Class Summary for Dec 15, 2019 - Chapter-3 Slokas 28- 31

Summarized by :  Shilpa Sail

We started the class with opening prayers, pranayam, and meditation.

This week we discussed 3rd chapter verse 30 and 31. Also, watched swamiji's video.
A brief summary of verse 30-
This verse delves into energy generation and preserving the generated energy. It explains how we generate energy and how we should conserve it. The key is to not dissipate the generated energy..
To generate energy, be focussed on your goal. Work towards your goal with laser focus.
The energy generated gets dissipated through three ways-
1.Worrying about our past. Past errors or missteps should not clout our current vision else we will lose focus towards the goal. Past is done and cannot be altered. Worrying about past will disturb you further and lead to a restless mind.

2. Anxiety for the future. Worrying about the future will not help in anyway. It will only lead to an agitated mind.

3. Excitement about the present prevents you from seeing what is in front of you.

We should develop ways to prevent energy dissipation.
Try not to delve on past mistakes or over think about the future. Use the intellect to hold the mind in the present.Focus on your current task. Work  with all your energy on the current task.

Swamiji's analysis on verse 31 - dynamic religion.
When we plant a sapling, a cement fence is built around it to prevent the cattle from grazing it and for the soil to stay at the roots and not erode away. After a while when the sapling grows into a tree it needs space and encompasses into the cement fence into it as it becomes a part of the tree.
The same way religion should change with time. It should embrace the change and then it will grow. There are multiple examples of some older religions that were not able to withstand the pressure of time.
On the other hand Hindu religion has thrived due to it’s embracing nature.
A dynamic religion that changes based on the needs and demands of the society continues to grow.
The above rule also applies to parenting. When the kids are young they need your support as they grow the fence around them should be more elastic.

Five key factors to become Karma Yogi
1) Focus=> Primary goal should always be spiritual
2) Perform=> dedicate all ACTIONS as an offering to the Lord by giving your 100%
3) Niraashi=> Hare Prasada buddhi towards  the results of our action.

4) NIRMAMAHA = Humility - Don't claim full credit for result

5) VIGATHAJWARAHA - Maintain mental balance/equanimity (Samathvam)