What to do and What to Refrain From??? Srimad Bhagawad Geetha points out

February 18, 2008

Hari OM!

Narayanas in Masks!,

In Gita 16:7, the Lord, describes the order of development of demoniac nature - " The demoniac do not know, what to do (pravrtti) and what to refrain from (nivrtti). Neither purity, nor good conduct, nor truth is found in them. (Gita 16:7)

" Pravrttim ca nivrttim ca janaa na viduraasuraahNa saucam naapi caacaaro na stayam tesu vidyate. " (Gita 16:7)

In the present day self-willed and unrestained environment, and due to the influence of modern education and food etc, people do not know what to do and what to refrain from. They do not know, nor do they want to know it. If anyone attempts to explain it to them, then they do not believe them, rather they laugh at them and regard them as fools. Due to egoism and arrogance, they think that they themselves are very wise.

Some people know what to do and what to refrain from, but having predominant influence of demoniac nature, they are unable to translate their knowledge into practice. It is for this reason - i.e. not knowing what to do and what to refrain from, that initially the demonaic nature comes.

Now the question arises, how to know what to do and what to refrain from? These can be known through the scriptures, saints, preceptors and self-inquiry. Discrimination is also aroused in adversity (when one is caught in very difficult and painful situations and circumstances, when atrocious things happen to them etc.). Also, when beholding a saint, then the tendencies of previous births are transformed. Also discrimination is awakened on visiting holy places (pilgrimage sites) where great souls, saints resided.

Every being has the power of discrimination. Human beings, have the ability and opportunity to develop it, while, other beings do not possess either the ability, not do they have the opportunity to develop their discrimination. Animals, birds etc. only use their discriminative faculty predominantly towards bodily maintenance. Human beings by applying their discrimination, can care for and protect themselves, their families and all other beings. Along with that, human beings also have the freedom to renounce evil conduct and actions, and bring about good conduct and actions. Human beings are entirely free in doing so, while other creatures do not have this freedom, as they are taking birth to bear the consequences of their past actions.

Those human beings who predominantly believe in the theory - " eat, drink and be merry " , do not realize what they should do and what they should refrain from. In them the divinity remains concealed. Lord has called such persons as " Janaah " , as divine nature can reveal itself in them.

From " The Bhagavad Gita - Sadhak Sanjivani " in Hindi pg 1015 and in English pg 1732 by Swami Ramsukhdasji. Ram Ram

With Love & OM!

Krishna Prasad

-- dotcompals: www.dotcompals.in .Org domain Names for just 2.5 USDKrishna PrasadDare to give up the comfort of the 'known' and venture into the 'unknown'

The more we know, the more we will come to realize what we do not know.If we want to achieve our true potential and live life to the fullest. As Poojya Gurudev said it, "Open your eyes. Burst your shell.

Spread your wings and fly!"Swami ChinmayanandaHate not the sinner - hate the sin; and always hate the sin even with an excess of hatred. "