Gita is Yogopanishad--it is not a novel of War and Peace
(Compilation for a discourse at Sri Ganesha
Temple Nashville, TN, December
2014)
Gita is not easy to comprehend by
criticasters and ignorant, wanting in mind and of a doubting mind as said in chapter 4-41 of Gita. But anyone with
constant effort and zeal can attain the knowledge contained in its eighteen
chapters. Kalpatharu Research Academy of
Shankar Math has picked 300 out of 700 couplets (slokas) contained in it
comprising of the most essential teachings of this great scriptural text
avoiding repetitions and material that does not directly relate to these
teachings and establishing a continuity of slokas into a topic and calls it
Gitakosha (Trisati). Perhaps such a condensed
thoughtful research work by a religious authority will not be vulnerable as the
whole text and may not attract negative criticasters who jump to conclusions without
focus on the main theme and come with their derogatory remarks to divert the
mind of those devoted. Repetitions and material that does not directly relate researched
by Kalpatharu Research Academy in Gita might have been progressively added by Puranas
and religious promoters leading to 700 slokas. You see many such revised presentation
of Bible today. Please refer to Family
Life Reference Manual New Testament -Psalms and Proverbs. It has answers for Business and Career,
Emotions, Finances, Health and Healing, Life’s Problems, Relationships,
Spiritual Concepts etc., etc. If ever we come out with such a presentation of
Gita there will be thousands of books against it from pro as well as ante
lobbies. I am sure our orthodoxy and religious circles will not like the research work Gitakosha though
blessed by His Holiness Sankaracharya
of Sringeri Math. Gita says Sraddhaavaan labhate Jnaanam (4-39), a
man of zeal attains Knowledge (contained in Gita) and evidently the criticaster
Wendy Doniger under reference in this discourse is not a Sraddhavaan. She
belongs to the category of wanting in mind and doubting mind however good
academician she may be!
My attention was drawn, by a
saddened and hurt devotee of Gita, to a distortion and a lengthy criticism on Gita
by a Western criticaster, titled War and Peace in the Bhagavad Gita, who in
turn was upset by the rendering of Bhagavad Gita, written by another Western
author naming it a Biography, impressed by it. I have not read this book but the title seems
to be somewhat questionable for a spiritual compendium of Upanishads! Everybody wants to go at Gita because of its
universal popularity and appeal. I was wondering
how Gita has attracted both its admirers and its haters too to worship or
condemn! Gita educates those who love it
for worship and also those who love it to hate too! World sought after Gita
cannot be tainted by stray surmises and negative projections, which are however
quite common in Hindu Philosophical open discussions, where true values
ultimately evolve and outshine. You
know the story of Koorattaazhwar (Kuresa) who was blinded by plucking both of
his eyes by the protagonists of Advaita Philosophy mistaking him to be Ramanuja whom he
substituted in reverence in a philosophical discussion. Why then worry for few
criticasters from outside Hindu fold? Bhagavad Gita is neither a book of rituals
like Rigveda nor a novel like Tolstoy’s War and Peace surrounding French
invasion of Russia though it was inserted into Mahabharata at a later period to
call it a Battleground Baby. The Gita Doctrine is beyond Religious and National
Boundaries and is unique as Universal Yogasaastra (science of Yoga) and
Nitisaastra (Book of Morals). This is not the opinion of Hindus alone but the
World. Hinduism did not promote Bhagavad Gita to others but people from all
parts of the globe got attracted to it influenced by its spiritual rendering,
translated it rightly or wrongly to
their own languages and started commenting upon it and criticizing too.
I was wondering what could be
working in the minds of these people belonging to the hate school of Hinduism and devotional school of
Bhagavad Gita to be so prejudiced or upset! I was
neither angered nor perturbed but wanted to analyze the situation with my
limited knowledge of this great spiritual and philosophic master-piece. I
thought for a moment the lone criticaster might be a missionary or an author upset
with Hinduism somehow and did not want Gita to enjoy better status than Holy
Bible of her following! Of course Hindus also of late call Gita as Holy
Gita and keep them in all Hotel rooms like Holy Bible for prayer and not for deep
study and spiritual focus! One should have right bent of mind and right
knowledge to study Holy texts. In my study of Holy Bible for nearly a decade, I
always admired the beauty of its English language and simplicity. I always look
at things which would ennoble my thoughts when I read something and not try to find
fault. Jesus once said: “Suffer thy children unto me” to mean allow the
children to come to me, for Jesus always focused on young minds. In Bible
language “suffer” actually means allow or permit to enter the Kingdom of God
while in layman’s understanding it is an expression of pain. ISIS and Al-quid-a might go to the other
extreme to interpret it as a halaal ritual. Otherwise why would
they kill so many children in Africa? Ancient scriptures abide by their own
language which needs careful understanding with the context. The language and contents of such ancient
scriptures must be properly translated, studied in the present context before
starting commenting on it with half-baked knowledge.
I also see that Hindus have built
Gita Bhavans all over the world like Rama Mandirs where you may not find any
deity for worship but can find a place for prayer or meditation; sometimes
Charioteer Krishna with his friend Arjuna is portrayed in those Gita Bhavans to
remind Gita is a puranic religious sacred text like Ramayana.
We also address in our invocation prayers in Gita class, Gita as Bhagavati
or Goddess (Puraanamuninaam
madhye Mahaabhaaratam advaitaamritavarshineem bhgavateem). Probably we
have not yet decided on the iconic configuration for Geetaa-Bhagavati! I will
not be surprised if one day some religiously mesmerized may build a temple for
Gita-Bhagavati like Bharatmata of Bankim Chatterji’s Independence dream child
and Gayatridevi of Om Meditates! Till
then Charioteer Krishna graces Gita Bhavans.
Jesus while he was taken to be
crucified pained and said “Father! They know not what they do; forgive them” So,
for this discourse, I too could have decided on a title, “Oh
Gita! They do not know what they write about you; Ignore them!” as a pacifying
and enduring Hindu. Such a title might
not have offended my Christian criticaster, which otherwise would result in
another set of War and Peace episode. At the same time it would have pleased my religious devout worshiper of Gita as I
have raised Gita to the status of a deity, observing how religiously people bow to Gita
at least on Krishna Jayanti Day with colorful Aaarati (waving of lamp) with or without understanding
its spiritual doctrine or practicing in daily life. Of
course only when there is war you appreciate peace like a candle in pitch darkness.
So war and peace go together. Gita often
indulges with pairs of opposites. Then we need not have to blame the author for
her title. But in fact she inspired me to come with this discourse bringing
many facts from the research studies of Shankar Math and thoughts from Gita
International foundation which all of you as well as she may not be aware of. But my
disappointment is she focuses on out and out war and very little peace. I believe Gita on the other hand makes casual
reference to war at Kurukshetra, a historic city near Delhi for a religious and
Puraana enthusiast which for a spiritual thinker means the field of action for
Dharma. Gita talks a lot about knowledge
and mental peace all the time. My contemplated title might also have saved me from
any sin if I am wrong of what I write about Gita from a religious devotee of
Gita point of view. But I decided otherwise as above, in my usual
conservative approach to educate than to revolt or indulge in rebuttal.
Rebuttals never end. There is a feeling among a section of Hindus that Hindus
have been silent for too long against its critics and have a passive attitude
based on Karma theory encouraged by the recent political developments in India
while others are up against us on a war footing including some from within. But this is more than a millennium story as
you learn from Stephen Knapp to which story Wendy Doniger has substantially
contributed. Therefore there is a
growing consciousness to resort to Vedic dictum Utthishthata, Jagrata, interpreting
rightly or wrongly. So you are bound to come across many rebuttals unlike my
present approach.
Many common explanations about
Indian History and culture are based on the Aryan invasion theory of Western
authors on whom our criticaster depends for her distorted version. Those who
defend it claim that Sanskrit, the caste system and Hindu ways of worship came
from outside India. If we are studying in India in school, we may read about
this outdated theory.
Academician Wendy Doniger has
come out with a distorted view about Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism of which she has
limited knowledge and probably is jealous about the popularity
of another author and learned Western scholar while her own attempts to write
on Hinduism and become popular like him have failed with Penguin publishers. However
educated Wendy Doniger may be in Western perspective, however highly placed she
may be, I would like to dismiss her as a criticaster and not a true critique or commentator. At the same we should not forget the
contributions of Dr. Philp Goldberg, David Frawley, Peter Arnett, Stephen Knapp
with his book “ 1000 Years of Crimes against India and the need to protect its
Vedic tradition” and others, not
forgetting the yeoman services of Himalayan Academy, spreading the message of Sanatana
Dharma. We have many Hindu philosophic and Spiritual Institutions constantly
working to promote the cause of Hinduism overseas like Chinmaya Mission,
Ramakrishna Math, Dayanand ashram, Sivananda Ashram etc. Hinduism fascinates every religious critic as
it has survived for more than 5000 years in spite of so much criticism hurled
against it including the latest Wendy Doniger, while many ancient religions
have come and gone. I just ignore her and time will teach how wrong she is to
come out with such derogation on a world spiritual classic. I believe all the
criticisms and negative portrayals only help to create new focus and attention
to the everlasting wisdom of these statements in the Gita. It is not easy to
desecrate these texts even if somebody tries to. You know our own Puranas say
Krishna tolerated 100 abuses of Sisupala and when 101 came he just terminated
him but at the same time elevated him too as he had by then realized his
mistakes and started seeing God. I wonder how such shallow knowledge could
bring forth so many PhD’s in USA. It speaks of the quality of education in
Hindu Theology in USA, may be in other theologies too ina purely materialistic
and self-oriented country. Hindu Theology is not a subject worth learning in
materialistic USA except for money making and surviving. I do not know how her Institution supports her?
May be it attracts special funds constantly to
pursue the chosen path through her good offices?
Kalpataru Research Academy of
Sringeri Sharada Peetham says Gita contains 300 slokas directly related to its
teachings and the rest superfluous.
Evidently Vedavyasa its true author seems to have not done his proof
reading! Vedavyasa also has hidden his name in Bhagavan as he is an avatar of
Vishnu and also Krishnadvaipaayana, his other name, in Krishna. Being a Hindu
American with my agitated mind I picked up few words only from Bhagavad Gita as
essential for my limited understanding of Gita: “Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre….
ananyaaschintayantah…aatman….mokshayishyati…maa suchah” (1-1 to
18-66)—Being active in the fields of Dharma meditating on the Supreme being one
will be liberated and therefore one need
not worry”. I was wondering at
the ingenuity of the Supreme Being in giving this divine assurance of Moksha and not Aananda, when he says “Mokshayishyaami”
in 18-66. Moksha
consists of Moha +Kshaya which means He guarantees only saving
us from all desires but not give us Aananda or Eternal Bliss. We still have to
work hard to be his part and parcel when we leave all Dharmas abruptly and
surrender to Him (sarvadharmaan parityjya maamekam saranam vraja)!
Wendy Doniger being an American Christian, having poor knowledge of Vedic Sanskrit
and being an American academician harped around still less words to arrive at
her book War and Peace in Bhagavad Gita after having gone through original text
hurriedly:
“Yuddhakshetre Kurukshetre Chaturvarnaan Mokshayishyaami maa suchah” “The good Lord said fighting all the time in
active service people of all castes will go to heaven attaining martyrdom or
reach heaven; They need not worry”. Being an American her mind is set all the
time on war and she also believes in heaven only and not Liberation as in Hindu
concept. To a Hindu hell and heaven are
only temporary resting places depending on their performance and not Eternity
(Liberation) as visualized in Hinduism which is beyond her religious thinking! Therefore she did not title her book War and
Peace, and Eternity Bhagavad Gita. I do
not blame her not being brought up with Hindu Way of thinking and being
stranger to wisdom of Vedas. It is too
much for her to go through the critical reviews in Sanskrit on Bhagavad Gita by
Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhva and others being busy in manufacturing PhDs exploiting
the vast and ancient rich resources of Hinduism explored
by Western writers.
After all Columbus did not place
his foot either in the land called today as USA and Canada. Yet he is honored
and Columbus Day is celebrated as a National Holiday. Our genius Wendy
Doniger researching on the word Indian may one day produce a PhD that Red
Indians are aliens who migrated from Indus Valley like the Pilgrim Fathers from
England, for the word Indian comes from Indus which made Bharatiyas Hindus christened by foreigners
and which ultimately made Bharat, Hindustan though Bangladesh
or Pakistan cannot be called Hindustan today like US, Canada and surrounding
islands as America or belonging to American
Continent. That gives a better claim of USA
for us and we need not go out of the way to associate Thanksgiving Dinner to Red
Indians. She may also trace it to Gipsies
in Europe who are red skinned and who are believed to be migrants
from Rajasthan having a dialect similar to that of people of Rajasthan in
India. Who can stop her genius and research knowledge and history of the
globe in a country of Free Speech, Free Thinking and Free Education?
Hinduism is built on the solid
foundation of Sanatana Dharma and Universal oneness. Its troubles are due to
its drifting away from its basic principles and trying to make it a
religion like other faiths. The doctrine of Gita always comes to its rescue. Wendy
Doniger’s criticism titled War and Peace in the Bhagavad Gita, a title perhaps
inspired by a popular movie of recent
past and novel by Tolstoy seems to be mainly directed towards another book titled “Bhagavad Gita : A Biography” by
Richard Davis of Princeton University, A Western author. The criticism, which has brought such vivid
distortion, is based on the faulty history of India which unfortunately still India
has not dared to revise and bring out a true history of India. Her criticism
indirectly implies the problem she is pointing her finger originated with the ancients of present Western
culture population who are responsible for Caste system and
others cited in the Gita text with which Pre-Aryan Hindus are stuck
with having moved away from Sanatana Dharma (aatmavat
sarvabhooteshu), somewhere in the middle, if what the criticaster says
is true. Once our True History is established the author will have to revise
her opinion about what is Varna and Caste; the word caste was introduced by the
British as equivalent word in English for Varna without understanding. Varna is clear in Vedas as I have explained
several times and also explained in my lecture on caste system of Hindus in
India. It was an organizational aspect of division of labor and duties in any
society and existed even among divines.
My approach to Gita is to use it
as a practical spiritual guide whenever I am in confusion and distress and it
answers me back suitably. I do not try to be a criticaster on religious
scriptures with my limited knowledge though I have studied Sanskrit and grown
with Hindu culture and studied other religious text too to a scholarly level. In my opinion, to a Westerner grown with
different culture and not learnt Sanskrit well, particularly Vedic Sanskrit, it
is not feasible and possible to criticize such a master-piece. Even Sanskrit scholars
like Max Mueller and Monies Williams have made many blunders in interpreting
Vedas and scriptures of Hinduism on whose translations all other English educated
depend to-day and try to freely and
wildly comment upon, as if they have studied the original text. We appreciate
these great foreign authors for their tremendous efforts to study Vedas coming
from different culture and their desire to spread the wisdom of Vedas against
many inhibitions and restrictions about which I will not like to go into detail
here. All could benefit and understand
Hindu scriptures better if they are Sanskrit scholars by the wisdom of famous
commentators like Sankara, Ramanuja,
Madhwa, Sayana and Rangaramnuja on whose comment present day spiritual leaders like Sivananda,
Chinmayananda, Dayananada and others focus.
Unfortunately Hindus are also contributing to Aryan
Invasion theory having studied Indian History in schools as taught by the
British which continues even today after 67 years of Independence. Probably you are aware EVR of Dravida
Kazhagam asserting himself as the
spokesman of Dravidians, ignited the war of Aryans and Dravidians and promoted Ravana
as a Dravidian, a victim at the hands Rama, an Aryan. He also wrote counter
Ramayana praising Ravana (I believe he called it Kamayana). But Hinduism thrives and Ramayana too in its
popularity for its literary grace as Adikavya, first literary piece. A statue
of EVR still stands with pride at the entrance of a historic temple city which reads:
“He is a fool who believes in GOD”. We tolerate it passing by with head hung
down till we visit the temple or ignore it with a negative nod being helpless. His party had its own inner fights, got
divided but all of them are prospering as champions of oppressed Dravidians
exploiting and plundering masses. Thousands of Ganesha idols were broken in
Tamil Nadu. Today it has gone to the other extreme in this war of hatred,
disbelief and faith; in every street corner you find a Ganesha or Hanuman
Temple including in busy bus stands causing traffic hazards while minting money
for the exploiting priests. Nobody bothers. No Sanjay Gandhi has come to the
rescue as he did in Delhi to widen roads.
“Gita makes no allowances for the
kind of social mobility which has now become an accepted feature of Hindu
Society. Gita at the same time has clearly transcended these limitations of
contextual constraint and survived as a fundamental repository of Hindu values”
says Prof. Vrinda Nabar. This could only
be because it contains a basic ideology drawn from the wisdom of Vedas and
Upanishads which is not unacceptable within certain social-cultural and
philosophical tradition. With the passing of time mistakenly Vedas were
traditionally forbidden to women, Vaisyas and Sudras who could not easily obtain release and
attain liberation except through the path of devotion. So Gita was pushed as a
single scripture to Hindus for legal oaths during British Times like Bible for Christians
and Quran for Muslims, our worst critiques, though Hinduism never
promoted any one scripture or depended on any one scripture for its following
with many traditions.
Within the context of the
Mahabharata War, and especially the battle of Kurukshetra when the tensed
opposite parties were facing each other,
the emergence of Bhagavad Gita clearly calls for a willing suspension of
disbelief but it turns to Krishna as divine figure for its deliverance. There is
no other way in which one can accept the fact the two sides waited to begin the
war while its eighteen chapters were composed and discussed elaborately. Viswaroopa was also an exclusive privilege to
the most dedicated disciple Arjuna in the battlefield while others stood
anxiously with boots on waiting impatiently to see what was going on! Yet to a
spiritual thinker, unlike to our criticaster, these details seem superfluous
when one is serious with the philosophical and sociological significance of the
Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita is far from being a
monolithic text, conceived and composed at one go. It is generally accepted as
being a later interpolation into Mahabharata. I therefore wonder the wisdom of
it being given the status of faith and belief as Ramayana and celebrated on a
day earmarking Gita Jayanti Day raising it to a Puranic status. The logic of Ramayana Paaraayana and
veneration is based on the last sloka in Ramayana in which Ramayana reading is
glorified by the author as cure-all for our past sins which is a historic
narration of all participants and events and literary beauty though they have
not identified Ramayana Jayanti Day. I would rather go by the logic of Veda Paaraayana
or an Upanishad like MNU which contains
essential Veda Mantras of Hindu worships and rituals. In
this context it is worth recalling the research findings of Kalpatharu Research
Academy of Shankar Mutt, of Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
The great composition of
Bhagavdgeetaa is said to have been composed in the early centuries before the
birth of Christ which attained its philosophical celebrity when Sankara wrote
the first comment whose date itself is now revised to pre-Christ centuries.
Bhagavad Gita is the earliest text belonging to the devotional school of Hindu
religion, the Bhaagavata. This monotheistic school was founded by Krishna–Vasudeva,
belonging to Saatvata sect of the Yadu dynasty long before the dawn of Krishna
as an avatar and he was reverentially referred as Bhagavaan. The Gita unmistakably bears the influence of
Upanishads the Katha and the Svetasvatara. Please go through my detailed
discourse in this context. Song of Celestial which the critique refers was
originally a Yoga Upanishad which was later Vaishnavized. Krishna, the founder of this cult, who is the
spokesman in the Gita was by birth Soodra, being Yadu was
later raised to the rank of Kshatriya based on the later practicing profession
which conversion is now not possible in the caste system based on birth-right
as visualized by the criticaster and distorted which tradition of birthright
for cast is of much later
origin after CE than Bhagavad-Gita.
There is a reference in Chandogya
Upanishad as well as Narayanopanishad to KRISHNA-Devakiputra who was a disciple
of the sage Ghora-angirasa. Narayanopanishad
adds the word Madhusoodana referring to Krishna Avatar. This clearly shows
Narayanopanishad which is widely used in Hindu Shoedasa Upacahra pooja is a
later creation by Bhaktimarga followers during the
puranic period with its
substantial phalasruti content similar to Ganesha Atharvaseersha (linking it to Atharvaveda) Upanishad. The
word Upanishad was added to these Bhaktimarga compositions to enhance their
value as if coming from Vedas. The Jain Harivamsa mentions Krishna as the
cousin of the celebrated ford-maker Neminatha (also an Avatar of Vishnu before
finding Jain philosophy) who is believed to have lived about eight centuries
before Christ. 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. As you know Ramayana also refers
to Chera, Pandya and Andhra dynasties in Kishkinda Khanda that in no way could
have existed in Tretayuga. Evidently it has been also revised later and
edited. Bible has been revised as often as needed to suit changing views of
religious authorities unlike Vedas and major Upanishads as Sankara already had
commented on them being earliest and any revision later would have been
difficult without being criticized. Contrary to what we have studied in schools
in India Sankara was born in Kaladi in Kerala born in 509 BCE and died in 477
BCE, according to Sankar Math records (Dharma by Jagadguru Chandrasekharananda
Sarsvati, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) and not
in seventh century CE. So also have
been many religious texts of different faiths often meddled.
Further we cannot stop such
negative approaches like the Herculean efforts taken by the criticasterin this
context to twist things to suit her philosophy of thinking and raise her
popularity, like EVR. Hinduism is no stranger to such criticism. Chaarvaka
Philosophy of atheism finds a place in Hindu scriptures. Please refer to my lecture on Philosophy Schools
of Hindus. Chaarvaka Philosophy was never erased but discussed freely. However, it could not become popular with mass
appeal and faded away voluntarily.
Ramanuja was free to comment and moderate Advaita while Madhva totally
opposed it and brought out his Dwaita Philosophy. They all have huge followers and they coexist
today. We have still large followers of Charwaka philosophers too in Hindu Thinking.
They emerged as followers of EVR self-asserted Dravidians and Communist Party
though based on Karl-Marx philosophy.
Sarvadarsana Sangraha gives the following
summary of the Chaarvaaka philosophy which is more damaging than that of our
criticaster in Bhagavadgeetaa which we have tolerated for long time. That is
the uniqueness of Hinduism which formidably lifts its head against all
distractions and has withstood the tests of time while many ancient religions
have vanished:
‘’There is no heaven, no final
liberation, nor any soul in another world; nor do the action of the four
castes, orders etc. produce any real effect. The Agnihotras, the three Vedas,
the ascetic’s three staves and smearing one’s self with ashes, were made by
Nature as the livelihood of those destitute of knowledge and manliness. If a
beast slain in the Jyotistoma rite will itself go to heaven, why then does not
the sacrificer with offer of his own father?:…. If beings in heaven are
gratified by our offering the Shraaddha here, then why not give the food down
below to those who are standing on the house top? While life remains let a man
live happily, let him feed on ghee even though he runs in debt; when once the
body becomes ashes, how can it ever return here?.... All ceremonies are a means
of livelihood for Brahmanas. The three authors of the Vedas were buffoons,
knaves and demons.”
This criticaster has focused her
bold remarks dwelling upon some social threads picking on words and phrases
picked up here and there from the text with wrong interpretation with the
purpose to belittle Gita which was designated as the most sacred text of Hinduism
during the British days in India which was enjoying world appreciation as a
unique spiritual master-piece in those days and continues even today. There is no other text in any religion to match
its philosophical thinking and spiritual content. She has also taken advantage of its Puranic
glorification by religious enthusiasts but not its pristine glory as
Yogasaastra and a premier for Yoga meditates. She is up against arms more than peace. Her
object seems to have been to find fault struggling hard than to understand and appreciate
its spiritual content which fills all its eighteen chapters and 700
verses. It is up to Gita Society which
has a powerful organization and the Indian Government to go through such
criticisms, and take appropriate measures to release the worries of devout and
hurt Hindus. Gita has long back crossed
the boundaries of India and enjoys popularity in several countries of the Globe
over many centuries by all spiritual seekers. Proper rebuttal from them is not
difficult to clear the distortions. Generally
I do not indulge in rebuttals as this will never end once you start it. But at
the same we need to be clear in our mind why and how these criticisms start.
I may sound like an atheist to
religious Hindus with my remark on Gita Jayanti Day and worship of Gita as a
deity at an altar to my Gita religious worshipers! I would rather call it “Gita
Jnaanodaya Day” and start reading and understanding Gita seriously. Religion
restricts and leads to faiths and beliefs! Sanatana Dharma Doctrines are
wrongly practiced as Hindu Religion and wrongly designated also by outsiders,
which we have gladly accepted, pride in it and fight also when offended. The
Gita Doctrine is beyond Religious and National boundaries. Gita does not want
your worship or blind adoration. Gita expects every admirer of it to follow the
path shown by it. International Gita Society in USA draws all
our attention to Gita’s wisdom as
follows:
·
Do your duty to the best of your ability without
worrying about the results. Perceive that God is present equally in all beings
and treat all beings equally (aatmavat sarvabhooteshu).
· The four goals of human life are: doing one’s
dut(Dharma),
earning wealth(artha),
material and sensual enjoyment (Kaama) and attaining Moksha.
Moksha is made up of two words Moha and Kshaya that means get rid of all
your desires a state of Gunateeta described in Geetaa.
· The aim of the Gita doctrine is to lead one to
tranquility, happiness and equanimity. No rituals are prescribed as in Rigveda.
The Gita says that the world needs different religions, cults, and deities to
meet the vastly different needs of individuals.
· “Don’t worry, be happy” may well be a modern
term but the secret of achieving this lies in the Gita which Gita describes as
Aananda or Bliss. The parting word in
Gita is
“maa suchah” meaning don’t worry.
If someone does not like terms like “Svadharama” and “Chaaturvarnyam”, in Geetaa,
without understanding them in the right perspective, let them not worry about
them. That will not reduce the value of Geetaa even a bit. We do
not also need them to enhance the glory of Geetaa. Geetaa
is a granary of spiritual wisdom to enliven and ennoble its
readers to serve the society as well as
elevate the individual spiritually. Kurukshetra is not the historic city of Battle
near Delhi. It means field for action based on Dharma. By the way Gita says Chaaturvarnyam and not Chaturvarna
.
If anyone wants to find the real difference
between these terms they should approach any Sanskrit scholar if they have not
gone through my discourses on Geetaa. Chaturvarnyam does not
mean four castes. It means social order. What Gita says here says is the social order with four
divisions in accordance with the distribution of characteristics (Saatva, Rajas and tamas and
their combinations) and actions occasioned by them were brought into being by
the Supreme being--(Chaaturvarnyam mayaa srishtam guna
karmavibhaagasah).
So if you are a Sarvaarambha
parityaagee (12-16), one who has left all studies of scriptures
started in your younger days in pursuit of life’s ambition after migrating to
greener pastures, then continue to listen to the teachings of Gita. It will give
a solution for all your worries and open your vision too spiritually and also
help in producing right Doctorates of Philosophy.
REFERENCES:
1) Prof. Ramachandra Rao S.K., Gita
Kosha, Kalpataru Research Academy, Sharada Peetham, Bengaluru.
2) Prof. Vrinda Nabar & Prof. Shanta
Tumkur, The Bhagavadgita, Wordsworth Classics, U.K.
3) Dr. Shiv Bajpai, The History of Hindu India, Himalayan
Academy Publications, India/USA.
4) Harry Bhalla, The Gita Doctrine—Beyond Religion, International Gita Society, USA.
5) Wendy Doniger, War and Peace in the Bhagavadgita, A criticism on The Bhagavad Gita- A Biography by Richard Davis, Princeton
University.
6) Swami Vireswarananda,
Srimad Bhagavd Gita, Sri
Ramkrishna Math, Mylapore,
Chennai, India.
7) Chandradhar Sharma, A Critical Survey of Indian
Philosophy, Motilal Banarasidass, Delhi, India.
8) Richard H. Davis, Bhagavad Gita,
Princeton University Press, US.A.
9) Srinivasan, N.R., Geetaa unmistakably
bears the influence of Upanishads, especially Katha Upanishad, May 2014, Hindu
Reflections:<nrsrini.blogspot.com>
Mystery
of the Bhagavad Gita Simplified
Posted by Dr. Jayanth G. Paraki
| May 26, 2013 | IndiaDivine.Org
Life
is often mysterious; apparently without reasons and explanations for many
events. Is this true? Perhaps so, but
only in the eyes and mind of the beholder.
Is there any wisdom and knowledge that can throw complete light on the
mystery of Life?
The
ancient Vedic scripture Bhagavad Gita contains knowledge of all human
experiences from the remote past into the infinite future. There is no
situation in reality that is not described nor explained. Truly, the Gita is
the source of Absolute Knowledge. The author attempts to simplify the mystery
of the Bhagavad Gita and urges the reader to experience the Absolute Truth of
existence. The author, a practicing doctor has integrated spiritual healing
into clinical practice and encourages everyone to realize his true identity.
Medical and nursing students, practicing doctors and patients will benefit
infinitely from applying the principles of the Bhagavad Gita.
During
the course of this lecture series, you will be lead to the path of devotional
service and the holistic way of spiritual living. Holistic living consists of
eating sattvic food, conquering and channeling inner desires and following the
instructions of the Supreme Lord.
Lord
Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is He who spoke the Bhagavad
Gita to his very dear friend Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna was overwhelmed by grief at the
prospect of fighting his own relatives in the war. Totally confused, he turned
to Lord Krishna and beseached him with his inner feelings.
Krishna
then revealed his true form and strength and assured him of total protection if
he became his surrendered devotee. All of us experience fear, confusion, anger,
frustration, sadness and many other complex emotions. What is the source of
these emotions? Krishna clearly explains in the Bhagavad Gita that he is the
cause and remedy of all things; pleasant and unpleasant. Therefore by his
causeless mercy He gives us the instructions through which we can free
ourselves from the darkest hell of existence in the material world.
Mahabharatha
represents the warring of the materialistic and spiritual aspects of human
nature and truly speaking describes the constant battle of feelings and
thoughts that go on within the mind. Make Krishna the ultimate goal of your
Life and you will experience eternal joy and bliss!
Lord
Krishna is the creator of all living beings. Our life is dependent upon the
will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead at all times. From Krishna comes all
the energy that we experience every day. For example, the bright sunlight and
the cool breeze are emanating from Lord Krishna. Every day we lose energy in
the form of various physical and mental activities. He is replenishing the lost
energy.
What
we are not aware is the fact that loss of vitality and fatigue is due primarily
to discharge of emotional energy. Emotions drain us of energy. Negative emotions
leave us tired, confused and in despair. Positive emotions charge us with
vibrant energy and leave us healthy, clear in thinking and brimming with
vitality and enthusiasm. Connect to Krishna and experience eternal joy and
bliss!
Lord
Krishna resides within our hearts. It is his spark that ignites the soul within
us and keeps us all alive and happy. We have forgotten the supreme controller
as we have been conditioned to accept the material world as containing
everything that we need. How far is this true? Ask yourself these questions?
What is responsible for the universal miseries of existence- birth, disease,
old age and death? What is the cause of other forms of distress- lack of
education, failures in business and career, poor results in spite of efforts
and all other unpleasant experiences that go to form every day events in our
lives. The Gita clearly states that the principal cause of all miseries is
forgetfulness of Lord Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead. Lord Krishna
appears periodically as an incarnation to revive the glories of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead and teach us the right way of living.
The
fundamental question that emerges in our quest for understanding any subject is
how and where do I begin? So, how do I relate to Krishna? Since Krishna resides
within our hearts it is very easy to relate to him. First, remove the layers of
dirt and dust that prevent you from seeing this reality. Become pure in
thoughts and feelings. Lord Krishna relates instantly to anyone who wishes to
do so. Therefore become a devotee to re-establish lost connections. Listen
attentively to his devotees and participate in-group activities. While you can
perform devotional service independently, it is easier and motivating to do it as
a group. Become aware of his strengths to be convinced of his stature and
power. You do this by listening, reading and discussing the Srimad Bhagavatam,
the epic compilation of the experiences of the devotees of the Lord. Constantly
focus on the lord within you and endeavor to apply the principles of devotional
service regularly. You will see the fruits emerging spontaneously.
Our
constitutional position is as a devotee of Krishna. However, we are not aware
of this fact and therefore by default assume the position of a non-devotee. The
very birth in this world indicates that we have forgotten our real position. We
have forgotten that there is a real spiritual world in the spiritual sky. A
devotee of Krishna comes to realize that everything including his own body is
the property of Krishna and therefore it should be used in Krishna’s service.
Dovetail all daily activities with that of Lord Krishna. Act in a purified
state following the instructions of the Lord. This will free you from all
anxieties and suffering. Pleased by the service of his devotee, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead reveals his form and opulences.
We
can develop different relationships with Lord Krishna. The pastimes of the Lord
with the gopis of Vrindavana describe the relationship as a conjugal lover. In
any dimension the nature of relationship is determined by the time period in
your life, when your dormant spiritual energy is awakened and you begin to
realize your true nature.
When
a child is born who displays natural attraction for music, art and performing
sadhanas, Know that you should relate to Krishna as a parent devotee. Relate to
all as a friend by urging one and all to become Krishna Conscious. Dovetail all
your daily material activities with that of Krishna. This way you will remember
him all the time.
Arjuna
was in all kinds of difficulties during the Kurukshetra war and his state
actually reflects our state at all times. The message of the Gita is very
clear. At all times we should seek the help of The Supreme Personality of Godhead
to solve our life problems. Arjuna asks questions that accurately define our
state. We also should ask questions to the Supreme Personality of Godhead in a
manner similar to Arjuna and receive the benediction of the Lord. It is
essential to develop the qualities of Arjuna to be able to understand and
receive the instructions clearly. The purpose of the Gita is very clear. It is
to remind us of the major purpose we have to create for our lives. It is one of
the following.
1. To deliver mankind from all difficulties
2. To free mankind from all anxieties
3. To relieve mankind of all sufferings
4. To instruct mankind of his mission
5. To protect mankind from evil
2. To free mankind from all anxieties
3. To relieve mankind of all sufferings
4. To instruct mankind of his mission
5. To protect mankind from evil
Ishvara
is the supreme controller and we as jivas are the controlled beings. However,
in the conditioned state that we are born in we do not have this fundamental
realization. This is referred to as maya or illusion. Hence we attempt to go
through life using finite intelligence, which of course is incomplete.
As
time elapses we begin to feel anxiety and tension over our existing state and
this continues unabated until we choose to seek the help of the Supreme
Controller.
Karma
refers to the accumulated effects of all activities we have performed in the
past. Reactions to activities in the conditioned state are unpleasant and leave
a permanent residue. One such residue is various forms of physical and mental
disease. Therefore, if you have to heal a diseased person he should endeavor to
remove the veil of maya or illusion alongside the taking of medicines.
Devotional service is a simple process of erasing the maya and creating an
internal environment of health and well-being. Medicines taken will have a
better result and this is the holistic approach to healing advocated by The
Clinic for Holistic Healing.
The
Supreme Personality of Godhead is the ultimate source of all energy including
life energy-- “…….mayadhyakshena
prakrith suyate sa-characharam.”
This material nature is working under my direction.”
This
is understood when we contemplate on the nature of life. What is the element
that is missing in a dead body? There is no knowledge about this element in
medical science or technology. Developing a state of mind that begins to
inquire about every event that either happens to us or surrounds us in a spirit of surrender leads us directly to
the source of Absolute Knowledge. Empowerment results once you acquire Absolute
Knowledge.
Every
man, woman and child is under the control of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Lord Krishna. When you begin to see the Lord residing in the hearts of
every person, you can actually hear the Lord speaking to you!
Emphatically,
Lord Krishna declares: sarva-yonishu…aham
bija-pradah pita:” I am the father
of all.
YOGA OF THE BHAGAVAD GITA LECTURES BY SWAMI CHIDANANDA
Gita shows the path of attaining permanent peace and Bliss better known as Ananda (Sat-Chit Ananda). The path is that of Yoga to be achieved through the performance of YAJNA (Selfless action). Yoga literally means “union” a unique type of union between the individual soul (Jivatma) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatman). Yajna signifies sacrifice-- briefly offering of every little act at the altar of the Divine. Sri Krishna gives a definite promise nof His grace in his parting message of Gita; ‘sarvadhaman parityajya mamekam saranam vraja, aham tvam sarvapapebhyo mokshayikshami ma suchah’--resigning all the Dharmas, seek refuge in Me alone, I shall liberate you from all sins Grieve not! Please raise your voices with that devotion and dedication on December 25, Gita Jayanti Day as He shines with all brilliance on that day as Star of “Winter Solstice 2020”-a rare phenomenon after 800 years or after His Viswaroopa Darsana to Arjuna, to alleviate our sufferings and remove all sufferings political social and economic!
It is therefore Yogis consider Gita as Yogapanishad with 18 chapters on yoga of different kinds: 1) Vishada Yoga; 2) Sankhya Yoga; 30 Karma Yoga;m 4) Jnana-Karma Yoga; 5) Karma-Sanyasa Yoga; 6) Dhyana Yoga; 7) Jnana-Vijnanana Yoga; 8) Akshara-Brahma Yoga; 9) Rajavidya-Rajaguhya Yoga;10) Vibhuti Yoga; 11) Visvarupadarsana Yoga; 12) Bhakti Yoga; 13) Kshetra-kshetrajna-Vibhaga Yoga; 14) Gnatraya-vibhaga Yoga; 15) Purushottama Yoga; 16) Devasurasampatti-Vibhaga yoga; 17) Sraddhatriya Vibhaga Yoga; 18) Moksha-Sanyasa Yoga.
Please go through these mantras from MNU in this context:
vedānta-vijñāna-viniścitārthāḥ saṁnyāsa-yogād yatayaḥ śuddhasattvāḥ .
te brahmaloke tu parāntakāle parāmṛtāḥ parimucyanti sarve
Having attained the Immortality consisting of identity with the Supreme, all those aspirants who strive for self-control, who have rigorously arrived at the conclusion taught by the Vedanta through direct knowledge, and who have attained purity of mind through the practice of the discipline of yoga and steadfastness in the knowledge of Brahman preceded by renunciation, get themselves released into the region of Brahman at the dissolution of their final body.
According to Śrī Śaṅkarācārya, the goal of Vedānta is Paramātma-vijñāna or Self-Realisation. The central theme of this verse is that this knowledge is attained through inner purity gained by taking to sannyāsa and yoga. Sannyāsa implies renouncing worldly and religious work and preferring to remain forever steadfastly in the consciousness of Brahman. This is also yoga. Those who perpetually strive to keep this spiritual state are called Yatis.
The word parāmṛtāḥ denotes the attainment of Immortality while one is living on the earth, and the verb parimucyanti implies the merging of the individual Self then and there, at the time of death, into the Supreme Self, without leaving a trace of separate individuality—-just as the birds flying across the sky do not leave any footprint there or the fish moving in water leave no trail of a path. With the attainment of illumination the aspirant becomes parāmṛtāḥ and at the fall of the body he becomes paramukta, no more to be born again.
na karmaṇā na prajayā dhanena tyāgenaike amṛtatvamānaśuḥ .
pareṇa nākaṁ nihitaṁ guhāyāṁ bibhrājate yadyatayo viśanti ..
Not by work, not by progeny, not by wealth, they have attained Immortality. Some have attained Immortality by renunciation. That which the hermits attain is laid beyond the heaven; yet it shines brilliantly in the (purified) heart.
Bhaṭṭabhāskara considers that tyāga here means phala-tyāga or the surrender of the fruits of religious acts and of deeds of charity. The regular duties meant to secure absolution from the three- fold debt to ancestors, gods and Riṣis cannot be neglected.
The Supreme Being is realized in the highest heaven as well as in one’s own heart. He is attained by those who study the Vedas, understand then import, perform duties laid down by them, habitually control the senses and continuously practice divine contemplation by Sanyasa Yoga.
They surrender the fruits of then actions to the Highest, consequently they are not bound by the actions they do. Sāyana thinks that this passage teaches total renunciation associated with sannyāsa which is necessary for the attainment of Immortality. Small devotions like Agnihotra, extended sacrificial sessions designated Sattra and ordinary work of common service, however helpful these might be in generating the desire to know the Supreme, they cannot by themselves give Immortality. The knowledge of Paramātman and freedom come to one only by renouncing other interests and concentrating oneself on that ideal.
Please also refer to my discourse:
http://nrsrini.blogspot.com/2014/12/gita-is-yogopanishad-it-is-neither.html
The secret of success as told by Krishna to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita :
We should be as completely absorbed in work or study as to become unaware of everything else, even of its results. To achieve the best results from what we do, we should be focused on the action with undivided attention.
Action should be done sincerely without worrying about its results. The results of the action will be greater if we put all attention and energy into the action itself and do not allow our energy to be diverted by thinking of results.
The result will depend on energy put into action. We are asked not to worry about results during the course of action.
The secret of living a meaningful life is to be very active, and do our best without thinking of our own selfish motives or even the results. A Self-realized person works for the good of all. (That is what I have made my goal of life as you see in this presentation as you can see)
I hope the above information will help you being better prepared to hear to the in-depth lecture by Swamiji on the Internet,
[This
discourse material is a compilation from the reference above as well as other sources for a prepared
lecture for delivering at Vedanta Class of Sri Ganesha Temple which is
gratefully acknowledged. I do not claim anything as original though I have
included my explanations and comments elaborately suitably editing. Anybody is
free to download partly or fully this discourse, modify and redistribute this
as well as other discourses from the
blog Hindu Reflections <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for spreading the wisdom of
Vedas and scriptures further. These lectures are
posted on the blog for the benefit of those who are not able to attend
my lectures personally due to personal reasons or due to not living in
Nashville or able to go through the various sources as I have done.]
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