana’s. Arjuna fought in a mood of pure devotion, without attachment to the fruits of action. Krishna told him, “If you simply fight for Me, I will give you shelter and you will come back to Me.” This is the devotee’s special position.

The materialist, however, because he is unaware of his eternal loving relationship with Krishna, gets no real benefit from his endeavors. Ultimately his efforts end in death.

But the devotee, even though appearing to die, gives up his material body and goes back to Krishna.