Class Summary for Dec 4, 2022 - Bhagavad Gita Chapter-7: Slokas 1-6

 Summarized by Soumya Nair  

• Class started with Prayer, Pranayama and Meditation. 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter6th :recap: Dec 4th

• We went through all recap questions from previous class/ chapter 6.

• What are the two fold means to control the mind

• The two fold means a person need to practice are Abhyasa and Vairagya.

• Should a man of realization necessarily withdraw from the the world and day today duties to maintain divine consciousness ?

•  The question is asked in the context of leading a Grihastha life. And hence the answer would be No. The person of realization can continue with his or her transactions in the current world. Realization is more a state of mind.

• What are the intelligent moderation required for successful meditation

• Enough food ( not more or less), sleep and selecting a conducive environment 

• Who is the highest Yogi

• Highest Yogi is the one of all the meditators who has submitted  his mind , intellect and Shradha to Brahmanan/God 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7th

According to some reviewers of Geeta, the 18 chapters falls into 3 sets of 6 chapters. The opening 6 chapters of Geeta explains the significance of Tvam, You , the seeker , student and Arjuna being the student.

The second six chapters from 7 - 12 explains the term Tat/God/Brahman. Arjuna is still confused about the concepts as he understands Krishna as one among us and not able to understand him as the supreme and this is when lord Krishna shows his Viswaroopam as per chapter 11.

The last six chapters express the meaning of the term Asi , equal sign where the seeker is the sought.That Arjuna is no different from Krishna.

We then watched an introduction video to chapter 7 by Swami Chinmayananda. 

From chapter 7 the focus is on Brahman/ God and how to follow the path to Brahman. There are two a Nirguna or formless and a Saguna or with form aspect of Brahman.

 

We chanted slokas 1 to 6

Summary 

Sloka 1 : Naturally the doubt of all seekers including Arjuna before they start meditation, as to how it’s possible for a limited mind to understand and embrace the unlimited. So Krishna assures Arjuna that he would explain the entire science and technique, which clearly show how a meditator by fixing his integrated mind upon the contemplation of the Nature of the self can come to experience the Divine. From this chapter mind is to be understood as an integrated  mind firmly meditating and not as a debilated or disintegrated mind.

Sloka 2:Krishna is promising that he would not only deliver to Arjuna the explanation of Divine but also during the very discourse take him to the highest peak of Self -rediscovery.

Sloka 3: Here Krishna shifts the entire responsibility for not realizing the self upon the individual seeker himself. Of the thousands that hear and understand all the theory only a few sincerely apply themselves to live fully the vedantic way of life, And among a thousand sincere seekers only a rare few will come to know ME/Krishna and My/Krishna’s real nature. If we take the 8 billion population in this world we are a lucky few who is on this path and having a conducive environment to follow this journey.

Each one has a journey , Krishna is giving you the need full it’s up to you to put in the efforts but for sure He gives you the guarantee that you will reach the destination. How much time it will take is something that He cannot say but it depends on the effort we put and could be in this life time or next or several lifetimes away.

Sloka 4 &5:The five elements ( earth, water, fire, air, ether ), mind, intellect and ego constitute the eight fold Prakriti or lower Prakriti or represents the lower nature of self.

The self also possess the  higher prakriti which is the pure consciousness or awareness. It is this livening factor / consciousness/ spiritual spark that makes us function and  make us act intelligent or Divine .

Sloka 5: The higher and lower prakritis are intertwined. The idea that lower prakriti has risen from the higher is likened to the way by which pots (lower) of different shapes and colors are all made from the mud (higher). Just as mud is the truth in all pots the higher prakriti is the essential reality in all objects of lower prakriti. Thus these two are the womb of all beings, and God is the source and dissolution of the whole universe. 

•  Mud pot : Perishable : Shara

• Mud.       : Non Perishable : Akshara

Mud is also higher pervading : Uttham Purusha

Glimpse of chapter 10 and 11

Subjective analysis about knowledge can be theory , it has to be lived or applied to become wisdom. Knowledge is in sight but the wisdom is from the insight or applying it. Like the example of a faulty computer chip , the issue was not known reading the manual or theory but on testing finally it was found to have a bug and was finally rectified thus being the insight.

knowledge	wisdom
objective	subjective
Theory	Experience.
Sight	insight
Tution	Intution

Class Summary for Oct 30, 2022 - Bhagavad Gita Chapter-6: Slokas 43-47

 Summarized by Bala Dhandapani

Class started with Prayer, Pranayama and Meditation. 

After a recap from Oct 16, 2022 class (slokas 37-42), the following was reiterated and discussed (in reference to the effort): 

• We need to remind ourselves that it is always darkest before dawn, this will help us to continue our spiritual journey 
• Another example on perseverance, when we hike the last 10 % of the hike need 90 % of the effort and we always are always encouraged by folks who have completed their journey that we are almost there.    

Also, for us (in America) we are materially satisfied and the situation is conducive for us to continue our spiritual journey and should also encourage our kids to continue on their spiritual path (attend BalaVihar regularly etc.), if parents continue to attend satsang/join study group/volunteer in the temple – chances are that kids would be attend regularly as well.   

 

We read slokas 43-47 

Summary 

Sloka 43: Specific memories cannot survive death, but samskara can be transferred from previous life to the next life.  Also, the momentum at which we continued to progress on our spiritual journey/knowledge in a previous birth we can pick up the momentum and strive more in the next birth for perfection to attain moksha. 

Sloka 44: Due to the prior practice a person will certainly advance (move towards) seeking knowledge and it is inevitable. The seeker can even transcend the ritualism of vedic scriptures (and proceed in the path of the spiritual growth).       

Sloka 45: The merits are accumulated by the yogi and when striving vigorously (abhayasa, including meditation) the yogi is purified of all sins.  After many births the yogi becomes enlightened (perfected/and reaches the supreme goal (Moksha).      

Sloka 46: A yogi (meditator) is considered superior to a tapasi (ascetic) and even superior to a jnani.  A yogi is also superior to men of action (karma yogi), hence continue to be a yogi. 

Sloka 47:  Of all meditators (Yogi) the one who focusses (medidate) on Krishna and one who is merged (devoted, worships) with Krishna, according to Krishna this meditator is the best. 

 

• One needs to assimilate all the 3 paths (karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) and constantly be in a meditative state and engage is devotion to Krishna with great faith. 
• We all may be in the Abhyasa yoga stage and not yet on Vairagya.   
• Ritual with faith is Karma Yoga. (Example:  A soldier has to believe in freedom and also have reverence to the country) 
• The root cause for anyone to loose temper (and get angry) is because of expectation. 

Theme 

• Since we are descendants of great clans (Kuru), we should leverage our past wisdom and move ahead aggressively.  
• Vasanas determine the environment, it is key for us to drop the negative ones and cultivate the positive ones.   
• We need to go beyond rituals 
• Continue efforts and practice through many births, enable perfection and obtain the final goal.   
• Yogi(meditator) is the one who is constantly seeking the union with brahman. 
• The Yogi is superior than one who constantly engage only in prayer, worship, rituals or a Jnani (knowledge seeker) or a karma yogi.   
• One should be united with Brahman with continuous effort and with ultimate faith.   

Subjective Analysis 

Do not forget your ultimate purpose.     

Story:  A King without a heir performed all yagnas and still couldn’t have a heir.  To find a heir, the king did the following test. He opened a topnotch amusement park and announced that whoever recognize the king within 30 days will get the throne.  After entering the park his people got distracted and even forgot why they came to the park.  After 29 days one young man is enjoying rides etc and is also searching for the king.  He could not identify the king.  Before the park was going to be closed, he hears a temple bell (priest was getting ready for the pooja), the young man attends the pooja and is also searching for the king. When the aarti is completed by the priest, the young man calls him the king.  The king was finally happy that he was identified and the young man was chosen as the heir.  Moral:  Perform all your karmas (be a karma yogi) like the young man enjoy all the rides etc.  but do not forget your ultimate purpose.     

 

Summary of chapter 6 

-Mukukshuva (intense desire to achieve a higher goal) for knowledge, devotion and service.  

-Practice Vairagya (detachment) – start small 

-Eliminate vasanas as many as possible.  

-Be a yogi !   

Class Summary for Oct 16, 2022 - Bhagavad Gita Chapter-6: Slokas 37-42

Summarized by Shailesh Vyas

Started with meditation, anulom vilom.

Recap & Initial Q&A 

• Discussed briefly about Saguna and Nirguna Meditation
• It's easier to meditate on form than a formless entity.
• Question - If Arjuna's focus was good then why is he finding it hard to meditate?
• Answer - Even though Arjuna was good with Abhyasha but Vairagya from relationship and desires may be missing.
• Meditation is not just an action, it's more like living in that state.
• Flow/zone usually brings the best out of you. It's close to a meditative state.
• Hindrance to meditation
• Tamasic - Falling to sleep during meditation
• This could be due to lack of sleep.
• Rajasic - Mind wandering is one of the common hindrances in meditation.
• Unexpected vasanas that are suppressed deep inside can surface up causing a sudden shock.
• Addiction to Silence - Folks start to enjoy silence. Even that is not the desired state. It has a beginning and an end. What we are seeking doesn’t have a beginning and an end.
• Do not meditate full or an empty stomach or if you have done some heavy workout.
• Before meditation, do a ritual like lighting a lamp. This helps prepare our mind that this is the time to focus and not to sleep.
• Give a strong message to mind before starting the meditation that it's not a sleep time. It's rather focused.
• Even though our focus is on Gyan Yoga, our scriptures give a lot of importance to Bhakti Yoga, Karma yoga. e.g. Pickle Jar. You cannot put milk in a pickle jar unless it goes through the thorough cleansing.
• Some organizations directly teach methods of meditation like Raja Yoga without driving the path of Bhakti and Karma Yoga.
• Shravanam, Mananam and Nidhidhyasham as well as Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga are required in this journey.

 

Verse 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42

• Verse 37
• Translation - Arjuna said - When a man, though possessed of faith is unable to control himself and his mind wanders away from Yoga to what end does he, having failed to attain perfection in Yoga.
• Verse 38
• Translation - Fallen from both, does he not, O mighty armed perish like a rent cloud, support less and deluded in the path of Brahman.
• Verse 39
• Translation - This doubt of mine, O Krishna, please dispel completely, because it is not possible for any one but you to dispel this doubt.
• Verse 40
• Translation - Lord said - O Partha, neither in this world, nor in the next world is there destruction for him, none, verily who strives to be good. O my son, ever comes to grief.
• Verse 41
• Translation - Having attained to the worlds of the righteous and having dwelt there for everlasting (long) years, he who had fallen from Yoga is born again in the house of the pure and the wealthy.
• Verse 42
• Translation - Or he is even born in the family of the wise Yogis; verily a birth like this is very difficult to obtain in this world.

Theme 

• Can we end up in Trishanku state? Somewhere caught in between the materialistic and spritualistic world.
  
• Here we see Arjuna’s total confidence and surrender to the Lord.
  
• Power of righteousness is cumulative in nature from lifetime to lifetime.
  
• Efforts in this direction will never go waste and carries towards the future birth.
  
• This will help being born in a conducive family and environment. 
  
• e.g. It was believed that Buddha lived 499 lives before being born as a Buddha, so his enlightenment was emiment.
  
• We being here today shows that we are continuing the journey.
  
• We need to remove stupidity, selfishness, ignorance, low thinking etc.
  

 

Discussion

• You cannot preach Bhagwat Gita to someone who has not eaten for a few days.
• Being born in a safe environment where we have freedom to spend a couple of hours every Sunday. It's because we are better off and not worried about food or day to day hussle.
• Rebirth - Sanchith/Prarabhdha/Agami Karma.
• We are all born with the portion of Sanchit Karma as a Prarabhdha and we all have to live through it. Any new actions are going to create Agami Karma.
• We briefly referenced the book “Many lives many Masters” that covers some of the similar philosophy.
• Nishargdutta Maharaj - How did he suddenly get the wisdom? Based on his past life Karma’s he was ready and attained the realization without going through any formal education or process.
• Reduction of FIR is a good measurement.
• We briefly discussed an example of a tribe who used to live in a cave. There was a person who decided to go beyond the cave where no one else ever went. Before he reaches the light, there is a deep darkness and one can choose to return, however he may be just steps away from the light.
• Arjuna is in a similar state, just a few steps away from enlightenment.
• Devi Sita was in a similar state. She almost gave up so that no one would come to save her. Then Lord Hanuman came as a hope and renewed the belief.

Swamiji’s Video -

• Video 1 - Verse 36 (video 135)
• Few economists were discussing around the table including a few professors. They were reviewing data around national debt, national income. They all concluded that India’s end is near. No hope, no future. Their logical thinking took them to this conclusion. However they had utter sorrow as they didn’t want that conclusion.
• They approach Swamiji and ask. Swamiji said, you are right this country has no future. However they didn’t want that answer.
• Similarly Arjuna asked Mind is constantly restless, it cannot be controlled. Krishna says “You are right”.
• By practice and by giving up your clinging attachment to the pleasures, senses and desires you can control your mind. 
• However sincere you may be in knowledge or studies, unless you bring your mind in control you cannot bring an unfoldment.
• Video 2 - Verse 37 (video 136)
• Arjuna asked Krishna “This is my doubt” and I don’t know how to get out. You must cut it out for me. This is a hopeless situation. Krishna must be like “Why me? You created this doubt” 
• e.g. Mother knitting cardigan, someone rings the bell and mother has to step out. Her toddler behind the scene entangled himself in the woolen thread. By the time the mother returns, the child starts crying for help. Mother sees all her effort is spoiled by her own child.
• Similarly Arjuna got himself entangled and called for Krishna to help. You must release me from this.
• 
  

Subjective analysis

• Keep up your sadhana and efforts knowing you are accumulating to your account.

Class Summary for Oct 9 25, 2022 - Bhagavad Gita Chapter-6: Slokas 33-36

 Summarized by Sree Sekhar Palaparthy

We started the class with pranayama and meditation. 

We did a quick recap on what we learnt so far within Chapter 6

Journey from Bhogi to Gyani

 Bhogi – always in desires and cultivating more, and moving in the opposite direction of the

spiritual path. 

 Yogi – reducing desires, and thereby moving in the right direction

 Sanyasi – able to eliminate his desires

 Gyani – one who is free from all desires (desires will still be there but there is no attachment to

the outcomes of the actions)

What is Meditation?

 Meditation isn’t an action , but a state in which an evolved person conducts himself with

equanimity

 One needs to prepare at different levels to be able to reach the ultimate state of “being” in

meditative state

o Body – Physical cleanliness and of surroundings; place; posture; seat etc

o Mind - Being able to quieten the mind with no disturbances

o Intellect – Having FAITH in the process of meditation

 PORT reduction - Meditation reduces Possessions, Obsessions, Reactions and Transactions

2 aspects of meditation

    1. Saguna meditation:

        a. Meditating upon a physical form

        b. Leads to Bhakti , which then eventually leads to Nirguna meditation

    2. Nirguna meditation:

        a. Meditating upon space/OM symbol/ Maha vakyas (Aham Brahmasmi etc)

        b. One reaches to a very closer state of “Living” in meditative state ,while performing actions

We looked at verses 33-36 and recited them

Verse 33:

Arjuna’s Question to Lord Krishna - After Lord Krishna talked about how one needs to prepare for

meditation by controlling the mind, Arjuna is confused (like most of us are)

 How he can control the mind?

 Would he end up in a hanging state (Trishankhu state) – where he would neither be able to

control the mind to meditate nor enjoy the world

Verse 34:

Arjuna is further elaborating on the difficulty of being able to control the mind. He compares it to be as

difficult as being able to control the wind. Mind is fickle, violent, powerful and stubborn , hence very

difficult to control

Verse 35:

Lord Krishna’s response:

 Krishna, first accepts/agrees with Arjuna’s concern, that it’s really tough to control the mind

 The style in which Krishna responds here to Arjuna is a great learning for our transactional

situations as well. It is very critical to first agree /empathize with the one who is seeking advice,

and then provide further clarity (by using BUT , for instance)

 Krishna prescribed 2 solutions to answer Arjuna’s question

    o Abhyasa: One needs to consistently practice Karma Yoga to purify thoughts and quieten the mind.

    o Vairagya: One needs to detach from desires by the process of practicing Karma Yoga and through meditation ; Not to get attached to the outcome of the action

 Vairagya and Practice are key to control the mind

We then discussed about the 3 Yogas which help in the process of Meditation

    a) Karma Yoga – Performing Nishkaama Karma

    b) Bhakti Yoga - Developing FAITH in the scriptures

    c) Gyana Yoga - Acquiring Knowledge through -

            a. Shravanam – Listening to scriptures, engaging in Satsangs; Consistent inputs related to

                spiritual journey

            b. Mananam - Internalizing the knowledge by introspection and clarifying questions from

                qualified teachers

            c. Nidhidhyaasanam – Living the meditative state by practicing Saguna/Nirguna meditation

We discussed couple of questions as a group

“Does Sanyasi have all questions answered?”.

 Sanyasi too have questions, but he/she are in a meditative state where the answers to those questions don’t matter

 Other example discussed:: Did Ram do justice by killing Vaali from behind the tree? Did

Rama treat Sita in a right way after the war? Etc . The answers to these questions aren’t

relevant for one to make progress in the spiritual path;

“Are there any discomforts in Meditation?”.

 There could be discomforts at 3 levels

    o Body level – Seat ; surroundings, body pains etc

    o Mind level – distractions

3 other considerations one need to avoid as part of the meditation

    a) Laziness – One may fall asleep during meditation

    b) Mind gets shocked – one may be overwhelmed with the new experiences they go through during the         meditation

    c) Attached to the process – One may get attached with the mind’s quite state as they enjoy the                 peacefulness

Subjective analysis: Use intellect to start control of mind – start small

During “Nirguna” meditation, one transcends the body , mind and intellect and experiences a “blank

state”, which helps to live in meditative state even while performing actions

We also discussed briefly about how deep sleep state is different than this blank state OR being in the

meditative state.

Deep sleep state - No awareness is present; State of ignorance where Vasanas are unmanifested;

Might reduce pain or emotions

Blank state/Meditative state - Awareness is there; Consciousness goes beyond BMI; Helps reducing

Vasanas

We will continue with Verse 37 onwards in our next class.

Class Summary for Sep 25, 2022 - Bhagavad Gita Chapter-6: Recap

Summarized by Shivkumar N

We started the class with pranayama and meditation. 

• As it was the first class of the year we started with introducing everyone.
• We then followed it by a general overview of the class format, general do's and don'ts, and recommendations for sadhana practice.
• We then did a quick recap/summary of the initial 5 chapters of Bhagvad Gita.
• As chapter 6 was already introduced last year we did a recap of what the team had covered.
• Chapter 6 structure

Verses 1-9  how a person raises from being a Yogi to a Gnani

Verses 10-15 Preparation for meditation

Verses 16-18 Prerequisites for meditation

Verses 19-24 How to control one’s mind or calm one’s mind

Verses 25-28 Meditation lead to Realization

Verses 29-32 Test for realization

Verses 33-36 Mind is difficult to control – obstacles to perform meditation

Verses 37-42 What if one is unsuccessful to attain Moksha 

Verses 43-47  Yogi attains Moksha 

• One of the discussions brought a point where a swami when asked by a student whether scriptures mention that we must not enjoy anything,  he clarified that scriptures say to enjoy everything but don’t get attached to it.

• We then read out the verses 33, 34, 35 and 36. The next class would begin with an in depth walkthrough of these verses. The class were then given homework to go through the blog so that they get a fair understanding of what Lord Krishna had covered in the initial 51/2 chapters thus far.