Gita: A Mantra for Success: Recent Episodes
Deepti & Vinod
Bhagavad Gita has the best life teachings but most of the explanations have been either theistical or philosophical in nature, making it a difficult read for many. Everyone wants to read it but only a few actually do. We are using a storytelling approach to explain the practical applications of the Bhagavad Gita in our personal and professional lives. We are two individuals - one a business leader and the other a Yoga teacher - with our own explanations and thought process to the Bhagavad Gita
In this last chapter, we summarize the entire Gita. Our goal in life is to increase Sattvic Guna, refine Rajasic Guna, and eliminate Tamasic Guna. Learn what’s it’s to live a life of Arajarshi, which means sagely inwardly, kingly outwardly.
In this chapter, Krishna explains how our behavior or our conduct is made of the three gunas – Sattvic,
Rajasic, and Tamasic. And how these three Gunas force us to act in a certain way.
Learn what Om Sat Tat means. “Om tat sat” is a mantra which ensures that our approach to life is not tāmasic (for ill purpose) or rajasic (for temporary selfishness).
This chapter discusses the values humans tend to
adopt and how our values define us.
Krishna categorizes humans based on the values: Deva Sampat and Asura Sampat.
Deva Sampat is more spiritual in nature with values like fearlessness, truthfulness, calmness, patience, renunciation, non-violence, control of senses, modest, gentle, absence of greed or desire.
Asura Sampat is more materialistic in nature . Anger,
arrogance, delusion, desire, pleasure, worries, ego – all these emotions are traits of Asuras.
Since all human beings have all three Gunas –Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, there is an innate propensity to become fully Divine (influence of Sattva) or exaggerate the demonic propensity (influence of Rajas and Tamas).
Krishna describes what happens when one functions under the influence of ego. Rajas and Tamas qualities are given free play. Undisciplined and unawakened action of Rajas and Tamas leads the human being to become demonic, leading to self-destruction, damage to societal harmony, and undermines the inalienable sanctity of human beings, all life forms and the creation. And so they become Raskshas.
This episode summarizes the essence of not just the Gita but also Vedic scriptures. It covers four topics - what is the world, who am I, what is Brahmanda or the Universe, and what is the relationship between me, the world and the Universe.
Learn about the concept of Purushottam, and how it tries to attract our mind and soul all the time.
In this chapter, learn three Gunas of Prakriti or nature - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
- Sattva is the principle of joy, harmony or peace.
- Rajas is the principle of passion and activity.
- Tamas is the principle of passivity.
Learn how these three Gunas are interconnected and how we can find balance.
In the 13th Chapter, we cover how 24 material elements constitute the material nature and bodies. And how Atman is independent of material elements. Learn the difference between Kurukshetra and Dharmashetra.
Kurukshetra means conflict within ourselves. Dharmashetra means conflicts are always around us, but not within us.
This chapter begins with a question as to which is the best, the worship of the AKSARA or the indefinable impersonal Brahman or that of the absolute person, which is Krishna.
God can be experienced in two ways - NIRGUNA and SAGUNA.
NIRGUNA is the eternal all -pervading and omnipresent divine consciousness.
SAGUNA is the manifestation of God in some form.
NIRGUNA is worship of God without form. SAGUNA is worship of God with form.
Learn more about how to take the path of Bhakti!
In this chapter, we explain the meaning of Krishna’s Universal Form.
Vishawaroopam is the cosmic consciousness and its manifestation as the entire universe. Gita has illustrated a symbolic and personified form of Brahmanda or the Universe.
Krishna shows Ishvara’s pleasant form. But Arjuna’s amazement turns into fear as he witnesses the transformation of Ishvara’s cosmic form. The “Soumya roopa” or the pleasant form morphed into the “Ugra roopa”, the fear-inducing form. Learn why Krishna shows both creative and destructive sides of the Universe.
This chapter is know as Vibhuti Yoga - Vibhuti means the Forms or manifestations. In stunning terms, Krishna describes his might and magnificence by reciting each place in the cosmos and on the earth where Krishna is present
Learn what Viveka means, and how Krishna explains what's real and what's unreal.
In this episode, learn the concept of Bhakti Yoga. Understand what Krishna meant when he said, “a'ham sarva- bhuteshu”
He says – “I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.”
In this episode, we discuss the concept of God in the most philosophical and esoteric way.
Understand what is the “life of darkness” and “the life of light.” And why we fear death so much.
Understand the most beautiful concept of Life - Jeevan Mukti.
In this episode, Krishna says we are all born with wisdom, we are all wise but we fail to use our wisdom. This is because we fail to follow three phases of SHRAVANA (Listening), MANANA (Contemplating the truth) and NIDHI-DHYASANA (Living and breathing the truth). Learn this powerful lesson from Krishna.
- Learn how Krishna explains the concept of God.
- What are the four kinds of Bhaktas or devotees?
- What are Apara Vidya and Para Vidya?
In this episode, we cover Chapter Six, focusing on Dhyana Yoga or meditation. Learn key techniques of meditation as explained by Krishna.
- How your mindset should be,
- How your meditation posture should be,
- How your eating habit should be,
- How your lifestyle should be.
- How your interaction with others should be.
We also cover what Patanjali suggested, which is,
"By cultivating attitudes of friendliness (Maitri) toward the happy, compassion (Karuna) for the unhappy, delight (Mudita) in the virtuous, and disregard (Upeksha) toward the wicked, the mind retains its undisturbed calmness, and that is how you can start meditating.”
Summary of the chapter:
- Renunciation is not giving up action. It is renouncing the obstacles that stand in the way of perfect action.
- The path of action is meant for the active people and path of renunciation for the contemplative.
- Redeem yourself by yourself. Nobody else can help you.
- Moderation and regulation of life’s activities are a must for material or spiritual progress.
- When the mind is in a scattered state there is no power. A gathered mind has power, is calm and effective.
- The intellect has high penetrating power when developed. It enables effortless excellence and takes you to Self realisation.
- Yoga is the separation of union with sorrow. Disconnect this union with sorrow. Then you fill find happiness within yourself.
- All desires are born of imagination.
- The test of spiritual development is the ability to see yourself in others and all beings in yourself.
- The doer of good never suffers. Selfish people will be destroyed.
In this episode, learn
- Four types of people and how one can progress in life.
- Story of City with Nine Gates and how Maya influences its citizens
- Why meditation or Dhyana is so difficult and how we can adapt Ashtanga Yoga l.
- Why we fail to succeed in life... and what is the least we can do to get enlightened in this life.
In this episode, learn three key lessons from Chapter Four
- What’s the difference between Jiva-Janam and Isvara- Avatar?
- What are the five daily activities that can help us gain higher knowledge?
- What’s the difference between Consciousness (Atman) and Ego (Ahamkara)?
In this episode, learn six critical points from the third chapter.
- What are the three types of Karma?
- How can you have an ideal attitude to be a Karma Yogi?
- What is inaction?
- What is Yajna? What are the five types of Yajna?
- Why can’t you get inner peace?
- Why is svadharma? And why you just follow your own path?
And learn how these three factors cause frustration and misery in life
Kama – Irsya – Krodha
Kama, a deep, extensive desire, or lust leads to Irsya, greed, or jealousy. That Irsya leads to Krodha or anger.
The combination of Kaama + Irsha + Krodha causes Frustration or misery in our life.
In this episode, learn six key points from the second chapter.
- What is Samkhya Philosophy?
- What is self-realization?
- What is Sattvic Buddhi?
- What is Karma Yoga?
- How do you let go of your desire?
- What are your duties?
And learn three aspects of Karma Yoga.
- Choosing the right action (Sattvic Buddhi)
- Dedicating to the actions (Ishvara Arpana Buddhi )
- Accepting any result as a gift( Prasaada Buddhi)
In this episode, learn how Raga (attachment), Soga (Grief) and Moga (Delusion) are interconnected.
We start Season 2 with Periamma’s interpretation.
In this episode, we describe
- The Eight Limbs of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
- The Yamas listed as
- Ahimsa – not harming or non-violence;
- Satya– speaking the truth or avoiding falsehood;
- Asteya– not stealing;
- Brahmacharya – celibacy; and
- Aparigraha– having no sense of ownership.
- The Niyamas are what Patanjali wants Yogis to adapt. These are –
- Shaucha– purity of both body and mind
- Santosha– contentment in the sense of not always seeking more than one already has
- Tapa– acts of religious austerity
- Svadhyaya– study and recitation of the Veda; and
- Ishvara-pranidhana– devotion to God.
- Learn why Yoga is a way of life, not those complex Yoga postures.
This is the end of Season 1. Please help us understand what you would like us to cover in Season 2. You can email us at onestoryavenue@gmail.com
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We have written a blog about Patanjali Yoga Sutras. You can find it here
Let's go back to the basic philosophy of Yoga and learn Patanjali Yoga Sutras. You must have heard about the ‘Eight Limbs of Yoga‘ – that philosophy is ‘just one’ part of Patanjali Yoga Sutras. And can you believe that Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras has nothing to do with asanas? He does not speak about those Yoga poses that we are aware of. His entire verses focus on mind and how Yoga can regulate our minds.
In this episode we discuss
- Who was Patanjali and what is Patanjali Yoga Sutras?
- Five different mindsets
- Good thoughts and true knowledge (pramana)
- Bad thoughts and wrong understanding (viparyaya)
- Confusion (vikalpa)
- Sleep when mind is still active (nidra)
- Memory or sensual encounter of any object based on smell, sight, feel, flavor (smriti).
- We will discuss different lifestyle choices we can make to bring serenity in mind, for example, we have to choose to show;
- Friendship towards those who are happy
- Compassion for those who suffer
- Delight towards the righteous
- Indifference towards the wicked people.
You can read more about the Patanjali Sutras here
His Sutras is influenced by the Samkhya Philosophy, which we have explained in detail here.
In this episode, we explain the concept of the Gunas in detail.
- THREE KEY LESSONS from the Bhagavad Gita:
- What is higher knowledge?
- What is God?
- How do you find the inner peace?
- What are the three things that we must renounce for inner peace?
- Different examples of Gunas
- Gunas and Food
- Gunas and Charity
- Gunas and Happiness
- Gunas and Workers
- Gunas and Intelligence
- Krishna's Final Message to Arjuna (and everyone)
"I have now revealed to you this wisdom, which is the deepest mystery. After fully considering what you have heard, you should then act as you see fit.”
- BONUS: We discuss the movie GUIDE and narrate the story of Raju and his journey from a tourist guide to a fake spiritual guide to an enlightened soul.
What are the three Gunas - Sattvic, Rajas and Tamas?
Sadhguru says, "All the qualities of the world have been identified as three basic gunas, tamas, rajas, and sattva. Inertia is called tamas. Activity is called rajas. Transcendence is called sattva.
"There is no physical entity without all these three dimensions. Not a single atom is free of these three dimensions of a certain static nature, of energy, and of vibrance. If these three elements are not there, you cannot hold anything together – it will break up. If it is just sattva, you won't remain here for a moment – you will be gone. If it is just rajas, it’s not going to work. If it’s just tamas, you will be asleep all the time. So, these three qualities are present in everything. It is just a question of to what extent you mix these things."
In this episode, we are talking about Bhakti Yoga. Bhakti Yoga is a difficult concept for both of us as we do not follow the traditional idea of Bhakti. But we did rigorous research about Bhakti Yoga, read how ancient philosophers interpreted them. Again, at no point, will we be saying, "Hare Rama Hare Krishna or that Krishna is the ONLY TRUTH. There is no other God bigger than him or anything along those lines."
Instead, we will provide the historical significance of the concept of Bhakti in Hinduism, how it started, what influenced the idea, and why the Bhagavad Gita chose such a drastic turn from philosophies of karma yoga, Gyana yoga and Dhyana yoga to Bhakti yoga.
If our stand makes you uncomfortable, we apologize beforehand. Our goal is not to offend anyone. We want to be very open-minded and transparent about how we are approaching the concept of Bhakti and how we understand it and this is our interpretation of it.
- What is Bhakti Yoga? How does Krishna insert the idea of Bhakti?
- What does surrendering mean? We give an example of when Krishna saves Draupadi during attempted Cheerharan incident in Mahabharat
- The link between Universe or Brahman in Upanishad and Krishna himself
- The historical significance of the Bhakti movement in India, and how the modern concept of Bhakti is influenced by Sufism.
- Influence of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya and Meerabai on Bhakti Movement
- Bonus: The story of a dog and the priest to understand the true essence of Bhakti or devotion
- And our conclusion of how Bhakti has different forms.
In this episode, we will discuss
- Lord Vishnu's ten avatars and its significance as described by a Sadhu in Varanasi. Do you know Krishna does not explain Avatar in the Bhagavad Gita?
- What is Gyana Yoga? What does realized knowledge mean? What happens when one finds his true self?
- How does Krishna's teachings of meditation or Dhyana Yoga aligns with the Patanjali Yoga Sutras? We have written an article that explains Patanjali Yoga Sutras.
Bonus: A Jedi Story that teaches what we can learn from the salt, chicken, and crane (bird) to be successful in life.
Krishna's quotes from the episode:
“A wise person sees action amid inaction and inaction during an action. Their consciousness is unified, and every act is done with complete awareness. Such people who are free from anxiety about results, their actions are burned by the fire of knowledge.”
“Always seek knowledge through submission, inquiry, and devotion. Approach those who have realized the purpose of life. Find a teacher who is willing to impart knowledge to you. Once you find the wisdom, you will never be deluded.”
In this episode, we cover the entire Chapter 3, which is one of the most useful chapters for Karma Yogis (Entrepreneurs, students, business leaders, professionals). In this episode, we cover
- The power of gratitude. Let's learn how ancient people from the Vedic era used yajna as a means to show gratitude to gods.
- How the habit of showing gratitude can help us in both personal and professional lives.
- Get great quotes of Krishna from chapter 3 (We have shared them below)
- Listen to the story of the "most beautiful donkey" in town and how delusional we can get about ourselves
- Listen to the story of the King and his plants, and learn why we should be the best version of ourselves.
Krishna's quotes that we explained in this episode.
“Perform all the actions, completely absorbed in your true goals, and without any expectations, keep fighting! But stay free from the fever of the ego (3.30).”
“Those, firmly established in their faith, keep going without complaining irrespective of the outcome will succeed. But those who indulge in criticizing and complaining about any outcome are utterly deluded. You should know they are dull-witted and are the cause of their sufferings (3.31-3.32)."
“We are conditioned by attraction to the pleasant and aversion to the unpleasant. Do not fall for these tendencies. They are obstacles in your path (3.34).”
"It is far better to struggle following your own path than to succeed in someone else’s path. Nothing is ever lost when following your path, but competition in another’s path breeds fear and insecurity (3.35).”
What is Karma Yoga? And who is Karma Yogi?
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action,” Krishna tells Arjuna (verse 2.47). With this simple phrase, Krishna sets out the essential principles of the Bhagavad Gita’s doctrine of Karma Yoga.Karma Yoga is the first step for those who are interested in following a spiritual path. Even if you are not spiritually inclined, Karma Yoga is the Yoga that is applicable and relevant in your daily life too.
Who is Karma Yogi?
Krishna says, “Karma Yogi is someone who is neither elated by good fortune nor depressed by bad. Such a person is free from attachment, fear, and anger.”
In this episode, we discuss
- Story of a hare and a tortoise and what tortoise teaches us to be a Karma Yogi.
- A story of a man who dug the mountain to create a path for the villagers.
- We discuss Karma Kanda using the example of the famous movie Oh My God- OMG
What is Karma Kanda?
In the Vedas, there are three divisions or Kandas – Karma Kanda, Jnana Kanda, and Upasana Kanda. Karma Kanda is the section of the Vedas that lists rituals, ceremonies, and actions, which, when performed, lead one to power and prosperity. On the other hand, Jnana Kanda comprises of philosophical teachings and knowledge. And Upasana Kanda has more to do with Bhakti or devotion.
Finally,
Krishna says, “When you keep thinking about objects, attachment comes. Attachment breeds desire. Such desires develop a lust for possessions, and from lust, anger arises. From anger comes delusion. Delusion degrades one’s way of thinking, and when thinking is degraded, intelligence is lost. And when the intelligence is destroyed, a person is lost (verses 2.63-64)”
When Krishna realizes that Arjuna was not in that mindset to process his first teaching, Samkhya Yoga, he decides to shift track. He speaks about social duty or social dharma. In this episode, we discuss Krishna’s second teaching and give a brief introduction to Karma Yoga.
- Why do we think Krishna’s second teaching was superficial compared to his first teaching?
- A brief introduction to caste-based versus class-based division in Hinduism
- Using Karna’s example, we will discuss how Krishna’s teaching has made some modern scholars uncomfortable.
- Using examples of Krishna’s role as a charioteer and a teacher on the battlefield, we will discuss the importance of being faithful to the position we take.
We have a BIG BONUS in this episode.
For most of this episode, we have discussed two Hindi movies in detail
1) Deewar (1975). Deewar is a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece that explains the ethical dilemma that one faces when in a morally ambiguous situation. We tell stories of a father and a son, and how both of them face the same moral dilemma, and how they behave differently. And do you remember the famous dialogue of the movie “mere pass maa hain (I have a mother).” What does that ‘mother’ signify? We discuss that too.
2) Border (1997), how a Major reprimanded, rebuked, provoked, and ridiculed an officer, who wanted to leave the battlefield to be with his dying wife. What did that officer do after the punishment? We discuss that.
AND do not miss the real-life story of happy-go-lucky Rob- the janitor; and how he inspired everybody with his selfless act.
NOTE:
Krishna's first teaching, which is also known as Samkhya Yoga, speaks about our immortal nature: the Atman, that never dies. Thus Krishna does not lead us from stage to stage of spiritual awareness. Instead, Krishna begins with the ultimate premise - the immortal soul is more important than the passing world.
In this episode, we will focus on Krishna's first teaching, which is, the relationship between soul and body. While describing the concept of Atman, Purusha or soul, we will discuss
- How does Krishna take references from the Upanishads and Samkhya Philosophy?
- Are Upanishads part of four Vedas that come under Shruti Hindu scripture?
- What is Samkhya Philosophy? Why was it one of the most popular doctrines in ancient India?
- A brief introduction to Vedanta philosophy, focusing on Advaita Vedanta philosophy. How is Advaita Vedanta philosophy different from Samkhya philosophy?
We have written a blog explaining the concept of Samkhya philosophy at our website One Story Avenue
What is Samkhya Philosophy?
It regards the universe as two independent realities, purusha which is the consciousness or atman and prakriti which is matter. Samkhya philosophy is known for its theory of gunas (qualities, innate tendencies). This Samkhya theory of guṇas was widely discussed, developed, and refined by various schools of Indian philosophies.
Sage Kapila, the founder of Samkhya philosophy, created a sophisticated system of explaining how prakriti has three distinct qualities (Sattava, Rajas and Tamas) and how these three qualities of nature influence human intelligence and ego. It is a complex philosophy, but very useful in our daily life; because it helps us think about looking at the bigger picture.
While the Samkhya school considers the Vedas a reliable source of knowledge, it is an atheistic philosophy. The existence of God or a supreme being is not directly asserted nor considered relevant by the Samkhya philosophers.
Why did Krishna start with the most complex philosophy?
Krishna is just giving us all different options to find our inner peace. In his first teaching, Krishna is telling people to rise above the conditioning of life’s dualities and identify with the Atman or the immortal self. Basically, he is asking Arjuna to have this detachment from pleasure and pain.
There is a leadership and life mantra here. One should not get carried away with or get too attached to either success or failure. If you are too attached, success might make you obnoxious and arrogant; and failure might make you desperate and depressed.
What is Vedanta Philosophy?Vedanta literally means End of Vedas. Veda- Anta – and Anta means the end. Now it is not necessarily negative. It also means the highest knowledge of all Vedas. These are the three foundations of the Vedanta system of thoughts - Upanishads, Brahma sutra, and the Bhagavad Gita. So, Vedanta philosophy is relatively new.
There are different schools of thought under the umbrella of Vedanta Philosophy - some dualistic in nature, and some non-dualistic. In this episode, we will discuss Advaita Vedanta Philosophy that was made popular by Adi Shankaracharya some 1200 years ago.
In this episode, we will discuss
- What kind of person is ready for wisdom - we will discuss why Krishna chose Arjuna but not Yudhisthira or Bhima?
- What does Krishna's Role as a Charioteer teach us?
Bonus
- Don't miss our story from the Disney movie - Ratatouille
- Who is Yudhisthira and who is Bhima in Marvel movies?
- Martin Luther King's Noble Peace Prize - Speech
In this episode, we will discuss
- Can we let go of our desire?
- What is a creative desire? What is a destructive desire?
- Why was Duryodhana so unhappy? We will discuss his character and analyze his entitled mindset.
BONUS: Do not miss the story of 99 Club. It is one of the best moral stories we have heard in a long time.
In this episode, we will discuss:
- What is Bhagavad Gita? We will give you a brief introduction to the Gita.
- Who is Krishna? We will discuss if we need to see Krishna as God to understand Gita.
Bonus: We will discuss Star Wars and how Anakin/Luke Skywalkers face similar situations in Star Wars as Arjuna, the central character of the Bhagavad Gita. And do not miss our story from the movie Avatar.
Summary of the episode:
Is Bhagavad Gita for Hindus only? Or for Krishna’s devotees, yogis, or elderly people? Is Gita all about one message, which is, do your duty? Is Gita all about praying, and chanting? Is it a war manual? Does it advocate war? No, no, and no!
Was Krishna a yoga teacher or a brilliant strategist? Or a life coach or a business leader? Or a philosopher or a behavioral scientist? Or did he even exist?
Do we need to believe Krishna as God to understand verses of the Bhagavad Gita? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
In fact, we might make many Krishna’s devotees uncomfortable because, at no point, we will preach Krishna as God. Instead, our focus is to promote mindful living and mental well-being; and how we can be successful in life by following some of these practical teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
You can read more about this episode here: Bhagavad Gita for Beginners: Brief Introduction
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