Class Summary for Nov 3, 2019 - Chapter-3 Slokas 14 - 19

Summarized by :  Ramya Balasubramanian

Verses 8- 13

Continuing on verses 8-13 from the previous week, we watched two videos of Swami Chinmayananda on creating/balancing the Vasanas and BMI. Actions taken by individuals, playing a specific role such as role of a parent or spouse, also different roles played during a day in your life. How are we treating the roles? Every action has to be performed with the right attitude, so that happy and fulfilled in any action you do. Action without right attitude leads to bondage. Take away the “I”ness away. For eg: as a parent, we are instruments to bring the child to the world. Think of yourself as being a part of a bigger puzzle. If we have the attitude of being grateful to be given the opportunity and not expecting anything in return. The key is to maintain gratitude sort of approaching every action performed, which will take the “I” part away, which in turn helps us get out of the vicious cycle of vasanas. The Action itself should give happiness. When you are attached to the result, and results don’t happen to go your way, the attachment manifests as disappointments that in turn eventually leads to downfall. 

Chapters 14-19

Food <- Rain <- Yagna <- Action <- Creator <- Brahman

This is an agricultural metaphor. Out of Brahman comes Lord Brahma or the creator of the universe. Brahma is symbolic of ignorance or vasanas. Vasanas manifest as action. Yajna is refined or purified action which gives rise to rain or a conducive mind-set. Rain yields food or products which sustains all living beings, creates prosperity. Yagna is the physical form. which brings down the noise in the mind  so we can focus on absolute reality and work more towards it,. With this sacrificial approach, you feel refreshed since there is no expectation. One who does not follow the principle of yajna which seems to pervade the entire universe merely lives a sensual, indulgent life, oblivious of a higher purpose. Every Action of ours without the Yagna spirit makes us stuck in our vasanas and stops us from self realisation. The choice is ours, whether we perform the Actions for  materialistic reasons or with no expectations. Indriya Rama vs Aatma Rama( Stick vs Gnana Mudra depicted by Krishna). Ātmārāma - one who enjoys in the spiritual atmosphere, Indriyarama - sense indulgence. 

If we are delighted/contented with what you have, you will automatically be exempted by expectations. Do not be dependent on the world, but should be able to transact with the world. Inaction is not an option, we have to be happy with our current state but still be able to perform actions expected of you. 

Example discussed - Man sitting on a tree branch vs bird 

Try and imagine the mindset of the man vs the bird. The man is attached to the branch, whereas the bird can fly away whenever it wants. We have to still perform all action but not be attached. Your attitude should be like that of a bird, such that you should be able to leave the tree whenever you want.