ETERNAL DHARMA IN 18 CHAPTERS OF GEETAA
(DISCOURSE BY N.R. SRINIVASAN—AUGUST 2011)
Krishna's incarnation was for the annihilation of the wicked, for the protection of the wise and for the re-establishment of eternal law, governing, upholding and supporting the creation of the world order. There had been a decline in dharma and his immediate intervention was necessary. Krishna therefore recommends killing; he is the militarist for whatever reason in his approach. Arjuna, in the Geeta, for whatever reason, is the humanist. He stands for Ahimsa. His mental make up is worrying and questing and individualistic. He prefers to be pacifist, conscientiously objecting and bravely quaking as a pious Hindu. Is he then a "coward" as Krishna rebukes to wake him up to the situation? But, this too, is a call from the Upanishads: "naayam aatma balaheenoe
labhyaha" –This aatman cannot be attained by one who is destitute of strength. As a literary piece Bhagavadgeeta is a master piece of poetic composition in Sloka meter expounding the wisdom contained in Vedaanta.
labhyaha" –This aatman cannot be attained by one who is destitute of strength. As a literary piece Bhagavadgeeta is a master piece of poetic composition in Sloka meter expounding the wisdom contained in Vedaanta.
Here starts the lengthy questioning and arguing between Krishna and Arjuna. Each chapter ends with the statement, "here ends the argument between Krishna and Arjuna on the specific theme of the chapter". In all there are eighteen chapters (Adhyaayas) like eighteen cantos (Parvas) in Mahabharata. Mahabharata contains 180,000 slokas (verses); also Mahabharata war was fought for eighteen days with eighteen Akshouheenees—a significant figure of 18 and its multiple.
One of the special features of Sabarimalai in Kerala is the Padinettupadi, a flight of 18 steps. This is supposed to be the ladder to Vaikuntha (Vishnu's abode). They represent eighteen principles (five sense organs, eight internal enemies like—kaama, krodha, moha, lobha, mada, matsarya, ninda, himsa, which are to be transcended to reach God, Vidya Avidyaa and Trigunas. Interestingly, Puri Jagannath temple in Orissa has also eighteen steps to the main shrine, which is also a Vaishnava Temple.
Arjuna is confused and says to Lord Krishna, "you bewilder me with confusing speech" in III-2 of Geeta. Then Krishna comes with a startling suggestion, "why do you grieve for those who are not worthy of your pity and compassion? The aatman is eternal; only the body dies; so move forward and kill and stop worrying. Do your duty as a warrior, annihilate the wicked, protect the righteous and establish world order".
"Why do you urge me to this devastating war of kith and kin, the learned Guru and the most respected Pitamaha Bhishma, the grand sire, if knowledge excels action?" asks Arjuna leaning towards passive non-doing based on knowledge and conscience, and avoiding the dynamic action suggested by his mentor.
Sensing the strong humanist position of Arjuna that killing is wrong based on a clear conscience and clean argument of his, Krishna feels that logic is failing. Therefore Krishna as a last resort, resorts to his divine magic '"Vishwaroopa Darshana", the cosmic form. Arjuna is stunned and then on accepts whatever Krishna says. He is overpowered by Bhakti. Thus logic is silenced with the divine magic. Of course, Krishna has to complete his mission of incarnation as he emphatically said in Geeta. Who else can be used for this purpose except the righteous Pandavas and the most valiant among them, the most devoted friend Arjuna in the field of Dharmakshetra and Kurukshetra. Ultimately Truth prevails; dharma is established.
Krishna asks Arjuna to do his duty without any expectation of the reward. Arjuna cannot afford to lose this war for he possesses the invincible Gandiva, the divine gift to establish dharma. Krishna knew the invincibility of his friend. Arjuna, as an expert in the arts of war and trained as Kshatriya is sure to win this war. So, he is driven to the occasion under the divine spell of his mentor Lord Krishna, though not comfortable with the outcome. Bhagavadgeeta slowly builds up this situation in the discourses between Lord Krishna and his ardent friend Arjuna in 18 chapters.
In chapter I, Krishna talks on the subject of yoga of hesitation and dejection to Arjuna. Arjuna casts aside his bow and arrows, sits down in the chariot with his mind overwhelmed with sorrow. Killing his own people, the family ruin and the crime associated with the killing makes him feel that it is better to be killed than killing under such conditions. (I-47)
In chapter II, speaking on the path of transcendental knowledge, Sankhya yoga Krishna asks Arjuna not to be a coward. It is not befitting a great warrior who is the possessor of the divine invincible Gaandeeva. Krishna's mission is bound to succeed with the help of such a warrior. He therefore asks him to shake off trivial weakness of his heart and get up for the battle. (II-54)
In chapter III, Krishna elaborates on the Karmayoga, yoga of action. One who does the duty ordained by nature is freed from the bindings of Karma, says Bhagawat purana. Bhagawan says in shloka 35: "One's own dharma (code), imperfect though it may be, is better than dharma of another, however well discharged". It is better to die in one's own dharma, for it is risky to follow the dharma of another in which one is not well-versed. Lord expects everyman to do his duty. One evolves by the work best suited to one's own nature on inborn tendencies. One who takes on to work that is not meant for him or her certainly courts failure. Work based on natural ability does not produce stress and is conducive to creativity. (III-35)
In chapter IV Krishna talks to Arjuna on the path of renunciation with knowledge, the way of knowledge and the abandonment of action. Cosmos is fitted with a self correcting mechanism. Just as Krishna is present to console and inspire Arjuna, divine presence is always there for anyone ready to receive spiritual guidance. All action must be with the motive of service not to oneself. This liberates the doer from both heaven and hell permanently and achieves the final goal. Both heaven and hell are temporary situations—after-life punishment or after-life reward with limitations. Un-self conscious action brings no fruits good or bad—inaction in action. Selfish action brings fruits good or bad—action in inaction. (IV-7)
In chapter V, Bhagawan talks to Arjuna on the path or Yoga of renunciation. What intrigues Arjuna is how both renunciation of work and performance of work are the same. Krishna categorically answers this in chapter X. Renunciation and activity, both liberate, but, to work is better than to renounce. Krishna's advice is to treat life with detachment and enjoy it coolly. (V-8)
Selfless service (Karmayoga) provides preparation, discipline and sanctity necessary for renunciation. Selfless service leads to renunciation. Renunciation leads to liberation (attain Brahman). Krishna advises: "Be involved and yet be free. In all activities such as seeing, listening, eating, talking, breathing etc. one should say, I do nothing at all, only my senses act among their respective objects".
Krishna then talks to Arjuna on the subject of Yoga of meditation in chapter VI. Honest yogic effort to improve the quality of one's humanity leads to supreme bliss. He, who does good things, never meets with a deplorable end. What matters in yoga of meditation is sincere effort and not success. The struggle for virtue is always rewarded. (VI-40)
Krishna then goes on to the subject of self knowledge and enlightenment in chapter VII, the yoga of knowledge. "There are four types of people who approach me—the distressed, the seeker of self-knowledge, the seeker of wealth and the enlightened, the wise who has experienced the Supreme" says Krishna, "the wise, the last one is the best".
Krishna further says that he is dear to the wise and the wise is very dear to him. (VII-17)
He then talks about the Eternal Brahman in chapter VIII, the yoga of the Immutable. The Supreme Brahman is the lodestar, fire energizing principle behind the individual atman, which is only a spark of that fire. Brahman energizes the vast variety of physical life. Brahman charges the creative imagination of the morally noble and god-like. Brahman inspires the dedicated selflessness that goes into ritual acts such as sacred offerings and sacrifices. "The great souls, after attaining me, do not incur rebirth in this miserable transitory world, because they have attained the highest perfection" says the Lord. For such a pure soul there is no more the sorrow of rebirth. (VIII-15)
He also mentions of the two world's eternal paths—the path of bright light of spiritual practice and self-knowledge and the path of darkness of materialism and ignorance. The former leads to salvation and the latter leads to rebirth. In the journey of the Sun, northern solstice is the path of devas (celestial controllers) and southern solstice is the path of the Pitrus. The Upanishads describe an additional third path, the path of the lower creatures such as animals, birds, insects etc., (Br. Up. 02-15 to 16).
Those who attain heaven reincarnate when the fruits of their virtuous deeds are exhausted, choosing the path of southern solstice. Departing by the path of devas yogis who know the Eternal Being, attain Brahman, choosing northern solstice, like Bhishma did. Even if yogis die during Dakshinayana based on Karmaphala they still rest for a while there in the Southern Solistice and move forward in the direction of Northern Solostice. They need not have to return back to Earth again as others because of their exalted position, say the Upanishads.
In chapter IX, Krishna talks to Arjuna about the secret of work—the yoga of sovereign knowledge and sovereign mystery. "Even the worshippers of images, in reality worship me; their absolute shraddha (faith) is real, though their means is poor" says Bhagawan. There is only one Absolute, the wise call him by many names (Rigveda 1:164:46). Absolute has also manifested as devas (celestial controllers) for sustaining the creation who are with many names and forms (Rigveda 3.55.01). The Absolute Brahman is a man, woman, a boy, a girl and an old person. He exists in all forms (Atharvaveda). "World hangs on me like pearls on a string: all beings repose in me" says Krishna. Logic and reason go as far as the limits of human brain. At certain point, the imagination falters, the inner psyche (consciousness) remains unsatisfied. Analytical method stops and mystic vision takes over. No faith (shraddha) is refused. Lord accepts any offerings, a fruit, flower or even water if offered purely, devoutly with love. No worshipper of his is ever rejected. (IX-23)
The conversation continues on Vibhutiyoga, manifestation of the Absolute, the Universal Glory, in chapter X, yoga of divine manifestation. Faith provides the divine glories of unfathomable prowess of Godhead. Krishna describes his divine manifestation to his beloved friend Arjuna and in the end asks him to coordinate his faith with Bhakti (devotion). As a warrior Arjuna is familiar with faith since training as a warrior under a guru demands strictest shraddha (faith), but he is unfamiliar with the coordinates of Bhakti. When faith and devotion join hands, compassion is born. Compassion of the Lord scatters the ignorant darkness, with a glowing lamp of wisdom. (X-40)
In chapter XI, the Yoga of Revelation of the cosmos Lord Krishna reveals the cosmic form—the cosmic multi–revelation; the mystic cosmic revelation of the divinity (Viswaroopa darshana). Sensing that all his logic has not yet convinced his friend Arjuna and the time was running out for fulfilling his mission of incarnation, Krishna stuns Arjuna with the magic spell of Viswaroopa, cosmic multi revelation. The sight he presented did not have anyone else seen, nor will any see in the future. "Were a thousand suns explode suddenly in the sky, their brilliance would approximate the glory of the sight", says Lord Krishna. [This verse was quoted by Robert Oppenheimer when the first nuclear device was exploded in the Nevada desert. Oppenheimer had studied Sanskrit in his college days] (XI-12).
Lord Krishna describes to Arjuna, the Yoga of Devotion in chapter XII, path of devotion. Faith and devotion are the two words Krishna started stressing repeatedly then on. Arjuna is a student of faith. He needed more exposure to Bhakti to coordinate the two. Krishna stresses the favored status of devoted believers in the last verse of this chapter. "But those who with faith follow the nectar of moral values described by me and regard me as their supreme goal—those devotees are very dear to me". Arjuna was dear to Krishna; he cannot afford to lose him. Charged with Bhakti, now he has become dearer—loving friend-cum-devotee (Sakha-bhakta). (XII-20)
Lord Krishna then goes on to describe the creation and the creator, now that he has been fully charged with Bhakti, in chapter XIII, where Krishna dwells on the yoga of the division of the cosmos into body and soul. He exposes Arjuna to subtlest concept of Upanishads—Purusha and Prakriti; Kshetra and Kshetrajna. Purusha informs, permeates, energizes and shines through Prakriti. Prakriti is primordial, undifferentiated nature. Purusha, though involved in Prakriti, is detached, supreme witness. Purusha remains pure. It is not a participant. Purusha is the field (Kshetra), the body, the ground of Karma's fruits. The Kshetrajna is the knower of the body, the atman, the witness, the universal participant. Brahman is said to be the radiance among the radiances, light of all lights, beyond darkness, knowledge, the object of knowledge and that which can only be known through knowledge. It is seated in the inner psyche (consciousness) of all beings. (XIII-17)
After elevating Arjuna's level of bhakti and imparting knowledge about Brahman, Lord Krishna explains the three Gunas--goodness (Saatvika), passion (Raajasika) and ignorance (Taamasika), and their differences.
Krishna says that he is Purusha, the source of all lights in chapter XIV, and Prakriti is his womb and he places the seed in it. Prakriti is primordial, crude and subtle. It consists of three gunas--satva, rajas and tamas. Satva is the quality of light, goodness, knowledge, vitality; Rajas, the quality of grayness, amorality, curiosity, physical strength; Tamas the quality of darkness, ignorance, and laziness. Prakriti indulges in permutation and combination of these qualities under the influence of Maaya and is grounded in a mix of raw and refined tendencies, inclinations and behavior patterns. The aim of life is to overcome these tendencies and arrive at a clear consciousness of one's real self and merge with the Purusha. In verse 26 of this chapter Krishna says, "My devotee with unswerving devotion transcends these three modes of material nature (Prakriti) and is ready for union with Brahman (Purusha)--(XIV-26)
Lord Krishna continues his narration on the Supreme Being in chapter XV, the Yoga of Supreme Self, talks about Purushottama. Purusha embedded in the body is perishable spirit. The second is the imperishable atman which enters the body and leaves it at the appropriate time, taking with it the subtle impressions of the senses. The third one is Paramaatma Purusha, the Supreme Person. He is glorified in verse 18. "Since I go beyond the perishable and since I am a being even more superior to the imperishable (atman), therefore in ordinary speech and Vedanta, I am regarded as the Supreme Being". Basically these are the three aspects of the Supreme—Temporal (Kshara), Eternal (Akshara), and the Absolute (Aksharaateeta), Paramaatama, Parabrahman. Vishishtaadvaita Philosophy stresses much and glorifies the last aspect of the Supreme. (XV-18)
Krishna then explains to Arjuna the divine and demonic qualities in chapter XVI. Hell is easy to enter and it has three gates—lust, anger and greed. The three gunas are useful aids. The concept of three Purushas is excellent. But what matters really are the divine or demonic qualities in the individual which makes him significant and distinct. "Divine birth leads to Moksha and anti-divine to bondage" says Krishna and assures Arjuna that his birth is divine and that he need not worry. "Let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Follow the scriptural injunctions discussed above" advises Krishna to sustain the divine qualities fully developed in him. (XVI-21)
Krishna continuing his narration dwells in chapter XVII on the Yoga of Threefold Division of faith—goodness, passion and ignorance (Saatvika, Raajasika and Taamasika). Earlier Krishna explained how faith blossoms into devotion (Bhakti). Krishna says that Brahmins, Vedas, rituals etc, proceed from Truth. Om Tat Sat is fine (That is Truth). But Shraddha (unshakable faith) should not be mechanical. It should come from the bottom of the heart, the inner psyche. So, he says in the last verse of the chapter, "Unreal is giving without feeling; action without feeling; discipline without feeling. Any sacrifice in the fire, any giving, any penance or any rite which is enacted without shraddha is useless in this world and the next". (XVII-23)
In the concluding chapter XVIII, Yoga of Devotion, Moksha through renunciation, Krishna explains that the path of action, knowledge and division all merge and move in a single direction –Moksha sanyaasa or Moksha through renunciation, the way of salvation (the triune). "Tread a sure path; one's own dharma, however imperfect may be is safer than the dharma of another, however perfect may be". The word dharma has several meanings in Sanskrit language. It may mean way of life, duty, righteousness, ideal conduct, virtue, natural quality, moral principle, religion and spiritual truth, though dharma is defined as the eternal law governing, upholding and supporting the creation and the world order. His final advice is given in verses 63 and 66. Krishna says: "I have revealed to you this knowledge, a mystery of all mysteries. Think it over; you are free to choose (yathecchaasi tatha kuru). Setting aside all other pursuits of dharma (widely defined above), come to me alone for shelter. I shall release you from all sins: have no more fear!" (XVIII-63)
Sri Sankara has said Geeta is "sarva vedanta sangraha", a compilation of all the essentials of the Vedas. To Gandhiji, Geeta was his eternal mother and his refuge when in distress and difficulty. Throughout Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna is the one who guides the chariot. Arjuna only goes on doing his destined duties (kartavya karma) as a Karmayogi. It is Krishna who takes the chariot wherever it is right for him to take. Even in the midst of the battle when Arjuna is unable to withstand the onslaught of Bheeshma, Krishna himself takes up a wheel of the chariot as his chakra. We should seek the divine to guide the chariot of our lives, by completely surrendering to his will. His message to each and every individual is clear. "Engage in action with wisdom—unattached, recognizing all things, yet not becoming involved in delusion with them".
Coming closely on the heels of the classical Upanishads, Geetaa contains the Upanishadic tradition but assimilates the Sankhya, Yoga and Buddhist teachings which were in their turn dedicated to Upanishads. It is this synthetic character of the Geetaa that makes it the most popular spiritual text in the country. It is curious but effective link between the Vedic traditionalism and the later thoughts systems. Geetaa is one of four 'G's"--Greats in Hinduism—Geetaa, Gangaa, Gaayatri and Govinda.
THE LEGACY OF YOGA IN BHAGAVAD GITA--YOGOPANISHAD
The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of all the 108 great Upanishads that deal with the ultimate reality of life and death.
They contain discussions between a highly learned teacher who has
attained Realization and some seekers who are eager to know the Path of
Eternal Bliss.
The language and the contents of the Upanishads are too intricate and complex for the understanding
for ordinary person, besides many of the subjects, too,
are abstruse deep to appreciate without proper guidance. Whereas
the Gita is within the comprehension of the common man. The first six
chapters of the divine gospel dwell on the
tvam, the Soul. The next 6 explain the tat-- GOD and the last six teach the union of the Soul and God--
Tatvamaci. In Common man’s language, it conveys: I am His; He is Mine; He and I are one!
In
Gita Krishna is mostly represented as a teacher of great wisdom and a
Yogi. Bhaagavata records, Krishna sat up every morning for meditation
merging himself with the Transcendental Self as prescribed
in Yogasaastra Samaadhi, the eighth stage. Mahabharata also states
Krishna was in the habit of meditating on Brahman in the early hours
before sun-rise. If he is an Avatar why he needs such meditation on the
Transcendent? Krishna in all probability was historical
in character and was a philosopher who harmonized the Sankhya-yoga with
Brahmavada of Upanishads. The Song of the Celestial is in the form of
dialogue between the Paandava prince Arjuna who was in mental agony and
emotional conflict, and his friend Krishna
who in this work appears as a philosopher and teacher, and not as
popular god of later Hinduism, though Viswaroopa scene is brought in.
Vedavyasa who was also very dark was nicknamed Krishna Dwaipaayana. He
is the author of all Upanishads. Probably he is
none other than Bhagawan (being an avatar of Vishnu) who out of modesty
did not want to reveal his true identity, which was a common practice
in those days. So he is also the compiler of this compendium of
Upanishads (Yogopanishad) bringing conflicting ideas
together to guide uniformly followers of the then popular Bhaktimarga.
He in all probability dramatically introduced this as a philosophic and
spiritual guide while two opposing forces were facing each other and
gave a Puranic twist and popular appeal of
those days. This may be the re-edited version of the original
Yogopanishad made more elaborate and appealing bringing in Viswaroopa
Darsana and others for its successful religious promotion.
Chapter 1:
Vishada Yoga, The Yoga of the Dependancy of Arjuna:
Battlefield scene of
Kuruksetra-- War to establish Dhrama and make Kurukshetra, (Field of
Action) Dharmaksahetra (Field of Dharma)--As the opposing armies stand
poised for battle, Arjuna, the mighty warrior, sees
his intimate relatives, teachers and friends in both armies ready to
fight and sacrifice their lives.
Chapter 2: The Samkhya Yoga-- Yoga of The Transcendental Knowledge-- A summary of the entire Bhagavad-Gita. Many subjects are explained such as: Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Sankhya yoga, Buddhi yoga and the Atma-Yoga which is the soul and the Supreme Consciousness.
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga, the Yoga of Action--Everyone must engage in some sort of activity in this material world. But actions can either bind one to this world or liberate one from it. By acting for the pleasure of the Supreme, without selfish motives, one can be liberated from Karma.
Chapter 4: Jnaana Karma Yoga, The Yoga of Action and Transcendental Knowledge--The spiritual knowledge of the soul, God, and of their relationship that leads both to Mukti (Liberation) through Moksha (Moha+Kshaya). Such knowledge is the fruit of selfless desire-free devotional action.
Chapter
7: Jnaana -Vijnaana Yoga, the Yoga of Wisdom and Knowledge of the
Absolute- Paramatman is the Supreme Truth, the supreme cause and the
sustaining force of everything, both material and spiritual.
Liberated souls surrender unto Him in devotion (saranaagati) , whereas impious souls divert their minds to other objects of worship.
Chapter 8: Akshara-Brahma Yoga, the Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman--By remembering Paramatman in devotion throughout one's life, and especially at the time of death, one can attain His supreme abode, beyond the material world.
Chapter 9: Rajavidya-Rajaguhya Yoga, The Most Confidential Yoga of Wisdom and Knowledg-- Paramatman is the Supreme Godhead and the supreme object of worship. The soul is eternally related to Him through transcendental devotional service (bhakti). By reviving one's pure devotion one returns to Paramatman in the spiritual realm.
Chapter
10: Vibhuti Yoga, The Opulence of the Absolute, The Yoga of the Divine
Manifestation-- All wondrous phenomena showing power, beauty, grandeur
or
sublimity, either in the material world or in the spiritual, are but
partial manifestations of
Paramatman’s divine energies and opulence.
Chapter 11:
Viswaroopadarsana Yoga, The Yoga of the Vision of The Universal Person--the Universal Form of Saguna Brahman-- Bhagavan
grants Arjuna divine vision and reveals His
spectacular unlimited form as the cosmic universe. Thus He conclusively
establishes His divinity.
Bhagavan explains that His own all-beautiful human-like form is the original form of God.
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga-- The Yoga of Devotional Service-- Pure devotional service to
Bhagavan is the highest and most expedient means for attaining pure love for
Supreme Being, which is the highest end of spiritual existence.
Chapter
13: Kshetra-Kshetrajna-Vibhaga-Yoga, The Yoga of the Knowledge of the
Field and the Knower of the Field--Nature, the Enjoyer, and
Consciousness--One who understands the difference between
the body, the soul and the Super-soul beyond them both attains
liberation from the material world.
Chapter 14:
Guna-Traya-Vibhaaga Yoga, The Yoga of the Division of the Three
Gunas, The Three Modes of Material Nature--All embodied souls are under
the control of the three modes, or qualities, of material nature;
goodness, passion and ignorance. Lord Krishna explains
what these modes are, how they act upon us, how one transcends them,
and the symptoms of one who has attained the transcendental state.
Chapter 15:
Purushottama Yoga, The Yoga of the Supreme Person, The Yoga of the
Universal Person--The ultimate purpose of
Vedic knowledge is to detach oneself from the entanglement of the
material world and to understand Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality
of Godhead. One who understands Krishna's supreme
identity surrenders unto Him and engages in His devotional service.
Chapter 16:
Devaasurasampatti Vibhaaga Yoga, The Yoga of vthe Distiv ction
between the Diviner and Demoniac Endowments, The Divine and Demoniac
Natures--Those who possess demoniac qualities and who live whimsically,
without following the regulations of scripture,
attain lower births and further material bondage. But those who possess
divine qualities and live regulated lives gradually attain spiritual
perfection.
Chapter 17:
Sraddhaatraya Vibhaaga Yoga, The Yoga of Three-fold Division of
the Faith, --There are three types of faith, corresponding to and
evolving from the three modes of material nature. Acts performed by
those whose faith is in passion and ignorance yield
only impermanent, material results, whereas acts performed in goodness,
in accord
with scriptural injunctions, purify the heart.
Chapter
18: Mukti Sanyaasa Yoga, The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation
and Moksha (Moha+Kshaya, attaining Gunaateeta, Desire-less-ness state),
The Perfection of Renunciation-- Bhagavan explains
the meaning of renunciation and the effects of the modes of nature on
human consciousness and activity. He explains Brahman realization, the
glories of the Bhagavad Gita, and the ultimate conclusion of the Gita:
the highest path of religion is absolute, unconditional
loving service unto the Universal Person.
This lecture has been prepared for the Vedanta Class at Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville T.N. by N.R. Srinivsan extracting, abridging and editing from the followin\
1. Dr. Ramaprasad, The Bhagavad Gita, American Gita Society, Fremont, U.S.A.
- Vrinda Nabar & Shanta Tumkur, The Bhagavadgita, Wordsworth Classics,
- Harry Bhalla, The Bhagavad Gita, International Gita Society, Fremont CA, U.S.A.
- T. Mukundan, a Concept of Hinduism, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, India
- Swami Harshananda, Hindu Pilgrim Centers, Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore,Indi\5.Swami Prabhupada, Bhagavad Gita, The Macmillan Compoany, New York, NY, USA.6. Prabha Duneja, Bhagavad Gita, Govindaram Harsanand, Delhi, India
KEY SLOKAS OF BHAGAVAD-GEETAA
Evam-uktvaa-arjunah sankhye rathopastha upaavisat |Visrijya sasaram chaapam soka-samvigna-maanasah || I- 47 ||
Sthita-prajnasya kaa Bhaashaa samaadhistasya kesava |Sthitadheeh kim prabhaasheta kim-aaseeta vrajeta kim || II-54 ||
Sreyaan svadharmo vigunah paradharmaat svanushthitaat |Svadharme nidhanam sreyah paradharmoe bhayaavahah || III-35 ||
Yadaa yadaa hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bhaarata |Abhyutthaanam adharmasya tad-aatmaanam srijaamyaham || IV-7 ||
Naiva kinchit-karomeeti yukto manyeta tatvavit |Pasyan-srinvan-sprisan-jighran-asnaan-gacchan-svapan-svasan ||Pralapan-visrijan-grihnan-unmishan-nimishann-api |Indriyaaneen-indriyaartheshu vartanta iti dhaarayan || V-8-9 ||
Partha naiveha naamutra vinaasas-tasya vidyate |Na hi kalyaana-krit kaschid durgatim taata gacchati || VI-40 ||
Teshaam jnaanee nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir-visishyate |Priyo hi jnaanino-atyartha-maham sa cha mama priyah || VII-17 ||
Maam-upetya punar-janma dukhaalayam-asaasvatam |Naapnuvanti mahaatmaanah samsiddham paramaam gataah || VIII-15 ||
Yopy-anya-devataa bhaktaa yajante sraddhayaa-anvitaah ||Te-api maameva kaunteya yajantya-vidhi-poorvakam || IX-23 ||
Na-anto-asti mama divyaanaam vibhooteenaam parantapa ||Esha tood-desatah prokto vibhooter-vistaro mayaa || X-40 ||
Divi soorya-sahasrasya bhaved-yugapad-utthitaa |Yadi bhaah sadrisee saa syaad-bhaasas-tasya mahaatmanah || XI-12 ||
Ye tu dharmya-amrita-midam yathoktam paryupaasate |Sraddha-dhaanaa mat-paramaa bhaktaas-te-ateeva may priyaah || XII-20 ||
Jyotishaam-api tad-jyotis-tamasah param-uchyate |Jnaanam jneyam jnaana-gamyam hridi sarvasya vishthitam || XIII-17 ||
Maam cha Yo-avyabhichaarena bhakti-yogena sevate |Sa gunaan-samateetyai-taan-brahma-bhooyaaya kalpate || XIV-26 ||
Yasmaat-ksharam-ateetoham-aksharaada-api cha uttamah ||Ato-asmi loke Vede cha prathitah purushottamah || XV-18 ||
Trividham narakasye-dam dvaaram naasanam-aatmanah |Kaama-krodhas-tathaa Lobhas-tasmaad-etat-trayam tyajet || XVI-21 ||
Om tat-sat-iti nirdeso brahmanas-trividhah smritah |Braahmanaastena vedaascha yajnaascha vihitaah puraa || XVII-23 ||
Iti te Jnaanam-aakhyyaatam guhyaad-guhya-taram mayaa |Vimrisyais-tad-aseshena yathaa-icchaci tathaa kuru || XVIII-63 ||
APPENDIX
ARANI SERIESSpark 4118 POINTERS TO WELCOME YEAR 2018(Swami Chidananda of FOWAI Forum)As we ring in the New Year 2018, it can be refreshing to pick a flower each from the 18 bouquets presented by Sage Vyāsa in form of the 18 chapters of the Song Celestial.1 Examine your attachments. The very word that the old king Dhritarāsthra uses to refer to the Kauravas, in the very first verse of the grand poem is “māmakāh” – “my sons”. All our conflicts, battles or wars – call them as you may – arise from strong attachments implied by the word “my”. Can we question our own attachments? (1-47)2 Give up your attachment to results of action. The line that is perhaps most quoted from the Geetā is, “Your right is to your duty, and not to the fruit thereof.” Yes, a very precious teaching of Lord Shri Krishna is that we must focus on doing our duty, giving our best to others in every situation, and not waste our energy in regrets over ‘what we got’ or anxiety over ‘what we will get’. (2-54)3 Recognize ‘how you are made’ or ‘where you belong.’ We must dedicate ourselves to serving in the capacity that is aligned with our personality. Without comparing with others, who are made differently, we bring out the best from within us, and that is the prominent teaching of ‘swadharma’. It is better to die in ‘swadharma’ (our own, right field) than to seemingly do well in ‘para-dharma’ (the field where somebody else belongs). (3-35)4 Knowledge liberates. The wisdom of our true nature – Self-knowledge – is the panacea to all our ailments. No matter how wrongly we have been living and how disorganized or defective our ways have been, we can cross over all misery by the power of ‘right knowledge’. This liberating understanding acts as a boat that takes us across the wide river of worldly suffering.(4-36)5 Be like the lotus leaf! If we could fix our mind in the Pure Truth (or God, if that is preferred), that is ever free of the crippling ideas of “I, me and mine,” we can live (and work) in freedom. This is comparable with the lotus leaf, which remains dry despite water being around it all the time! (5-8)6 Be like the steady flame in a windless spot! The good news is that we can set right our messed life by working on ourselves patiently. Through frequent contemplation on spiritual truths, our mind becomes like the steady, bright flame in a windless spot. Situations of mutually opposite nature like defeat and victory, insult and praise etc. cannot throw us off balance.(6-40)7 Recognize the Divine everywhere! A thread, though often invisible, holds a number of precious stones together in a necklace. God (or the Pure Self) is similarly ever present, though invisible, in everything that is beautiful, marvellous and magnificent. We must have the eyes to see the Divine everywhere. (7-17)8 When one hand of yours is at work, hold God with the second. As soon as the work is over, hold God with both your hands. The great scripture advises us to constantly remember God and keep doing our duty. (8-15)9 Nothing can destroy you when you are devoted to God. Our constant anchoring in higher values, remembering the deeper dimension of Awareness as our true nature (rather than the body or the mind), will stand by us. Gravest circumstances pass away and – thanks to our spiritual wisdom – we shall emerge unhurt and victorious.(9-23)10 God (the Truth) is ever with you, in your own heart! The Lord says, “I am the Self, seated in everybody’s heart! I’m their beginning, the middle and the end!” We thus constantly question the play of our spiritually ignorant mind, which misleads us to believe we are away from God.(10-40)11 Hate none; be attached to none! The Geetā assures us that a virtuous life, guided by right values and love of God, where we neither cling to anyone nor harbour ill will against anybody, is sure to help us unite with divinity.(11-12)12 Respect both jnāna and bhakti! We are told in no uncertain terms that we can approach the Truth either ‘without name and form’ or as a personal God. Considering the numerous attachments that we typically have, the former way of adoring the ‘inexpressible’ is harder; the latter way of adoring the Truth in the form of a person is less hard! (12-20)13 The supreme truth is the light of all lights! The highest reality, called Brahman elsewhere, is of the nature of Pure Consciousness (termed chit elsewhere). The Geetā presents this principle of Awareness (called prajnānam in Aitareya Upanishad) as “that which is to be known” (jneya). (13-17)14 You become very sensitive, caring and understanding when the attribute of sattva is predominant in you. Employing a beautiful metaphor, Shri Krishna says, “Light emanates from every pore of your body,” when sattva gets an upper hand over rajas and tamas. (14-12)15 God makes us know, remember or forget too! The ego is utterly false. Our idea, “I do, I think, I write, I speak, I create or I destroy” is not the truth. Everything is God’s doing. We are normally unable to visualize the dynamics of the totality and, for us, the individuality appears very real. (15-28)16 Scriptures are your guide! In the matters of right and wrong, where subtle perception of human values and enhanced sensitivity to real life conditions come into the picture, the great scriptures, rightly interpreted by pious, broadminded scholars, guide us. They help us decide what we may do and what we may not. (16-21)17 Speak what is true, pleasing, beneficial and not agitating. An orderly daily life is marked by self-discipline on the planes of body, speech and mind. The four criteria that decide austerity in the context of speech are: our words should not be false; they should not agitate the other person; they should be pleasing; and they should benefit the other person.(17-23)18 Give up the thousand ideas of who you are, and abide by the Pure Self. (The devotional interpretation of this is: give up all notions of duty and surrender to Me.) In the context of self-inquiry, we need to do what our conscience says out duty is; on a deeper level, however, we must abandon the numerous concepts of I, which are but faces of the ego only. Abidance in the Self then happens. All sins come to an end then; all suffering ceases.(18-63)
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