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. 

Class Summary for June 5, 2022 - Bhagavad Gita Chapter-6: Slokas 26 - 32

 Summarized by Prarthana Gururaj

In this class we reviewed and analyzed shlokas 26 to 32.

We discussed the following points.

1.Mind is characterized as chanchala and asthira – restless and unsteady and when trying to stay on the

path of meditation on must not lose hope with repeated loss of control

2. The intellect is the main guiding factor that is going to help redirect the mind

3. In human interaction our subconscious belief that I am the BMI accompanies all interactions. The goal

of Vedantic meditation is to guide the fact that we are the Brahman into our subconscious. This should

help us start every interaction with fresh eyes.

4. A comparison to a waiting room was given:

The gross body must lose its passions

The subtle body must remain calm

The causal body must be cleansed of its vasanas.( even wanting moksha is a vasana but one could

consider it a golden chain. As we move on this path, even this golden chain must be relinquished)

Only then can one enter the realm of realization

5. A key aspect to staying on this path is the belief or conviction of the intellect about this path.

When Ganga is asked why she flows, her answer is that it is because it is her nature to flow. Not because

she wants to reach Bay of Bengal

6.Some people can have mystical experiences when they start meditation. This should not be

misunderstood and sought after again and again. These experiences are also not real.

7. In their purest form, all Jivatmas would like to gain realization. However our vasanas cover this desire.

Meditation is the unveiling of this real nature/objective to gain realization.

8. As we are on this path, we find ourselves having increased sensitivity to the happenings in the world

around us. A true Gnani smiles when the world smiles and cries as the world cries while maintaining an

inner equipoise.

9.Religion is the acute perception of the unity everywhere in the world and with everyone. A realized

person sees one in all and all in one.

10. A common dilemma and how to proceed from there:

• The body – lives in the present and is limited in its effect on the world. It is happy when we eat and care for it but the joy cannot be given to others.
• The mind – can move between the past and future. Can have a multiplier effect. Thoughts and feelings are transferred to others by way of words and actions
• Intellect – capable of entering unknown realms. Discoveries, inventions etc occur through intellectual pursuit
• Spiritual – is all inclusive. our energy can have a strong impact on others. Can give us infinite bliss
• Knowledge – makes us aware of our ignorance, makes us reflect, experiment and absorb
• Devotion – enhances the feeling of gratitude and being able to see God in everything.
• Service – fulfills our need to repay the world
• Worshipping Brahman in everything and living with the witness attitude is the goal.