Guest guest Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 dear group members, there are lot of commentaries and explanations of gita. but i like to know what are the basics of gita? how a layman can understand the ideas of gita? and how one can use them for the betterment of ones life? the commentaries and explanations some time make the gita difficult to understand. bob ------------------------------ GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: 1. Purpose of the group is to help Sadhakas clarify their doubts related to Gitaji shalokas. Therefore, responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will only be posted. 2. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations. 7. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 8. Please do not address the response to a particular individual since the message is going to the entire group. 9. Due to the large readership, all responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting, if content is unclear or not appropriate for distribution to the group. 11. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use to Sanskrit words only, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2008 Report Share Posted October 27, 2008 dear group members, there are lot of commentaries and explanations of gita. but i like to know what are the basics of gita? how a layman can understand the ideas of gita? and how one can use them for the betterment of ones life? the commentaries and explanations some time make the gita difficult to understand. bob ------------------------------ NEW POSTING Very simple … It is a sceince of being happy (NOT acquiring happiness) … If you experience unhappiness, … … acknowledge it transparently … observe it objectively … locate its root causes … (if possible, locate the single root cause for all your miseries) … understand the strength and skills required to remove the root cause(s) … acquire the strength and skills … apply the strength and skills with resolve to remove the root cause (s) for (all) your miseries … AND … BE HAPPY. That is it! Respects. Naga Narayana. --------------------------- -Shree Hari- OK Bob, as a Bhagavad Gita novice let me give you a few pointers: 1)Ask questions at this site, most of the Sadhaks will tune into where you are at, with compassion and tolerance. 2)I agree, much of the online commentaries of Gitaji can be somewhat overpowering, so don't try and dig too deep, look at the heading of the chapter read with concentration right through, don't grind to a halt if one verse confuses, you can easily ask the Sadhaks. 3)A thing I found useful is to have three translations 'bookmarked', I have a light translation, I use this the most, an alternative, and a beautiful interlinear translation. 4)Remember even though the source of Gitaji comes from Ancient India, its messages are timeless, and universal.(Look at it in that manner.) 5)Ask yourself this question, " By what grace am I here? " . B.G. Chapter 6: Yoga is not eating too much, Nor is it not eating at all. Not the habit of too much sleep, Nor keeping awake, Arjuna. (16) For the moderate in eating And in diversion, disciplined, Moderate in sleep and waking, Yoga destroys all his sorrow.1 (17) I ask you Bob, how up to date is that advice of Sri Krishna? With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor -------------------------------- Shree Hari Ram Ram! Dear Bob, Thanks for the question! Based on Swamiji Maharaj's book - " Sar-Sangrah " (summary of gist of Scriptures in Hindi), " Simple Explanation of Gita " follow (References to relevant verses from Gitaji have been added), this is mdified from what was posted about June 4, 08 under " Basic Principles of Bhagavad Gita " 1. Due to the delusion (Samsaric Moha), man considers the constantly changing world to be real and permanent and he expects continuous pleasure from it, which the world cannot provide. With this lack of understanding, man is thus puzzled, he does not know what to do and what not to do with the result that he is not able to do his rightful duty (Swadharma). Therefore one should not be under the spell of worldly attachment (moha). (Gitaji: 1- 27, 2- 7, 18-73). 2. The body (Sharira) is perishable and the knower of this fact is Soul (Atma or Sharii) which Itself is imperishable. By giving due importance to this wisdom (Viveka), one performs his rightful duty, one can get rid of worry and sorrow. (Gitaji 2/ 11-30). 3. When one does his duty (Swadharma) which may vary due to situations or circumstances unselfishly and for the benefit of others, he progresses spiritually very fast. (Gitaji: 2/31-38, 3-35 and 18-47) 4. There are two ways to break the bondage of Karma: - Knowing the secret of work (Karma Yoga) and doing your duty unselfishly without the desire for the fruit of action. (Gitaji: 2- 47 and 4-18) - Realizing the true nature of Self (Jnana Yoga)... (Gitaji: 4-34/35) 5. One should neither rejoice nor feel sorry or hate when favorable or unfavorable situations come his way, because those inflicted with joy and sorrow cannot rise above the dualities of the world to experience the supreme bliss (Parama-ananda)...(Gita: 5/ 20-22) 6. With whatever method one should attain equanimity (Samta) in the Antahkaran (Mind, Intellect, Ego and Chita ). Without attaining equanimity one cannot totally get rid of modification of nature (Vikaras). (Gitaji:2-48, 2/ 55-72). 7. Everything is only God and God is the essence in everything, He is the " Is-ness " in objects, people and actions. To accept this truth whole heartedly, it is the best method (Sadhan). (Gitaji: 7/ 7-12, 9/ 4-5, 10-8, 16-19). 8. Whatever a man thinks of at the last moment when he leaves the body, that alone does he attain. Therefore at all times one should think of God only when performing one's duty. This is the only way to assure that at the last minute he will remember God since it is not certain when the last moment may come (Gitaji: 8/ 5-7). 9. Everyone is entitled to reach God regardless of which Varna , Ashrama, Sampradaya, (various tradions) etc. he belongs to. (Gitaji: 9/ 30-33). 10. Whatever being is endowed with glory, brilliance, beauty, prosperity or power, know that to be the manifestation of a spark of God's splendor and therefore think of God only (Gitaji: 10-41). 11. Think of this world as a projection of God only, each human being can experience the vision of the cosmic form (Visvarupa darsan) of God. (Gitaji:6/ 29-30, 11- 7,13). 12. The devotee who submits his body, senses, mind, intellect and ego whole-heartedly he is dear to God (Gitaji: 9-34, 12-8 and 18-65). 13. In this world there is only thing worth knowing which is to know God, only then one attains to immortality (8-16, 21). 14. In order to obtain freedom from the bonds of Samsara, one must become guna-atita (rising above the three modes of nature), going beyond the three gunas, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. This can be achieved through constant and consistent exclusive (thinking of no other) devotion (Gita: 14-20). 15. The basis or the reason for existance of this world is only God, believing this, the devotee should worship God with exclusive devotion (Gita 14-26. 15-19). 16. With the bad conduct and bad behavior, man whirls in 84 lacs (84, 000) of species and goes to hell and experiences pain and suffering. To liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death, it is a must to get rid of bad conduct and bad behavior (Gita 16-19, 20). 17. Whatever noble action man undertakes, he should first remember God, recite His name and then begin the action (Gitaji 17/24). 18. Gist of all scriptures are the Vedas, gist of Vedas is contained in Upnishads, the gist of Upnishads is Gitaji and gist of Gitaji is Sharnagatih (surrender) at the feet of God. Who with exclusive devotion takes Sharnagatih of God, God frees him from all sins (Gita: 18/66). For further study pls. read Sadhaka Sanjivanee for the verses referenced above Madan kaura ------------------------------- If the message of gita were to be described in 3 words, it would be " don't be afraid. " The gita was a sermon from Krishna to Arjun to give up his negative attitude and fight the forces of evil, represented by the Kauravs. But besides it gives us the answers to almost everything we want to know about spirituality which applies to everybody in this world, regardless of religion. Hari Shanker Deo -------------------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: 1. Purpose of the group is to help Sadhakas clarify their doubts related to Gitaji shalokas. Therefore, responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will only be posted. 2. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations. 7. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 8. Please do not address the response to a particular individual since the message is going to the entire group. 9. Due to the large readership, all responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting, if content is unclear or not appropriate for distribution to the group. 11. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use to Sanskrit words only, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2008 Report Share Posted October 28, 2008 dear group members, there are lot of commentaries and explanations of gita. but i like to know what are the basics of gita? how a layman can understand the ideas of gita? and how one can use them for the betterment of ones life? the commentaries and explanations some time make the gita difficult to understand. bob ------------------------------ NEW POSTING dear bob I say its science of life, like we do it regularly but unknowingly.Simplest acts of life have the essense of Gitaji. We have to watch them meticulously & compare with principles of Gitaji. Thanx Raja Gurdasani -------------------------------- Hi Bob, As a kid, my mom explained it thus: You need to make choices everyday. And you want to make the right ones! The Gita gets you to see life from a perspective that helps you make those choices easily. Arjuna was in a dilemma. He had to make a choice to fight or not to fight, a Hamlet with a Krishna- thank God! Cheers, Meenakshi Srinivasan ------------------------------- Hare Krishna Arjuna and Lord Krishna were best of friends. They always stayed with each other. But Lord never gave any instruction to Arjuna. When Arjuna was confused between what to do and what not to do, he surrendered himself to Lord and asked Him to show the way. " With my very being smitten by the vice of faint-heartedness and my mind puzzled with regard to duty, I beseech You! tell me which is decidedly good; Pray instruct me, who has taken refuge in You " (Gita 2.7) But still Arjuna's surrender was not complete. After surrendering, the surrenderer only obeys the instructions of whom he has surrendered. This statement reflects his incomplete surrender. " ..I will not fight. " (Gita 2.9) Hearing this Lord smiled (Gita 2.10) and then started the divine explaination of Gita. After explaining Gita Lords says " Thus, has this wisdom, more profound than all profoundities, been imparted to you by Me: deeply pondering over it, now do as you like. " (Gita 18.63) " Now do as you like. " Lord could have said these words when Arjuna said 'I will not fight'. But only by His grace and love for devotee Arjuna and the future mankind, He explained the whole Gita. It is only by Lord's grace that one can understand Gita. Arjuna also said the same thing. Lord asked " Have you, O Arjuna, heard this gospel of the Gita attentively? And has your delusioin born of ignorance been destroyed, O Dhananjaya, conqueror of riches? " Arjuna said " Krishna, by Your grace my delusion has been destroyed and I have gained wisdom. I am free of all doubt. I shall do your bidding. " (Gita 18.72-73) Arjuna didn't consider his power to be the reason for destruction of his delusion. He did not say 'I listened attentively', 'I thought over your gospel deeply' etc. He said 'By Your grace'. After Arjuna said 'I shall do your bidding', Lord did not utter a word. He knew that Arjuna's surrender is now complete. So Gita started when Arjuna surrendered and ended when his surrender was complete. In Gita Lord has explained about Karmayoga, Gyanyoga, Dhaynyog etc. but His main aim is devotion. There is no chapter in Gita where Lord has not mentioned about devotion. But chapters 7-12 are the heart of devotion. Chapter 6 ends with " Of all yogis, again, he who devoutly worships Me with his mind focussed on Me is considered by Me to the best Yogi " (Gita 6.47) After this, Lord, with His main aim of devotion, starts the 7th chapter on his Own. Arjuna never enquired about it. To answer Arjuna's questions, Lord explained the 8th chapter. After completing this, Lord again starts His favorite topic of devotion in 9th chapter. Here he starts with where he had left off in 7th chapter. In chapter 11, Arjuna requests " Lord, You are precisely what You declare Yourself to be. But I long to see Your divne form possessed of wisdom, glory, energy, strength, valour and effulgence, O Purushottma, the Supreme Being " (Gita 11.3) Lord then reveals His cosmic form which Arjuna has described in Gita 11.15-45. Actually, Lord only wanted to reveal Himself. The request of Arjuna was just a mere formality. The desire to see the Vishwaroop was aroused by Lord in 10th chapter. From Gita 10.1-11, Lord describes His glories. Hearing which Arjuna asks " O Master of Yoga, through what process of continous meditation shall I know You? And in what particular forms, O Lord, are You to be meditated upon by me? " (Gita 10.17) Lord describes His prominent glories from 10.20 and sums up with this final one " Or what need is there, for you O Arjuna of detailed knowledge? I stand supporting the entire universe, with a single fragment, of Myself. " (Gita 10.42) Hearing this Arjuna is wonder-struck " That Lord who holds countless universes in a mere fragment of His body, and yet is sitting before Me as a chariot-driver, with horses' bridle and a whip in His hands and is carrying out my wishes " . This is what awakens in Arjuna the desire to see that cosmic form (vishwaroop). So it was only Lord's grace that He wanted to reveal Himself to Arjuna. Chapter 12 is named as Bhaktiyoga. Verses 13-19 are the marks of a God-realized soul. In all these verses, Lord has used the word 'dear' for the realized souls. But for the devotee who have not realized but has ardent faith and accepts God as their very own, Lord has use the word 'extremely dear'. God feels that He is indebted to such devotees. Because these devotess has never seen Him, never experienced Him. But still they believe in Him and worship Him. So such kind of devotees are extremely dear to Him. And what more to say, to explain Gita to Arjuna was also Lord's desire. He wanted to destroy Arjuna's family attachment (moha) and delusion. To bring it forth He said to Arjuna 'Arjuna, behold these Kurus assembled here'. (Gita 1.25) Pandav and Kauravs both come under one family tree of Kurus. That is why, Lord used the word 'Kurus' and not 'Kauravas'. By saying 'Behold all these Kurus assembled here' means, that by seeing them, Arjuna may think that they are all one, whether they are on his side or on the opposite side and whether they are good or bad and thus a feeling of kinship may develop in him. This feeling of kinship may lead to attachment and make him inquisitive. Thus, by making Arjuna an instrument, Lord Krishna wants to preach the gospel of Gita for the benediction of the creatures of the Kali-age. Instead of using the word 'Kauravs', Lord used the words 'Kuru'. If He had used the words 'Kauravs' Arjuna would have become enthusiastic and Lord Krishna could not have got a chance to preach the gospel of Gita and Arjuna's delusion, born of kinship, could not have been destroyed. But, Lord Krishna thought it is His duty to destroy Arjuna's delusion. As a surgeon, first gives medicine, to a patient suffering from a boil so that it may suppurate and then performs an operation, to remove the diseased part, in the same way, God first arouses the hidden delusion of Arjuna and then destroys it, Here, Lord Krishna by using the phrase 'Behold Kurus' first arouses delusion in order to destroy it, by advice later. In this way, Gita is full of divine secrets. It is Swamiji's grace that we are getting to know such deep divine meanings. He has discovered all these and many other things in Gita and given to us in His commentary 'Sadhak-Sanjivani'. I personally always wonder that God should have sent a saint like Swamiji in Satyuga. Because in that era, all people have spiritual aim and are steadfast in their spiritual practice. They would have utilized His techings in a much better manner. The people of this age esp. me are not eligible to read Swamiji's books. Par Bhagvan bhi kya kare? Woh kripa karte hain to andehe ho kar karte hain...Agar woh yogyata dekhke kripa karein to badi mushkil ho jaayegi!!! Aiso Ko Udar Jag Mahi, Binu Seva Jo Drave Deen Par, Ram Saris Kou Naahi Jasu Kripa Nahi Kripa Aghati. Hare Krishna Varun P. Paprunia Dear Sadhakas, Namaste! Those who read Gita may be familiar with the most popular picture found in most commentaries books on Gita: Lord Krishna driving the Chariotte sitting in front with Arjuna sitting in the back and learning from Him right on the battle field. This picture is in temples and some homes too. It is a metaphoric way of delivering the essential message of Gita. The Chariotte is Body on the battlefield of life driven by 5 horses representing 5 sense organs. Krishna is holding reins and a little stick holding firmly in the left hand representing mind, the driver being the intellect. Right hand is showing teaching posture(mudra) in which he touches thumb with index finger and holds the other fingers upright. Index finger represents us, three fingers is for threefold nature (prakriti) and thumb representing power and intelligence as God- Ishwara. Thus two hands represent two mainYogas of Karma and Discrimination (Ch 3 vs 3). Yoga in this context is the knowledge which helps to remove the ignorance that keeps one from realizing Atman, one's true SELF, knowing which nothing remains to be known. Message: Perform assigned duties/karmas with total devotion, without assuming doership(a false sense of me), based on where life has placed one by proper exposure of sense organs to external world just to serve. Keep them in check through mind and intellect. This karma yoga prepares one to receive the knowledge of SELF! As one lives mostly assocoated with prakriti-nature-perishable, shown by index finger remaining always with the other three. Krishna tells us to break that association by acquiring the knowledge of Ishwara(index finger touching the thumb)-the only Reality/Truth. This Gyan-Yoga culminates into Moksha, total freedom from bondage! This also summarizes Swamiji's message: Serve the world, Know yourself, resulting in Love Paramatman-Bliss. Namaskar............ Pratap Bhatt ----------------------------- Dear all, Diwali greetings! With specific reference to Bob's question, afew words I may like to answer him in: 1. Look at all creation as one and equal.(Yogah samatwa iti uchyate). 2. Whatever you do, do it well. (Yogah karmasu kausalam). 3. Every one has his area of capabilty and expertise. Do that to your best. However best you think you can do other's job, well, don't. Concentrate on your job.(swadharme nidhanam shreyah....). 4. While doing your duty, don't do it being anxious of a benefit out of it, but with the sacred thought that in the cosmic scheme of things, you have to do what you are doing. (Yogasthah kuru karma..., Karmanyeva adhikaaras the ma paleshu kadachana). 5 Never have the false ego that you are doing something. We (Self) is not the Doer. (Karta Ahamithi manyate mudaatma). 6. Approach good and bad, heat and cold, benefit and harm, victory and loss etc i.e., opposites in life, with equanimity. (Sukha duhkhe same kruthwa, labhaalabhow, jayaajayou..). 7. Don't agitate your mind on a hundred issues and various solutions to life's problems. Surrender to me completely. I will take care of all your worries. Rest assured. (Sarva dharmaan parithyajya maamekam sharanam vraja. Aham thwa sarva papebyo mokshaishyaami, maa sucha). Whatever I have jotted above is just a jalak, a sample. Gita has much more to advise on how we should lead our life day to day. The suggestions are universal, not confined to Hindus alone. If one does not relish the idea of surrendering to Sri Krishna, he need not; he may surrender to Allah or Jesus. It is all the same. (Sarva deva namaskaaram keshavam prathi gachhathi). See the same and one God in all [may not be from Gita, but from elsewhere - Ekam Sath, Vipraah bahuda Vadanthi. {Truth (God) is one, though scholars may call by different names}. Without going into detailed commentaries, enough it is to follow Gita teachings, like the Ten Commandments. Regards. Prof Ramanujam. ------------------------------- Dear Sadak, Do nothing about Geetha in deapth. Just follow Dharma of living and to have control over your senses such as desire, anger etc, Bagavan is " Sri Krishnam Vadhe Jagat Gurum " , you leave the responsibility to HIM, just be Good HE takes care. Alternatively taking round about route by reading scriptures is a long process. Every action you do think that , " will Bagavan be happy of the action " and then remain calm. If your mind says that it is not Good just cut of that desire or action ruthlessly and sit back. B.Sathyanarayan ------------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Very simple … It is a sceince of being happy (NOT acquiring happiness) … If you experience unhappiness, … … acknowledge it transparently … observe it objectively … locate its root causes … (if possible, locate the single root cause for all your miseries) … understand the strength and skills required to remove the root cause(s) … acquire the strength and skills … apply the strength and skills with resolve to remove the root cause (s) for (all) your miseries … AND … BE HAPPY. That is it! Respects. Naga Narayana. --------------------------- -Shree Hari- OK Bob, as a Bhagavad Gita novice let me give you a few pointers: 1)Ask questions at this site, most of the Sadhaks will tune into where you are at, with compassion and tolerance. 2)I agree, much of the online commentaries of Gitaji can be somewhat overpowering, so don't try and dig too deep, look at the heading of the chapter read with concentration right through, don't grind to a halt if one verse confuses, you can easily ask the Sadhaks. 3)A thing I found useful is to have three translations 'bookmarked', I have a light translation, I use this the most, an alternative, and a beautiful interlinear translation. 4)Remember even though the source of Gitaji comes from Ancient India, its messages are timeless, and universal.(Look at it in that manner.) 5)Ask yourself this question, " By what grace am I here? " . B.G. Chapter 6: Yoga is not eating too much, Nor is it not eating at all. Not the habit of too much sleep, Nor keeping awake, Arjuna. (16) For the moderate in eating And in diversion, disciplined, Moderate in sleep and waking, Yoga destroys all his sorrow.1 (17) I ask you Bob, how up to date is that advice of Sri Krishna? With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor -------------------------------- Shree Hari Ram Ram! Dear Bob, Thanks for the question! Based on Swamiji Maharaj's book - " Sar-Sangrah " (summary of gist of Scriptures in Hindi), " Simple Explanation of Gita " follow (References to relevant verses from Gitaji have been added), this is mdified from what was posted about June 4, 08 under " Basic Principles of Bhagavad Gita " 1. Due to the delusion (Samsaric Moha), man considers the constantly changing world to be real and permanent and he expects continuous pleasure from it, which the world cannot provide. With this lack of understanding, man is thus puzzled, he does not know what to do and what not to do with the result that he is not able to do his rightful duty (Swadharma). Therefore one should not be under the spell of worldly attachment (moha). (Gitaji: 1- 27, 2- 7, 18-73). 2. The body (Sharira) is perishable and the knower of this fact is Soul (Atma or Sharii) which Itself is imperishable. By giving due importance to this wisdom (Viveka), one performs his rightful duty, one can get rid of worry and sorrow. (Gitaji 2/ 11-30). 3. When one does his duty (Swadharma) which may vary due to situations or circumstances unselfishly and for the benefit of others, he progresses spiritually very fast. (Gitaji: 2/31-38, 3-35 and 18-47) 4. There are two ways to break the bondage of Karma: - Knowing the secret of work (Karma Yoga) and doing your duty unselfishly without the desire for the fruit of action. (Gitaji: 2- 47 and 4-18) - Realizing the true nature of Self (Jnana Yoga)... (Gitaji: 4-34/35) 5. One should neither rejoice nor feel sorry or hate when favorable or unfavorable situations come his way, because those inflicted with joy and sorrow cannot rise above the dualities of the world to experience the supreme bliss (Parama-ananda)...(Gita: 5/ 20-22) 6. With whatever method one should attain equanimity (Samta) in the Antahkaran (Mind, Intellect, Ego and Chita ). Without attaining equanimity one cannot totally get rid of modification of nature (Vikaras). (Gitaji:2-48, 2/ 55-72). 7. Everything is only God and God is the essence in everything, He is the " Is-ness " in objects, people and actions. To accept this truth whole heartedly, it is the best method (Sadhan). (Gitaji: 7/ 7-12, 9/ 4-5, 10-8, 16-19). 8. Whatever a man thinks of at the last moment when he leaves the body, that alone does he attain. Therefore at all times one should think of God only when performing one's duty. This is the only way to assure that at the last minute he will remember God since it is not certain when the last moment may come (Gitaji: 8/ 5-7). 9. Everyone is entitled to reach God regardless of which Varna , Ashrama, Sampradaya, (various tradions) etc. he belongs to. (Gitaji: 9/ 30-33). 10. Whatever being is endowed with glory, brilliance, beauty, prosperity or power, know that to be the manifestation of a spark of God's splendor and therefore think of God only (Gitaji: 10-41). 11. Think of this world as a projection of God only, each human being can experience the vision of the cosmic form (Visvarupa darsan) of God. (Gitaji:6/ 29-30, 11- 7,13). 12. The devotee who submits his body, senses, mind, intellect and ego whole-heartedly he is dear to God (Gitaji: 9-34, 12-8 and 18-65). 13. In this world there is only thing worth knowing which is to know God, only then one attains to immortality (8-16, 21). 14. In order to obtain freedom from the bonds of Samsara, one must become guna-atita (rising above the three modes of nature), going beyond the three gunas, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. This can be achieved through constant and consistent exclusive (thinking of no other) devotion (Gita: 14-20). 15. The basis or the reason for existance of this world is only God, believing this, the devotee should worship God with exclusive devotion (Gita 14-26. 15-19). 16. With the bad conduct and bad behavior, man whirls in 84 lacs (84, 000) of species and goes to hell and experiences pain and suffering. To liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death, it is a must to get rid of bad conduct and bad behavior (Gita 16-19, 20). 17. Whatever noble action man undertakes, he should first remember God, recite His name and then begin the action (Gitaji 17/24). 18. Gist of all scriptures are the Vedas, gist of Vedas is contained in Upnishads, the gist of Upnishads is Gitaji and gist of Gitaji is Sharnagatih (surrender) at the feet of God. Who with exclusive devotion takes Sharnagatih of God, God frees him from all sins (Gita: 18/66). For further study pls. read Sadhaka Sanjivanee for the verses referenced above Madan kaura ------------------------------- If the message of gita were to be described in 3 words, it would be " don't be afraid. " The gita was a sermon from Krishna to Arjun to give up his negative attitude and fight the forces of evil, represented by the Kauravs. But besides it gives us the answers to almost everything we want to know about spirituality which applies to everybody in this world, regardless of religion. Hari Shanker Deo -------------------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: 1. Purpose of the group is to help Sadhakas clarify their doubts related to Gitaji shalokas. Therefore, responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will only be posted. 2. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations. 7. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 8. Please do not address the response to a particular individual since the message is going to the entire group. 9. Due to the large readership, all responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting, if content is unclear or not appropriate for distribution to the group. 11. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use to Sanskrit words only, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2008 Report Share Posted October 29, 2008 dear group members, there are lot of commentaries and explanations of gita. but i like to know what are the basics of gita? how a layman can understand the ideas of gita? and how one can use them for the betterment of ones life? the commentaries and explanations some time make the gita difficult to understand. bob ------------------------------ NEW POSTING The one sentiment that rules supreme in every living being, more predominantly in man is UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOREVER. The simplest of the summary of Geetaji to me is that the Lord told Arjuna at length that despite being the Supreme, I am deeply in love with you and am doing anything for you unconditionally. Follow my suit and love me unconditionally so that we both, despite being one can be in love forever, ever new. " mein to tera deewana hoon hi, tu bhi mera deewana ban ja. Deewani me koi sawal nahi poochha jata. bas prem kiya jata hai. " " I am crazy about you, you too become crazy about me. In craze/madness, no questions are asked. Only one loves. " Dr Shobha S ---------------------------- Dear Shri Bob, The entire philosophy of our life is explained in Gita in simple terms. We all live our life in the manner prescribed in Gita, but without realising it, because of Maya, clouding our vision. G.Vaidyanathan. ------------------------------- dear bob I say its science of life, like we do it regularly but unknowingly.Simplest acts of life have the essense of Gitaji. We have to watch them meticulously & compare with principles of Gitaji. Thanx Raja Gurdasani -------------------------------- Hi Bob, As a kid, my mom explained it thus: You need to make choices everyday. And you want to make the right ones! The Gita gets you to see life from a perspective that helps you make those choices easily. Arjuna was in a dilemma. He had to make a choice to fight or not to fight, a Hamlet with a Krishna- thank God! Cheers, Meenakshi Srinivasan ------------------------------- Hare Krishna Arjuna and Lord Krishna were best of friends. They always stayed with each other. But Lord never gave any instruction to Arjuna. When Arjuna was confused between what to do and what not to do, he surrendered himself to Lord and asked Him to show the way. " With my very being smitten by the vice of faint-heartedness and my mind puzzled with regard to duty, I beseech You! tell me which is decidedly good; Pray instruct me, who has taken refuge in You " (Gita 2.7) But still Arjuna's surrender was not complete. After surrendering, the surrenderer only obeys the instructions of whom he has surrendered. This statement reflects his incomplete surrender. " ..I will not fight. " (Gita 2.9) Hearing this Lord smiled (Gita 2.10) and then started the divine explaination of Gita. After explaining Gita Lords says " Thus, has this wisdom, more profound than all profoundities, been imparted to you by Me: deeply pondering over it, now do as you like. " (Gita 18.63) " Now do as you like. " Lord could have said these words when Arjuna said 'I will not fight'. But only by His grace and love for devotee Arjuna and the future mankind, He explained the whole Gita. It is only by Lord's grace that one can understand Gita. Arjuna also said the same thing. Lord asked " Have you, O Arjuna, heard this gospel of the Gita attentively? And has your delusioin born of ignorance been destroyed, O Dhananjaya, conqueror of riches? " Arjuna said " Krishna, by Your grace my delusion has been destroyed and I have gained wisdom. I am free of all doubt. I shall do your bidding. " (Gita 18.72-73) Arjuna didn't consider his power to be the reason for destruction of his delusion. He did not say 'I listened attentively', 'I thought over your gospel deeply' etc. He said 'By Your grace'. After Arjuna said 'I shall do your bidding', Lord did not utter a word. He knew that Arjuna's surrender is now complete. So Gita started when Arjuna surrendered and ended when his surrender was complete. In Gita Lord has explained about Karmayoga, Gyanyoga, Dhaynyog etc. but His main aim is devotion. There is no chapter in Gita where Lord has not mentioned about devotion. But chapters 7-12 are the heart of devotion. Chapter 6 ends with " Of all yogis, again, he who devoutly worships Me with his mind focussed on Me is considered by Me to the best Yogi " (Gita 6.47) After this, Lord, with His main aim of devotion, starts the 7th chapter on his Own. Arjuna never enquired about it. To answer Arjuna's questions, Lord explained the 8th chapter. After completing this, Lord again starts His favorite topic of devotion in 9th chapter. Here he starts with where he had left off in 7th chapter. In chapter 11, Arjuna requests " Lord, You are precisely what You declare Yourself to be. But I long to see Your divne form possessed of wisdom, glory, energy, strength, valour and effulgence, O Purushottma, the Supreme Being " (Gita 11.3) Lord then reveals His cosmic form which Arjuna has described in Gita 11.15-45. Actually, Lord only wanted to reveal Himself. The request of Arjuna was just a mere formality. The desire to see the Vishwaroop was aroused by Lord in 10th chapter. From Gita 10.1-11, Lord describes His glories. Hearing which Arjuna asks " O Master of Yoga, through what process of continous meditation shall I know You? And in what particular forms, O Lord, are You to be meditated upon by me? " (Gita 10.17) Lord describes His prominent glories from 10.20 and sums up with this final one " Or what need is there, for you O Arjuna of detailed knowledge? I stand supporting the entire universe, with a single fragment, of Myself. " (Gita 10.42) Hearing this Arjuna is wonder-struck " That Lord who holds countless universes in a mere fragment of His body, and yet is sitting before Me as a chariot-driver, with horses' bridle and a whip in His hands and is carrying out my wishes " . This is what awakens in Arjuna the desire to see that cosmic form (vishwaroop). So it was only Lord's grace that He wanted to reveal Himself to Arjuna. Chapter 12 is named as Bhaktiyoga. Verses 13-19 are the marks of a God-realized soul. In all these verses, Lord has used the word 'dear' for the realized souls. But for the devotee who have not realized but has ardent faith and accepts God as their very own, Lord has use the word 'extremely dear'. God feels that He is indebted to such devotees. Because these devotess has never seen Him, never experienced Him. But still they believe in Him and worship Him. So such kind of devotees are extremely dear to Him. And what more to say, to explain Gita to Arjuna was also Lord's desire. He wanted to destroy Arjuna's family attachment (moha) and delusion. To bring it forth He said to Arjuna 'Arjuna, behold these Kurus assembled here'. (Gita 1.25) Pandav and Kauravs both come under one family tree of Kurus. That is why, Lord used the word 'Kurus' and not 'Kauravas'. By saying 'Behold all these Kurus assembled here' means, that by seeing them, Arjuna may think that they are all one, whether they are on his side or on the opposite side and whether they are good or bad and thus a feeling of kinship may develop in him. This feeling of kinship may lead to attachment and make him inquisitive. Thus, by making Arjuna an instrument, Lord Krishna wants to preach the gospel of Gita for the benediction of the creatures of the Kali-age. Instead of using the word 'Kauravs', Lord used the words 'Kuru'. If He had used the words 'Kauravs' Arjuna would have become enthusiastic and Lord Krishna could not have got a chance to preach the gospel of Gita and Arjuna's delusion, born of kinship, could not have been destroyed. But, Lord Krishna thought it is His duty to destroy Arjuna's delusion. As a surgeon, first gives medicine, to a patient suffering from a boil so that it may suppurate and then performs an operation, to remove the diseased part, in the same way, God first arouses the hidden delusion of Arjuna and then destroys it, Here, Lord Krishna by using the phrase 'Behold Kurus' first arouses delusion in order to destroy it, by advice later. In this way, Gita is full of divine secrets. It is Swamiji's grace that we are getting to know such deep divine meanings. He has discovered all these and many other things in Gita and given to us in His commentary 'Sadhak-Sanjivani'. I personally always wonder that God should have sent a saint like Swamiji in Satyuga. Because in that era, all people have spiritual aim and are steadfast in their spiritual practice. They would have utilized His techings in a much better manner. The people of this age esp. me are not eligible to read Swamiji's books. Par Bhagvan bhi kya kare? Woh kripa karte hain to andehe ho kar karte hain...Agar woh yogyata dekhke kripa karein to badi mushkil ho jaayegi!!! Aiso Ko Udar Jag Mahi, Binu Seva Jo Drave Deen Par, Ram Saris Kou Naahi Jasu Kripa Nahi Kripa Aghati. Hare Krishna Varun P. Paprunia Dear Sadhakas, Namaste! Those who read Gita may be familiar with the most popular picture found in most commentaries books on Gita: Lord Krishna driving the Chariotte sitting in front with Arjuna sitting in the back and learning from Him right on the battle field. This picture is in temples and some homes too. It is a metaphoric way of delivering the essential message of Gita. The Chariotte is Body on the battlefield of life driven by 5 horses representing 5 sense organs. Krishna is holding reins and a little stick holding firmly in the left hand representing mind, the driver being the intellect. Right hand is showing teaching posture(mudra) in which he touches thumb with index finger and holds the other fingers upright. Index finger represents us, three fingers is for threefold nature (prakriti) and thumb representing power and intelligence as God- Ishwara. Thus two hands represent two mainYogas of Karma and Discrimination (Ch 3 vs 3). Yoga in this context is the knowledge which helps to remove the ignorance that keeps one from realizing Atman, one's true SELF, knowing which nothing remains to be known. Message: Perform assigned duties/karmas with total devotion, without assuming doership(a false sense of me), based on where life has placed one by proper exposure of sense organs to external world just to serve. Keep them in check through mind and intellect. This karma yoga prepares one to receive the knowledge of SELF! As one lives mostly assocoated with prakriti-nature-perishable, shown by index finger remaining always with the other three. Krishna tells us to break that association by acquiring the knowledge of Ishwara(index finger touching the thumb)-the only Reality/Truth. This Gyan-Yoga culminates into Moksha, total freedom from bondage! This also summarizes Swamiji's message: Serve the world, Know yourself, resulting in Love Paramatman-Bliss. Namaskar............ Pratap Bhatt ----------------------------- Dear all, Diwali greetings! With specific reference to Bob's question, afew words I may like to answer him in: 1. Look at all creation as one and equal.(Yogah samatwa iti uchyate). 2. Whatever you do, do it well. (Yogah karmasu kausalam). 3. Every one has his area of capabilty and expertise. Do that to your best. However best you think you can do other's job, well, don't. Concentrate on your job.(swadharme nidhanam shreyah....). 4. While doing your duty, don't do it being anxious of a benefit out of it, but with the sacred thought that in the cosmic scheme of things, you have to do what you are doing. (Yogasthah kuru karma..., Karmanyeva adhikaaras the ma paleshu kadachana). 5 Never have the false ego that you are doing something. We (Self) is not the Doer. (Karta Ahamithi manyate mudaatma). 6. Approach good and bad, heat and cold, benefit and harm, victory and loss etc i.e., opposites in life, with equanimity. (Sukha duhkhe same kruthwa, labhaalabhow, jayaajayou..). 7. Don't agitate your mind on a hundred issues and various solutions to life's problems. Surrender to me completely. I will take care of all your worries. Rest assured. (Sarva dharmaan parithyajya maamekam sharanam vraja. Aham thwa sarva papebyo mokshaishyaami, maa sucha). Whatever I have jotted above is just a jalak, a sample. Gita has much more to advise on how we should lead our life day to day. The suggestions are universal, not confined to Hindus alone. If one does not relish the idea of surrendering to Sri Krishna, he need not; he may surrender to Allah or Jesus. It is all the same. (Sarva deva namaskaaram keshavam prathi gachhathi). See the same and one God in all [may not be from Gita, but from elsewhere - Ekam Sath, Vipraah bahuda Vadanthi. {Truth (God) is one, though scholars may call by different names}. Without going into detailed commentaries, enough it is to follow Gita teachings, like the Ten Commandments. Regards. Prof Ramanujam. ------------------------------- Dear Sadak, Do nothing about Geetha in deapth. Just follow Dharma of living and to have control over your senses such as desire, anger etc, Bagavan is " Sri Krishnam Vadhe Jagat Gurum " , you leave the responsibility to HIM, just be Good HE takes care. Alternatively taking round about route by reading scriptures is a long process. Every action you do think that , " will Bagavan be happy of the action " and then remain calm. If your mind says that it is not Good just cut of that desire or action ruthlessly and sit back. B.Sathyanarayan ------------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Very simple … It is a sceince of being happy (NOT acquiring happiness) … If you experience unhappiness, … … acknowledge it transparently … observe it objectively … locate its root causes … (if possible, locate the single root cause for all your miseries) … understand the strength and skills required to remove the root cause(s) … acquire the strength and skills … apply the strength and skills with resolve to remove the root cause (s) for (all) your miseries … AND … BE HAPPY. That is it! Respects. Naga Narayana. --------------------------- -Shree Hari- OK Bob, as a Bhagavad Gita novice let me give you a few pointers: 1)Ask questions at this site, most of the Sadhaks will tune into where you are at, with compassion and tolerance. 2)I agree, much of the online commentaries of Gitaji can be somewhat overpowering, so don't try and dig too deep, look at the heading of the chapter read with concentration right through, don't grind to a halt if one verse confuses, you can easily ask the Sadhaks. 3)A thing I found useful is to have three translations 'bookmarked', I have a light translation, I use this the most, an alternative, and a beautiful interlinear translation. 4)Remember even though the source of Gitaji comes from Ancient India, its messages are timeless, and universal.(Look at it in that manner.) 5)Ask yourself this question, " By what grace am I here? " . B.G. Chapter 6: Yoga is not eating too much, Nor is it not eating at all. Not the habit of too much sleep, Nor keeping awake, Arjuna. (16) For the moderate in eating And in diversion, disciplined, Moderate in sleep and waking, Yoga destroys all his sorrow.1 (17) I ask you Bob, how up to date is that advice of Sri Krishna? With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor -------------------------------- Shree Hari Ram Ram! Dear Bob, Thanks for the question! Based on Swamiji Maharaj's book - " Sar-Sangrah " (summary of gist of Scriptures in Hindi), " Simple Explanation of Gita " follow (References to relevant verses from Gitaji have been added), this is mdified from what was posted about June 4, 08 under " Basic Principles of Bhagavad Gita " 1. Due to the delusion (Samsaric Moha), man considers the constantly changing world to be real and permanent and he expects continuous pleasure from it, which the world cannot provide. With this lack of understanding, man is thus puzzled, he does not know what to do and what not to do with the result that he is not able to do his rightful duty (Swadharma). Therefore one should not be under the spell of worldly attachment (moha). (Gitaji: 1- 27, 2- 7, 18-73). 2. The body (Sharira) is perishable and the knower of this fact is Soul (Atma or Sharii) which Itself is imperishable. By giving due importance to this wisdom (Viveka), one performs his rightful duty, one can get rid of worry and sorrow. (Gitaji 2/ 11-30). 3. When one does his duty (Swadharma) which may vary due to situations or circumstances unselfishly and for the benefit of others, he progresses spiritually very fast. (Gitaji: 2/31-38, 3-35 and 18-47) 4. There are two ways to break the bondage of Karma: - Knowing the secret of work (Karma Yoga) and doing your duty unselfishly without the desire for the fruit of action. (Gitaji: 2- 47 and 4-18) - Realizing the true nature of Self (Jnana Yoga)... (Gitaji: 4-34/35) 5. One should neither rejoice nor feel sorry or hate when favorable or unfavorable situations come his way, because those inflicted with joy and sorrow cannot rise above the dualities of the world to experience the supreme bliss (Parama-ananda)...(Gita: 5/ 20-22) 6. With whatever method one should attain equanimity (Samta) in the Antahkaran (Mind, Intellect, Ego and Chita ). Without attaining equanimity one cannot totally get rid of modification of nature (Vikaras). (Gitaji:2-48, 2/ 55-72). 7. Everything is only God and God is the essence in everything, He is the " Is-ness " in objects, people and actions. To accept this truth whole heartedly, it is the best method (Sadhan). (Gitaji: 7/ 7-12, 9/ 4-5, 10-8, 16-19). 8. Whatever a man thinks of at the last moment when he leaves the body, that alone does he attain. Therefore at all times one should think of God only when performing one's duty. This is the only way to assure that at the last minute he will remember God since it is not certain when the last moment may come (Gitaji: 8/ 5-7). 9. Everyone is entitled to reach God regardless of which Varna , Ashrama, Sampradaya, (various tradions) etc. he belongs to. (Gitaji: 9/ 30-33). 10. Whatever being is endowed with glory, brilliance, beauty, prosperity or power, know that to be the manifestation of a spark of God's splendor and therefore think of God only (Gitaji: 10-41). 11. Think of this world as a projection of God only, each human being can experience the vision of the cosmic form (Visvarupa darsan) of God. (Gitaji:6/ 29-30, 11- 7,13). 12. The devotee who submits his body, senses, mind, intellect and ego whole-heartedly he is dear to God (Gitaji: 9-34, 12-8 and 18-65). 13. In this world there is only thing worth knowing which is to know God, only then one attains to immortality (8-16, 21). 14. In order to obtain freedom from the bonds of Samsara, one must become guna-atita (rising above the three modes of nature), going beyond the three gunas, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. This can be achieved through constant and consistent exclusive (thinking of no other) devotion (Gita: 14-20). 15. The basis or the reason for existance of this world is only God, believing this, the devotee should worship God with exclusive devotion (Gita 14-26. 15-19). 16. With the bad conduct and bad behavior, man whirls in 84 lacs (84, 000) of species and goes to hell and experiences pain and suffering. To liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death, it is a must to get rid of bad conduct and bad behavior (Gita 16-19, 20). 17. Whatever noble action man undertakes, he should first remember God, recite His name and then begin the action (Gitaji 17/24). 18. Gist of all scriptures are the Vedas, gist of Vedas is contained in Upnishads, the gist of Upnishads is Gitaji and gist of Gitaji is Sharnagatih (surrender) at the feet of God. Who with exclusive devotion takes Sharnagatih of God, God frees him from all sins (Gita: 18/66). For further study pls. read Sadhaka Sanjivanee for the verses referenced above Madan kaura ------------------------------- If the message of gita were to be described in 3 words, it would be " don't be afraid. " The gita was a sermon from Krishna to Arjun to give up his negative attitude and fight the forces of evil, represented by the Kauravs. But besides it gives us the answers to almost everything we want to know about spirituality which applies to everybody in this world, regardless of religion. Hari Shanker Deo -------------------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: 1. Purpose of the group is to help Sadhakas clarify their doubts related to Gitaji shalokas. Therefore, responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will only be posted. 2. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations. 7. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 8. Please do not address the response to a particular individual since the message is going to the entire group. 9. Due to the large readership, all responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting, if content is unclear or not appropriate for distribution to the group. 11. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use to Sanskrit words only, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2008 Report Share Posted October 30, 2008 dear group members, there are lot of commentaries and explanations of gita. but i like to know what are the basics of gita? how a layman can understand the ideas of gita? and how one can use them for the betterment of ones life? the commentaries and explanations some time make the gita difficult to understand. bob ------------------------------ NEW POSTING Dear Sadhak, Once a man who was going through all kinds of crisis asked a realized one " You know my problems are much more bigger and complicated then Arjuna's problem.Can you suggest me which Gita explanation will solve my queries ? " The realized one said - " To solve yr problems, you have to write yr own commentaries about Gita.No other explanation is going to help you. " In the beginning explanation given by someone may confuse us,but when we contemplate on each of the stanza of Gitaji,the meaning starts unfolding itself.After that every explanation by all the seekers and masters become helpful. For me the simplest explanation of Gita is as follow- 1. We all want to KNOW more. No matter how many scriptures we read, it does not satisfy our desire to know more, but as soon as we know our true " SELF " , when we know that we are not body, mind or intellect, but we are the eternal SOUL/Part of God , there remains nothing to know. This is Gyaan Yoga(Path of Knowledge)Gitaji chapter 2. 2. We all want to do something. No matter what we do, we never feel fulfilled. When we detach our selves from the fruit of our action or we surrender our actions with its fruits to HIM and start to SERVE this creation of SUPREME, when we concentrate only on our DUTY ,we become free from the cycle of death and birth, sorrow and sufferings and merge with HIM only. This path is called Karma Yoga(Path of action) 3. We all want to be something, no matter how much name, fame, wealth we grab we always want to BE something else. When we surrender ourselves completely to HIM(GOD) , we become one with HIM, then there remains nothing to be anymore. This path is called Bhakti yoga(Path of Devotion) Tu Tu karta Tu bhaya rahi na mujhme hu Vari pheri bali gayi jit dekhun tit TU. When I started my search for YOU(God), I forgot my own self and " I " also became " YOU " . Now only YOU are everywhere.... with lots of love, A sadhika Sadhana Karigar ----------------------------- The simplest explanation is given in the first shloka itself. " Kshetre Kshetre Dharma " , Uphold Dharma in every field of action, in every place of action and every period of time. It is not limited to battle field or a particular place or a particular time. And what is Dharma ? It is the guidelene, track, limit, boundary etc for every action - just like the railway track for the train. It has to run only on that. Any derail becomes dangerous. With Best Regards, N.S. Parasuraman ------------------------------ Dear Sadaks, Do you know that Bagavan Krishna said to Arjuna, " What is the use of telling Geetha to you " at the time when Arjuna wanted to kill himself due to the lose of his son? Same Geetha Hanuman heard but could retain all until Bagavan said " May you Hanuman Forget " . Geetha is upanashids juice. To study a theory one does take minimum a year. Study Geetha well and introgate within with Bagavan focused in mind, then what studied will come to practice over a period of time depending on your adhereing to that princples. If one thinks of short cuts, easy ways and simple methods then he looses this birth time. SADAKS--Please refer Bagavan saying in Geetha " YOGA BREASTA " . Theme is, Everything happens, happened are perfect. Body is differant from Soul. 3 ways to reach divinity- Bakthi Marg-Gyana Marg- Karma Marg. Total surrender to Bagavan. The sat (truth) is always mistaken as false. The false (Maya) is taken as truth. Yoga Shemam Vahamiyam is Bagavan` s. Loka shemam is ours. We never ever know our past or furure. Bagavan saints know Trikal. Bagavan comes to this earth to establish Dharma. We come to this earth to enjoy/suffer remaining here in cycle of births and deaths. Bagavan at that time 5000 years ago during telling Geetha has said that One Baktha in a crore to HIM is enough to make this earth divine. Now one among trillions of us are unable to call ourself as Baktha. B.Sathyanarayan ------------------------------ Dear Bob, I suggest that you read the Gita without reading the commentary. The commentaries depend on the philosophical position of that particular Gita commentator. You will find that the 700 verses are all the same. Try to find the meanings of the actual verses without reading conflicting commentaries. All versions of the Gita have the same Gita verses it is only the commentaries that differ. The Lord has given you a brain and discriminative faculties. Use them to find your own answers to the original words of Lord Krishna yourself without referring to anyone's ideas as to what they actually mean. Prashanth Thirukkonda ------------------------------ PRIOR POSTING The one sentiment that rules supreme in every living being, more predominantly in man is UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOREVER. The simplest of the summary of Geetaji to me is that the Lord told Arjuna at length that despite being the Supreme, I am deeply in love with you and am doing anything for you unconditionally. Follow my suit and love me unconditionally so that we both, despite being one can be in love forever, ever new. " mein to tera deewana hoon hi, tu bhi mera deewana ban ja. Deewani me koi sawal nahi poochha jata. bas prem kiya jata hai. " " I am crazy about you, you too become crazy about me. In craze/madness, no questions are asked. Only one loves. " Dr Shobha S ---------------------------- Dear Shri Bob, The entire philosophy of our life is explained in Gita in simple terms. We all live our life in the manner prescribed in Gita, but without realising it, because of Maya, clouding our vision. G.Vaidyanathan. ------------------------------- dear bob I say its science of life, like we do it regularly but unknowingly.Simplest acts of life have the essense of Gitaji. We have to watch them meticulously & compare with principles of Gitaji. Thanx Raja Gurdasani -------------------------------- Hi Bob, As a kid, my mom explained it thus: You need to make choices everyday. And you want to make the right ones! The Gita gets you to see life from a perspective that helps you make those choices easily. Arjuna was in a dilemma. He had to make a choice to fight or not to fight, a Hamlet with a Krishna- thank God! Cheers, Meenakshi Srinivasan ------------------------------- Hare Krishna Arjuna and Lord Krishna were best of friends. They always stayed with each other. But Lord never gave any instruction to Arjuna. When Arjuna was confused between what to do and what not to do, he surrendered himself to Lord and asked Him to show the way. " With my very being smitten by the vice of faint-heartedness and my mind puzzled with regard to duty, I beseech You! tell me which is decidedly good; Pray instruct me, who has taken refuge in You " (Gita 2.7) But still Arjuna's surrender was not complete. After surrendering, the surrenderer only obeys the instructions of whom he has surrendered. This statement reflects his incomplete surrender. " ..I will not fight. " (Gita 2.9) Hearing this Lord smiled (Gita 2.10) and then started the divine explaination of Gita. After explaining Gita Lords says " Thus, has this wisdom, more profound than all profoundities, been imparted to you by Me: deeply pondering over it, now do as you like. " (Gita 18.63) " Now do as you like. " Lord could have said these words when Arjuna said 'I will not fight'. But only by His grace and love for devotee Arjuna and the future mankind, He explained the whole Gita. It is only by Lord's grace that one can understand Gita. Arjuna also said the same thing. Lord asked " Have you, O Arjuna, heard this gospel of the Gita attentively? And has your delusioin born of ignorance been destroyed, O Dhananjaya, conqueror of riches? " Arjuna said " Krishna, by Your grace my delusion has been destroyed and I have gained wisdom. I am free of all doubt. I shall do your bidding. " (Gita 18.72-73) Arjuna didn't consider his power to be the reason for destruction of his delusion. He did not say 'I listened attentively', 'I thought over your gospel deeply' etc. He said 'By Your grace'. After Arjuna said 'I shall do your bidding', Lord did not utter a word. He knew that Arjuna's surrender is now complete. So Gita started when Arjuna surrendered and ended when his surrender was complete. In Gita Lord has explained about Karmayoga, Gyanyoga, Dhaynyog etc. but His main aim is devotion. There is no chapter in Gita where Lord has not mentioned about devotion. But chapters 7-12 are the heart of devotion. Chapter 6 ends with " Of all yogis, again, he who devoutly worships Me with his mind focussed on Me is considered by Me to the best Yogi " (Gita 6.47) After this, Lord, with His main aim of devotion, starts the 7th chapter on his Own. Arjuna never enquired about it. To answer Arjuna's questions, Lord explained the 8th chapter. After completing this, Lord again starts His favorite topic of devotion in 9th chapter. Here he starts with where he had left off in 7th chapter. In chapter 11, Arjuna requests " Lord, You are precisely what You declare Yourself to be. But I long to see Your divne form possessed of wisdom, glory, energy, strength, valour and effulgence, O Purushottma, the Supreme Being " (Gita 11.3) Lord then reveals His cosmic form which Arjuna has described in Gita 11.15-45. Actually, Lord only wanted to reveal Himself. The request of Arjuna was just a mere formality. The desire to see the Vishwaroop was aroused by Lord in 10th chapter. From Gita 10.1-11, Lord describes His glories. Hearing which Arjuna asks " O Master of Yoga, through what process of continous meditation shall I know You? And in what particular forms, O Lord, are You to be meditated upon by me? " (Gita 10.17) Lord describes His prominent glories from 10.20 and sums up with this final one " Or what need is there, for you O Arjuna of detailed knowledge? I stand supporting the entire universe, with a single fragment, of Myself. " (Gita 10.42) Hearing this Arjuna is wonder-struck " That Lord who holds countless universes in a mere fragment of His body, and yet is sitting before Me as a chariot-driver, with horses' bridle and a whip in His hands and is carrying out my wishes " . This is what awakens in Arjuna the desire to see that cosmic form (vishwaroop). So it was only Lord's grace that He wanted to reveal Himself to Arjuna. Chapter 12 is named as Bhaktiyoga. Verses 13-19 are the marks of a God-realized soul. In all these verses, Lord has used the word 'dear' for the realized souls. But for the devotee who have not realized but has ardent faith and accepts God as their very own, Lord has use the word 'extremely dear'. God feels that He is indebted to such devotees. Because these devotess has never seen Him, never experienced Him. But still they believe in Him and worship Him. So such kind of devotees are extremely dear to Him. And what more to say, to explain Gita to Arjuna was also Lord's desire. He wanted to destroy Arjuna's family attachment (moha) and delusion. To bring it forth He said to Arjuna 'Arjuna, behold these Kurus assembled here'. (Gita 1.25) Pandav and Kauravs both come under one family tree of Kurus. That is why, Lord used the word 'Kurus' and not 'Kauravas'. By saying 'Behold all these Kurus assembled here' means, that by seeing them, Arjuna may think that they are all one, whether they are on his side or on the opposite side and whether they are good or bad and thus a feeling of kinship may develop in him. This feeling of kinship may lead to attachment and make him inquisitive. Thus, by making Arjuna an instrument, Lord Krishna wants to preach the gospel of Gita for the benediction of the creatures of the Kali-age. Instead of using the word 'Kauravs', Lord used the words 'Kuru'. If He had used the words 'Kauravs' Arjuna would have become enthusiastic and Lord Krishna could not have got a chance to preach the gospel of Gita and Arjuna's delusion, born of kinship, could not have been destroyed. But, Lord Krishna thought it is His duty to destroy Arjuna's delusion. As a surgeon, first gives medicine, to a patient suffering from a boil so that it may suppurate and then performs an operation, to remove the diseased part, in the same way, God first arouses the hidden delusion of Arjuna and then destroys it, Here, Lord Krishna by using the phrase 'Behold Kurus' first arouses delusion in order to destroy it, by advice later. In this way, Gita is full of divine secrets. It is Swamiji's grace that we are getting to know such deep divine meanings. He has discovered all these and many other things in Gita and given to us in His commentary 'Sadhak-Sanjivani'. I personally always wonder that God should have sent a saint like Swamiji in Satyuga. Because in that era, all people have spiritual aim and are steadfast in their spiritual practice. They would have utilized His techings in a much better manner. The people of this age esp. me are not eligible to read Swamiji's books. Par Bhagvan bhi kya kare? Woh kripa karte hain to andehe ho kar karte hain...Agar woh yogyata dekhke kripa karein to badi mushkil ho jaayegi!!! Aiso Ko Udar Jag Mahi, Binu Seva Jo Drave Deen Par, Ram Saris Kou Naahi Jasu Kripa Nahi Kripa Aghati. Hare Krishna Varun P. Paprunia Dear Sadhakas, Namaste! Those who read Gita may be familiar with the most popular picture found in most commentaries books on Gita: Lord Krishna driving the Chariotte sitting in front with Arjuna sitting in the back and learning from Him right on the battle field. This picture is in temples and some homes too. It is a metaphoric way of delivering the essential message of Gita. The Chariotte is Body on the battlefield of life driven by 5 horses representing 5 sense organs. Krishna is holding reins and a little stick holding firmly in the left hand representing mind, the driver being the intellect. Right hand is showing teaching posture(mudra) in which he touches thumb with index finger and holds the other fingers upright. Index finger represents us, three fingers is for threefold nature (prakriti) and thumb representing power and intelligence as God- Ishwara. Thus two hands represent two mainYogas of Karma and Discrimination (Ch 3 vs 3). Yoga in this context is the knowledge which helps to remove the ignorance that keeps one from realizing Atman, one's true SELF, knowing which nothing remains to be known. Message: Perform assigned duties/karmas with total devotion, without assuming doership(a false sense of me), based on where life has placed one by proper exposure of sense organs to external world just to serve. Keep them in check through mind and intellect. This karma yoga prepares one to receive the knowledge of SELF! As one lives mostly assocoated with prakriti-nature-perishable, shown by index finger remaining always with the other three. Krishna tells us to break that association by acquiring the knowledge of Ishwara(index finger touching the thumb)-the only Reality/Truth. This Gyan-Yoga culminates into Moksha, total freedom from bondage! This also summarizes Swamiji's message: Serve the world, Know yourself, resulting in Love Paramatman-Bliss. Namaskar............ Pratap Bhatt ----------------------------- Dear all, Diwali greetings! With specific reference to Bob's question, afew words I may like to answer him in: 1. Look at all creation as one and equal.(Yogah samatwa iti uchyate). 2. Whatever you do, do it well. (Yogah karmasu kausalam). 3. Every one has his area of capabilty and expertise. Do that to your best. However best you think you can do other's job, well, don't. Concentrate on your job.(swadharme nidhanam shreyah....). 4. While doing your duty, don't do it being anxious of a benefit out of it, but with the sacred thought that in the cosmic scheme of things, you have to do what you are doing. (Yogasthah kuru karma..., Karmanyeva adhikaaras the ma paleshu kadachana). 5 Never have the false ego that you are doing something. We (Self) is not the Doer. (Karta Ahamithi manyate mudaatma). 6. Approach good and bad, heat and cold, benefit and harm, victory and loss etc i.e., opposites in life, with equanimity. (Sukha duhkhe same kruthwa, labhaalabhow, jayaajayou..). 7. Don't agitate your mind on a hundred issues and various solutions to life's problems. Surrender to me completely. I will take care of all your worries. Rest assured. (Sarva dharmaan parithyajya maamekam sharanam vraja. Aham thwa sarva papebyo mokshaishyaami, maa sucha). Whatever I have jotted above is just a jalak, a sample. Gita has much more to advise on how we should lead our life day to day. The suggestions are universal, not confined to Hindus alone. If one does not relish the idea of surrendering to Sri Krishna, he need not; he may surrender to Allah or Jesus. It is all the same. (Sarva deva namaskaaram keshavam prathi gachhathi). See the same and one God in all [may not be from Gita, but from elsewhere - Ekam Sath, Vipraah bahuda Vadanthi. {Truth (God) is one, though scholars may call by different names}. Without going into detailed commentaries, enough it is to follow Gita teachings, like the Ten Commandments. Regards. Prof Ramanujam. ------------------------------- Dear Sadak, Do nothing about Geetha in deapth. Just follow Dharma of living and to have control over your senses such as desire, anger etc, Bagavan is " Sri Krishnam Vadhe Jagat Gurum " , you leave the responsibility to HIM, just be Good HE takes care. Alternatively taking round about route by reading scriptures is a long process. Every action you do think that , " will Bagavan be happy of the action " and then remain calm. If your mind says that it is not Good just cut of that desire or action ruthlessly and sit back. B.Sathyanarayan ------------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Very simple … It is a sceince of being happy (NOT acquiring happiness) … If you experience unhappiness, … … acknowledge it transparently … observe it objectively … locate its root causes … (if possible, locate the single root cause for all your miseries) … understand the strength and skills required to remove the root cause(s) … acquire the strength and skills … apply the strength and skills with resolve to remove the root cause (s) for (all) your miseries … AND … BE HAPPY. That is it! Respects. Naga Narayana. --------------------------- -Shree Hari- OK Bob, as a Bhagavad Gita novice let me give you a few pointers: 1)Ask questions at this site, most of the Sadhaks will tune into where you are at, with compassion and tolerance. 2)I agree, much of the online commentaries of Gitaji can be somewhat overpowering, so don't try and dig too deep, look at the heading of the chapter read with concentration right through, don't grind to a halt if one verse confuses, you can easily ask the Sadhaks. 3)A thing I found useful is to have three translations 'bookmarked', I have a light translation, I use this the most, an alternative, and a beautiful interlinear translation. 4)Remember even though the source of Gitaji comes from Ancient India, its messages are timeless, and universal.(Look at it in that manner.) 5)Ask yourself this question, " By what grace am I here? " . B.G. Chapter 6: Yoga is not eating too much, Nor is it not eating at all. Not the habit of too much sleep, Nor keeping awake, Arjuna. (16) For the moderate in eating And in diversion, disciplined, Moderate in sleep and waking, Yoga destroys all his sorrow.1 (17) I ask you Bob, how up to date is that advice of Sri Krishna? With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor -------------------------------- Shree Hari Ram Ram! Dear Bob, Thanks for the question! Based on Swamiji Maharaj's book - " Sar-Sangrah " (summary of gist of Scriptures in Hindi), " Simple Explanation of Gita " follow (References to relevant verses from Gitaji have been added), this is mdified from what was posted about June 4, 08 under " Basic Principles of Bhagavad Gita " 1. Due to the delusion (Samsaric Moha), man considers the constantly changing world to be real and permanent and he expects continuous pleasure from it, which the world cannot provide. With this lack of understanding, man is thus puzzled, he does not know what to do and what not to do with the result that he is not able to do his rightful duty (Swadharma). Therefore one should not be under the spell of worldly attachment (moha). (Gitaji: 1- 27, 2- 7, 18-73). 2. The body (Sharira) is perishable and the knower of this fact is Soul (Atma or Sharii) which Itself is imperishable. By giving due importance to this wisdom (Viveka), one performs his rightful duty, one can get rid of worry and sorrow. (Gitaji 2/ 11-30). 3. When one does his duty (Swadharma) which may vary due to situations or circumstances unselfishly and for the benefit of others, he progresses spiritually very fast. (Gitaji: 2/31-38, 3-35 and 18-47) 4. There are two ways to break the bondage of Karma: - Knowing the secret of work (Karma Yoga) and doing your duty unselfishly without the desire for the fruit of action. (Gitaji: 2- 47 and 4-18) - Realizing the true nature of Self (Jnana Yoga)... (Gitaji: 4-34/35) 5. One should neither rejoice nor feel sorry or hate when favorable or unfavorable situations come his way, because those inflicted with joy and sorrow cannot rise above the dualities of the world to experience the supreme bliss (Parama-ananda)...(Gita: 5/ 20-22) 6. With whatever method one should attain equanimity (Samta) in the Antahkaran (Mind, Intellect, Ego and Chita ). Without attaining equanimity one cannot totally get rid of modification of nature (Vikaras). (Gitaji:2-48, 2/ 55-72). 7. Everything is only God and God is the essence in everything, He is the " Is-ness " in objects, people and actions. To accept this truth whole heartedly, it is the best method (Sadhan). (Gitaji: 7/ 7-12, 9/ 4-5, 10-8, 16-19). 8. Whatever a man thinks of at the last moment when he leaves the body, that alone does he attain. Therefore at all times one should think of God only when performing one's duty. This is the only way to assure that at the last minute he will remember God since it is not certain when the last moment may come (Gitaji: 8/ 5-7). 9. Everyone is entitled to reach God regardless of which Varna , Ashrama, Sampradaya, (various tradions) etc. he belongs to. (Gitaji: 9/ 30-33). 10. Whatever being is endowed with glory, brilliance, beauty, prosperity or power, know that to be the manifestation of a spark of God's splendor and therefore think of God only (Gitaji: 10-41). 11. Think of this world as a projection of God only, each human being can experience the vision of the cosmic form (Visvarupa darsan) of God. (Gitaji:6/ 29-30, 11- 7,13). 12. The devotee who submits his body, senses, mind, intellect and ego whole-heartedly he is dear to God (Gitaji: 9-34, 12-8 and 18-65). 13. In this world there is only thing worth knowing which is to know God, only then one attains to immortality (8-16, 21). 14. In order to obtain freedom from the bonds of Samsara, one must become guna-atita (rising above the three modes of nature), going beyond the three gunas, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. This can be achieved through constant and consistent exclusive (thinking of no other) devotion (Gita: 14-20). 15. The basis or the reason for existance of this world is only God, believing this, the devotee should worship God with exclusive devotion (Gita 14-26. 15-19). 16. With the bad conduct and bad behavior, man whirls in 84 lacs (84, 000) of species and goes to hell and experiences pain and suffering. To liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death, it is a must to get rid of bad conduct and bad behavior (Gita 16-19, 20). 17. Whatever noble action man undertakes, he should first remember God, recite His name and then begin the action (Gitaji 17/24). 18. Gist of all scriptures are the Vedas, gist of Vedas is contained in Upnishads, the gist of Upnishads is Gitaji and gist of Gitaji is Sharnagatih (surrender) at the feet of God. Who with exclusive devotion takes Sharnagatih of God, God frees him from all sins (Gita: 18/66). For further study pls. read Sadhaka Sanjivanee for the verses referenced above Madan kaura ------------------------------- If the message of gita were to be described in 3 words, it would be " don't be afraid. " The gita was a sermon from Krishna to Arjun to give up his negative attitude and fight the forces of evil, represented by the Kauravs. But besides it gives us the answers to almost everything we want to know about spirituality which applies to everybody in this world, regardless of religion. Hari Shanker Deo -------------------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: 1. Purpose of the group is to help Sadhakas clarify their doubts related to Gitaji shalokas. Therefore, responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will only be posted. 2. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations. 7. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 8. Please do not address the response to a particular individual since the message is going to the entire group. 9. Due to the large readership, all responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting, if content is unclear or not appropriate for distribution to the group. 11. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use to Sanskrit words only, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 dear group members, there are lot of commentaries and explanations of gita. but i like to know what are the basics of gita? how a layman can understand the ideas of gita? and how one can use them for the betterment of ones life? the commentaries and explanations some time make the gita difficult to understand. bob ------------------------------ NEW POSTING Hari Om, My understanding is, " Bhagavad Gita " instructs us with, 1. Knowledge of my Real Being, 'Atmannevaatmanaatushthah' Be content in Aatman by seeing HIM in every being and thing arround us. 2.Being embodied we choicelessly shall act, and act only to serve HIS creation as Himself in every being with unconditional LOVE. Love M.Nagaraju. -------------------------- Hari Om " Simplest explanation of Gita " - is the question. Answer is " surrender " as referred in 18:66 ! It is as simple as a child running into the lap of Mom ! How simple? How easy? What is the problem there? What ability or power or capacity is needed in surrender? It is the simplest as well as the best of all actions ! It is not that we don't take shelter in human life ! Not a second of time elapses in our life without our not taking shelter of any one/thing- mostly many ones/many things at a time . We take shelter of time/relatives/health/wealth/power/position/education/wife/son/ money/beauty/virtues/ home/ parents/doctor/job/ husband/ stick/body/ mind/ intellect/ etc/etc at all times- subjects may change but not " shelter " ! Here the shelter/surrender is to be " accepted " only not " taken " - because we are already children of God ! We are already " surrendered " ! We have to only accept!! Still difficult, still not simple? Ok ! What is needed is not even " accepting " or " taking " shelter / surrender of God! Simply leave shelter of any thing / any one else! More than enough !! Now what is the difficulty? What action is needed? " Cessation " only is needed !! Can there be more simple or more easy thing than " surrender " ? No Dear Sadhaks! You get " liberated " the moment you surrender ! In the very beginning itself !! As simple as that ! As easy as that !! Be child like ! Simple !! Jai Shree Krishna Vyas N B ---------------------------- Here is a snapshot of Gita (by no means comprehensive though!) 1. Soul is immortal but the body is perishable 2. Do your duty - do not lay claim to it benefits - do not be unduly carried away by the results of your action 3. Lead a contented life knowing fully that everything/everybody in this world has/have a rightful place 4. Surrender completely to the Lord without any hesitation or doubt - dedicate your Mind, Speech and Action to HIM - Lord Krishna 5. Meditate on the single most important Sloka Sarva Dharman Partiyajya Maamekam Sharanam Vraja Aham Tva Sarva Papebyo Mokshayishyami Ma Shucha Simple meaning of the above Sloka: Surrender to me - I will offer you freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death Hope this helps Ramji Govindarajan -------------------------- There is an old story told like this †" There was a Sidha (perfected being) living in an Aashram. Number of people used to visit him for advices. Sidha used to give them advices and the people felt happy and left. There was a Rat living in the Aashram. The Rat was feeling uncomfort to live in the Aashram as it could not roam in the Aashram freely because a Cat was always there in the Ashram. The presence of Cat created fearfulness in the mind of Rat. One day the rat decided to meet the Sidha and ask for a solution. With revered Bhakti, the Rat stood infront of the Sidha. The Sidha was bit surprised and thought! What is this ? How many times I have attempted to catch this Rat as it spoiled some useful this. Anyhow, let me ask the Rat the reasons for coming to see me. Looking at the Rat standing in front of the Sidha with bowed head, the Sidha asked the Rat . Oh ! my dear lovely Rat, what do you want ? The Rat told the Sidha : I understand that you are a great Sidha. You are giving good advices to lot of people and they live happily thereafter. I also know that you have divine powers. I have a problem. I am not able to live freely here, I am not able to walk, run or play freely and fearlessly here. The Sidha asked Why it is so ? Pointing to the entrance of the Aashrama, the Rat told the Sidha - Look, there is a Cat standing there. If I run and play, live happily here in the Aashram, that Cat fears me. Then the Sidha started the Rat giving advices. Not to go near the Cat. Always play silently so that Cat did not notice you… etc etc The Rat replied : My Lord ! Please do not start advising me what to do and what not to do.. Give me some practical solution. Then the Sidha asked, OK, What to do mean ; what do you want …? The Rat replied. My Lord ! You bless me and make me a Cat. All my fear and sorrow will disappear. The Sidha told ˜Thadhhaasthu " and the Rat became a Cat. The Cat immediately ran outside the Aashrama and started playing there ignoring the original Cat. But immediately at the beside appeared a Dog and the Cat was afraid. Quickly the Cat ran to the Sidha and complained that I am not able to live peacefully because of the Dog. You please make me a Dog. The Sidha blessed and make the Cat a Dog. When the Dog was freely moving a big bull was there and the Dog was afraid. The Dog came running to the Sidha and prayed him for making a Bull. The Sidha did so. When the Bull was moving through there it saw an Elephant coming towards it and Bull was afraid of the eleplant. Running back to the Sidha, prayed for making the Bull an Elephant. The Sidha told the Bull. When you were a Rat, you wanted me to make you a Cat. When you were a cat, you wanted to become a Dog. Again from Dog to Bull and from Bull to Elephant. The Sidha told the Bull., my dear Jeev, even if you become a lion or elephant it will not give you happiness. Because whatever you become, so far it is there in your mind that you are a Rat, you will have the fearfulness. You shred away your fearfulness. You will become a Lion. Why to have the wishes of becoming small and small creatures! Why to feel fearful and die at every moment. Death is a truth and it is inevitable. It has to be accepted without conditionailities. Why to become the owner of small, small things, small small houses, why not to become the KING of the whole universe. Give away small small wishes like, that is my property, that is my husband, that is my wife, that is my children, I work for them. I want to give them good livelihood, give them good education, make them engineers or doctors. Make separate houses for each. All these are worthless. Never allow wrong thinkings come up in mind. Never do wrong things for husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter. What ever wrong thing one thinks or does, it has its sins followed with it. If I make some money by saying a lie, by way of a theft and spend it for my wife, husband or children, they will, definitely, share the happiness derives out of it. But, whether they will share the sins deriving out of it. If they cannot share the sins of my doings, why to do such sins for them. Think of this and start living. Then see the change Vijayan Kiliyil ------------------------------ hello Bob, this is my humble opinion. The simplest way is : to do your actions whatever you feel right in your heart at that time and leave the output to that Supreme.(The output may be whatever u may expect or something unexpected). But this may become difficult and hence you may have heard people say to read thro Gita. Reading and studying and understanding Gita helps our minds to get tuned slowly and and then , slowly and steadily it will become easy to leave the fruits of our actions to that Supreme. Reading or studying thro Gita from various people,various commentories,various discussions anything is ok. do not get attached to any ideas but be open to all the views. After certain time, listening to all peples ideas etc etc.. you will feel the message of Gita in ur heart and that is what you will be able to follow from then on. take care, Regards, Bharathi -------------------------- My respects to bob, and all in this forum... May I suggest the translation of Gita by A.C. bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.....he came to America in 1966 with $7 in his pocket, a bag of cereal, (as he had no idea if he would find anything to eat), and a trunk full of holy scriptures that he had translated into English. . He dedicated his last 10-15 years of life to one and only one cause, which was teaching the knowledge of Gita to the western world, hence his purports were written specifically for beginners in this path. Because in the mid 60's, there was very little yogis or teachers of Gita here in the West. Though I personally have not made the most of his love and kindness by having my self raised to being completely godly and dedicated, I know many that have, and I can certainly say that by his influence my life has totally changed, I have begun to grasp the transcendental teachings, and love of the Supreme Person has begun to enter my heart. Respectfully, Mahalaksmi Dasi -------------------------- ------------------------------ PRIOR POSTING Dear Sadhak, Once a man who was going through all kinds of crisis asked a realized one " You know my problems are much more bigger and complicated then Arjuna's problem.Can you suggest me which Gita explanation will solve my queries ? " The realized one said - " To solve yr problems, you have to write yr own commentaries about Gita.No other explanation is going to help you. " In the beginning explanation given by someone may confuse us,but when we contemplate on each of the stanza of Gitaji,the meaning starts unfolding itself.After that every explanation by all the seekers and masters become helpful. For me the simplest explanation of Gita is as follow- 1. We all want to KNOW more. No matter how many scriptures we read, it does not satisfy our desire to know more, but as soon as we know our true " SELF " , when we know that we are not body, mind or intellect, but we are the eternal SOUL/Part of God , there remains nothing to know. This is Gyaan Yoga(Path of Knowledge)Gitaji chapter 2. 2. We all want to do something. No matter what we do, we never feel fulfilled. When we detach our selves from the fruit of our action or we surrender our actions with its fruits to HIM and start to SERVE this creation of SUPREME, when we concentrate only on our DUTY ,we become free from the cycle of death and birth, sorrow and sufferings and merge with HIM only. This path is called Karma Yoga(Path of action) 3. We all want to be something, no matter how much name, fame, wealth we grab we always want to BE something else. When we surrender ourselves completely to HIM(GOD) , we become one with HIM, then there remains nothing to be anymore. This path is called Bhakti yoga(Path of Devotion) Tu Tu karta Tu bhaya rahi na mujhme hu Vari pheri bali gayi jit dekhun tit TU. When I started my search for YOU(God), I forgot my own self and " I " also became " YOU " . Now only YOU are everywhere.... with lots of love, A sadhika Sadhana Karigar ----------------------------- The simplest explanation is given in the first shloka itself. " Kshetre Kshetre Dharma " , Uphold Dharma in every field of action, in every place of action and every period of time. It is not limited to battle field or a particular place or a particular time. And what is Dharma ? It is the guidelene, track, limit, boundary etc for every action - just like the railway track for the train. It has to run only on that. Any derail becomes dangerous. With Best Regards, N.S. Parasuraman ------------------------------ Dear Sadaks, Do you know that Bagavan Krishna said to Arjuna, " What is the use of telling Geetha to you " at the time when Arjuna wanted to kill himself due to the lose of his son? Same Geetha Hanuman heard but could retain all until Bagavan said " May you Hanuman Forget " . Geetha is upanashids juice. To study a theory one does take minimum a year. Study Geetha well and introgate within with Bagavan focused in mind, then what studied will come to practice over a period of time depending on your adhereing to that princples. If one thinks of short cuts, easy ways and simple methods then he looses this birth time. SADAKS--Please refer Bagavan saying in Geetha " YOGA BREASTA " . Theme is, Everything happens, happened are perfect. Body is differant from Soul. 3 ways to reach divinity- Bakthi Marg-Gyana Marg- Karma Marg. Total surrender to Bagavan. The sat (truth) is always mistaken as false. The false (Maya) is taken as truth. Yoga Shemam Vahamiyam is Bagavan` s. Loka shemam is ours. We never ever know our past or furure. Bagavan saints know Trikal. Bagavan comes to this earth to establish Dharma. We come to this earth to enjoy/suffer remaining here in cycle of births and deaths. Bagavan at that time 5000 years ago during telling Geetha has said that One Baktha in a crore to HIM is enough to make this earth divine. Now one among trillions of us are unable to call ourself as Baktha. B.Sathyanarayan ------------------------------ Dear Bob, I suggest that you read the Gita without reading the commentary. The commentaries depend on the philosophical position of that particular Gita commentator. You will find that the 700 verses are all the same. Try to find the meanings of the actual verses without reading conflicting commentaries. All versions of the Gita have the same Gita verses it is only the commentaries that differ. The Lord has given you a brain and discriminative faculties. Use them to find your own answers to the original words of Lord Krishna yourself without referring to anyone's ideas as to what they actually mean. Prashanth Thirukkonda ------------------------------ PRIOR POSTING The one sentiment that rules supreme in every living being, more predominantly in man is UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOREVER. The simplest of the summary of Geetaji to me is that the Lord told Arjuna at length that despite being the Supreme, I am deeply in love with you and am doing anything for you unconditionally. Follow my suit and love me unconditionally so that we both, despite being one can be in love forever, ever new. " mein to tera deewana hoon hi, tu bhi mera deewana ban ja. Deewani me koi sawal nahi poochha jata. bas prem kiya jata hai. " " I am crazy about you, you too become crazy about me. In craze/madness, no questions are asked. Only one loves. " Dr Shobha S ---------------------------- Dear Shri Bob, The entire philosophy of our life is explained in Gita in simple terms. We all live our life in the manner prescribed in Gita, but without realising it, because of Maya, clouding our vision. G.Vaidyanathan. ------------------------------- dear bob I say its science of life, like we do it regularly but unknowingly.Simplest acts of life have the essense of Gitaji. We have to watch them meticulously & compare with principles of Gitaji. Thanx Raja Gurdasani -------------------------------- Hi Bob, As a kid, my mom explained it thus: You need to make choices everyday. And you want to make the right ones! The Gita gets you to see life from a perspective that helps you make those choices easily. Arjuna was in a dilemma. He had to make a choice to fight or not to fight, a Hamlet with a Krishna- thank God! Cheers, Meenakshi Srinivasan ------------------------------- Hare Krishna Arjuna and Lord Krishna were best of friends. They always stayed with each other. But Lord never gave any instruction to Arjuna. When Arjuna was confused between what to do and what not to do, he surrendered himself to Lord and asked Him to show the way. " With my very being smitten by the vice of faint-heartedness and my mind puzzled with regard to duty, I beseech You! tell me which is decidedly good; Pray instruct me, who has taken refuge in You " (Gita 2.7) But still Arjuna's surrender was not complete. After surrendering, the surrenderer only obeys the instructions of whom he has surrendered. This statement reflects his incomplete surrender. " ..I will not fight. " (Gita 2.9) Hearing this Lord smiled (Gita 2.10) and then started the divine explaination of Gita. After explaining Gita Lords says " Thus, has this wisdom, more profound than all profoundities, been imparted to you by Me: deeply pondering over it, now do as you like. " (Gita 18.63) " Now do as you like. " Lord could have said these words when Arjuna said 'I will not fight'. But only by His grace and love for devotee Arjuna and the future mankind, He explained the whole Gita. It is only by Lord's grace that one can understand Gita. Arjuna also said the same thing. Lord asked " Have you, O Arjuna, heard this gospel of the Gita attentively? And has your delusioin born of ignorance been destroyed, O Dhananjaya, conqueror of riches? " Arjuna said " Krishna, by Your grace my delusion has been destroyed and I have gained wisdom. I am free of all doubt. I shall do your bidding. " (Gita 18.72-73) Arjuna didn't consider his power to be the reason for destruction of his delusion. He did not say 'I listened attentively', 'I thought over your gospel deeply' etc. He said 'By Your grace'. After Arjuna said 'I shall do your bidding', Lord did not utter a word. He knew that Arjuna's surrender is now complete. So Gita started when Arjuna surrendered and ended when his surrender was complete. In Gita Lord has explained about Karmayoga, Gyanyoga, Dhaynyog etc. but His main aim is devotion. There is no chapter in Gita where Lord has not mentioned about devotion. But chapters 7-12 are the heart of devotion. Chapter 6 ends with " Of all yogis, again, he who devoutly worships Me with his mind focussed on Me is considered by Me to the best Yogi " (Gita 6.47) After this, Lord, with His main aim of devotion, starts the 7th chapter on his Own. Arjuna never enquired about it. To answer Arjuna's questions, Lord explained the 8th chapter. After completing this, Lord again starts His favorite topic of devotion in 9th chapter. Here he starts with where he had left off in 7th chapter. In chapter 11, Arjuna requests " Lord, You are precisely what You declare Yourself to be. But I long to see Your divne form possessed of wisdom, glory, energy, strength, valour and effulgence, O Purushottma, the Supreme Being " (Gita 11.3) Lord then reveals His cosmic form which Arjuna has described in Gita 11.15-45. Actually, Lord only wanted to reveal Himself. The request of Arjuna was just a mere formality. The desire to see the Vishwaroop was aroused by Lord in 10th chapter. From Gita 10.1-11, Lord describes His glories. Hearing which Arjuna asks " O Master of Yoga, through what process of continous meditation shall I know You? And in what particular forms, O Lord, are You to be meditated upon by me? " (Gita 10.17) Lord describes His prominent glories from 10.20 and sums up with this final one " Or what need is there, for you O Arjuna of detailed knowledge? I stand supporting the entire universe, with a single fragment, of Myself. " (Gita 10.42) Hearing this Arjuna is wonder-struck " That Lord who holds countless universes in a mere fragment of His body, and yet is sitting before Me as a chariot-driver, with horses' bridle and a whip in His hands and is carrying out my wishes " . This is what awakens in Arjuna the desire to see that cosmic form (vishwaroop). So it was only Lord's grace that He wanted to reveal Himself to Arjuna. Chapter 12 is named as Bhaktiyoga. Verses 13-19 are the marks of a God-realized soul. In all these verses, Lord has used the word 'dear' for the realized souls. But for the devotee who have not realized but has ardent faith and accepts God as their very own, Lord has use the word 'extremely dear'. God feels that He is indebted to such devotees. Because these devotess has never seen Him, never experienced Him. But still they believe in Him and worship Him. So such kind of devotees are extremely dear to Him. And what more to say, to explain Gita to Arjuna was also Lord's desire. He wanted to destroy Arjuna's family attachment (moha) and delusion. To bring it forth He said to Arjuna 'Arjuna, behold these Kurus assembled here'. (Gita 1.25) Pandav and Kauravs both come under one family tree of Kurus. That is why, Lord used the word 'Kurus' and not 'Kauravas'. By saying 'Behold all these Kurus assembled here' means, that by seeing them, Arjuna may think that they are all one, whether they are on his side or on the opposite side and whether they are good or bad and thus a feeling of kinship may develop in him. This feeling of kinship may lead to attachment and make him inquisitive. Thus, by making Arjuna an instrument, Lord Krishna wants to preach the gospel of Gita for the benediction of the creatures of the Kali-age. Instead of using the word 'Kauravs', Lord used the words 'Kuru'. If He had used the words 'Kauravs' Arjuna would have become enthusiastic and Lord Krishna could not have got a chance to preach the gospel of Gita and Arjuna's delusion, born of kinship, could not have been destroyed. But, Lord Krishna thought it is His duty to destroy Arjuna's delusion. As a surgeon, first gives medicine, to a patient suffering from a boil so that it may suppurate and then performs an operation, to remove the diseased part, in the same way, God first arouses the hidden delusion of Arjuna and then destroys it, Here, Lord Krishna by using the phrase 'Behold Kurus' first arouses delusion in order to destroy it, by advice later. In this way, Gita is full of divine secrets. It is Swamiji's grace that we are getting to know such deep divine meanings. He has discovered all these and many other things in Gita and given to us in His commentary 'Sadhak-Sanjivani'. I personally always wonder that God should have sent a saint like Swamiji in Satyuga. Because in that era, all people have spiritual aim and are steadfast in their spiritual practice. They would have utilized His techings in a much better manner. The people of this age esp. me are not eligible to read Swamiji's books. Par Bhagvan bhi kya kare? Woh kripa karte hain to andehe ho kar karte hain...Agar woh yogyata dekhke kripa karein to badi mushkil ho jaayegi!!! Aiso Ko Udar Jag Mahi, Binu Seva Jo Drave Deen Par, Ram Saris Kou Naahi Jasu Kripa Nahi Kripa Aghati. Hare Krishna Varun P. Paprunia Dear Sadhakas, Namaste! Those who read Gita may be familiar with the most popular picture found in most commentaries books on Gita: Lord Krishna driving the Chariotte sitting in front with Arjuna sitting in the back and learning from Him right on the battle field. This picture is in temples and some homes too. It is a metaphoric way of delivering the essential message of Gita. The Chariotte is Body on the battlefield of life driven by 5 horses representing 5 sense organs. Krishna is holding reins and a little stick holding firmly in the left hand representing mind, the driver being the intellect. Right hand is showing teaching posture(mudra) in which he touches thumb with index finger and holds the other fingers upright. Index finger represents us, three fingers is for threefold nature (prakriti) and thumb representing power and intelligence as God- Ishwara. Thus two hands represent two mainYogas of Karma and Discrimination (Ch 3 vs 3). Yoga in this context is the knowledge which helps to remove the ignorance that keeps one from realizing Atman, one's true SELF, knowing which nothing remains to be known. Message: Perform assigned duties/karmas with total devotion, without assuming doership(a false sense of me), based on where life has placed one by proper exposure of sense organs to external world just to serve. Keep them in check through mind and intellect. This karma yoga prepares one to receive the knowledge of SELF! As one lives mostly assocoated with prakriti-nature-perishable, shown by index finger remaining always with the other three. Krishna tells us to break that association by acquiring the knowledge of Ishwara(index finger touching the thumb)-the only Reality/Truth. This Gyan-Yoga culminates into Moksha, total freedom from bondage! This also summarizes Swamiji's message: Serve the world, Know yourself, resulting in Love Paramatman-Bliss. Namaskar............ Pratap Bhatt ----------------------------- Dear all, Diwali greetings! With specific reference to Bob's question, afew words I may like to answer him in: 1. Look at all creation as one and equal.(Yogah samatwa iti uchyate). 2. Whatever you do, do it well. (Yogah karmasu kausalam). 3. Every one has his area of capabilty and expertise. Do that to your best. However best you think you can do other's job, well, don't. Concentrate on your job.(swadharme nidhanam shreyah....). 4. While doing your duty, don't do it being anxious of a benefit out of it, but with the sacred thought that in the cosmic scheme of things, you have to do what you are doing. (Yogasthah kuru karma..., Karmanyeva adhikaaras the ma paleshu kadachana). 5 Never have the false ego that you are doing something. We (Self) is not the Doer. (Karta Ahamithi manyate mudaatma). 6. Approach good and bad, heat and cold, benefit and harm, victory and loss etc i.e., opposites in life, with equanimity. (Sukha duhkhe same kruthwa, labhaalabhow, jayaajayou..). 7. Don't agitate your mind on a hundred issues and various solutions to life's problems. Surrender to me completely. I will take care of all your worries. Rest assured. (Sarva dharmaan parithyajya maamekam sharanam vraja. Aham thwa sarva papebyo mokshaishyaami, maa sucha). Whatever I have jotted above is just a jalak, a sample. Gita has much more to advise on how we should lead our life day to day. The suggestions are universal, not confined to Hindus alone. If one does not relish the idea of surrendering to Sri Krishna, he need not; he may surrender to Allah or Jesus. It is all the same. (Sarva deva namaskaaram keshavam prathi gachhathi). See the same and one God in all [may not be from Gita, but from elsewhere - Ekam Sath, Vipraah bahuda Vadanthi. {Truth (God) is one, though scholars may call by different names}. Without going into detailed commentaries, enough it is to follow Gita teachings, like the Ten Commandments. Regards. Prof Ramanujam. ------------------------------- Dear Sadak, Do nothing about Geetha in deapth. Just follow Dharma of living and to have control over your senses such as desire, anger etc, Bagavan is " Sri Krishnam Vadhe Jagat Gurum " , you leave the responsibility to HIM, just be Good HE takes care. Alternatively taking round about route by reading scriptures is a long process. Every action you do think that , " will Bagavan be happy of the action " and then remain calm. If your mind says that it is not Good just cut of that desire or action ruthlessly and sit back. B.Sathyanarayan ------------------------------- PRIOR POSTING Very simple … It is a sceince of being happy (NOT acquiring happiness) … If you experience unhappiness, … … acknowledge it transparently … observe it objectively … locate its root causes … (if possible, locate the single root cause for all your miseries) … understand the strength and skills required to remove the root cause(s) … acquire the strength and skills … apply the strength and skills with resolve to remove the root cause (s) for (all) your miseries … AND … BE HAPPY. That is it! Respects. Naga Narayana. --------------------------- -Shree Hari- OK Bob, as a Bhagavad Gita novice let me give you a few pointers: 1)Ask questions at this site, most of the Sadhaks will tune into where you are at, with compassion and tolerance. 2)I agree, much of the online commentaries of Gitaji can be somewhat overpowering, so don't try and dig too deep, look at the heading of the chapter read with concentration right through, don't grind to a halt if one verse confuses, you can easily ask the Sadhaks. 3)A thing I found useful is to have three translations 'bookmarked', I have a light translation, I use this the most, an alternative, and a beautiful interlinear translation. 4)Remember even though the source of Gitaji comes from Ancient India, its messages are timeless, and universal.(Look at it in that manner.) 5)Ask yourself this question, " By what grace am I here? " . B.G. Chapter 6: Yoga is not eating too much, Nor is it not eating at all. Not the habit of too much sleep, Nor keeping awake, Arjuna. (16) For the moderate in eating And in diversion, disciplined, Moderate in sleep and waking, Yoga destroys all his sorrow.1 (17) I ask you Bob, how up to date is that advice of Sri Krishna? With Respect and Divine Love, Mike Keenor -------------------------------- Shree Hari Ram Ram! Dear Bob, Thanks for the question! Based on Swamiji Maharaj's book - " Sar-Sangrah " (summary of gist of Scriptures in Hindi), " Simple Explanation of Gita " follow (References to relevant verses from Gitaji have been added), this is mdified from what was posted about June 4, 08 under " Basic Principles of Bhagavad Gita " 1. Due to the delusion (Samsaric Moha), man considers the constantly changing world to be real and permanent and he expects continuous pleasure from it, which the world cannot provide. With this lack of understanding, man is thus puzzled, he does not know what to do and what not to do with the result that he is not able to do his rightful duty (Swadharma). Therefore one should not be under the spell of worldly attachment (moha). (Gitaji: 1- 27, 2- 7, 18-73). 2. The body (Sharira) is perishable and the knower of this fact is Soul (Atma or Sharii) which Itself is imperishable. By giving due importance to this wisdom (Viveka), one performs his rightful duty, one can get rid of worry and sorrow. (Gitaji 2/ 11-30). 3. When one does his duty (Swadharma) which may vary due to situations or circumstances unselfishly and for the benefit of others, he progresses spiritually very fast. (Gitaji: 2/31-38, 3-35 and 18-47) 4. There are two ways to break the bondage of Karma: - Knowing the secret of work (Karma Yoga) and doing your duty unselfishly without the desire for the fruit of action. (Gitaji: 2- 47 and 4-18) - Realizing the true nature of Self (Jnana Yoga)... (Gitaji: 4-34/35) 5. One should neither rejoice nor feel sorry or hate when favorable or unfavorable situations come his way, because those inflicted with joy and sorrow cannot rise above the dualities of the world to experience the supreme bliss (Parama-ananda)...(Gita: 5/ 20-22) 6. With whatever method one should attain equanimity (Samta) in the Antahkaran (Mind, Intellect, Ego and Chita ). Without attaining equanimity one cannot totally get rid of modification of nature (Vikaras). (Gitaji:2-48, 2/ 55-72). 7. Everything is only God and God is the essence in everything, He is the " Is-ness " in objects, people and actions. To accept this truth whole heartedly, it is the best method (Sadhan). (Gitaji: 7/ 7-12, 9/ 4-5, 10-8, 16-19). 8. Whatever a man thinks of at the last moment when he leaves the body, that alone does he attain. Therefore at all times one should think of God only when performing one's duty. This is the only way to assure that at the last minute he will remember God since it is not certain when the last moment may come (Gitaji: 8/ 5-7). 9. Everyone is entitled to reach God regardless of which Varna , Ashrama, Sampradaya, (various tradions) etc. he belongs to. (Gitaji: 9/ 30-33). 10. Whatever being is endowed with glory, brilliance, beauty, prosperity or power, know that to be the manifestation of a spark of God's splendor and therefore think of God only (Gitaji: 10-41). 11. Think of this world as a projection of God only, each human being can experience the vision of the cosmic form (Visvarupa darsan) of God. (Gitaji:6/ 29-30, 11- 7,13). 12. The devotee who submits his body, senses, mind, intellect and ego whole-heartedly he is dear to God (Gitaji: 9-34, 12-8 and 18-65). 13. In this world there is only thing worth knowing which is to know God, only then one attains to immortality (8-16, 21). 14. In order to obtain freedom from the bonds of Samsara, one must become guna-atita (rising above the three modes of nature), going beyond the three gunas, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. This can be achieved through constant and consistent exclusive (thinking of no other) devotion (Gita: 14-20). 15. The basis or the reason for existance of this world is only God, believing this, the devotee should worship God with exclusive devotion (Gita 14-26. 15-19). 16. With the bad conduct and bad behavior, man whirls in 84 lacs (84, 000) of species and goes to hell and experiences pain and suffering. To liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death, it is a must to get rid of bad conduct and bad behavior (Gita 16-19, 20). 17. Whatever noble action man undertakes, he should first remember God, recite His name and then begin the action (Gitaji 17/24). 18. Gist of all scriptures are the Vedas, gist of Vedas is contained in Upnishads, the gist of Upnishads is Gitaji and gist of Gitaji is Sharnagatih (surrender) at the feet of God. Who with exclusive devotion takes Sharnagatih of God, God frees him from all sins (Gita: 18/66). For further study pls. read Sadhaka Sanjivanee for the verses referenced above Madan kaura ------------------------------- If the message of gita were to be described in 3 words, it would be " don't be afraid. " The gita was a sermon from Krishna to Arjun to give up his negative attitude and fight the forces of evil, represented by the Kauravs. But besides it gives us the answers to almost everything we want to know about spirituality which applies to everybody in this world, regardless of religion. Hari Shanker Deo -------------------------------- GITA TALK GROUP GUIDELINES: 1. Purpose of the group is to help Sadhakas clarify their doubts related to Gitaji shalokas. Therefore, responses which further clarify the understanding of Gitaji, will only be posted. 2. Wherever possible, please quote Gitaji or other scriptures to substantiate your response. 3. Kindly limit personal feelings, opinions, beliefs etc. to the extent that they further help in understanding the Gita shlokas 4. Please be as concise and to the point as possible, respecting sadhaka's time. 5. Kindly focus your writing to the subject at hand only. 6. Please do not include links to the other sites or other organizations. 7. Kindly do not include your personal information such as phone number, address etc. 8. Please do not address the response to a particular individual since the message is going to the entire group. 9. Due to the large readership, all responses may not be posted. 10. Moderator at his discretion, may modify the posting, if content is unclear or not appropriate for distribution to the group. 11. Please respond taking into consideration the novices, youth, westerners, non-sectarian audience. Kindly limit the use to Sanskrit words only, rather provide the English word with Sanskrit bracketed wherever possible. MODERATOR Ram Ram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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