Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 19 & 20

20th November 2024

Austerities undertaken by a person who is Tamasic with a foolish purpose and attitude cause only pain to oneself. 

Blind belief in religious austerities and superstitions can also cause harm to others. The Puranas have many stories illustrating such unintelligent practices and their consequences.

Moving on to the next topic related to the three-fold faiths, Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna about charity. 

The gift given with the idea that it must be given at the proper place, proper time, and to a proper person, without expecting anything in return is said to be Sattvic charity.

Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 17 & 18

19th November 2024

The austerities of the body, speech, and mind are influenced by an individual's faith. The purpose of such disciplines is indeed dictated by faith. 

If the austerities are supported by Sattva, the person will be self-controlled and not hankering after the results. 

Conversely, a person of Rajasic nature performing these austerities ostentatiously will be seeking to earn a name, be honored, and be worshipped. 

Such austerities, which are not for the purification of the mind, will be uncertain and transitory. They are only for achieving worldly objectives.

Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 15 & 16

18th November 2024

For a seeker of liberation who tries to uphold the Sattvic quality in his psyche, mastery over all senses, especially speech, is imperative. 

Apart from the thoughts in the mind, speech is a drain of energy. Lord Krishna advises, 'The austerity of speech is to speak moderately, in a way that causes no pain, is true, agreeable, and beneficial, as well as the practice of studying the scriptures.'

How about the mind? It is a continuous flow of thoughts, and regulating the flow and using it efficiently for the purpose of deep contemplation is advised. 

The austerity of the mind includes tranquillity, purity of heart, gentleness, and silence. It is also necessary to practice the withdrawal of the mind often.

Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 13 & 14

17th November 2024

Men of Sattvic and Rajasic nature engage in actions with different attitudes, but they follow the rituals' guidelines. 

On the other hand, those who are Tamasic perform rituals without faith, contrary to the guidelines, without the appropriate distribution of food, without recitation of mantras, and without respectfully giving offerings to the priests.

Lord Krishna explained the choice of food and the way rituals are performed by individuals of different qualities of nature. Additionally, he explains three important austerities prescribed in Hindu scriptures.

At the physical level, the austerities involve the worship of gods, Brahmanas, respectful elders, and the wise. The austerity of the body includes purity, straightforwardness, celibacy, and non-injury.

Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 11 & 12

16th November 2024

A person of the Sattvic faith performs religious rituals under the guidance of wise people to purify the mind. 

They follow the rituals without seeking selfish results and with the conviction that it is purely obligatory. 

Their mind remains peaceful without agitation or anxiety both during and after the rituals. 

On the other hand, a person of Rajasic faith is anxious about the results when planning and performing rituals, especially when seeking recognition, until the desired result is obtained.

Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 9 & 10

15th November 2024

The main quality of Rajas is an eagerness to act and accomplish, born out of an insatiable thirst for wealth and possessions, which is also expressed in their preference for food. 

All extreme flavors are favorable to them, such as bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and burning foods, which produce pain, sorrow, and disease. 

In contrast, the nature of Tamas is inactivity and laziness born of ignorance and delusion, which is expressed in their choice of food. 

They tend to consume unhealthy and inedible food that is not properly cooked, lacking in essence, putrid, stale, and even ort, which is unfit for rituals and sacrifice.

It is also true that when one consumes food that is of one of the three qualities of nature, it will enhance that quality in the psyche of the person.

Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 7 & 8

 14th November 2024

The food we consume not only affects our bodies but also influences our minds. The gross aspect influences the gross body and the subtle aspect, the mind.

Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda often reminded us that food is not just what we eat but also what we perceive through our senses. 

According to Lord Krishna, food can be classified into three types: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic since all things in the world have these qualities that emanate from Maya, the power of God.

Those who follow a Sattvic diet prefer foods that promote life, mental clarity, physical strength, good health, happiness, and joy. They also seek foods that are juicy, nourishing, substantial, and suitable for the body.