Hollie Reid Outside Reading #2

I read the Bhagavad Gita and saw this quote, “One who, everywhere, is without sentimentality upon encountering this or that, things pleasant or unpleasant, who neither rejoices nor despises- the profound knowledge of such a person is firmly established." This is essentially describing a type of person without desires, wants, needs, etc. This type of person is valued. This is an imperative concept to the Bhagavad Gita. However, this quote can also be applied to that of experiencing a sacred place. One that desires to have a spiritual experience will not be able to obtain one because they will be so encompassed in the search that they will miss the beauty around them. You cannot demand a spiritual occurrence. You cannot choose where or when you will have a sacred experience, the experience determines the proper time to make itself evident as described in Lane's first axiom. The difference is that sentimentality is present in sacred experiences according to Lane, although sentimentality is undesirable in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Appreciation for such things is also undesirable in the Bhagavad Gita, which I do not agree with because I think an appreciation for natural beauty should not be discouraged. However, I do agree that every action should occur out of love.