Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 38 & 39

31st May 2024

• Diligently engaging in rituals to obtain merits will lead one to the heavens, according to the Vedas. Non-performance of the prescribed rituals does not accrue any merit.

• A meditator who has relinquished rituals, eager to obtain liberation, does not accrue any merit, as he only attempts to control the mind and meditate.

• If he does not obtain liberation in this lifetime and is also devoid of merits that can take him to heavenly experiences, what will be his condition after death?

• Arjuna asks this to Krishna since no one other than the Lord can answer about the soul's status beyond the death of the body.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 36 & 37

30th May 2024

• When we control the cause, we can control the effect. Just like properly handling the steering wheel controls the movements of the tires, controlling the mind can govern the senses. 

• However, it's not as easy as steering a wheel because we do not see ourselves as separate from the mind. To detach from the mind, we must detach from its thoughts.

• Mastering the discipline of controlling the mind takes longer than a lifetime. Even attempting to meditate is a significant decision that requires constant vigilance over the mind. 

• If one does not achieve perfection in one lifetime, does that mean starting from the beginning in the next birth?

• As humans, we can understand the nature of the mind. This leads us to consider what happens after death.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 34 & 35

29th May 2024

• The mind and the wind share a similar nature - both are restless and uncontrollable. Even if they are brought under control, it is only temporary.

• The mind constantly seeks happiness in everything. When it is deprived of one source of happiness, it quickly moves on to the next available object or person to pursue the same.

• Lord Krishna advised Arjuna to control the mind through relentless practice with dispassion. 

• While practice involves action, Dispassion is not a specific action, nor is it an escape from attractions. 

• Dispassion is achieved through knowledge and the recognition of the temporary nature of the happiness obtained from objects and beings. 

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 32 & 33

28th May 2024

• We are always ready to participate in the joys of others, not in sorrows. If at all, it would be only those who are closer to us. 

• Conversely, a Self-realized saint would feel the joys and sorrows of everyone as if they were one's own. This is due to the realization of the Oneness of the Self.

• A natural doubt will arise in anyone who attempts to control the mind as the first step in meditation. Arjuna asked, "The mind is restless, so how will it ever remain steady in the Self?"

• "Deprived of the realization of the universal Self due to the restless mind, one can never obtain the vision of Oneness. The whole process looks far-fetched!"
  
  

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 30 & 31

27th May 2024

• Why doesn't God appear to everyone? It's because we don't recognize Him in everything we see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. 

• Just as space is everywhere and everything is within space, everything is a part of God and exists in Him alone. 

• When we gain this understanding, even in theory, we start to feel His presence. Imagine if we actually start practicing it? 

• When we begin to worship His presence in everything, even as we move about in the world, we always remain in Him. 

• It's like a fish in water - it doesn't look for water while it's in it because it can't exist without it.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 28 & 29

26th May 2024

• The sin lies not in the action but in the motive behind it. A soldier who kills enemies in the battlefield is not a criminal. However, if the same person were to do the same action towards his neighbor, it would indeed be a crime and a sin.

• Repeated wrong motives create vasanas that become imprinted in our psyche, which are the residues of past karmas. 

• When these vasanas lead the mind away from the Self, they deprive us of the bliss of the Self.

• Self-knowledge that leads to Self-abidance creates the wonder of universal compassion. One who has realized the Self in oneself recognizes the same Self in all without any ambiguity. 

• This individual sees oneself as including everyone, and due to this vision of Oneness, treats everyone the same everywhere, always!

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 26 & 27

25th May 2024

• The mind is constantly in motion with thoughts. It's difficult to keep the mind calm without regular practice. 

• When the mind wanders away from the Self, it should be brought back. The wandering may be caused by external factors or deep-rooted impressions. 

• By repeatedly drawing the mind towards the Self, one can overcome the habitual tendencies of an outwardly focused mind. 

• A calm mind is free of disruptive thoughts, like a tranquil lake. Peace reflects consciousness, much like the moonlight reflects on still water. 

• This pure reflection is no different from the moon itself. Similarly, the pure reflection of consciousness is none other than Brahman.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 24 & 25

24th May 2024

• The thoughts and activities prompted by our senses are simply expressions of our desires. 

• These desires are the result of projecting happiness onto objects and beings. This projection, known as "samkalpa," stems from a lack of knowledge about the Self, which is the source of bliss.

• When we remove samkalpa, with the help of Self-knowledge, our desires diminish, leading to fewer thoughts and less activity driven by our senses. 

• By remaining peaceful and using our intellect, we can gradually detach our minds from the external world. 

• In meditation, we can focus our minds on the Self, striving for a state of steadiness and tranquility.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 22 & 23

23rd May 2024

• The effect is nothing but the cause in another form. Mud alone is a pot, though it has assumed a form and a name. 

• Similarly, all happiness has only one cause or source, and that is the Self. Happiness is experienced within and not in the object of pleasure or person of love. 

• When the mind strays away from the Self, it experiences unhappiness, and when it comes closer to the Self, it starts to experience happiness. External objects, persons, and situations are only catalysts and not causes. 

• When one abides in the Self, the source of all happiness, there is nothing greater than it, and one is not moved by any sorrow caused by the world. 

• Consciously detaching from the sources of sorrow is true Yoga. This awareness is essential for the practice of meditation.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 20 & 21

22nd May 2024

• Achieving a state of meditation requires quieting the mind, which is no easy feat. Slowing down the flow of thoughts can help in this endeavor. 

• Techniques such as Japa or focusing on the breath can reduce the onslaught of thoughts, while contemplation can further diminish mental chatter. 

• Once inner silence is attained, even briefly, one can become aware of the powerful presence of Awareness - the Self that quietly observes all thoughts and actions.

• Regular practice in reaching this inner silence can lead to a profound sense of contentment and bliss, surpassing sensory experiences and emotional fluctuations.

• A keen and subtle intellect that recognizes Awareness as one's own being will be less likely to stray from it.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 18 & 19

21st May 2024

• The difference between concentration and contemplation is as follows: When we focus on anything other than the Self, it is concentration, whether it's an object, a person, or an emotional feeling. 

• When the focus is on the Self, using the mantras of the Upanishads or verses from the Bhagavad Gita which indicate the nature of the Self, which also help us to negate the non-Self, it is known as contemplation.

• A Yogi attempts to remain in contemplation at all times. His mind is steady and one-pointed while in meditation due to the practice of contemplation. 

• The Yogi's mind is like the flame of a lamp without flicker, placed where there is an absence of disturbing wind. 

• The flame is steady where there is a continuous supply of oil, symbolizing the constant devotion to the Self. The wick symbolizes the sharp and subtle intellect.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 16 & 17

20th May 2024

• A healthy body is as important as a healthy mind. It is essential for a meditator to consume food in moderation. Starving the body is also not advisable.

• Sleep should provide us with more energy to work and be efficient. Sleeping more than necessary will result in laziness and lethargy.

• The required duration of sleep and rest for the body and the mind rejuvenates the practice of meditation. The best time to practice meditation is early in the morning before the world wakes up.

• We must work, but we should also know how to take a rest from work since no one else can give us rest!

• The attitude of detachment from the result of action removes anxiety while working. The mind will enjoy rest even when we work if we leave even the attitude of "I am the doer."

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 14 & 15

19th May 2024

• After making external adjustments such as posture and seating, the meditator should also work on disciplining the mind and attitude while meditating. 

• When the mind is given high regard and respect, it becomes more reverential and serene. Maintaining celibacy is highly recommended to control the passions of the mind.

• Peace cannot be found in the external world, as it is constantly changing. Seeking peace from external circumstances or people will only lead to disappointment.

• Instead, turning the attention inward and focusing on the Self, which is the presence of God, is the proven way to achieve lasting peace. 

• Even when interacting with the world, the meditator should diligently practice distancing from the world and not becoming too involved.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 12 & 13

18th May 2024

• The mind is often filled with numerous thoughts, much like a running river - turbulent and noisy. However, by reducing these thoughts and focusing on a single purpose, the mind can become single-pointed and flow smoothly. 

• The abhishekam offered on the shivalinga symbolizes this one-pointed state of mind of a devotee. 

• Following the scriptures' guidance to negate the non-Self and assert the nature of the Self can support the attainment of a pure, one-pointed mind during meditation.

• Discipline of the physical body is also important to avoid sleep and laziness. The body should be positioned with the trunk, neck, and head in a straight line. 

• Maintaining this posture with a still and erect body, the mind's attention should be focused on the tip of the nose, as the movement of the eyes can be distracting.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 10 & 11

17th May 2024

• When we sleep, we unconsciously withdraw from the world, but during meditation, we consciously do so. This practice is essential for preparing for the inner journey.

• Solitude is necessary for meditation. It's important to practice alone and keep the mind focused on the purpose of the endeavor. A quiet external atmosphere makes it easier to withdraw the mind from all engagements.

• It's important not to have any expectations regarding the outcome of meditation. The state of meditation itself is the result.

• The meditation seat should be stable and placed on solid ground to prevent any risk of falling. Using a proper cushion or seating can help avoid discomfort and irritation. 

• In ancient times, masters used grass on the ground, with deer or tiger skin and cotton cloth placed on top of the grass.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 8 & 9

16th May 2024

• What we value in our lives may not hold the same importance for others. Additionally, our own values may change as we grow older. 

• For instance, a young child may value toys over books, while a teenager may prioritize the company of friends. As we mature, our desires and priorities shift, and we may seek to acquire certain things while letting go of others.

• However, for a yogi who has achieved Self-knowledge, material possessions such as earth, stone, and gold hold equal value. The yogi neither rejects nor hates them since he doesn't value them anymore while understanding that they may still hold value for others. 

• Furthermore, the yogi treats everyone equally, regardless of whether they are friends, enemies, relatives, or good or bad people. As the yogi is steadfast in the Self, which is the same in all, he cannot help but see oneself in everyone.

Gita reflection Ch 6 verses 6 & 7

15th May 2024

• The mind is a conditioned form of consciousness, according to Advaita Vedanta philosophy. There cannot be two conscious entities within one person, so there must be one mistaken as the other. 

• Because the conditioned consciousness identifies with the body and objects, it becomes subject to bondage. 

• When we wish to free ourselves from this conditioning, our mind can become our enemy due to its strong habits. Any attempt to de-condition it must be intelligent, or it will result in an inner battle. 

• However, when we adopt the right methods to de-condition the mind, it can become our best friend on our path to self-discovery. 

• A de-conditioned mind is free from reactions to pairs of opposites like cold and heat, pleasure and pain, and so on. It can rediscover itself as the Supreme Self. 

• Meditation is the method to de-condition the mind.

Gita reflection Ch 6 Verses 4 & 5

14th May 2024

• Our thoughts are the expressions of deeply ingrained patterns in our psyche called vasanas. These impressions are from the many lives our soul has passed through.

• We only become aware of our vasanas when they appear as thoughts, and as we habitually pursue these thoughts, the vasanas continue to multiply and flow more and more. Lord Krishna advises Arjun to stop this pursuit.

• In the beginning, we cannot abruptly stop our thoughts. However, we can convert our actions into positive, pure expressions of our thoughts. By doing so, we can gradually reduce our compulsive engagement with our thoughts. 

• This process must be done by ourselves – it should be a constant practice to reach a perfect calm and quiet mind. Although it's hard, we should not give up easily or look down upon ourselves.

• We must learn to befriend our mind, which is the seat of our thoughts. If we force the mind, it will become our first enemy!

Gita reflection Ch 6 Verses 2 & 3

13th May 2024

• Renunciation and meditation are complementary to each other. A true renunciate has given up the desire to act, rather than someone who remains inactive but still has desires.

• A meditator, or yogi, is known for having a calm mind that is not driven by desires to engage in any action. Actions performed by a meditator are a result of past karma and are not rooted in desires. 

• To prepare oneself for meditation, it is essential to practice Karma Yoga and purify the mind, unless one is born with a desireless mind. 

• Once fully qualified and free from all desires, one can engage in meditation by withdrawing the senses and the mind from the outside world.

Gita reflection Ch 6 Introduction & Verse 1

12th May 2024

• The 6th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is the culmination of the teachings on the meaning of the word 'Tvam' (You) from one of the great statements (Mahavakya - Tat Tvam Asi) of the Upanishads.

• The first six chapters focused on the predicament of the soul (jeeva) regarding the ultimate goal of life and the ways to prepare for it. Lord Krishna highlighted the path of Karma Yoga which culminates in the renunciation of all selfish actions with a pure mind.

• A meditator is a renunciate who also engages in selfless actions. This is the unique approach of the Bhagavad Gita. He is active but calm and collected in all situations.

• Upon reaching this point, the seeker should be directed towards the practice of meditation, which can help one discover the divinity that is peaceful and eternal.

• Meditation is not an action; it is the state of being one with one's Self. The alert and awakened mind, with no sign of lethargy or tiredness, will be able to stay steadily in union with the Self through the techniques presented in this chapter.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 28 & 29

11th May 2024

• If one can free oneself from desire and anger, he can experience freedom in the present moment. 

• Desire and anger can take control of our senses, mind, and intellect, making us feel like slaves. 

• All offerings in a sacrifice and all acts of penance reach the same Universal Being, who enjoys the results of these actions. 

• This Universal Being is a friend to all and resides in the heart of each individual, working for everyone's benefit. 

• Knowing this, a spiritual seeker never stops serving others and in doing so, he attains eternal peace. The Self that serves the Self in all will never be disappointed.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 26 & 27

10th May 2024

• The Bhagavad Gita teaches that desire and anger are the most destructive enemies of humans, and conquering them is crucial for those seeking liberation. There are two stages to this process. 

• Firstly, one must identify the root cause of these emotions and eliminate it through knowledge. 

• Secondly, one must strengthen the mind through self-control and not allow thoughts of desire and anger to enter and pollute the mind. 

• To retain control of the mind, it is suggested to keep external objects outside of the mind and focus on the space between the eyebrows.

•  Additionally, observing the incoming and outgoing breath and balancing them can also help in controlling the mind.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 24 & 25

9th May 2024

• Where does our mind find rest? During deep sleep, we rest in a state of ignorance. In dreams, we rest within the creation of our own mind, and in the state of waking, we rest within the transactions of the world.

• However, a Yogi rests in the Self at all times. This is the self-luminous resting place for all great souls. 

• It is a place of bliss and peace that comes from being one with Brahman.

• With the help of wisdom,  as we overcome the intense pressure of vasanas which can be truly termed as sins, we begin to experience freedom within ourselves, and we start to accept all pairs of opposites as temporary experiences.

• From there on, all our actions will be for the welfare of everyone around us, as there will be no more personal ambitions to pursue.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 22 & 23

8th May 2024

• Anything that has a beginning must also have an end. Any experience of pleasure that is born out of contact with objects of the senses ultimately leads to sorrow. 

• Before gaining such pleasure, there is anxiety, and once it's over, there is the sorrow of loss. 

• This cycle often leads us to repeat the same pleasures, which in turn strengthens our vasanas.

• True wisdom lies in understanding that nothing is permanent except for the Self.

• Only those who possess profound wisdom and can withstand the push and pull of desires that arise out of these vasanas, as well as the anguish caused by loss, can be truly happy in this world.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 20 & 21

7th May 2024

• Knowing and being are two different things. In the realm of objective knowledge, someone who studies the science of medicine is not medicine itself. 
• However, someone who has Self-knowledge, or knowledge of Brahman, is Brahman itself. This is because Self-knowledge is subjective. 
• By remaining steadfastly as Brahman, the foundation of all experiences, one does not experience joy when encountering pleasant things nor does one grieve when experiencing tragedies in life. 
• Also remaining unattached to the external world, upon finding bliss in Brahman, he experiences endless joy in meditation on Brahman.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 18 & 19

6th May 2024

• The soul and the body are not the same thing; the soul possesses the body. 

• The impressions that the soul has accumulated throughout previous lives determine the body it inhabits and the actions it takes. 

• A wise person views every soul in the context of the Self, which is equal and eternal in all, regardless of the body it occupies. 

• By realizing the immaculate Self within himself and every living being, he frees himself from the cycle of reincarnation. 

• He lives with this realization in all aspects of life, treating everyone equally.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 16 & 17

5th May 2024

• Ignorance and knowledge pertain to the intellect and not to the Self. They are like the presence and absence of light. 

• Just as the eyes can perceive both light and darkness, the Self is aware of both knowledge and ignorance, yet unaffected by them.

• When knowledge replaces ignorance, the Self begins to shine brilliantly through the intellect, like the sun. 

• The wise person, whose intellect is fully illuminated by the Self, continues to live in the world, considering the Self as the ultimate goal of life.

• Desireless Self-abidance is the point of no return. Only those who still have desires to fulfill are subject to rebirth.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 14 & 15

4th May 2024

• We are the architects of our lives. The Self does not participate in what we do, but makes our actions possible by its presence. 
• The 'doership' and attachment to the results of action do not belong to the Self. It is a mistake of ignorant people who think they are the doers and enjoyers of results. 
• However, in the transactional reality, God resides in each individual and engages them to act according to their vasanas - the impressions deposited in their psyche. 
• The sins and merits of actions do not belong to the Self, but to the doer and enjoyer. We can become free of sins and merits by remaining as the Self. 
• However, deluded by ignorance that apparently covers awareness, we forget the Self and suffer the ups and downs of life.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 12 & 13

3rd May 2024

• No one can embark on any work without first thinking and planning for the outcome. The result ultimately determines the method and procedure of any action. 
• However, a wise person recognizes the hand of God in both the action and the result. He understands that it is God who enables the action to take place through him, and therefore, he detaches himself from the results, which belong solely to God, and becomes peaceful.
• On the other hand, someone who lacks this knowledge gets attached to both the action and the outcome. He also suffers temporary gains and losses. 
• But a wise person, comfortably dwelling in the nine-gated abode (the body), remains fully withdrawn in the mind. Being desireless he does engage in selfless actions and also does not initiate action in others.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 10 & 11

2nd May 2024

• "A yogi undertakes action, offering everything to God, and is not affected by what he does, just as the leaf of the lotus that grows in water is untouched by the water!" 
• This quote from Lord Krishna is a classic example of the mind of a saint while working. 
• Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda demonstrated excellence in performing all actions with complete attention and love, even in the simple act of replying to a letter from his devotee. 
• Yogis perform all actions with their body, speech, and mind to enhance the purity of their mind. They maintain a pure mind that expects nothing from the world, not even from God. 
• While tirelessly working in the world, a yogi keeps the welfare of others first. They work in silence, like nature, for the well-being of all.

Gita reflection Ch 5 Verses 8 & 9

1st May 2024

• The Self is actionless, yet no action can happen without it. 
• This concept is explained by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda with the example of gas - every car moves because of gas, but gas itself does not move at all. 
• When one realizes the actionless Self, they will continue to see, hear, taste, smell, touch, walk, talk, and so on, but without the notion of "I am hearing," "I am walking," "I am talking," etc. 
• In this state, the organs of perception and action derive their power from the presence of the Self, which allows them to engage with the world while the Self remains the witness. 
• This state of being is known as sahaja samadhi by Sri Ramana Maharshi.