Geeta Mahatmyam

[Guest guest]

'Om Namo Narayanaya'

*Thanks to Vinod for the invocation prayers and Gita Mahatmyam slokas. This

week I will set forth briefly Shankaracharya's explanation on why he wrote

the Geeta Bhashya.*

" Om Namo Narayanaya "

" Vaasudevasutam-devam Kamsa-Chaanoora mardanam

Devaki-Parmaanadam, Krishnamvande Jagatgurum "

" God created the Universe and wanting to preserve its existence brought

forth the Prajapatis (the ten sages -the mind-born sons of Brahma). They are

Marici, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasistha, Pracetas, Bhrugu,

and Narada. Then He taught them the Vedic law of works which is two-fold --

1) embracing works and 2) embracing cessation (which means to refrain from

work or to stop working). This Dharmic law promotes prosperity and

emancipation (freedom from bondage). Over the course of time those who

practiced this law were overcome by cravings leading to lawlessness. To

ensure the well-being of the world, and to safeguard the spiritual power,

God took form as Krishna and was born to Vasudeva and Devaki. He imparted to

Arjuna the Vedic Dharma, and this has been set forth in 700 verses by the

respected Shri Vedavyasa and is celebrated as the Geeta. The Geeta which is

the two-fold law of the Vedas is aimed at emancipation and sets forth the

Ultimate Truth that is synonymous with Vasudeva " .

" Geeta is the essence of all that goes under the name of the Vedas. The

law of life which is --embracing works, then cessation of work, and finally

renunciation of works, is adequate to lead one to the status of Brahman.

This law purifies the mind when it is done without any expectation of

rewards " . And because its mastery yields all values of life Shankaracharya

wrote the Geeta Bhashya so that men could understand and live it.

*Next week we will see why Arjuna earned the distinction of hearing the

Geeta.*

" Vaasudevasutam-devam Kamsa-Chaanoora mardanam

Devaki-Parmaanadam, Krishnamvande Jagatgurum

Guru-Brahma, Gurur Vishnor, Gurudevo Maheshwara

Guru-saakshat ParaBrahma, Tasmai Shree Guruve Namaha "

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Sarvam ShreeKrishnaayaSamarpayami.

Om Namo Narayanaya...!!