Class Summary for Jan 21, 2018 - Chapter-1: 24-31

Summarized by Partha:

We did a recap of the previous slokas in Chapter-1 (Sloka-1 to 23)

Then we proceeded to Slokas-24 to 31.

These few verses start describing the emotions that overtake Arjuna as Krishna gets the chariot between both the armies at the behest of Arjuna. In his wisdom, Krishna bring the chariot closer to  Bheeshma & Drona than other kings assembled in the vast Kuru army.  Arjuna sees the entire army in front of him. In the army he sees his fatherly figures, grand fatherly figures, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, friends & fathers-in-law. 

The veneer of confidence of arrogance that made him 'command' Krishna to get the chariot closer to army was now removed. The anger that was directed against Duryodhana and Dhritarashtra made him eager to fight. Now, seeing so many of his closed and loved ones in the enemy line-up that could be collateral in his fury against Duryodhana, he gets overwhelmed with emotion.

Arjuna is also referred as 'Partha' - this could mean son of Pritha (Kunti) or someone is Mortal. In these few lines, his mortal side is accordingly getting depicted.
Arjuna seeing this laments that the assembled kinsmen are emotionally affecting him physically too. He limbs are weakening and mouth is drying up.

This set of verses show the beginning of emotional breakdown of Arjuna. The mind is getting disturbed and body loses its strength.  The trigger for this seems to the sight of his loved ones in the Kuru army. Maybe Krishna deliberately brought his chariot closer to Bheeshma and Drona to overwhelm or test Arjuna's mental capacity.
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Summarized by Inder:

Verse 24 - 26

Objective Meaning:

As requested by Arjuna, Krishna placed the chariot in between the two armies. Here Arjuna is referred to as Gudakesha meaning the one who has conquered sleep / laziness. Krishna Bhagwan is Hrishikesha, the one who has mastered the senses.

Krishna purposely placed the chariot infront of Bhishma & Drona and said to Arjuna to take a look at all the Kaurava's gathered on the battle field. Here Arjuna is also called as Partha meaning made of clay/earth(mortal).

Arjuna saw his Grandsires, teachers, kith and Kin in both armies which shook his confidence. 

Subjective meaning :

In life, when you take on any challenge, at some stage you will face confusion. The results will depend on how you deal with the confusion. Choose the path of good over pleasant.

Verse 27 - 31

Objective meaning:

These verses show lack of Arjuna's mental preparation before the war. As soon as he saw his kith and kin, he realized the full extent of sacrifice the society would have to make. This state of Arjuna's mind may have been the result of Dhritarashtra's clever message to him, before the start of the war, to consider the cost of winning the war by killing his near and dear ones.

Arjuna then tells Krishna about the physical changes he is noticing in himself like limbs failing, mouth parched, body quivers, the bow is slipping from his hand and his skin is burning. In this state of mental confusion, Arjuna's emotions have overcome his intellect and he has competely forgotten his duties and the evil deeds of the Kurus.

Subective meaning :

There will be times when self control will succumb to emotional tendencies.

Class Summary for Dec 3, 2017 - Chapter-1: 15 - 23

Summarized by Narayan Vishnubhotla:

We recapped the previously discussed shlokas – Chapter 1: Ver 12, 13, 14
Objective Analysis:
Up until now, Duryodhana was desperately attempting to boost the egos of the great warriors and
family patriarchs who have decided to side with him, either due to loyalty or due to compulsions, in the kurukshetra war.
But the very words that meant to boost the confidence was leading to despair among the assembled
warriors. Duryodhana began to sound defensive and was descending into a state of confusion.
Bhisma, sensing the despair, decided to jolt everyone from this state by blowing his war conch. For he knew that, if left alone, each of them would plunge more deep into despair and would eventually
become ineffective.

Subjective Analysis:
We could correlate the state of the warriors with our battle with tendencies. If let unhinged, we easily
get preoccupied with these tendencies and have a constant struggle in satisfying them. We are
compelled to act upon them. This preoccupation would eventually make us unproductive.
Bhisma’s action of blowing the conch can be correlated with our need for deep silence. We need to
silence the tendencies to limit the frequency of its occurrence and the resulting preoccupation. We need to bring out the absolute deep silence.

We continued our discussion by reviewing the verses 15, 16, 17, 18

Objective Analysis:
In these verses, Sanjaya continued to portray the environment that was slowly building up tension.
Krisna and Pandavas, one after the other started blowing their superior conches to let everyone know
that they are ready for the war. Sanjaya was very meticulously mentioning the names of each conch to emphasis pandava’s might.
Hrisikesa (Krisna) blew Pancajayana
Dananjaya (Arjuna) blew Devadatta
Vrkrodara(Bhima) blew Paundra
Yudhisthira blew Anantavijaya
Nakula blew Sugosa
Sahadeva blew manipuspaka
Sanjaya continued to describe a few of other great warriors who aligned with pandavas.

Subjective Analysis:
Sounds from the conches of pandavas can be correlated to mix of five elements
Sahadeva: Smell – Earth
Nakula: Taste – Water
Arjuna: Sight – Fire
Bhima: Touch – Air
Yudhistira: Hearing – Sky
Krisna’s conch sound is the absolute harmony of the elements.

Verses: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

Objective Analysis:
Up until now, through Sanjaya, Vyasa has set the stage for what is about to come. Sounds emanating
from conch’s of the great warriors sent tremble across. From this point on the main part of Bhagwat
Gita is about to begin.
Sanjaya continued to describe the might of Pandava’s maharathis and saradhis in the hope that
Dhrutharashtra realizes that his sons are no match to this might.
As in the modern days, there were markings that distinguished accomplished warriors from ordinary
soldiers. Chariots of these hero’s had flags with images to distinguish them. Arjuna had Kapi (Hanuman) on his flag.
Now that armies on both sides are ready in their war formations, Arjuna asks Krisna to take him to a  position from where he could review the enemy lines.

Subjective Analysis:
Vyasa’s description of each persona was to subtly indicate the state of the mind. For example, Kapi on Arjuna’s chariot flag can be correlated to state of Arjuna’s mind.
Just as kapi, our mind keeps wandering in many directions. This wandering compels us to act on these thoughts. Sometimes these actions give us satisfaction, but most times it leads to unhappiness if
desired outcomes are not realized.
This is where consciousness helps. Just as sound from krisna’s conch is considered absolute harmony,
consciousness helps you to control the kapi (wanderings).
Meditation helps mind to take a witness role to observe the thoughts and not to act on each one of
them or to be overcome by them.

Class Summary for Oct 29, 2017 - Chapter-1: 4 - 14

Summarized by Indrajeet Harer:

Verses 4,5,6:

Objective meaning:

In these verses, Duryodhana identifies the warriors from the Pandava army, that are equivalent to Arjun & Bheema. It shows the nervousness of Duryodhana.

Subjective meaning :

Arjuna is considered as self control  and Bheema is representing the power of vitality.

Materialistic desires collude with Vasana to push us away from positive tendencies.

Tip : Analyze how the positive tendencies make you feel remorse during introspection.

These verses name 17 Maharathis from Pandava army. Each Maharathi led an army of 11000 warriors and was himself considered equivalent of 11000 warriors.

Verses 7,8,9,10,11:

Objective meaning:

In these verses, Duryodhana lists the warriors from his own army seeks comforting words from his Guru who chose to remain silent. He boasts by saying that the great heroes are ready to lay down their lives for his sake. He also orders his troops to remain in their positions and protect Bhishma.

Subjective meaning :

Kripacharya is considered as ignorance/avidya

Bhishma is considered as the pseudo self or false ego.

Ashwathama is considered as the latent desire derived from vasanas (Drona).

Karna is considered as Raaga (Anger) which has attachment to Materialistic desires.

Negative tendencies led by the pseudo self can easily be defeated by the positive tendencies led by the soul guided vital force.

Tip : Practice meditation to overcome false ego and overcome negative tendencies.

Ego is inversely proportional to knowledge. More the knowledge, lesser the ego.

Verses 12, 13, 14:

Objective meaning:

Bhishma blew the conch shell indicating the start of the war. Bhisma did this to raise the morale of the army who respond by sounding the battle cry , conches and drums.

Sanjaya reminds Dhritarashtra that Madhava (one who is wedded to prosperity) is on Pandavas side. Both Krishna and Arjuna respond by blowing their conches. Arjuna was gifted the great chariot by Agni.

Subjective meaning :

During meditation negative tendencies will make you breathe rapidly. You can also feel a deep positive breath coming from deep inside your heart, which is positive energy.

Tip : Introspection should lead you to a thoughtless state.

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Summarized by Bala Dhandapani:

Chapter-1 Slokas 4-14

In these slokas, Duryodhana's state of mind can be interpreted by the way he addressed the Pandava warriors and the army and next his own army, in a way that he is doubting himself and his actions towards the war.  Also, in a way convincing himself on the greatness of his army and his selfishness that the great warriors supporting him although they realize that they are in the wrong side. 

Slokas 4, 5 and 6

Theme

·         In Slokas 4, 5 and 6 Duryodhana presents a list of noted worrier in the Pandava army and addresses their greatness in war.

·         Duryodhana praising their greatness in turn reveals his nervousness and recognizes that although the number of warriors in the Pandava army are less than the Kaurava army their collective effectiveness is stronger than the Kauravas.

Subjective Analysis

·         Arjuna is considered Self Control

·         Bhima is Power of Vitality

·         Shows how are Negative tendencies/demons collude towards our Positive tendencies

TIP

Analyze how the Positive tendencies make you feel remorse during Inspection.

Slokas 7-11

Theme

·         In Slokas 7-11 calls out notable warriors in his army, praising their greatness.

·         There are indications on Duryodhana’s confused and freightened state of mind based on the manner he addresses the warriors in his army.

Subjective Analysis

·         Kripacharya signifies Avidya/Ignorance/Illusion

·         Bhisma signify Pseudoself or false ego

·         Asvatama the  Latent desires derived from vasanas

·         Karna the attachment to materialistic pleasure

Negative force or tendencies led by the pseudo self can easily be defeated by the positive tendencies

TIP:  Practice Meditation to overcome False Ego/Pseudo Self and negative tendencies.

Do your duty and Victory will be yours

(Interesting and relevant saying of Albert Einstein – More the knowledge, lesser the ego.  Lesser the Knowledge, more the ego)

Slokas 12, 13 and 14

·         Bhisma ends Duryodhana’s ranting and confusion by blowing the horn to start the war, signaling the army to join the war.

·         Bhisma’s action also indicate that he is ready to fight and dispel any doubt in Duryodhana.

·         Krishna and Arjuna also blow the horn/conch

·         Sanjaya emphasizes the differences/contrast between the Pandava and Kaurava armies subtly to Dhrtarastra so that he may persuade his sons to withdraw from the war.

TIP

During meditation you will suddenly feel rapid breathing.  These are the negative tendencies.  One can also feel a deep positive breath coming from deep inside your heart which is the positive energy.

Class Summary for Oct 15, 2017 - Chapter-1: 1 -3

Summarized by Indrajeet Harer:

We began the class with pranayama followed by the recap of the previous class. We re-visited the first Shloka. Here is the summary of what we discussed :

1st Shloka :

Objective meaning:

The first shloka depicts Dhritarashra’s favoritism towards his son, Duryodhan. Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to describe what is happening at the holy place of Kurukhetra between his people & the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra is secretly hoping that the unjust war will be avoided at the holy place of Kurukshetra.

Subjective meaning :

Dhritarashtra is representing the blind mind that is attached to the body.

Sanjaya is considered to be the introspection.

Kurukshetra is the plain body

Dharmakshetra is the body guarded by intellect.

Tip : Introspect Daily.

We discussed in detail what is meant by introspection & how it is different from reflection.

Introspection is getting in witness mode & watching the parade of the activities that happened during the day without getting judgmental & letting the mind take us for a ride.

Reflection is focused on a specific project / activity to understand the lessons learned with the aim to learn from the past mistakes.

We also discussed in brief the roles of Vyasa, Sanjaya and Ganesha in the creation of Bhagwad Geeta.  

2nd Shloka :

Objective meaning:

In the second shloka, Sanjaya responds to the question posed by Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya describes that the Pandava army is organized in a military formation which shows their readiness for the war and having seen this, Duryodhana is in a confused state and runs to his Guru, Drona, for comfort.

Subjective meaning :

Duryodhana is representing the strong materialistic desire, which is difficult to be defeated.

Drona is considered to be the habits/vasanas.

The strong materialistic desires have a high dependency on vasanas.

Tip : Identify your habits.

We discussed why Drona has a negative depiction in the subjective analysis. Drona was attached to his son just like Dhritarashtra. Being a teacher, Drona could have opted to not participate in the war, but he had selfish motives in assisting Duryodhana.

3rd Shloka :

Objective meaning:

In the third shloka, Duryodhana says to his teacher, Drona, to take a look at the mighty army of the Pandavas led by Drupada’s son, Dhrustadyun. Even at the height of tensions, Duryodhana taunts his teacher, Drona, that it was mistake to impart knowledge to Dhrustadyun.

Subjective meaning :                                                                                           

Drupada  is  representing dispassion towards sense enjoyment.

Dhrustadyun is considered as intuition.

Tip : Seek intuition.

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Submitted by Sunil Jyothi:

http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-reflection-and-vs-introspection/

This is a good article about Reflection and Introspection.  

Reflection is about outcome (action, thought,  behaviour) while Introspection is self analysis, soul searching, the real you...

Class Summary for Oct 08, 2017 - Intro to Bhagavad Gita

Summarized by Partha Turaga:

We reviewed the basics that were covered in “Self Unfoldment” and the general scheme of conducting the class. Our class starts with Opening prayer, pranayam and Om chanting. 

Bhagwad Gita can be considered as one of the first books in the sequence of books namely, Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads & Brahma Sutras. 

 We started the class with some benefits we can get from the Bhagwad Gita class and internalizing it. 

• Bhagwad Gita starts with Arjuna Vishad Yoga - it demonstrates the confusions that we face in life. This can make any person deluded. Bhagwad Gita helps in understanding these delusions and prescribes a path to effectively counter it. It helps us understand our Dharma (Nature). It also helps in knowing yourself and growing spiritually - Self Actualization. It demonstrates that meditation is the way to counter your innate tendencies or Vasanas.
• In a more philosophical interpretation it helps us understand the play of God (Parmatma) and us (Jivatmas). It gives us means to reach parmatma. In the process it shows what the experience will be like and defines the characteristics of such people.

Bhagwad Gita has inspired many great souls in the past and it means different things to different people. Mahatma Gandhi called it a Gospel of Selfless action. It is a handbook of life. It helps in a balance between Subjective and Objective. Gita Dhyana Sloka verse 4 portrays Krishna as the Milkman, Arjuna as a calf, Upanishads as Cow, and Gita as the Milk - Signifying that the Lord is benefiting the whole word by using Arjuna as a means to that end. Another symbolism is about the image of lord Krishna as a charioteer reining the horses of a chariot and leading Arjuna into the battle. Lord Krisha (Intellect) is controlling the Horses (Senses)  through a difficult path (of Sense Objects) using the reins (the Mind) and guiding Arjun (ego) on the Chariot (Body) in this intense battle of Life. 

We then covered the Dhyana Slokas. There are 9 of them. It summarizes the essence of the setting, shows the greatness of Vyasa & Krishna, portrays the strength of the armies present, Greatness of gods and then sets the stage for the Bhagwad Gita to begin. 

We covered the first slokas and will go into details next week. Bhagwad Gita is in Bheeshma parva and is recited by Sanjaya, who is endowed with divine vision, to Dhritrashtra - the blind king of Kuru kingdom. 

Hari Om.