Five Things To Remember From The Image of The Two Birds On The Tree

“The Vedas, like the Mundaka Upanishad, as well as the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, compare the soul and the Supersoul to two friendly birds sitting on the same tree. One of the birds (the individual atomic soul) is eating the fruit of the tree, and the other bird (Krishna) is simply watching His friend. Of these two birds—although they are the same in quality—one is captivated by the fruits of the material tree, while the other is simply witnessing the activities of His friend. Krishna is the witnessing bird, and Arjuna is the eating bird.” (Shrila Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, 2.22 Purport)

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1. The enjoying bird

This bird represents me. It is enjoying. It is enamored by what is in the surroundings. Sort of like the child entering an amusement park or playground. They take a quick look around. They survey the situation and decide to which attraction they will first visit.

They go up and down one of the high slides. They feel a thrill at the freedom of motion. They can enjoy as much as they want. There are other friends to make, as parents are known to bring their children to this place.

After an hour or so, the child gets tired. There is perspiration on the forehead. They ask for water. After refreshing, they continue in another direction. This time, they slip on one of the handles and come falling to the ground. The previous elation is now a distant memory. The child is crying so much that they insist on being taken home immediately.

2. The witnessing bird

This represents the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is Paramatma. He is also on the tree, but He is neither for nor against any of the attractions. He simply observes. The observation is continuous. There is never a lapse of attention. It is not like the surveillance footage captured by the camera. That can have defects. There might be a glitch in the system. The corrupt federal government might order that critical portions be deleted, so as to deceive the jury in an upcoming political trial intended to jail dissidents.

Not so with the Supreme Lord. He sees the different directions that I travel. He knows that some things are bad for me. He has outlined the general categories in the list of restrictions. These are what not to do [nivritti]. The consequence to such behavior has a negative characterization, relayed through words like papa and dosha.

3. Two tenants in the same unit

The two birds are together, in the same place. The physical location is not a relevant factor. Whether in the body of a child or that of an adult, the same two birds can be found. The tree might be as small as an embryo or as large as the grown-up adult, sitting on a throne signifying their dominion over a particular area of land.

4. Arjuna and Krishna

In the parlance of Bhagavad-gita, the two birds translate to Arjuna and Krishna, respectively. Arjuna enjoys or suffers, based on his choices. He goes in different directions based on the fruits that he identifies. He might follow this direction one day. He is ready to fight. He is prepared to carry out justice upon wicked characters.

At another moment, his interest flows in a different direction. He wants to drop his weapons. He is against fighting. He wants to artificially extend the lives of the opponents, who would otherwise be the victims of his accurately placed arrows released from his illustrious bow called Gandiva.

Krishna is neutral the entire time. He is always witnessing. For this particular setting, He is seated on the chariot. He is ready to go in whichever direction Arjuna advises. Krishna is neutral, but at the same time partial.

The distinction is choice. If Arjuna wants help from Krishna, he can receive it. If Arjuna notices some gaps, if he sees areas of concern which cannot be resolved through personal deliberation, he is ready to transfer the burden over to Krishna.

5. I am not alone

What exactly is to be gained by such analysis? Why focus on the two birds when there is nothing we can do about it? I will never be the witnessing bird. I am always enticed to go in this direction and that.

Simply by remembering these two birds, by keeping that image in mind, we realize that we are never alone. Whether up or down. High or low. Winning or losing. Coming or going. In a peaceful state or constantly struggling based on the demands imposed by others.

I always have Krishna with me. I am always with God. To remember this image is to reach perfection in life. To contemplate this image is to be conscious of the limiting nature to external enjoyment. That witnessing bird is my greatest well-wisher. I have forgotten that bird, so the more I remember, the happier I will be. My elevation can reach the level of leaving behind that tree for good, such that I will no longer succumb to the good and bad reactions, guna-dosha, associated with enjoying the various fruits on the tree.

In Closing:

Now clearly to see,
So let’s leave this tree.

To follow only your way,
In whatever direction to say.

To work hard with attention,
But in single direction.

Surrendered at your feet,
Where all success to meet.