Divine qualities...swaadhyaayastapa

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Reaching near the end of the first verse, we find swaadhyaayastapa, representing the dual concepts of swaadhyaaya, which is study of the scriptures, specifically the Vedas, and tapas, which is austerity or self discipline.

 

Sri Bhagavaan Uvaacha: Abhayam sattwasamshuddhih jnaanayogavyavasthitih; Daanam damashcha yajnashcha swaadhyaayastapa aarjavam. (BG 16.1)[Declaring the first attributes of the list of the divine qualities, ] The Blessed Lord said: Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in Yoga and knowledge, alms-giving, control of the senses, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity and straightforwardness,

 

Swami Chinamayanda:

STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES (Swaadhyaaya) --- Traditionally, this term indicates regular study of the scriptures. Study of scriptural literature daily, in measured quantities, will provide the necessary inspiration to live the divine life in our day-to-day existence. But, scriptural study is indicated here by a very significant term, which in Sanskrit suggests that the study of the scriptures should not be merely an intellectual appreciation, but as the student reads the text-books, he must be able, simultaneously, to observe, analyse and realise the truth of what he is studying within his own life. Regular studies, coupled with regular practice (Yajna), will give us the courage to live in self-control of the sense-organs, which in its turn will supply us with steadiness in meditation for realising the Highest. ASCETICISM (Tapas) --- All conscious self-denials at the body level, whereby an individual reduces his indulgences in the world outside, gains more and more energy within himself, and applies the new-found energy for the purpose of self-development, are called Tapas.

 

 

Swami Gambiranda referes to swaadhyaaya as study of the Vedas in order to attain the 'unseen fruits'.

Swami Chinmayanda cautions us to remember that study of the scriptures is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a yajna (or regular practice and what is also known as sacrifice) in which we apply what we learn to our actions and perceptions, such that we are guided by the injunctions of the scriptures. Like dama (or control of the external senses), tapas requires that we control our behavior on the worldly level, with the specific purpose that we instead turn our attention within, to meditation and contemplation upon the Self, the "unseen fruits." Tapas will be examined in detail in Chapter 17.

There is often a great deal of emphasis placed upon finding or having a "qualified" teacher, without which jnana will not be realized, in traditional advaita vedanta and many other paths or disciplines. So, if one has no live teacher, does this mean one should not attempt to study the Gita and other scriptures with what is available, such as the commentaries upon which I rely and other online sources? Clearly, I do not think so :-) Or does this mean one should scour the earth looking for a teacher, any teacher? Surely there is no need for that. Honest and devoted study will produce its own unseen fruits, ready to ripen to fruition when the time is right according to the Lord's will. He gave us the Gita...He will give us the means to understanding of it if we give Him our undivided devotion and surrender. Shri Krishnam vande jagatguru!!!

Teshaamaham samuddhartaa mrityusamsaarasaagaraat;Bhavaami nachiraat paartha mayyaaveshitachetasaam.

To those whose minds are set on Me, O Arjuna, verily I become ere long the saviour out of the ocean of the mortal Samsara! (BG 12.7)

Hare Krishna!!!