Class Summary for Nov 16, 2019 - Chapter-3 Slokas 20 - 24

Summarized by :  Sudha 

• Opening Prayers & Meditation.
• Review of previous class verses followed by discussion of its applications in real life:
• Performing actions with a level of abstraction/detachment (I, We, Small team, Large Team, Universe)
• Discussion of 3 types of action:
• Don’t contribute/act, but take full credit.
• Act with a selfish motive.
• Act without being attached to our actions.
• Discussion among individuals regarding goals versus results.
• Gurudev’s videos pertaining to Verses 15, 16 and 18:
• Our ability to function is a gift given by the Creator.
• Gurudev refers humans to two legged animals, when they simply follow and don’t think and act in an appropriate manner! Such people’s lives are not straight but full of disorder!
• Actions caused by external pressure is not a trait of a realized man. We have to work to purify our mind, thereby exhausting our vasanas to reach the higher goal. On the other hand, realized men work out of pure compassion to the human kind.
• Chanting of verses 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 with detailed explanation as follows:
• Lord Krishna changes his tactics in dealing with Arjuna, as he shifts from the ‘highest order perspective’, to a ‘direct order’ approach.
• He emphasizes that if Arjuna doesn’t perform the right action and runs away from the battle ground, there will be total chaos!
• Lord Krishna emphasizes the general adage behind human development, and tells Arjuna, that his followers will simply imitate his actions whatever it may be, and therefore asks him to be a role model, a leader, thereby setting an example to the society.
• He starts giving Arjuna examples of exemplary individuals like King Janaka, a Sage King who performed his duties with great fervor and a sage like attitude.
• We discussed teachings of Gandhiji, who said, “Be the change, you want to see in the world”.
• Talked about the difference between a Bhogi (One who performs action for the fruits of his action) and a Yogi (One who performs action for self-purification).
• Krishna then brings in a special example of leader among men.. Himself! He says the world would come to a halt, if he did not continue to work without relaxation – men would simply follow Him and plunge into an unproductive existence!
• Lord Krishna reiterates that the entire universe survives and lives by mere action alone!
• Ended the class by watching Gurudev’s video pertaining to verse 21.
• He gives an example wherein the kid would likely take up to reading if he saw his parents spending their time reading.

• Closing Prayers

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. 

Class Summary for Oct 27, 2019 - Chapter-3 Slokas 8-13

Summarized by :  Neelima Turaga

We started the class with opening prayers, pranayam and meditation.
After a brief recap of last week's class we watched three videos of Gurudev related to the verses 4, 5 and 6 of chapter 3.

Summary -
 By giving up all activities or by not undertaking any activities that will benefit the society, a person does not reach a state of actionlessness or naishkarmya as indicated by the rishis and vedas. A person escaping from the world cannot reach religion or spirituality.  One has no right to renounce the world. The world is not yours to give it up. You can only give up what is yours and that is your attachment. No living organism can remain without activity. As long as there is life there is response to external stimuli. Life is expressed in action. Never can a living organism keep quiet or without activity even for a moment.
Naishkarmya is a state accomplished where one becomes actionless, or all actions become totally spontaneous,  There are no more desires, thoughts or vasanas.

Nothing can be without action. It was even been scientifically proven, that every cell in the body of a living organism is performing an activity all the time. Inaction is not an option.

We then chanted Shlokas 8,9,10, 11,12 and 13
We discussed how a person's action can be compared to a yagna or sacrifice.

The field of activity in which a person operates (ex - doctor, soldier) is the yagna kund. The talent or ability a person puts to use is equivalent to the ahuti or offering to the sacrificial fire. The fire then shoots up with the offering, which is like the profits or results received. Even though the yagna is performed by one person, the prasad at the end of the sacrifice is distributed to everyone, Similarly, the profits or the fruits of a person's action should be distributed to everyone.

As long as a person performs one's duty, there is peace. The moment he/she starts thinking in terms of rights, there are bound to be disagreements or fights.

It is important to perform one's duties and accept the result, whatever it is, as a prasadam.

There was a discussion about the application of these principles of duties and rights in daily life. The examples of Buddha giving up his duty as a prince and renouncing the world, and Rama sending his pregnant wife to the forest were briefly discussed. The concluding point was that although these examples can be perceived as a deviation from duty, a deeper insight into such topics will help us understand that there is a higher goal and a greater good involved.

Other points discussed -
Prescribed vedic duties are based on your dharma and how you perform them makes a difference. It can be classified as Satvik, Rajasik or Tamasik based on the reason for the action, obligatory, desire driven or prohibited. (ex - a soldier in a war vs an active shooter, both using weapons, but for completely different reasons).
Nitya karma  encompasses the duties a person has to perform everyday, no matter what.
Naimitya karma includes actions that need to be performed due to certain circumstances.

Action without the right attitude will result in bondage, whereas, action with devotion is equivalent to a yagna and will free one from bondage.
Harmonious living with the right attitude is the way to sustain the world. There needs to be harmony and balance, whether it be in the workplace or elsewhere. The underlying attitude is what matters the most. Whether the action is performed for a selfish motive or is it for the greater good is what determines this.

The world and the body are God's gifts to us. What we do with them is our gift back to God. It is important to take appropriate action as per the circumstances.

A  grateful and thankful attitude is very important.

Class Summary for Oct 20, 2019 - Introduction to Chapter-3

Summarized by :  Bala Dhandapani

Notes from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Class

Oct 20, 2019

Class started with a high level summary of Chapter 1 and 2 after meditation and prayer.

Chapter 2 recap on slokas

1-10: Arjuna surrender to God

11-46: Sankya -Gnana Yoga/knowledge (Consider as a Surgery for a cure)

47-60: Karma Yoga (second medicine)

61-70: Bhakti Yoga (supplement medicine)

71-72: Renunciation/Sanyasa Yoga (Cured person)

Introduction to Chapter 3 – Unfoldment through Action

Slokas in Chapter 3 are divided into the following:

1-2: Arjuna’s dilemma

3-19: Logic of Action

20-24: Emotional Motivation (for doing action)

25-35: Analysis of Action (different types of action and how they fit in)

36-39: Obstacles to right action – Karma Yoga

40-43: How to remove obstacles

Recap on Karma Yoga, Bhakti and Gnana Yoga:

Example: Clean Up of Hard Disk (Karma Yoga),  Decluster (Steadfast single action, Bhakti Yoga), this will result in Improved Performance.

• Bhakti Yoga is also needed to perform Karma Yoga.
• Removal of false notion is Gnana Yoga
• In the current state all 3 yogas are needed – Karma, Bhakti and Gnana
• Do Karma Yoga to perform Gnana Yoga

Benefits of Karma Yoga  (Chapter 3)

• Relate to world and be good
• Earn wealth and be happy
• Control sense indulgence
• Emotion in relationships (minus selfishness-pure love)
• Clarity in thinking
• Spiritual benefits – not to burden but to set free

Discussion on Bhagavad Gita, some of the points were

• Bhagavad Gita is not just a spiritual journey, but also helps us deal with day to day activities

Scenario to think about – if your company informs that they cannot pay for the next 2 months what will one do………..

Sloka 1 and 2 were chanted and discussed

Summary: Arjuna asks the Lord, why do you ask me to fight in the war – brining out his dilemma

Sloka 3-7

Summary: Krishna advises,

• One cannot do Gnana yoga without eliminating the attachments (vasanas)
• While doing Karma yoga one would also receive Gnana Yoga – depending on the vasanas

Interesting discussion on Situation and problem/experience

Situation – an accident that we see

Problem/Experience – When the same accident happens to us.

Theme of Slokas 1-7

• Arjuna gets a doubt on why do Karma Yoga after hearing details on Gnana Yoga
• Gnana Yoga needs preparation of the mind and that is provided by performing Karma Yoga
• It is like washing hands before eating
• Action has to be performed as per the Gunas/temperament of the person (active person vs. contemplative person)
• Inaction or abstaining from one’s duty is not an option
• The path also depends on the ashrama one is in.
• Karma of a student is to study
• Grahashram – earn for your family – duty towards your family

Class concluded with Gurudev’s video on Chapter 3 verse 3

-Every individual is unique and each one thinks independently

-Sankyaya  yoga – contemplative person seeking why why why

-Karma Yoga is for a dynamic (restless) person

Class Summary for Mar 24 2019 - BG Chapter-2 Conclusion

Summarized by :  Indrajeet Harer

We started the class with the usual routine of Anulom - Vilom & prayers. We then had a group discussion about the ways to improve the experience of Adult study group so that more people can see the value in joining the spiritual journey.

Some of the ideas floated were :

1. Conduct sessions to target specific human challenges like stress management etc.
2. Have a lemon booth in the parking lot to attract the audience that never enter Chinmaya premises & hand them fliers.
3. Chinmaya hand book to be enhanced to provide more information on the adult study group such as audience, topic covered, what you will get of it etc. similar to the courses offered by IT companies. This will help the new comers to choose the right course.
4. Chinmaya mission should have a standard procedure for conducting adult study groups. Some of the participants shared bad experiences in other sessions they has attended in the past.

Everyone agreed that currently Chinmaya mission does not do enough to guide/retain the new entrants and we are short on qualified moderators. The Adult study group sessions offered will be re-structured after discussions with Swami Shantanandaji.

We then summarized the shlokas 69 to 72

Karma yoga - cleans the mind.

Bhakti yoga - helps declutter the mind

Gyana yoga - Helps REALIZE

Analogy of travel packing was discussed to drive the point home. Finding the bag and cleaning it is Karma yoga. Collecting what you need is Bhakti Yoga and packing the stuff you need and making it travel ready is Gyana yoga.

We then discussed the mental tiredness of white collar employees who feel tired without doing considerable physical work during the day. We can conserve mental energy by maintaining the meditative state.

We also had a brief discussion about the book "What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School" . It describes Corporations as one huge ego walking around with couple of arms and legs sticking out. Most of the higher level execs are fired because of lack of interpersonal skills. When a new CEO joins an organization, he often brings in his own army of loyal execs. Ego, inflexibility and lack of interpersonal skills are the reasons why people cant adjust to the changes happening at the work place. Be such that you can fit into any pack. Don’t just suppress Ego… Let it Go !

If you suppress the ego, it will eventually find a way to express itself. We need emotions to process information and make decisions.

The class was then divided into 4 groups and the following topics were assigned to each group for presenting their views in the next class :

1. Gyana yoga is the way to go
2. Who is Stith Pragnya ?
3. Argue that Bhakti yoga is the most superior
4. Karma yoga is the way to go

We were also told to analyze our own nature and see which of the following category we fall belong to :

Type D : Not Happy with what we have and don’t want to do anything

about it

Type C : Not Happy with what we have but are willing to put in effort

to change it.

Type B : Happy with what we have and don’t want to change anything.

Type A : Happy with what we have and are willing to put effort to

change/improve further.