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.

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."