The Space Within: Recent Episodes
Balaji Bharadwaj
Now Podcasting - a discussion on The Bhagavad Gita.
You are welcome to listen to all the episodes serially. Each episode is kept at about 10-15 minutes length for ease of listening and to give time for Manana or reflection upon what you have heard.
A journey within oneself - together. The Space Within refers to the mental space - Chidakasha or Hrudayakasha - which harbours all the thoughts and emotions. Clearing this space and experiencing pure bliss is the goal of spiritual quest.
In this concluding section of the Chapter, Lord Krishna clarifies the doubts of Arjuna and clearly states that the Path of Meditation is essential and is superior to mere bookish knowledge, or the path of action, or the practice of austerities. The path of meditation gives the person an experience of the Supreme Goal and is the highest form of yoga. Any progress made on this path is very important and worthwhile. One gets his or her subsequent birth in a noble family when one walks the spiritual path from where the journey can progress further.
Lord Krishna lists the advantages of the Path of Meditation. How it takes us to the Brahman state where we perceive the One in every one. Arjuna asks if it is really possible for him with his fickle mind and Lord Krishna gives the advice to persist with the practice (Abhyasa) and have dispassion (Vairagya).
In this section there is further description of meditation process. The benefits of meditation are also described. There is some bit of effort required. A skill to observe the mind and by observing the mind becoming the Witness. The Witness state is one of the important aspects of Enlightenment.
This section talks about how meditation has to be done. How we must behave in our life? Moderation in food, sleep, activities. It talks about the posture to be maintained and where to focus the mind. The next section also gives further instructions.
The key points so far are summarised in the first ten verses of this chapter. A person who has given up all selfish-desires for action and who remains equanimous in any adverse condition for the body, mind or ego and remains firmly established in the Self within himself is a true yogi. That one must make constant efforts for self-control (Atma-Samyama).
In this concluding section of Chapter V, Lord Krishna underlines the inportance of Knowledge of the self and teaches us in brief - how we can experience the Self - get a glimpse of the self. The process of meditation is mentioned in brief. The result of meditation being an experience of Love, Compassion and Peace!
In this section Lord Krishna underscores the importance of the Knowledge of the Brahman in experiencing whatever has been said so far. Be it remembering the transient nature of the world as opposed to the permanent nature of Truth; the equanimity of mind - beyond all dualities; or overcoming desires, anger and fear; or performing actions for the good of others in a spirit of sacrifice. All of these happen automatically for a person who gets a glimpse of the Knowledge of the Brahman (Supreme Self).
This chapter again begins with a doubt from Arjuna. He asks Lord Krishna if the Renunciation of Action is better or the Path of Action. Renunciation is often misunderstood as leaving everything and retiring to the Himalayas for penance. Far from it. Renunciation is clarified as 'renunciation of desire for fruits of action' or of desire-driven actions. Not renunciation of action itself!
The concluding portion of this chapter reiterates the importance of Knowledge (Jnana) and talks about Faith and the need to overcome doubts. When we overcome doubts alone we will be able to be open to receive Knowledge. Only when we have Faith, we will be given the Knowledge.
An elaboration of the various forms of Yajna or Sacrifice are made here. Sacrifices in outer action, inner quest, self-restraint and exercise of self-control, pranayama, charity, austerity and several others are listed.
This section outlines the details of Laws of Karma. It is told how the way out of Karma is to do actions one is ordained to do, avoid forbidden actions and also not fall prey to inaction. Actions done without desire for fruits of action or with the idea of possession or a selfish goal are all to be avoided. Actions done in a spirit of Yajna alone can free us from the bonds of Karma.
Declaration of Lord's own Divine birth and the purpose of His Life. Lord Krishna reveals to Arjuna in clear terms that he has taken birth with the aim of reviving Dharma. He also tells how four types of people are created with different levels of inclination for the material or the spiritual pursuits.
In this concluding section of Chapter III, Arjuna asks a question as to what is it that drives man to commit sinful acts? Lord Krishna in his reply, neatly wraps up the chapter by folding it onto the previous chapter. He says that it is Desire (& its derivative - Anger) that drive a man to commit sin. The Desires are located in the senses, the mind and the intellect and the way to defeat the enemy "Desire" is to establish oneself in the Self!
After discussing the highest forms of action - actions done in sacrificial (Yagna) spirit, Lord Krishna talks about the actions of the not-so-wise undertaken with desires or material gains in sight. This section tells how we must try to surrender all actions to the Divine and be free from feverishness, desires and egotism in our actions.
In this set of verses Lord Krishna underlines how action is essential for everyone. Even for the one who is Enlightened and established in wisdom, action is a must as it is action that sustains the world. Selfless actions in the Yagna (sacrifice) spirit is essential.
Karma Yoga:
In this chapter Arjuna starts by asking a question to Lord Krishna. When it has been said that Wisdom or being in Knowledge is the best, then why does the Lord ask Arjuna to fight and do actions? Then, Lord Krishna clarifies that action is essential. Just because one is established in knowledge doesn't mean actions can stop.
Sthithaprajna Lakshana II This section talks about how the mind is automatically drawn outwards towards sense objects through the sense organs for most of us. It is important to make constant efforts to look inwards and to meditate and experience the higher states of consciousness in meditation so that the objects of the world slowly lose their sheen. This concludes the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
Sthithaprajna Lakshana - I The Stithaprajna is one who is ever established in the Supreme Consciousness. This section of Chapter II was recited by Gandhiji every single day of his life. Such is the importance of this segment. The key to remain established in the self is to be free from desires. This means to avoid the temptations of the sense objects upon the senses and the mind. This is in turn possible for one who has had a glimpse of the Self or who has meditated for sometime at least and experienced the peace of mind.
Action without Desires - Action without Likes & Dislikes. Lord Krishna talks of desire-driven actions for material gains which is the domain of the materialists who do not believe in a higher world than what is seen. He also talks about actions done without desires and with the intellect firmly established in the Truth. These latter actions are true skillful actions of Karma-Yoga that help us to burn the bondage of karma. The state of Stithaprajna is hinted at by talking of the Intellect Unshaken and Established in the Truth.
In this section, Lord Krishna talks about Swadharma - our personal duty. We must stick to our personal duty in the face of any adversities such as pleasure or pain, gain or loss, victory or defeat and that alone will help us to avoid incurring sin. The end of this section sets the tone for Karma Yoga.
A series of verses that describes the Eternal, Immutable Soul and contrasts it with the destructible and temporary body. With the repeated reminders of the indestructible soul, the Immortal Soul - the need to grieve is eliminated. Seeing life from a larger perspective helps overcome grief.
In these 6 verses Lord Krishna speaks of the quintessential Advaitic philosophy of Sanatana Dharma. A direct statement of the Truth - that we are Eternal. To distinguish between the Truth and non-truth and the importance of forebearance in the face of adversities in life.
Arjuna surrenders to Lord Krishna Arjuna finally surrenders to Lord Krishna and asks him to overcome the confusion that he is undergoing. He asks Lord Krishna to provide refuge to him.
Kutarka - Bad logic for justifying a wrong decision. Being smitten by attachment & overwhelmed by emotions, Arjuna now goes on to justify his decision to abandon Dharma and abandon the battle. The series of arguments sounds quite convincing. His decision to quit appears to be in the best interest of all. Only thing is that it is away from Dharma or Righteousness.
Emotional Upheaval In this section of Chapter I, we find that Arjuna was stricken by attachment - overwhelmed by anxiety and grief. This section describes his emotional state. At the end of this section, in Verse 35 - he declares his wish to quit from the war.
Scene on the Battlefield
The First 20 verses of Chapter I describe the scene on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The two armies stand facing each other and the conch-shells are blown and war cries are made. Arjuna notices that he is facing his kith & kin - the sons of Dhritarashtra. At this moment he picks up his bow and speaks to Lord Krishna - his cousin & his charioteer.
The Gita Dhyanam is a set of verses chanted in praise of the Bhagavad Gita. It is sung as an invocation to the Holy Gita before we embark on its study.