Class Summary for Nov 8, 2020 - BG - Chapter-4 Slokas 13-15

 Summarized by: Bala Dhandapani

Class started with Pranayama, meditation and summary of Chapter 4 slokas 1-12. 

Chapter 4 Slokas 13, 14 and 15 was chanted, summary of the slokas are given below  

13 – Krishna says that Varna, the four categories of occupations (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vysia and Sudra) were created by him according to people’s texture/quality of the mind (Guna – Satvik, Rajasik and Tamasic) and karma (activities).  Although he is the creator of this system, we need to recognize that he is a non-doer and immutable.   

14- Krishna declares that Actions do not taint him nor does he desire the fruits of the action.  One who knows him in this way is not bound by the karmic reactions of work. 

15- Krishna further advises Arjuna that Karma Yoga was practiced by intelligent/ancient seekers and he should also follow this action.   

Discussion/Theme 

• Based on the texture of the mind the combinations of the Gunas – Satvik, Rajasic and Tamasic can keep changing even within a day.   
• Krishna says he created the Varna Ashrama  - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vysia and Sudra based on the quality of thinking and capabilities  
• Krishna declares that he is above Varna, one can be in any Varna to seek knowledge.  Varna is based on thoughts.  Birth alone will not determine Varna.  Unfortunately overtime Varna became misidentified with birth.   
• The four Ashramas – Brahmacharya, Grahasta, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa (Samnyasa) were discussed.  
• Brahmacharya, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa depend on the Grahastas for food.  Vanaprastha is done is isolation and does not contribute to the society.  Grahasta does actions for the family and society.  One can be a Sanyasi while being a Grahasta.   
•  The following point was brought up for discussion.  In olden days, boys stayed at the  Gurukulam to obtain knowledge from the Guru, how did girls obtain knowledge ?.   
• Girls were taught differently and learnt life lessons from elders in the home -mother and grandmothers.  Also learnt from a combination of the elderly women in the community and Guru Mata. 
• Example – Janaka taught Sita and her sisters.  Kapila muni taught his mother.   
• Over time – caste system (castism) came into play and it abused the Varna system.   
•  Krishna is above all this. 
• Karna example was discussed – he did not use his free will wisely.  Life started off as an unfair situation for him but he surrendered his free will and sided adharma. 

Subjective Analysis:  Learn to recognize ONENESS and practice letting GO.   

Gurudev’s video on verse 13 was viewed by the class 

• Every human being has 3 colors (Gunas: Satvik – white, Rajasic-red, Tamasic-black) leads to 4 types of personalities (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vysia and Sudra).   
• Guna may be based on Prarabdha, Action is due to Free Will. 
• Krishna says he is the author of the classification, but he does not function.   
• One can plug their BMI to Narayana and become a saint.   
• Example of Gas in a Vehicle, it can take you where-ever you want, but where you want to go is based on your free will.