Gita reflection Conclusion

3rd January 2025

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda notes that some scholars connect the first word of the Bhagavad Gita, 'mama,' with the last word, 'Dharma.' They point out that the essence of the Bhagavad Gita can be summarized as 'mama dharma,' which translates to 'My Nature' or 'My Duty.'

The ideal nature of all students should be a harmonious blend of spiritual knowledge (my nature) and dynamic love, expressed through service to humanity (my duty). 

Reflecting on all the verses of the Bhagavad Gita over the past year and sharing them with you has been a significant and enriching practice for me. 

I extend my heartfelt wishes to you for being a co-traveler on this journey. Together, we have had the constant presence of Lord Krishna and Arjuna to uplift our spirits and accelerate our path toward liberation!

With prem & Om,  

Swami Ishwarananda

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 77 & 78

2nd January 2025

In the Bhagavad Gita, we find a unique portrayal of the universal form of God, revealed to Arjuna by Lord Krishna. This form encompasses all of creation, including everything from the past, the present, and what is to come. 

Sanjaya, who possesses the divine vision granted by Sage Vyasa, reflects on this extraordinary form of the Lord and is filled with awe. He delights in recalling it again and again. 

Sanjaya's concluding statement in the Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the essence of Sanatana Dharma: "It is my conviction that wherever Krishna and Arjuna are present—representing the Lord of Yoga and the archer, respectively—there will be fortune, success, prosperity, and steadfastness." 

According to Pujya Gurudev, Lord Krishna symbolizes the union of the secular and the sacred. Simply having spirituality without the pursuit of material efforts and secular achievements will not create a dynamic life. The Bhagavad Gita articulates a philosophy of harmony and provides a roadmap for enduring happiness in human life.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 75 & 76

1st January 2025

The Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the essence of the Upanishads. It conveys the wisdom of sages who have realized their true Self and experienced divinity within themselves, including Sage Vyasa.

A distinctive feature of the Bhagavad Gita is the dialogue between God and a human being, which Sage Vyasa presents as the most profound Supreme Yoga. 

Sanjaya, the charioteer of Dhritarashtra, feels incredibly blessed to be chosen to witness this entire conversation.

The teachings conveyed by the Lord are unique and direct the mind to delve deeply into one’s own Self whenever reflected upon. Sanjaya finds joy when he recalls this conversation, which is rich with practical wisdom.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 73 & 74

31st December 2024

Delusion caused by ignorance is a key factor that sustains samsara. Arjuna's situation reflects the dilemma we all face: What is our life's priority? Should we focus on doing what we do with the right mindset in order to achieve ultimate emancipation, or should we simply manage our daily affairs and let life pass us by until we die?

In this context, Arjuna expresses four important realizations in response to Lord Krishna's questions: the destruction of delusion, the regaining of memory, the dissolution of doubt, and surrender to God's will.

Knowing the illusion of the world can dispel delusion. By becoming aware of the eternal nature of the Self, we can reclaim our true identity. Doubts regarding life's priorities vanish when we understand that the ultimate goal of life is liberation. Surrendering to God is essential for working in the world while fulfilling His will.

Sanjay reports to Dhritarashtra that he listened to the extraordinary conversation between Vasudeva (Lord Krishna) and the great-souled Partha (Arjuna), a discussion so profound that it could make one's hair stand on end.

 

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 71 & 72

30th December 2024

In the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna makes a profound statement: some people see the Self with great wonder; some speak about it with awe; others listen to it with amazement, while some still do not understand even after listening. 

At the end of His conversation with Arjuna, the Lord declares, "Anyone who reverently hears this conversation will become free and shall attain the blessed worlds of the virtuous." 

Much of what we learn in life comes from listening. As children, we listened to our parents and teachers, and later we continued our education by learning from experts in our fields. 

On the path to spiritual growth, "listening with attention" to the Guru, who imparts knowledge of the Self, is of utmost importance. Even the Lord Himself asks Arjuna if he has listened attentively and whether the delusion he previously had about his duty has been dispelled.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 69 & 70

29th December 2024

Why do we worship Hanumanji equally with other forms of God? He was primarily a messenger of God and an ardent servant. However, a messenger of God holds a special place in His heart. 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states that there is no one more accomplished in His eyes than someone who teaches the knowledge contained within it.

Pujya Gurudev, when he began giving public lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, referred to it as Geeta Gyana Yagna. Typically, the term "yagna" is associated with fire sacrifices in which holy offerings are made to the deity being worshipped.

Gurudev thoughtfully followed Lord Krishna's declaration: "My assessment is that I will be worshipped by those who study the sacred conversation between Myself and you, which is a form of knowledge sacrifice (Gyana Yagna)."

Gurudev explained that in this sacrifice, the fire represents knowledge, while ignorance is what is being sacrificed.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 67 & 68

28th December 2024

Knowledge is precious for those who understand its value. Just as an uncut diamond may not appeal to anyone, knowledge without the refinement of the mind will remain mere information. 

Lord Krishna advises Arjuna that what is taught to him should not be shared with those who are not austere or devoted to God. True devotion is manifested through serving God by serving His creation. 

Moreover, anyone who lacks the spirit of service and disrespects God is not qualified to receive this knowledge. So, who is truly qualified to convey this wisdom? 

A genuine devotee of God who shares the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita with fellow devotees will undoubtedly attain divine stature.