Verse 2.47

Its a popular verse and often misinterpreted and misunderstood by many.

In India for this verse commonly people say " Karam kar aur pal ki iccha mat kar" .....literally meaning "do your work and don't desire a result".

But what this verse really means is that

•You have the right to work only
•Never to fruits of actions
•Let not fruits of actions motivate you to work
•Let not your attachment be to inaction

If one could imbibe just this verse it will be like living the Gita principles..because:

1. It tells you to do your duty. Must do ones duty in what ever place & role we are in 
2. Reminds you that you have no control on the result...profound knowledge. We always want to manage the result
3. It is saying that results should not motivate your action. Action is your duty.
4. Also it says don't be attracted to inaction, or distracted away from your duty

To understand the verse ...it is in a way Sankhya Yoga..profound, intellectual stuff
To do what it says..... is pure Karam Yoga
To do it and be un attached and unaffected is Dhyan Yoga
To believe in it.... faith..is Bhakti Yoga

Chap 1 is about context setting and Arjuna being deluded - Arjun Vishaad

In Chap 2 Krishna shares the knowledge and is called Sankhya Yog

This shloka explains  :

By doing ones duty as directed by God with focus and commitment , in the given role is reaching God thru KY...so Communion thru Action Chap 3

Doing ones duties with the awareness that my control is only on my action choices and not on result , and that I must do my duties with full integrity is what chap 4 ( Yoga of Knowledge in action) speaks about.

Chap 5  talk about communion thru renunciation. So if Fruits are not to motivate us , does it imply renounce the fruits. Attachment to fruit will lead to the spiral of desires or anger. Detachment will lead to liberation.

Chap 6 talks about meditation and discipline etc . That is Dhyan Yoga. If one can remember this shloka for all our action that would be complete meditation.

Chap 7 -12 progress to speak about the Lord, his incomprehensible nature, God in all and all in God, manifestations of God and the un manifest,  and Gods creations, and maya ...and   builds up to Bhakti Yoga in chap 12.  Unless one has the faith / shraddha  in the word of God , one can't be living this shloka in all our actions.

Chap 13 shares about Knower & Known, then Chap 14 about Gunas, and chap 15 about Purushottam Yoga , Chap 16 about the Divine & Demonic qualities, and Chap 17 tells us the 3 fold path for faith, food, yagna, tapas & charity. And the culminating Chap 18, talks about moksha.

Only someone

• with faith, 
• with ability to channel the gunas 
• having divine qualities 
• aware of the 3 fold paths 
• knowing God is eternal, everywhere, the cause of the world, but not the world 
• with focus 

will be able to live up to this shlok and attain liberation

To be able to live this verse completely, one would need to be living the Gita pretty much.

Action & Gita

Action we have to do ...it is not a choice....there is no such thing as inaction...what action we choose is a choice and what intention and attitude we choose is a choice

Each action will have a result...even just sitting around means muscles will act & react in a way and heat & cold will affect teh body.

Action will have some result is the law. And there are only 4 possible outcomes

• as expected
• better than expected
• worse than expected
• the un expected

We can do it 

• Happily 
• As a duty with a straight face 
• Happily as a duty
• Duty as a chore 
• Duty submitted to God 

Now for doing an action we need ( 18.14)

• Base / Place : Where / Body
• Doer / Person : By whom 
• Tools (sense organs, actions organs, intellect, ego & mind) BMI or external : By medium 
• Effort : Getting Thought (from mind) into action by various functions using sense & action organs 
• Devyam : X Factor / Grace / Wow factor/ Prarabhd / Conciousness

And teh most important , well known and often misunderstood verse 2.47 , which basically says...

•Right to work only
•Never to fruits of actions
•Let not fruits of actions motivate you to work
•Let not your attachment be to inaction ( inaction means action that is not your duty)

Sour Grapes story & Gita

We all have heard the story of the Fox and the sour grapes.

Is that Tyag or Renunciation? - giving up what you don't even have cannot be renouncing???

Or is it giving up action as result not as expected. Did the fox do his best? How did he decide they are sour without tasting?

Or was the Fox limiting himself that he cannot do it...did he ask God to help?

We can analyse any story or situation and that will probably make us critics. Or we can look for learnings.

1. Fox was probably being practical. And if he had to feed his kids found alternate food. THIS IS NOT RENOUNCING

2. Yes he should not have tagged them as sour without reason. DO NOT BE JUDGEMENTAL

3. And if you look at true nature, do Fox usually eat grapes? fruits is one of the many things they eat. Or was he just playing ?

Also remember the sour grapes story was written by a literate man/woman not the Fox. It is not the word from God.

Desiderata & Gita

Have read this poem several times...but the other day while in a Gita discussion, it came to my mind that this connects to teh qualities of Stithpragna in chap 2. Also highlight the good virtues as mentioned in chap 16.  Talks about love and nurturing inner strength, about Peace & God , and that we all are the children of the universe.

The poem somehow connected to Gita and wanted to share.

Verse 2.23 & 2.24

Here is where Krishna explains

Soul cannot be cut
Soul cannot be burnt by fire
Soul cannot be wetted by water &
Soul cannot be dried by air

He is explaining with direct connection to the elements ( Earth, Fire, Water & Air)
Gross to subtle

Earth is the Grossest
& Space/Ether/is the subtlest

Explaining gross & subtle to children is sometimes challenging.
Try doing with the 5 elements
1. Earth - we know, feel, touch, see, hold, cut - the grossest of all!
2. Water - we know, feel, touch, see, hold, but cannot cut - going towards subtle!!
3. Air - we know, feel, touch, hold, but cannot see or cut
4. Fire - we know, feel, see, touch, but cannot hold or cut
5. Space - we just know - out of reach of our 5 senses....most subtle!!!!

And Soul is surely as subtle as it can be

Another explanation of Kauravs and Pandavs

“The Mahabharata is an Epic, a ballad, perhaps a reality but definitely a philosophy.” The Old man smiled luring Dev into more questions.
“Can you tell me what the philosophy is then?” Dev requested.

“Sure. Here goes,” began the Old man. “The Pandavas are nothing but your five senses, sight, smell, taste, touch and sound and do you know what the Kauravas are?” he asked narrowing his eyes. Dev shook his head. “The Kauravas are the hundred vices that attack your senses everyday but you can fight them and do you know how?” Dev shook his head again. 

“When Krishna rides your chariot!” The Old man smiled brighter and Dev gasped at that gem of insight.
“Krishna is your soul, your guiding light and if you let your life in his hands you have nothing to worry.” 

Dev was stupefied but came around quickly with another question. “Then why are Dronacharya and Bhishma fighting for the Kauravas, if they are vices?”
The Old man nodded, sadder for the question. “It just means that as you grow up your perception of your elders change. The elders who you thought were perfect in your growing up years are not all that perfect. They have faults. And one day you will have to decide if they are for your good or your bad. Then you may also realize that you may have to fight them for the good. It is the hardest part of growing up and that is why the Geeta is important.”

Dev sat down on the ground, not because he was tired but because he could understand the enormity of it all. 

“What about Karna?” he whispered.
“Ah!” said the Old man. “You have saved the best for last. Karna is the brother to your senses, he is desire, he is a part of you but stands with the vices. He feels wronged and makes excuses for being the vices as your desire does all the time. Does your desire not give you excuses to embrace vices?”

Another perspective to chapter 2

All thru Chapter 1 Krishna listens to the nervous release of tension by Arjun as a good mate.

Says nothing till Arjun's seeks help & surrenders. First Krishna encourages as a friend and scolds in 2.2. Then Arjun mentions his intent to surrender in Shlok 2.07

Let us remember that the fives senses, collect information and pass to brain.
From Body to mind & then mind seeks help from intellect.
Intellect based on past experiences gives judgement & back to mind
If mind & intellect not in agreement then confusion arises and then body reacts, trembles & sweats due to imbalance.

Arjun was confused as ego had come in : I am fighting, My relatives, the fact that he is part of Pandava and they are fighting for righteousness (PS Bheeshma & Drona had drowned their identities and merged in Kauravas army)

Surrender to Krishna : This signifies - Ego merges into intellect 

Krishna holding reigns (intellect controlling senses) & directing the Jiva

Advice starts from 2.11

Krishna explains by traditional & various logics : 

• Kshatriyas Dharma, people will condemn you 
• Then explains soul being eternal, indestructible. Soul takes birth for experience.

Explains the Stith Pragya.

Material world, senses contact objects and create desires, then anger, Raag & Dwesh or more desires and eventually delusion ....like a boat without Majhi at mercy of wind & waves....till we become a witness to the world and control our senses and be like the ocean that is so full

Rise above  all 3 (BMI) levels of dwandha ( Raag Dwesh) 

2.47 use energy on performing action. Do not dissipate energy worrying about future / result.

Sun rays all around. If focussed thru a lense can burn where the combined rays fall. Focussed efforts have bit results.

Night to usual people, is day for Yogi : 

Night is all darkness, no shapes & forms. Day is bright and forms & shapes

Yogi does not see forms & shapes 

Likes & dislikes due to past impressions, but if aware & do not dwell on them, then, one will not be swayed. Do not let the raag / dwesh overpower you.

A bit of Karam, Dhyan & Bhakti yoga are in this Chapter. Many call this the index to the Gita, as it touches or mentions what comes later.

Karma Phala and Playing Tennis

Karam Phal and Karam Yog are often misunderstood / misinterpreted.

Here is an example that may help.

If one plays Tennis to win, then during teh game the energy is on winning. And at end if one does win, its the temporary happiness and the desire to play to win again. If loose then angry and frustrated.

If playing as a sport or as a form of exercise , the approach and emotions are different. I want to improve my game, get more agile, learn how to tackle the opponent, burn calories, loose some weight  ...and so on.  Now the focus may be one or all these, but the focus has moved away from winning. While playing to burn calories and improve game, as a by product may also win the game....that is a bonus!!!

When focus moves away from result to effort , one can put in 100% effort , else teh contemplation of result dilutes the effort.

Choices in Gita

Many religions , scriptures give instructions. Gita gives you options....make a choice...and makes you aware of possible consequences.

First we are made aware of the different path : Karam Yoga, Dhyan Yoga & Bhakti Yoga.

And in the last chapter Krishna in 18.63 says, have shared all, now do as you deem fit.


True friend, mentor & consultant. Prepared Arjun for taking an informed decision

An interesting visual summarising Chap 1 to 6

The triangle

The triangles is the simplest shape as it takes only 3 lines to create a shape : an enclosed area

Well image these 3 lines to be
- The Object
- The Subject
- The Experience

The self is often caught between these 3 for all thoughts & actions

Now imagine the the lines opening at a point ...say we can disconnect the Experience from the Object  and then also from the Subject...would this be liberation !
Think about it...

Ref 18.18 and parts of Chapter 13 also talk about a similar Triad..

- The Object of Knowledge
- Knower of knowledge
- The Knowledge

Add caption

PORT reduction

Possessions
Obligations
Relationships
Transactions

The above need to reduce gradually when on the spiritual path.

As per Gita if focussed on Karma Yog or Dhyan Yog or Bhakti Yog, this would happen naturally.

New word plays

Look at God in the Picture
Look at God outside the picture


Move from control in your life
To contribute in your life

Comparing Gita and usual way of life

In the usual world (in the corporate world,  at work or at college) one is "Result Oriented" and Gita teaches us to leave result to divine, and focus only on action & duty

In world we compete with all and Spirituality is trying to explain we are all one

Question everything around you has been suggested and practiced around us and the spiritual path is all about accepting

Corporates copyright their works, Spirituality is about right to copy and share with others

In the modern world one hears "you can do it all" and in spirituality its all around your nature calling and your duty

The so called advanced world is about ownership and in the spiritual world one learns that we are not even the doers , just mediums of the lord

The material world is external - You & Others. The spiritual world is internal, you and your true self

The trying to win is actually a loosing strategy as everything is ever-changing. Discovering yourself , an internal journey without competing , to teh eternal truth...leads to the wow" factor...

Arjun thru 18 chapters

Arjun's questions show the evolution on a spiritual path.

What Arjun asks , the quality of his questions get deeper as the Gita progresses.

Delusion
Surrender
Why should I act & not give up
How & why meditate
Show me your form

and eventually
Will do as you say!

The 3 recipients of Gita

When Krishna spoke, Arjun was listening and so was Sanjay & Dhritrashtra.

How each one received it or perceived it has a learning for us all

Sanjay represents Vivek Buddhi (wisdom) and in contrast Dhritarashtra represents blindness or unwisely used intelligence. In other words, Sanjay can see divinity through all gross appearances (Maya), whereas Dhritarashta, being of lower intellect, is stumped by Maya and only perceives gross appearances. 

These differing perceptions are shown by the following three elements / examples of Maya:

1. Causation 
All matter is simply a transformation of pre-existing elements which were created by God. 
Analogy:
Sanjay, of higher intellect, will be able to realise that a tree rose from a small seed, but Dhritrashtra, of gross intellect, will only be able to perceive the tree for a new entity and not as a product of the seed.

2. Time
The three tenses of time (past, present, future) are all caused by Maya (passing of days and nights). 
Analogy:
A car is circling the base of a hill. Dhritrashtra, standing at the bottom of that hill, (low-level intellect) will only be able to perceive the movement of the car in the three tenses: coming, gone behind the hill, going to come. Sanjay, standing at the top of hill (higher level intellect), will be able to understand the continuous movement of the car without tenses because he is not blocked by the hill (Maya). 

3. Space
All matter is essentially made up of atoms, which are largely made up of empty space, and energy points that occupy negligible space. Hence, most tangible things are essentially empty space and energy. Dhritrashtra can only see the gross appearances of these atoms that are arranged in different ways to form different tangible entities (E.G. Table, chair, pot). Sanjay can identify the minuscule energy points  through all the empty space due to his superior intellect.


Analogy:
Arjun looked past the large quantity of empty space (material things like soldiers and weaponry) and identified the energy points that seemed small but were of actual value (Krishna). Duryodhan was caught up in the Maya and perceived the empty space to be real and of value. Hence, he chose the empty space over the energy point (materials over God) and made the mistake of choosing quantity over quality. ( He chose the army and not Krishna !) 


Arjun - in direct connection with God
Sanjaya - the well controlled 
Dhritrashtra - The one blinded with Moha

CHAPTER 1 : A NEW PERSPECTIVE

This chapter is the transitioning from the Mahabharat tale into the Arjun & Krishna dialogue about Knowledge/Wisdom/Advice

Dhritrashtra speaks his one and only shlok and in that too his attachment for his sons drips in his words, as he asks "what are my sons and the Pandu sons doing at battle field?"  Feel the yours & mine, duality here.

Kuru in shlok 1 means action. Kurushetra is the place / world of actions.

Note that the first word of first shlok is "dharam"  and the last word of last shook is "mam" that is mine . Its all about My Dharma.

Arjun speaks 20+ shloks in this chapter, of the total 85 that he speaks in the entire Gita.

There is lot of fact based statements here and mentioning the various people. Each person has a story and a reason to be here and how he has also contributed to the war. Almost like a quick recap of the Mahabharat story and why this war was happening due to the choices & actions of the characters in past.

Further if one introspects we have traits of all such characters in us. On days we behave like Dhritrashtra, in total attachment to our kids / or blind to our duty. Or like Drupad wanting revenge. Or selfish like Duryodhan or deluded like Arjun or evolved and preach like Krishna.....

All characters are within an average being at different points of time in life, till we progress on the spiritual journey.

The symbolism in Arjun's chariot as well as in the names of conches is very interesting too.

Duryodhan rants of in his self centred style. Arjun starts in an egoist manner to check out the enemy and later is deluded. Then is talking about the deaths and widows & orphans the war will cause.

Duryodhan wants to protect Bhishma as he is the trump to his victory & Arjun slides into an emotional crisis with the thought of fighting / killing Bhishma.

Duryodhan is instigating Drona against Drupad & Dhrishtadyun. Whilst Arjun can't bear the thought that he has to fight his own teacher.

Duryodhan is proud about the quantity of his army. Arjun was not able to accept that his family & teachers could be on the enemy side and he has to fight them.

Bhishma means very dangerous. He represent the various beliefs that we have gathered over the years  and we alone have the choice and ability to give them up. Hence, death by choice. He knew God but did not change his stance.

The key being that emotions & attachments wrecks duty.

Also Arjun being a capable & wise person, is confused and deluded. This can happen & does happen to all.

Chap 1 is important to build context. To make us aware that we have ability for doing wrong and leading to disasters. To enable us accept that we need to follow the principle and not a person.

Soul & Body

The Relationship Between The Soul And The Body 

Human being means the consciousness, the soul or being (living energy), experiencing life through the physical body, the human (non-living). The body is perishable and temporary, whereas the soul is eternal and without physical dimension. • The soul is the driver; the body is the car. • The soul is the actor; the body is its costume. • The soul is a diamond; the body is the jewelry box. • The soul is the musician; the body is the instrument. • The soul is the guest; the body is the hotel. • The soul is the deity; the body is the temple. 

I can use a knife to chop vegetables. I can use the same knife to kill someone. The knife neither decides (outwards) nor experiences (inwards), but can be washed easily under water. Now look at the fingers which held the knife. They neither decide nor experience the actions. They too can be washed under water. It's easy to realize that the knife is an instrument, but it is more difficult to realize that the fingers as well as the arms are instruments too. The legs are instruments for walking, the eyes for seeing, the ears for hearing, the mouth for speaking, the tongue for tasting, the heart for pumping food and oxygen (via blood) around the body, and so on. Even the brain is an instrument used like a computer to express all thought, word and action programs through the body and to experience the results. 


If every physical part of the body is an instrument, who or what is it that is using this instrument? Very simply it is I, the self, the soul. The soul uses the word I for itself and the word my when referring to the body; my hands, my eyes, my brain, etc. 

I am different from my body. So to think I am a body with a spirit inside is like confining the soul to house arrest.

Consciousness remains small, held prisoner inside the confines of bodily awareness. Considering myself to be a soul allows consciousness to fly free beyond the physical limitations defined by my body. 

Today let me expand my consciousness by considering this simple thought “I am a soul, I have a body".

About the shlok's in Gita

Total 700 shloka

1. By Chapter

• Chapter 1 has total 47 shloka
• Chapter 2 has total 72 shloka
• Chapter 3 has total 43 shloka
• Chapter 4 has total 42 shloka
• Chapter 5 has total 29 shloka
• Chapter 6 has total 47 shloka
• Chapter 7 has total 30 shloka
• Chapter 8 has total 28 shloka
• Chapter 9 has total 34 shloka
• Chapter 10 has total 42 shloka
• Chapter 11 has total 55 shloka
• Chapter 12 has total 20 shloka
• Chapter 13 has total 34 shloka
• Chapter 14 has total 27 shloka
• Chapter 15 has total 20 shloka
• Chapter 16 has total 24 shloka
• Chapter 17 has total 28 shloka
• Chapter 18 has total 78 shloka

2. By who said it

• Dhritrashtra : 1
• Sanjay :  40
• Arjun : 85
• Krishna : 574

3. By Topic mentioning

• Gunas : 78
• Atma : TBC
• Food : TBC
• Soul : TBC
• Action & Fruit of Action : TBC

4. The shloks are in 32 Syllables called Anustup

Gita & Indian movie "Dangerous Ishq"

In this movie a past life regression therapist mentions that what Indians believe about soul carrying memories & impressions is now the basis of therapy and acknowledged in the West.


15.8 There is a mention how the memories (built up thru senses) go along with Atma to next life. Just like air carries the scent of flowers.

Gita and Vivek Chuda Mani - 2

Inherent Qualities of a spiritual seeker mentioned in VCM

• Health body
• Intelligence
• Education
• Comprehension
• Desire for liberation 
• Exercise reason to remove doubt

( In Gita 2.07 mentions surrender,  in chap 6 it is mentioned that one who strives on this path will be reborn in conducive environment to continue the journey)

Cultivated Qualities as mentioned in VCM

• Discrimination
• Renunciation of fruits of action
• 6 treasures Shad Sampathi

1.         Sama- Equality
2.         Dhama – Self control
3.         Uparathi – not react to external stimuli
4.         Thithiksha – forbearance
5.         Shradha – faith
6.         Samadhana – self surrender

( In Chap 2 qualities of a Stith Pragyaa are listed and Chap 3 lists attributes of Karam Yogi, in Chap 5 that of a Realised Soul , in Chap a Bhatka virtues & in Chap 14 that of a Gunaatit. In Gita Chap 16 divine qualities are mentioned. All are interconnected)

Qualifications of the Guru

• Well versed in scriptures
• Free from lust
• Continually established in Brahman
• Calm like a flame. 
• Ocean of love (No ulterior motives)
• Friend to all people who entrust themselves to them

(In Gita in 4.34 mentions illumined souls) 

Some dimensions

Appears all spirituality boils down to a combination of

1. SRT : Satwa, Rajas & Tamas
2. BMI : Body, Mind & Intellect
3. YTD : Yagya, Tapah & Daan

Plus the Bhav : Emotion & Intention

A Satwik activity , at Body level of giving Daan : but intention & emotion  is to tick off is to tick of a list or gain recognition!!!!

Sleeping (Tamas) thru a ritual that is going t last 10 hours!!! But with the intention to be more useful at the end for clean up....what would that be????

Doing Tap of observing fast ( abstaining at body level) and the Mind is imagining gourmet food....now what would this be called???


Gita touches on these elements right from Chap 2 and repeats all thru and finally in Chap 18 mentions them again.

Gita and Vivek Chuda Mani -1

Attended a session on this and sharing ...

Vivek Chuda Mani (VCM) is said to be the Crest Jewel of Discrimination.
This scripture is said to give clarity to concepts learnt in Gita.

Relatively speaking Gita is a polite, advise & suggestions by Krishna. And he gives options and ways to liberation.
In VCM Adi Shankracharya is direct, factual & almost hard hitting for some.

Both are dialogues between Guru & Disciple and sharing about knowledge about eternal truth and path to liberation.

This scriptures helps in discriminating the right from wrong. Real from unreal. And move towards liberation.

Chapter 1 : Another summary

Chapter 1 is about the setting the scene. Introducing the folks and loads of symbolism.

The fact that Duryodhan was boasting bragging about his position (nervous release in tension). He wants Bhishma to be protected as he is useful to him.

Arjuna starts on an egoistic front & a confident warrior : Let me check out the people who want to fight with me ! And then in delusion and confusion gives logic to all the excuses for not fighting. Attachment wrecks duty.

Arjuna & his chariot has many symbolic messages. The horses depict the senses that start going anywhere if not controlled. Arjun is the mind or the Jiva and Krishna is the Intellect / In-charge.

Note how the mind gets carried away by emotions & intellect needs to guide them back. So depends who has the reigns!  The flag has Hanuman denoting devotion of the highest order. Colour of his clothes & horses is white denoting purity.

The 2 armies one almost double of the other in quantity, but quality of intention is what matters.

At Kaurav camp:
Bhishma is there because of his oath (promises sure have an impact!)
Drona as he has eaten food given by Kauravs (we are what we eat!)
Karna feels he owes it to his friend
and so on

At Pandava camp
Being led by God , on the path of righteousness. Not for self but to establish righteousness in the society. ( If a queen like Draupadi can be humiliated so much, what would the destiny of women in such a society be!)

Then there is mention of the Conches names , their significance & history.

At the end of chap 1, the wise & capable Arjun was deluded, confused & sorrowful. Remember Gita as in Krishna advise has not yet started.

Krishna - Uddhava Conversation

Krishna - Uddhava Conversation 

Why did Krishna not save the Pandavas when they played dice with Duryadhana & Shakuni?

Wonderful explanation by Krishna himself:

From his childhood, Uddhava had been with Krishna, charioting him and serving him in many ways. He never asked for any wish or boon from Sri Krishna. When Krishna was at the verge of completing His Avatar, he called Uddhava and said,‘Dear Uddhava, in this avatar of mine, many people have asked and received boons from me; but you never asked me anything. Why don’t you ask something now? I will give you. Let me complete this avatar with the satisfaction of doing something good for you also’.

Even though Uddhava did not ask anything for himself, he had been observing Krishna from his childhood. He had always wondered about the apparent disconnect between Krishna’s teachings and actions, and wanted to understand the reasons for the same. He asked Krishna, ‘Lord, you taught us to live in one way, but you lived in a different way. In the drama of Mahabharat, in the role you played, in your actions, I did not understand many things. I am curious to understand the reasons for your actions. Would you fulfil my desire to know?’

Krishna said, ‘Uddhava, what I told Arjuna during the war of Kurukshetra was Bhagavad Gita. Today, my responses to you would be known as ‘Uddhava Gita’. That is why I gave this opportunity to you. Please ask without hesitation.’

Uddhava starts asking – ‘Krishna, first tell me who is a real friend?’ 

Krishna says, ‘The real friend is one who comes to the help of his friend in need even without being called’.

Uddhava: ‘Krishna, you were a dear friend of the Pandavas. They trusted you fully as Apadhbhandava (protector from all difficulties). Krishna, you not only know what is happening, but you know what is going to happen. You are a great gyani. Just now you gave the definition of a true, close friend. Then why did you not act as per that definition. Why did you not stop Dharmaraj (Yudhishtra) 
from playing the gambling game? Ok, you did not do it; why did you not turn the luck in favour of Dharmaraj, by which you would have ensured that dharma wins. You did not do that also. You could have at least saved Dharmaraj by stopping the game after he lost his wealth, country and himself. You could have released him from the punishment for gambling. Or, you could have entered the hall when he started betting his brothers. You did not do that either. At least when Duryodhana tempted Dharmaraj  by offering to return everything lost if he betted Draupadi (who always brought good fortune to Pandavas), you could have intervened and with your divine power you could have made the dices roll in a way that is favorable to Dharmaraj. Instead, you intervened only when Draupadi almost lost her modesty and now you claim that you gave clothes and saved Draupadi’s modesty; how can you even claim this – after her being dragged into the hall by a man and disrobed in front of so many people, what modesty is left for a woman? What have you saved? Only when you help a person at the time of crisis, can you be called ‘Apadhbandhava’.  If you did not help in the time of crisis, what is the use? Is it Dharma?’  As Uddhava posed these questions, tears started rolling from his eyes.

These are not the questions of Uddhava alone. All of us who have read Mahabharata have these questions. On behalf of us, Uddhava had already asked Krishna.

Bhagavan Krishna laughed. ‘Dear Uddhava, the law of this world is: ‘only the one who has Viveka (intelligence through discrimination), wins’. While Duryodhana had viveka, Dharmaraj lacked it. That is why Dharmaraj lost’.

Uddhava was lost and confused. Krishna continues ‘While Duryodhana had lots of money and wealth to gamble, he did not know how to play the game of dice. That is why he used his Uncle Shakuni to play the game while he betted. That is viveka. Dharmaraj also could have thought similarly and offered that I, his cousin, would play on his behalf. If Shakuni and I had played the game of dice, who do you think would have won? Can he roll the numbers I am calling or would I roll the numbers he is asking. Forget this. I can forgive the fact that he forgot to include me in the game. But, without viveka, he did another blunder. He prayed that I should not come to the hall as he did not want me to know that through ill-fate he was compelled to play this game. He tied me with his prayers and did not allow me to get into the hall; I was just outside the hall waiting for someone to call me through their prayers. Even when Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva were lost, they were only cursing Duryodhana and brooding over their fate; they forgot to call me. Even Draupadi did not call me when Dusshasan held her hair and dragged her to fulfil his brother’s order. She was also arguing in the hall, based on her own abilities. She never called me. Finally good sense prevailed; when Dusshasan started disrobing her, she gave up depending on her own strength, and started shouting ‘Hari, Hari, Abhayam Krishna, Abhayam’ and shouted for me. Only then I got an opportunity to save her modesty. I reached as soon as I was called. I saved her modesty. What is my mistake in this situation?

‘Wonderful explanation, Krishna, I am impressed. However, I am not deceived. Can I ask you another question’, says Uddhava. Krishna gives him the permission to proceed.

'Does it mean that you will come only when you are called! Will you not come on your own to help people in crisis, to establish justice?’, asks Uddhava.

Krishna smiles. ‘Uddhava, in this life everyone’s life proceeds based on their own karma. I don’t run it; I don’t interfere in it. I am only a ‘witness’. I stand close to you and keep observing whatever is happening. This is God’s Dharma’.

‘Wow, very good Krishna. In that case, you will stand close to us, observe all our evil acts; as we keep committing more and more sins, you will keep watching us. You want us to commit more blunders, accumulate sins and suffer’, says Uddhava.

Krishna says.’Uddhava, please realise the deeper meaning of your statements. When you understand & realise that I am standing as witness next to you, how could you do anything wrong or bad. You definitely cannot do anything bad. You forget this and think that you can do things without my knowledge.  That is when you get into trouble. Dharmaraj’s ignorance was that he thought he can play the game of gambling without my knowledge. If Dharmaraj had realized that I am always present with everyone in the form of ‘Sakshi’ (witness), then wouldn’t the game have finished differently?’

Uddhava was spellbound and got overwhelmed by Bhakti. He said, ‘What a deep philosophy. What a great truth! Even praying and doing pooja to God and calling Him for help are nothing but our feeling / belief. When we start believing that nothing moves without Him, how can we not feel his presence as Witness? How can we forget this and act? Throughout Bhagavad Gita, this is the philosophy Krishna imparted to Arjuna. He was the charioteer as well as guide for Arjuna, but he did not fight on his own.’- This is when we realize that Ultimate Sakshi/ Witnesser within & without us and we Merge in that God-Consciousness

We discover our Higher Self- The Pure Loveful & Blissful Supreme Consciousness

Hindi wordplays ( Hindi phrases, transliterations to ponder on)

Mala ya Maya??? Are we doing nam jap with Mala or in Maya ?

Khojna & Kho Jana ??? Are we seeking or are we lost ?

Mein Hoon Na - Question or statement??? Think about it????

Diya & Bati ? Oil burns or wick? Does oils burn thru the wick or the wick with the help of the oil??

Bhag Lo , nahi to Bhag Lo ( Participate or run away) 

Gita teachings & famous Quotes : Chap 17 - Faith

Chap 17 : Faith

• Faith can move mountains 
• Let your Faith be greater that your Fears. ( Martin Luther King)
• Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. (Martin Luther King, Jr.) 
• Pastor Tim Hall - The world says, “Seeing is believing” – Faith says, “Believing is seeing”.
• Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark (Rabindranath Tagore)

Sanyas , an FAQ.

What is Sanyas?  Is it...
- Giving up work ? No
- Giving up fruit of action? Not really, because fruit will happen. Action will lead to an outcome.
- Giving up expectation of kind of fruit? Yes. Relinquishing desire for a certain outcome.
- Attachment to fruit? Kind of
- Renounce any attachment to fruit ? Yes
- Going away from action, to forest? No
- Staying amidst world, un disturbed by fruit? Yes

Another word play : GPS

GPS for the spiritual beings:

God (ko) Paane (ka) Sadhan

Govind Pujya Sada

God Prapti Sulubh

Guide (on) Path (of) Self Realisation

God Param Satya

Gyan Pooja & Sadhna

Guru Priy Sadaa

Gun Prakriti Sansaar

Gratitude Patience Surrender

Guru Pujya Sada

Gain & Pain -  Same

Go -  Praying & Smiling

God Peace & Self

MEDITATION ON THE GITA

GITA DHYANAM MEDITATION ON THE GITA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3IZpTwSUc4)


Om paarthaaya pratibodhitaam bhagavataa naaraayanenaswayam, Vyaasena grathitaam puraanamuninaa madhye mahaabhaaratam; Advaitaamritavarshineem bhagavateem ashtaadashaa dhyaayineem, Amba twaam anusandadhaami bhagavadgeete bhavadweshineem.

1. Om. O Bhagavad Gita, with which Partha was illumined by Lord Narayana Himself, and which was composed within the Mahabharata by the ancient sage, Vyasa, O Divine Mother, the destroyer of rebirth, the showerer of the nectar of Advaita, and consisting of eighteen discourses—upon Thee, O Gita, O affectionate Mother, I meditate!

Namostu te vyaasa vishaalabuddhe phullaaravindaayatapatranetra; Yena twayaa bhaaratatailapoornah prajwaalito jnaanamayah pradeepah.

2. Salutations unto thee, O Vyasa, of broad intellect and with eyes like the petals of a full-blown lotus, by whom the lamp of knowledge, filled with the oil of the Mahabharata, has been lighted!

Prapannapaarijaataaya totravetraikapaanaye; Jnaanamudraaya krishnaaya geetaamritaduhe namah.

3. Salutations to Lord Krishna, the Parijata or the Kalpataru or the bestower of all desires for those who take refuge in Him, the holder of the whip in one hand, the holder of the symbol of divine knowledge and the milker of the divine nectar of the Bhagavad Gita!

Sarvopanishado gaavo dogdhaa gopaalanandanah;
Paartho vatsah sudheer bhoktaa dugdham geetaamritam mahat.

4. All the Upanishads are the cows; the milker is Krishna; the cowherd boy, Partha (Arjuna), is the calf; men of purified intellect are the drinkers; the milk is the great nectar of the Gita.

Vasudevasutam devam kamsachaanooramardanam; Devakeeparamaanandam krishnam vande jagadgurum.

5. I salute Sri Krishna, the world-teacher, son of Vasudeva, the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanura, the supreme bliss of Devaki!

Bheeshmadronatataa jayadrathajalaa gaandhaaraneelotpalaa; Shalyagraahavatee kripena vahanee karnena velaakulaa; Ashwatthaama-vikarna-ghora-makaraa duryodhanaavartinee; Sotteernaa khalu paandavai rananadee kaivartakah keshavah.

6. With Kesava as the helmsman, verily was crossed by the Pandavas the battle-river, whose banks were Bhishma and Drona, whose water was Jayadratha, whose blue lotus was the king of Gandhara, whose crocodile was Salya, whose current was Kripa, whose billow was Karna, whose terrible alligators were Vikarna and Asvatthama, whose whirlpool was Duryodhana.

Paaraasharya vachah sarojamamalam geetaarthagandhotkatam; Naanaakhyaanakakesaram harikathaa sambodhanaabodhitam; Loke sajjana shatpadairaharahah pepeeyamaanam mudaa; Bhooyaadbhaaratapankajam kalimala pradhwamsinah shreyase.

7. May this lotus of the Mahabharata, born in the lake of the words of Vyasa, sweet with the fragrance of the meaning of the Gita, with many stories as its stamens, fully opened by the discourses of Hari, the destroyer of the sins of Kali, and drunk joyously by the bees of good men in the world, become day by day the bestower of good to us!

Mookam karoti vaachaalam pangum langhayate girim; Yatkripaa tamaham vande paramaanandamaadhavam.

8. I salute that Madhava, the source of supreme bliss, whose Grace makes the dumb eloquent and the cripple cross mountains!

Yam brahmaa varunendrarudramarutah stunwanti divyaih stavaih, Vedaih saangapadakramopanishadair gaayanti yam saamagaah, Dhyaanaavasthitatadgatena manasaa pashyanti yam yogino, Yasyaantam na viduh suraasuraganaa devaaya tasmai namah.

9. Salutations to that God whom Brahma, Indra, Varuna, Rudra and the Maruts praise with divine hymns, of whom the Sama-chanters sing by the Vedas and their Angas (in the Pada and Krama methods), and by the Upanishads; whom the Yogis see with their minds absorbed in Him through meditation, and whose ends the hosts of Devas and Asuras know not!

Gita Mahatmaya is the Glory of the Gita written by Sripad Shankaracharya and is chanted before or after recitation of the Gita

Who should read the Gita

Gita & Ashtvakra Gita

Recently got introduced to this amazing text 

Background 

Gita : Krishan to Arjun, in midst of battle ground, when Arjun a knowledgeable person is deluded

Ashtvakra Gita (AG) : Ashtavakra to Janak, in the palace as Janak wants to learn about self & liberation.

There is a lot of similarities amongst the 2 since both are talking about self as part of Divine.

AG is all about the non dualistic philosophy. It is recommended to be read after one has read the Gita and a couple of other scriptures. 

Blogs & Sites to visit for Gita study

http://simplebhagvatgita.blogspot.sg/

http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/Articles/faq.html

http://www.gita-society.com/childrengita.pdf

http://bhagavad-gita-blog.blogspot.sg

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bhagwat-Gita-Blog/122940751074102

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vedanta-Vision/111891745549976?fref=ts

http://gita-blog.blogspot.it

Working for God or a Corporate

Well humans usually work for someone...self, family business, government or a corporate or God.

If working for self, or family business with a commercial & business attitude, everything is for a gain. Everything a transaction and focus on profitable actions etc. All profits, problems are our own. Starts with me, mine and remains there.

Working in Govt or hospitals , only few do it with service attitude, most just do a job to get a salary.

When you work in a corporate, you can be a humble realistic & simple employee, who simply does his job with honesty and gets his salary. Treats the office, table, chair, laptop etc as companies property and uses them appropriately . Uses them to perform his duty and knows only his to discharge his duties. Imagine an employee thinking all the things / tools given to do work as his own...misusing them etc... will certainly get him into trouble.

Now imagine doing whatever we do and consider ourselves as the people of God sent to planet Earth to do the tasks ....and the home, education, health, skill, opportunity etc.... all is given by God to do that....Got you thinking???? When you do this all gain, credit, complaints , problems, belong to God...we are just doers. This is a recession proof, problem proof and simple path....Think about it.

Learning from scriptures.

They say one who wants to learn even from fold around him. And one who doesn't will not gain even in presence of great masters.


A story to share

Man  A was reading Ramayan waiting for his train at the station. Man B says what you are reading this old book when there are so many magazines etc to read. Man A continues reading quietly and Man B reads his magazine then takes a walk & returns. Man A is still reading Ramayan, and B commented, so many eateries here and you still reading...and goes away. Man A continues reading. Man B returns with chips & magazines , train arrives and they both board. As luck would have it they are both seated close to each other & Man A starts his reading again, and B is about to pass another comment and realises he left his wife at the platform & shrieks. Man A quietly responds, if you had read the Ramayan, you would have known that when getting on to boat, Ram ji makes Sita get on first ......

So Ramayan teaches us discipline & etiquette & what is right in all situations in life.  Now we know where opening the door to ladies owes its origin....

Another summary of Gita....(copy paste from a fellow Gita Student)

Chapter 1:

Plot Summary:

The first chapter in the bhagavad gita is simply showing us the setting as it is all about what the Pandavas see on the battlefield

Just before the Battle one of the five pandavas undergoes an emotional crisis and doesn't want to fight his cousins, teachers, family. But Krishna (God) explains to him that it is his duty to fight for righteousness. If he dies then he would have a dutiful death and if he won then righteousness would prevail.

Learning Summary:

- Forsaking your duty will result in more pain and disharmony than death

- Even during times of confusion, if we are holding God's hand, learning will emerge.

Chapter 2

Plot Summary:

In this chapter instead of sympathizing with Arjuna, Krishna explains to him the importance of his duty and helps him overcome his weakness in his heart so that he can do what is necessary to win his inner emotional battle

This conversation also leads to krishna becoming Arjuna’s spiritual guide/master. He will eventually guide and answer arjuna’s questions that will lead to him  to establish himself in equipoise and then perform his duties

Learning Summary:

- Atma cannot be destroyed or created

- We can only focus on our action not their outcomes

- Your Duty always brings you joy and peace

- We must become a sthitpragya (one that controls his/her senses and is self-contented)

- We should avoid desires and worldly pleasures and focus on our duties and karma

Chapter 3:

Plot:

Arjuna is still confused. He thinks that sankhya -yoga means that one should retire from active life and practice penance and austerities. But Krishna says, “no. Fight! But do it in a spirit of renunciation and offer all the results to the Supreme. This is the best purification. By working without attachment, one attains the Supreme.”

Performing  actions for the pleasure of the Lord guarantees material prosperity and freedom from sinful reactions. Even a self-realized person never gives up his duty. He acts for the sake of educating others.

Arjuna then asks the Lord what it is that causes one to engage in sinful acts. Krishna answers that it is lust which induces one to sin. This lust bewilders one and entangles one in the material world. Lust presents itself in the senses, mind, and intelligence, but it can be counteracted by self - control.

Learning Summaries:

- There are two ways to attain culmination, Gyan Yog (Path of Knowledge)  or Karma Yog (Path of Action)

- Karma Yog (Path of Action) is considered superior to Gyan Yog as it takes more effort to live a life and dedicate all actions to God rather than to mediate for life.  

- You are always doing some action

- Since you are always acting you should invest that time into actions that will benefit all  

- Everyone is born to attain the supreme goal and if not they have  wasted their lives and will return to the birth - death cycle.

- God has created this world not for himself but for us to experience life and attain the supreme goal

- Egoistic People think they are doing the action but really humans are just the doers of Gods actions

- You should always keep your senses under control or you will waiver when it comes to your duty  

- Desires and Anger are the enemies of karma yog

(*Discontinued plot summaries as there isn’t much of a development in the plot from after Chap 3)

Chapter 4:

Learning Summary:

• God is unborn, inimitable and the regulator of all beings
• When one comprehends true perception they connect with god at a divine level
• One must be aware of how their ancestors performed their duties so that they can follow their foot steps and perform their duty
• Do your duty happily but don't expect any happiness from the outcome
• Everything is Bhrama! Self realisation is simply accepting and becoming a part of it
• The prasad from spiritual yagna is bliss & joy
• One who has attained true perception is not distracted
• One must give up skepticism to become a karma yogi

Chapter 5:

Learning Summary:

• Karma Yoga is considered superior to Sankhya Yog as it takes more to act and live your life then simply meditate
• The characteristics of a Karma Yogi : Intellect (takes right decisions) , Controlled Mind (detached) , Controlled Sense (In control) and identification of consciences
• One who has established their divinity attains lasting peace
• Renouncing all actions and attaining self control establishes one in peace

Chapter 6:

• One who does his work without expecting the fruits of the results is a true karma yogi
• One should concentrate and control their senses
• One who sees God in everything will never lose God
• You need to discipline your mind and body for meditation

Chapter 7:

• There is nothing but God, we are all a part of him
• He is in the water, in the sun, in the air we breath, God is everywhere
• God is the intelligence in the intelligent and the glory in the glorious
• God is neither a part of Satva, Rajas and Tamas nor are they a part of him
• 4 types of people worship god: the desperate, the seeker of wealth, the seeker of wisdom and the man of wisdom (Jnani)
• The Jnani is the best one and is favoured by god as his mind and intellect are established in god
• The ignorant don’t recognise God as an imperishable, unborn , supreme deity
• God knows all beings in the past, present and the future

Chapter 8:

• Brahman is the indestructible
• Adhyatma is one’s own self
• Adhibhuta is all perishable object
• Adidev is not changing , always there like the Sun
• Great souls have reached God with the highest perfection and have been relieved of the birth, death and rebirth cycle.

Chapter 9:

• This chapter is about the yoga of supreme knowledge

• This knowledge is sovereign, holy, secret, easy to practice and imperishable
• In order to get close to God we must have constant and firm faith in him
• All of the beings that don’t abide by God, just haven’t realized God
• Those you don’t have faith in God remain in the birth and death cycle
• During the “end” all enter God’s Prakriti and then at the beginning of creation God sends them forth again.
• The world is constantly destroyed and then recreated
• You can worship anything as everything is a part of God, whether that be rivers or plants
• Even if a sinner worships God with exclusive devotion he will become a saint as he has rightly resolved.
• For God, all beings are equal

Chapter 10:

• This chapter is about the yoga of divine glories
• Even the sages and saints don’t fully know the Supreme
• Those that know of God share this realization
• Ek Roop - 1 God
• Anek Roop - Many Gods
• God has existed forever, he is the beginning, the middle, the end, the before the beginning, the before the end.
• God is everything (objects, places, people, time)

Chapter 11:

• This Chapter is about the Yoga of the Divine Form
• In this chapter Arjun is cleared of all doubts and requests to see the lord's divine form if he deems fit

In this part arjun sees the lord and there are multiple descriptions but none can be so accurate so chose to leave it out

• Krishna (The Lord) gives Arjuna the divine eye as human eyes cannot see the lord
• Arjuna then see’s how the lord is everywhere
• Arjuna sees the annihilation of both armies in the lord        

Chapter 12:

• In this chapter Arjun compares Bhakti Yog with Gyan Yog
• Arjun wants to know which method of devotion are better: 
  
  

  1) Direct Devotion without form

  
  

   2) Devotion and Worship through a form

  
  
• God tells him that Bhakti yog is easier for most to achieve in comparison to gyan yog but they both reach the same goal.
• God Describes how to practice devotion:
• Establish intellect in God,
• dedicate action to God,
• relinquish fruit of action ,
• dedicate work to God
• God treats everyone the same (sinners and devotee’s)

Chapter 13:

• Kshetra is the field where one can work out ones karma.
• One who realizes this sublime truth is called Kshetrajna the knower of absolute truth.
• Lord Krishna briefs Arjuna about different forms of Kshetras and that internally all Kshetras had same entity
• A believer of wisdom of sages and saints of different era who gained enlightenment in their lifetime, believer of various Vedas and Brahma Sutras must also believe in concept of Kshetra and Kshetrajna.

Chapter 14:

• Someone who is aware has the ability to balance their Guna’s hence change the course of their lives.
• In order to attain liberation one must stop being lazy and take action, but the action has to be for the greater good of humanity

Chapter 15:

• This chapter is about Purushothama Yoga
• One must understand that everything has come from the universal source (God)
• With the example of a tree:
• The Roots are the supreme spirit
• The trunk is Atma or Brahman
• Cosmos are the branches
• Holy books / scriptures are the leaves
• Individual souls are the fruits & flowers.

Chapter 16:

• We all have good and bad qualities  
• We have to enhance the 26 divine qualities mentioned in this chapter

• Some divine qualities are :
• fearlessness
• honesty
• Some wrong qualities consist of:
• Ego
• Jealousy
• Pride
• Anger
• If we don’t change our habits and start to posses more of the divine qualities we will be walking on the path of ignorance

Chapter 17:

• Everything and everyone is made up of the three gunas
• Satogun
• Rajogun
• Tamogun
• Faith is built on the 3 gunas
• Your character/ behavior is impacted majorly by the dominant presence of one of the Gunas

Chapter 18:

• Renunciation is a method through which someone can attain liberation
• True sanyasa is giving up ego
• What is renunciation? Renunciation is giving up all of the fruits of action to god
• What is Sanyas? Sanyas is giving up a desire prompted by an action of some sort
• All actions are dominated by the presence of one Guna (eg. Satvick Action)
• We must just put in our best effort and receive the results as God’s wish
• Where there is a man like Arjun - who is ready to do his duties (gaandeevdhaari Arjun), and where there is God - the ishwar of all Yog (Yogeshwar).......prosperity, divinity, purity and bliss will prevail