Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 65 & 66

27th December 2024

Guru tirelessly emphasizes the importance of self-improvement to his disciples, reminding them not to lose sight of this amid the overwhelming power of habits and tendencies. 

Lord Krishna also reiterates his guidance to Arjuna, saying: "You will come to Me if you fix your mind on Me, remain My devotee, make sacrifices to Me, and pay homage to Me. Since you are very dear to Me, I promise you this." 

The most frequently quoted verse from the Bhagavad Gita states: "Renouncing all forms of rites and duties, take refuge in Me alone. Do not grieve. I will free you from all sins."

The question arises: Should one surrender to God first and then renounce the duties, or should one renounce first and then surrender? The act of renunciation cannot occur without first surrendering to God. No one will give up anything unless there is a greater gain to be found. The greatest gain is God's love. It is only upon realizing this that one will surrender, which will naturally lead to renunciation.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 63 & 64

26th December 2024

The greatness of Hindu masters lies in their approach: they never impose a specific path on anyone. The Vedas, Puranas, and other spiritual literature are filled with wise suggestions and teachings rather than strict commandments.

In this context, Lord Krishna offers Arjuna a final piece of advice: "I have imparted to you knowledge that is more secret than any secret. Reflect on this as a whole, and then do as you wish."

The Guru assesses the maturity of the disciple, allowing him to make the right choice. Again, Lord Krishna emphasizes to Arjuna the profound nature of the knowledge he has received. 

Krishna holds Arjuna dear and shares the knowledge of the Self with him to help him discover his own freedom.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 61 & 62

25th December 2024

How can we respond to situations in a sattvic manner? One way is to closely follow the guidelines of the scriptures or the teachings of a spiritual guide. 

Additionally, if we understand that the Lord resides in the hearts of all beings and orchestrates our life experiences, we can better determine our responses through devotion to Him. 

It's important to recognize that the Lord is facilitating our growth, both by addressing our inner tendencies (vasanas) and by presenting various external situations through interactions with objects and other beings. After all, He is present both within us and around us, managing everything for the benefit of all. 

Lord Krishna offers significant advice to Arjuna: "Take refuge in Him alone with your whole being. Through His grace, you will attain supreme peace and the eternal abode."

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 59 & 60

24th December 2024

The feeling of independence that we all experience stems from our strong belief that we can determine the course of our lives. Many of the decisions we make significantly impact our lives. 

However, the actions from our past lives influence our current situations, which we cannot avoid. Lord Krishna warns Arjuna, saying, "If you believe you should not fight because of your ego, your determination will be futile. Nature will compel you!"

Does this mean we have no choice but to accept what is destined? We often mistakenly view destiny as a force that moves us from one situation to another without any choice. 

This misconception is not accurate. We have the ability to choose how to respond to unavoidable situations that are beyond our control. In ancient times, individuals were expected to fulfill their duties according to their societal class. Today, we must recognize that our inclinations arise from the qualities of Nature: Sattvic, Rajasic, or Tamasic.

We always have the choice to consciously respond to situations in a Sattvic manner. This choice represents our free will, which is separate from the circumstances we face.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 57 & 58

23rd December 2024

The main purpose of Lord Krishna's conversation with Arjuna is to clarify Arjuna's confusion regarding his duty as a warrior. This message resonates with all of us. 

We should seek to understand and be inspired by the ultimate goal of life, which is liberation, while also fulfilling our immediate responsibilities without attachment or aversion.

Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to mentally surrender all actions to Him by recognizing Him as the supreme being. He instructs Arjuna to keep his mind consistently focused on Him through concentrated thought. 

When our minds are fixed on God, we can be assured of receiving His grace to overcome any obstacles. 

However, if we allow our sense of ego to distract us from this focus, we limit our potential for freedom and hinder our spiritual progress.

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 55 & 56

22nd December 2024

In the school of Advaita Vedanta, God is considered a relative manifestation of Brahman. This is because the absolute reality, Brahman, never undergoes any change. However, it is natural for those who abide in the Self, or Brahman, to feel devotion towards God.

One who realizes one's own Brahman nature does not remain separate from Brahman. This experience is often symbolically described as "entering into Brahman." It can be likened to moving away from a mirror; when you distance yourself, you no longer see your reflection, as if the image has merged with your own essence.

A person who has renounced worldly attachments has no further duties in the world. Nevertheless, while living in the body until prarabdha karma is exhausted, he may continue to engage in all actions.

Lord Krishna clarifies: 'For such an individual, I am the refuge, and through My grace, he will attain the eternal and immutable state.'

Gita reflection Ch 18 verses 53 & 54

21st December 2024

Lord Krishna continues to outline the process of renunciation that leads to the abode of Brahman:

10. Discarding the ego-sense: This involves letting go of the thoughts of 'I' and 'I want.'

11. Absence of aggression: Taking the right action assertively, rather than aggressively, in various situations.

12. Devoid of pride: Avoiding an overestimation of oneself that seeks attention from others.

13. Being desireless*: Recognizing that the personal projections of happiness are the root of desire.

14. Free from anger: Understanding that anger is one pathway to suffering, even in this life.

15. Non-possessive: Realizing that no one truly owns anything, including one's body; everything is ultimately God's property.

16. Disowning identification with objects and people: Releasing attachment to material possessions and relationships.

17. Being serene: Remaining steady and grounded in Self-awareness.

Achieving unity with Brahman leads to total bliss, leaving no room for grief or desire. One who reaches this state will possess complete devotion to the Lord and compassion for His creation.