Gita reflection Ch 16 verses 3 & 4

31st October 2024

In addition to the listed qualities of a person of divine nature, Lord Krishna adds vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, freedom from malice, and absence of haughtiness.

According to Lord Krishna, divinity is the nature of all beings. If the divine God is the seed of the Universe, there cannot be true existence of the devil. Can a plant be different from the qualities of its own seed?

Therefore, Vedanta views the 'devil' as only absence of expression of goodness. The logic proves that all of us appreciate good qualities wherever they are present and despise the negative traits. Even a thief wants his subordinates to be truthful to him!

Continuing on this topic of distinguishing the divine and devil nature in all living beings, Lord Krishna enumerates the qualities of devil in us.

To start with, He mentions three of them: religious ostentation, pride, and haughtiness.

Gita reflection Ch 16 verses 1 & 2

30th October 2024

In the earlier chapters, Lord Krishna emphasized the need to retain a Sattvic nature of the mind for the growth of knowledge. The soul's inner divinity manifests when certain values are cultivated through rigorous practice. The following are the signs of a divine soul:

1. Fearlessness

2. Purity of mind

3. Persistence in knowledge and yoga

4. Charity and control of the external organs

5. Sacrifice

6. Scriptural study

7. Austerity and rectitude

8. Non-injury

9. Truthfulness

10. Absence of anger

11. Renunciation

12. Control of the internal organ

13. Absence of vilification

14. Kindness to Creatures

15. Non-covetousness

16. Gentleness

17. Modesty

18. Freedom from restlessness

Although these qualities are found naturally in wise individuals, they have been assiduously practiced by them over many lives. This is similar to the effortless performance of a skillful artist on the stage, for which the artist may have spent endless hours in practice!

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 19 & 20

29th October 2024

Once, Sri Ramana Maharshi was asked the following question: "You are guiding us to inquire into the source of the 'I' thought, which is internal. How will that help us to obtain liberation?" 

Maharshi answered, "When you know the source of 'I', you will know the source of this Universe, Ishwara. Realization of the Self is the realization of God. There is no difference. And knowing everything as Him, you will suffer no bondage anymore!"

In the penultimate verse of this chapter, Lord Krishna says, "One who is free from delusion, knows Me as the supreme Person, will be all-knowing and adore Me with his whole being."

The secret and sacred Self has been explained by the Lord Himself. Knowing this, one becomes wise, and his life stands completely fulfilled.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 17 & 18

28th October 2024

The concept of the Self is distinct from both the changing material world and the unchanging soul. In religious terms, the Transcendental Self is seen as God, who is present throughout all three worlds. 

Many believers in God struggle to accept that the presence of God alone manifests as the individual soul. This distinction is highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita. 

A dedicated student of Vedanta, through careful analysis of the Upanishads, will come to understand that the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna are meant for those who are not just seekers of Truth, but also traditional believers. 

Lord Krishna explains, "Since I am beyond the material and even the spiritual, I am well known in the world and in the Vedas as the supreme Person."

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 15 & 16

27th October 2024

Supreme consciousness sustains everything in the universe; its real seat is in everyone's heart. Living beings carry out their daily lives using memory and knowledge, which also come from the Self. Even when knowledge is absent due to overwhelming delusion, the Self is still present. 

Lord Krishna, fully identifying Himself with the Self, declares, "I am also the originator of the Vedanta, and I Myself am the knower of the Vedas."

Before we attempt to realize the Self, we need to understand the nature of perishable matter and the individual soul operating through the matter. Lord Krishna refers to both of them as 'Purusha'.

Among these, matter is perishable, and the individual soul remains imperishable due to the countless births it undergoes until realizing the Self or uniting with Reality.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 13 & 14

26th October 2024

When we sit down to eat our daily dinner, we often take for granted the sustainable grains, vegetables, and minerals that make up our meal. 

We rarely consider where these essential components come from. It's the same life force within all of us that sustains life on earth, through the power of the sun and the nourishment of plants as the moon. 

Lord Krishna teaches us that this supreme Self takes the form of the digestive fire within our bodies, known as Vaishvanara, which works in association with our incoming and outgoing breaths to digest the four kinds of food: masticated, swallowed, sucked, and licked.

Thus the Self alone is out there in the world to sustain the earth, sun, and the moon and the life-giving food. Within us, it is the very same that consumes the food and maintains our body, senses, and mind!

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 11 & 12

25th October 2024

The term "eye of wisdom" is often used in Hindu scriptures, and it is also said to refer to the third eye of Lord Shiva. 

While studying scriptures can provide knowledge, true wisdom comes from self-control and purity of mind. Wisdom lies in being able to see beyond the limitations of the eyes, thoughts and feelings of the mind, and the logic and rationality of the intellect. 

Lord Krishna emphasizes that the wise, who are diligent, can perceive the Self within themselves, while those lacking self-control cannot, even if they are diligent. 

The Self exists within every living being and sustains life in the phenomenal world. Lord Krishna identifies himself with the all-pervading Self, stating that the light in the sun, moon, and fire is a manifestation of His own light.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 9 & 10

24th October 2024

The dreamer experiences the dream world solely through the subtle body, without using the physical senses to perceive dream objects. 

Similarly, when experiencing the objects of the physical world, the soul only utilizes the subtle body. The external senses, such as the eyes, serve as a means to interact with gross objects.

The difference between a person of wisdom and an ignorant one during worldly experiences and while living in the body lies in their perception. 

Those ignorant of the Self believe that the body, senses, and mind independently experience the world's objects. 

On the other hand, a person of wisdom clearly recognizes that the presence of the Self presides over every experience and every action.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 7 & 8

 23rd October 2024

In all beings, pure Consciousness, known as the Self, remains separate from the physical body. However, it manifests through the body, senses, mind, and intellect. 

Lord Krishna explains that this Self is a part of Him and becomes the eternal individual soul in living beings. 

Consciousness attracts the organs along with the mind, which is the sixth sense, residing in the natural qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

How does the soul undergo rebirth? 

The individual soul leaves one body, taking the senses and mind, and assumes another body, similar to how the wind carries away odors from their source.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 5 & 6

22nd October 2024

 

Who are those wise seekers who can reach that state of liberation, reaching which there is no return to samsara?

 

Lord Krishna enumerates the virtues of the wise who reach an imperishable state: The absence of pride and delusion, and being free from evil association which creates likes and dislikes. Devotion to spiritual endeavors, and being free of desires and all dualities.

 

What is the description of that imperishable state?

 

That state of no return cannot be illuminated by the sun, moon, or fire. It is the abode of Brahman, the supreme abode of Lord Krishna.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 3 & 4

21st October 2024

Though depicted as a peepul tree with roots above and branches below, the tree of life cannot be seen in this way by anyone. Its beginning, existence, and end remain unfathomable. 

This tree of life represents the bondage or samsara, with well-developed roots that strongly hold everyone. It can only be cut with the sword of detachment.

Lord Krishna advises that by cutting this tree alone, everyone should seek the highest, reaching which they do not come back to worldly bondage. 

He Himself surrenders to that Highest Being from whom the entire manifestation of the Universe ensued.

Gita reflection Ch 15 verses 1 & 2

20th October 2024

In any organizational structure, the CEO is typically shown at the top, followed by the next level of leaders and then lower tiers of staff. Another way to represent this is by showing the head office at the top, followed by the branches.

Lord Krishna begins this chapter by describing the picture of creation, using the well-known imperishable peepul tree to represent worldly life. In this analogy, the roots are depicted as going upward and the branches are going downward. 

The Vedas are likened to the leaves, as ancient knowledge supports the tree of life just as leaves do for a tree. One who realizes this is considered the true knower of the wisdom of the Vedas.

The tree also has branches going upward, strengthened by the qualities of nature: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These branches have objects of the senses as their shoots.

The roots of the tree also come downward and are followed by rituals in the human world, which strengthen human existence through merits accrued by their performance.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 26 & 27

19th October 2024

Bhagavad Gita highlights the importance of devotion and surrender to Lord Krishna. It emphasizes that those who are not anchored in devotion may fall victim to the Lord's power of delusion known as Maya. 

Lord Krishna assures that those with unswerving devotion to Him will become one with Reality after transcending the three qualities. 

It also emphasizes that Lord Krishna himself is Brahman and that He assumed human form to bless creation. He is described as the creator Himself and unattached to the creation that came from Him. 

Finally, Lord Krishna states, 'I am the indestructible and immutable, the eternal, the Dharma, and absolute Bliss.'

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 24 & 25

18th October 2024

Lord Krishna explains the behavior of an enlightened person who has transcended the qualities of nature. He praises the person's equanimity and dispassion. 

Such a person views worldly happiness and sorrows, criticism and praise, and what is agreeable and disagreeable as equal. He treats a lump of earth, iron, and gold as the same, not attaching any value to them as ordinary people do. 

However, he will recognize that others may value what he does not. He remains unaffected by honor and dishonor and maintains neutrality toward friends and foes.

With no personal interest in worldly gains or the afterlife, he renounces all actions. The wisdom of such a noble soul cannot be imitated but should be emulated by all sincere seekers.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 22 & 23

17th October 2024

Lord Krishna begins by explaining the characteristics of someone who has risen above the three qualities of nature. Such a person exhibits dispassion both externally and internally. 

Internally, he does not reject the qualities of Sattva (pursuit of knowledge), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (delusion) as they arise in the mind. Furthermore, he does not crave these qualities when they are absent from his thoughts.

Understanding that all three qualities can tie him to the world of material objects, senses, and the mind, he remains detached from them, much like a person who neutrally observes a game without favoring any team or player, and in doing so, truly enjoys the game.

He also realizes that all bodily and sensory movements are influenced by the dominance of one or more qualities, yet he remains unaffected by them.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 20 & 21

16th October 2024

The Hindu ritualists believe that the ultimate goal of human life is to obtain the heavens, the abode of pure pleasures. This is achieved through accumulating merits by performing rituals and leading a life of dharma.

According to Vedanta philosophy, the final goal is liberation, which entails immortality and freedom from death, old age, and suffering. This can be accomplished by detaching from the qualities of Nature, namely Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

In the Bhagavad Gita,  the curious seeker, Arjuna, asked Lord Krishna about the signs of a person who has transcended the qualities and how such a person behaves while living with the body. 

He also inquired about how one can transcend these qualities. The answer to these questions is important for seekers who want to learn how to remain unaffected by the ups and downs of life.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 18 & 19

15th October 2024

Our thoughts determine our progress. Academic learning provides us with the means to live, while spiritual education gives us a vision of life. It inspires us to aspire to the highest human endeavor, to free ourselves from the sorrows in the present life, and to end the endless cycle of birth and death.

Those who maintain the quality of sattva in their minds reach a higher level of consciousness, both in this life and after death. Their soul can ascend to Satyaloka, the world of illumined souls! 

Those who are primarily Rajasic return to the human world after death, while those who are predominantly Tamasic by nature take on animal life after leaving the human body.

The ultimate 'seer' within us is the Self, which remains unaffected and witnesses the activities created by the three qualities of Nature. Those who remain identified with the Self recognize it as higher than the qualities of Nature and attain Godhood.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 16 & 17

14th October 2024

There cannot be an effect without a cause. This is the premise of the law of Karma. All actions will have consequences.

When an action is performed with sattvic intention, the result will be pure, beneficial, and foster positive growth. Actions with rajasic intention will result in sorrow, while those with tamasic intention will result in further delusion.

A mind with minimum disturbance is ready for Self-knowledge. This state is called Sattva. On the other hand, a mind with agitations caused by desires will lead one to become extremely greedy for wealth and pleasure. This state is called Rajas.

A person in the state of Tamas, though desirous of comfort and indulgence, does not engage in action to achieve wealth or pursue knowledge to overcome desires. Consequently, their life will be full of delusion, inadvertence, and laziness.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 14 & 15

13th October 2024

Everyone is fearful of the uncertainties of life, and death is one of them. There is no way of knowing where the soul will travel after death.

Lord Krishna assures that when a soul undergoes death while sattva is exclusively predominant, it attains the pure and higher worlds. This is a direct instruction from the Lord: practice all spiritual disciplines regularly to maintain sattva.

What happens if one dies while Rajas is predominant? The soul will be born among people attached to activity. When there is a lack of inclination for self-knowledge or devotion to God, the natural tendency is to engage in actions that fulfill desires. This momentum continues after leaving the present body as well.

Similarly, when one dies while tamas predominates, the soul will take birth among the lower species that remain ignorant and inactive.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 12 & 13

12th October 2024

Action is driven by desires, which are influenced by vasanas. When Sattva, or the right knowledge, doesn't overcome vasanas, then there will be no end to actions.

When Rajas is dominant, there will be constant unrest, longing, and actions. Pursuing knowledge will also be incomplete when Rajas prevails.

Just as darkness is the absence of light, Tamas is the absence of knowledge. This absence essentially means the unavailability of knowledge to understand and make distinctions before taking any action.

The predominance of Tamas is characterized by error, inactivity, and delusion, even in a person who is active during Rajas and seeks knowledge in Sattva. Learning is greatly hindered when Tamas is predominant.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 10 & 11

11th October 2024

No living being exists without the qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. However, only human beings, using their intellectual ability, can decide which of the three qualities should be allowed to dominate. This ability to discern is called Viveka or discrimination.

Since Sattva is of the nature of knowledge, seekers should consciously strive to keep Rajas and Tamas under control while pursuing liberation. This is the essence of spiritual practice or discipline.

Generally, Rajas dominate all activities, overpowering Sattva and Tamas. During sleep, Tamas dominates over the other qualities.

The indicator of the predominance of Sattva is when all the senses and the mind express full attention and awareness. It is like a lamp placed inside a pot, emitting light through all the openings of the pot!

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 8 & 9

10th October 2024

The quality of Tamas is darkness. Just as in darkness, nothing is properly seen, and this causes delusion. Similarly, a person of Tamas remains ignorant. 

The predominance of Tamas leads to laziness, carelessness, and sleep. Tamas is inactive and impure, unlike Sattva and Rajas, which are pure and active respectively. 

These qualities bind the soul to the body, mind, and intellect. Sattva binds the soul to knowledge, the essential quality of the intellect. 

Rajas binds the soul to the mind, which is restlessly active and full of attachments. Tamas binds the soul to the body, which is inert and insentient.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 6 & 7

9th October 2024

The essence of Sattva is pure and linked to knowledge. Seeking knowledge is about comprehending the true nature of the object of knowledge, and Sattva represents purity. 

Sattva is known to bring forth knowledge and is also associated with happiness. It ties an individual to both knowledge and happiness.

On the other hand, the essence of Rajas is desire, action, and attachment. When one desires something, it leads to action to attain the desired object. Upon obtaining the object of desire, one seeks to possess it for as long as possible, creating attachment.

Unlike Sattva, Rajas does not bring forth knowledge and is not pure. It ties an individual to constant action.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 4 & 5

8th October 2024

Every soul has three bodies or layers of personality. The outermost layer is the gross body, born and sustained by gross food. The middle layer is the subtle body, encompassing the psychological personality shaped by thoughts, feelings, and understanding. 

The innermost layer is called the causal body, which contains deep-rooted impressions known as vasanas from the present and past lives. The collective causal body is governed by God, known as Ishwara. The collective subtle body is ruled by Brahma, the creator, and the collective gross body is the universal being, Virat.

Lord Krishna, identifying Himself as Ishwara, declares that He is the father of the universe who makes the manifestation of all causal bodies possible through Brahma. Consequently, based on the content of individual causal bodies, the respective souls obtain their character of subtle body and gross body

The variety of living beings is due to the qualities of nature, broadly classified as pure (sattva), active (rajas), and inactive (tamas). The predominant vasanas determine the nature of the soul.

Gita reflection Ch 14 verses 2 & 3

7th October 2024

The question of why creation exists has puzzled scientists, philosophers, and thinkers for centuries. 

According to Vedanta, creation simply manifests individual and collective desires (vasanas) of souls (jeeva-s) along with the results of their past actions. Dissolution occurs when these desires and actions come to a pause or absence.

Every soul has the potential to attain freedom from rebirth by either overcoming desires through knowledge or by the grace of God. 

Lord Krishna explains that those who achieve unity with Him through Self-Knowledge are not born even during creation and do not suffer during dissolution.

The manifestation begins with the placement of the seed to awaken all souls and their fields of action in the womb of Maya, the manifesting power of Brahman. 

The complete manifestation of all souls, based on their vasanas and past actions, then occurs with the assistance of Brahma, the creator.

Gita reflection Ch 14 Introduction & verse 1

6th October 2024

The universe's variety is what catches the attention of the common man. The sense organs are always actively engaged in experiencing this variety, and they never get tired. Every day, new things come up to excite the senses and the mind.

According to Upanishad literature, the world has originated from a Singular Reality. If that's the case, what has caused the variety? Gold is one, but the ornaments are of many forms and designs, each catering to the needs and tastes of various individuals.

The variety is decided by the goldsmith and not by the gold. However, in the world's creation, the variety is caused by the conscious one and not by the matter.

Lord Krishna begins to explain the source of the variety in this chapter. He starts with an introduction to Self-knowledge, which was referred to as 'knowable' in the previous chapter. Knowing this alone can lead to the highest perfection while living.

Gita reflection Ch 13 verses 34 & 35

 5th October 2024

The Hindu scriptures have always regarded the Sun as the visible presence of Brahman, the Absolute Reality. The worship of the Sun has been common among all traditions founded in the land of Bharat. 

Lord Krishna, pointing out the Sun to Arjuna, proclaims, "Just as the single Sun illumines this whole world of objects, the Self, the Consciousness which is  the Knower of the field, illumines the whole world referred to as the field."

It's important to understand the difference between the illuminator and the illumined. The Sun illuminates the objects and thus we are able to see. Similarly, the mind illumines the sense perceptions; the thoughts in the mind are also known, but by what? By the Self, the self-resplendent Consciousness!

Recognizing that Consciousness is the ultimate seer and always remains distinct from the ever-changing world of matter releases one from the bondage and attachment to the matter, leading to the state of liberation!

Gita reflection Ch 13 verses 32 & 33

4th October 2024

Within each of us exist two beings: one who acts and the other who observes the action. The actionless one is the Self, representing God's presence in us, while the other acts based on desires and ambitions.

Advaita Vedanta emphasizes that the actionless Self is real, while the other is temporary and illusory. Why is this the case? The Self is devoid of any attributes or qualities. It is timeless, unchanging, and consistent in all aspects.

Similar to space, the Self is all-pervading and devoid of action. However, we continue to engage in actions due to our habitual identification with the illusory personality.

This is akin to a dream state. The person lying on the bed is actionless, while the one in the dream is full of action, experiencing both joy and sorrow.

So, who are you? Are you the dreamer or the one who is actionless on the bed?

Gita reflection Ch 13 verses 30 & 31

 3rd October 2024

Liberation is not something to be bestowed upon us by an angel from the heavens. It is to be claimed by everyone, as everyone is qualified for it. How can we free ourselves from the entanglements of worldly living?

Lord Krishna points out, "The liberated one sees actions as being done in various ways by Nature itself, and also the Self as the non-agent."

There is no shortcut to becoming free. It is an arduous task of constant attention. It is a conscious detachment from material matters. It is vigilant abidance in the actionless Self.

The scriptures teaching Vedanta insist on the reality of One appearing as many. Thus, even as one sees diversity through the senses and the mind, the intellect must remain riveted on the conviction that One Brahman alone is manifesting everything! Only through this can one reach the state of liberation - Brahman.

Gita reflection Ch 13 verses 28 & 29

2nd October 2024

Even though nothing is possible in the world without the combination of matter and sentiency, a seeker should continuously strive to discern the Self that is present in all matter.

What is the nature of sentiency? Is it only consciousness? It is Existence and Consciousness in all living beings, and pure 'Existence' in all inert things as well, which is the same in all.

One who perceives this common presence is the true 'Seer!' He who does not clearly see this and disregards the Self is, in essence, harming oneself!

Here, 'harming' implies that one will suffer endless sorrows through constant birth and death, as well as being afflicted by the results of actions performed to appease the senses and the mind.

Gita reflection Ch 13 verses 26 & 27

 1st October 2024

The realization of the Self is not a mere intellectual pursuit. The important qualification for it is faith even in the path of knowledge as much it is so in the path of devotion.

Even those who do not have the intellectual acumen to independently engage in Self-inquiry and study, by following the words of advice from men of wisdom can certainly conquer death (get liberated).

The discrimination between the Self and non-Self is possible only under the guidance of a competent teacher even for those who have become erudite scholars.

Continuing on the topic of the field and knower of the field, Lord Krishna clarifies that nothing in the world can exist without the combination of the sentient Self and the matter.