Lesson 9
Krishna is a mentor, in the Geeta, he shares His perspective but does not impose it on Arjuna.Maybe we do not share a challenge as grave as Arjuna does in the battlefield-But we learn to understand how Arjuna regained clarity and poise after facing deep uncertainty.
Inspired by Anshul Chaturvedi
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 8
In the last lesson we got acquainted with the terms ‘Sat Raj and Tam’ short forms for: Sattwa (Truth) Rajas (Action) Tamas (Inertia). I mentioned that these terms are Primordial matter of Nature, Prakriti… how?
Man is made up of the above 3 qualities, in more or less different measure. That is reasonably easy to understand.
Now let us take a ‘day’ During the mornings, the Sat Tatwa is more at work. That is why it is easier to meditate in the morning, listen to Spiritual meditative music, etc
During the early and late afternoon, the Rajas Tatwa is more active. One performs ones life activities, whatever they may be during this time.
…and what does one do during the evening and night? Most actions (that for want of a better term) are less positive…and those are by and large ‘Tamasic Activities’
Now let us analyze Actions.
Let us analyze a so called good deed like ‘charity’ or ‘giving’.
When you give to make a ‘name’ for yourself, to inflate your ego, that ‘giving will be termed as a ‘Rajasic activity’
When you give in order to exploit the taker, it will be termed as a ‘Tamasic Activity’
When you give for the sake of giving without looking for the fruits thereof, your giving will be Satwic….
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
In the last lesson we got acquainted with the terms ‘Sat Raj and Tam’ short forms for: Sattwa (Truth) Rajas (Action) Tamas (Inertia). I mentioned that these terms are Primordial matter of Nature, Prakriti… how?
Man is made up of the above 3 qualities, in more or less different measure. That is reasonably easy to understand.
Now let us take a ‘day’ During the mornings, the Sat Tatwa is more at work. That is why it is easier to meditate in the morning, listen to Spiritual meditative music, etc
During the early and late afternoon, the Rajas Tatwa is more active. One performs ones life activities, whatever they may be during this time.
…and what does one do during the evening and night? Most actions (that for want of a better term) are less positive…and those are by and large ‘Tamasic Activities’
Now let us analyze Actions.
Let us analyze a so called good deed like ‘charity’ or ‘giving’.
When you give to make a ‘name’ for yourself, to inflate your ego, that ‘giving will be termed as a ‘Rajasic activity’
When you give in order to exploit the taker, it will be termed as a ‘Tamasic Activity’
When you give for the sake of giving without looking for the fruits thereof, your giving will be Satwic….
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 7
In the last lesson,
Krishna said: The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer” All actions are being performed by Nature (Prakrti, Primordial matter)
Prakriti or Nature is made up of 3 qualities-Sattwa (Truth) Rajas (Action) Tamas (Inertia). The Aatman is beyond these three qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of this fact dawns in Man does he attain perfection.
Krishna advises Arjuna:
Do your duty according to your nature or temperament.
Do your duty in the right spirit of detachment and devotion
The above will lead to perfection and freedom
When the ‘wise man’ realizes that actions belong to the world of the mind, he is no more anxious of the fruits thereof…He will then function as a true sportsman where the very enjoyment is in the sport and not in the score.
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
In the last lesson,
Krishna said: The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer” All actions are being performed by Nature (Prakrti, Primordial matter)
Prakriti or Nature is made up of 3 qualities-Sattwa (Truth) Rajas (Action) Tamas (Inertia). The Aatman is beyond these three qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of this fact dawns in Man does he attain perfection.
Krishna advises Arjuna:
Do your duty according to your nature or temperament.
Do your duty in the right spirit of detachment and devotion
The above will lead to perfection and freedom
When the ‘wise man’ realizes that actions belong to the world of the mind, he is no more anxious of the fruits thereof…He will then function as a true sportsman where the very enjoyment is in the sport and not in the score.
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Monday, November 22, 2010
Points to ponder:
Article in a newspaper Vancouver Sun
Canada, especially the West Coast, has witnessed the
rise of hundreds, if not thousands, of yoga studios, meditation
centres, vegetarian restaurants and Ayurvedic health spas, all of
which could be said to have roots in Hinduism.
The key Hindu teaching about reincarnation, as well, is accepted now
by 30 per cent of all Canadians, including 37 per cent of Canadian
women, according to a recent Leger poll.
Hindu meditation philosophy has also gone mainstream through
best-selling spiritual teachers like Deepak Chopra and Vancouver's
Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now.
In addition, a Pew Forum poll found that two out of three Americans
now reject the theologically conservative Christian teaching that
there is only one way to heaven, or salvation.
Article in a newspaper Vancouver Sun
Canada, especially the West Coast, has witnessed the
rise of hundreds, if not thousands, of yoga studios, meditation
centres, vegetarian restaurants and Ayurvedic health spas, all of
which could be said to have roots in Hinduism.
The key Hindu teaching about reincarnation, as well, is accepted now
by 30 per cent of all Canadians, including 37 per cent of Canadian
women, according to a recent Leger poll.
Hindu meditation philosophy has also gone mainstream through
best-selling spiritual teachers like Deepak Chopra and Vancouver's
Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now.
In addition, a Pew Forum poll found that two out of three Americans
now reject the theologically conservative Christian teaching that
there is only one way to heaven, or salvation.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 6
In the last lesson, we learned: Even the Lord who is not compelled to do anything nor does he need to attain anything…Acts!
Now, Krishna is going to say something very curious.
Krishna says: The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer” All actions are being performed by Nature (Prakrti, Primordial matter)
My note:
So though you may act, you are not the doer!
Look back upon your life. How much did you do? And how much happened in your life?
Listen to a story: The Lord told a man to push the entrance to a cave…The man pushed and pushed but was unable to open the entrance to the cave. Dejected he admitted his defeat to the Lord. The Lord said: “I told you to push the entrance to the cave, the opening of the cave, I shall do! And as far as your defeat goes, have a look at the muscles you have built!
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
In the last lesson, we learned: Even the Lord who is not compelled to do anything nor does he need to attain anything…Acts!
Now, Krishna is going to say something very curious.
Krishna says: The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer” All actions are being performed by Nature (Prakrti, Primordial matter)
My note:
So though you may act, you are not the doer!
Look back upon your life. How much did you do? And how much happened in your life?
Listen to a story: The Lord told a man to push the entrance to a cave…The man pushed and pushed but was unable to open the entrance to the cave. Dejected he admitted his defeat to the Lord. The Lord said: “I told you to push the entrance to the cave, the opening of the cave, I shall do! And as far as your defeat goes, have a look at the muscles you have built!
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Thursday, November 18, 2010
This photograph of mine was taken at Nanakana Sahib, now in Pakistan, birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev on 6th September 1986
Guru Nanak Birth will be celebrated on the 21st of November.
Guru Nanak was born of humble parentage. His parents owned a store, and were ambitious for their son. They urged young Nanak to sit in the store and do some business. The young man started to count, Ek do teen (One, two ,three) ......Gyaara, Baarah, terah....(Eleven, twelve, thirteen)....The minute young Nanak said 'terah' meaning thirteen, he thought of 'terah' as 'Tera' which means 'Yours'. Guru Nanak went into deep meditation, thinking that all that is, belongs to the Lord...
Guru Nanakji became a shop-keeper, in the service of Nawab Daulat Khan, the Governor of Sultanpur. The young apprentice would go into a trance as he weighed and counted his provisions and reached the number 'tera' (13) Tera means 'yours or thine' Everything and Everyone belongs to Thee O Lord! He would repeat prayerfully!
Read more, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/message/gurunanak1.htm
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 5
In the stanzas of the Geeta , Krishna uses the first person singular. But He does not mean it as ‘Krishna’ of Radha or Gopis or Yashoda fame…neither does He mean Krishna, as the King of Dwarika…but as the ‘Atman’ (Individual Soul) who in essence is no different from Paramaatman (God)
Krishna says: “There is nothing in the three worlds that has to be done by Me, nor is there anything unattained that should be attained by me; yet I engage myself in action”
My note: Even the Lord who is not compelled to do anything nor does he need to attain anything…Acts!
I think that what Krishna is trying to say is that ‘doing ones karma’ is very important.
But as He stated earlier, do your karma in a spirit of detachment from fruits thereof.
A lot of people ask me: “How can we not have a desire for the fruits? If I am studying to become a doctor, would I not need to ‘desire’ to becaome a doctor?”
My understanding is:
1)Desire to be a doctor.
2) Drop the desire.
3) Engage in Action eg studies admission etc.
4) Do not constantly be obsessed with the result.
Ok let us see if we can understand it in a different way.
One needs to go to Delhi…one buys the ticket and sits on the train…Do we need to obsess about the destination?
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
In the stanzas of the Geeta , Krishna uses the first person singular. But He does not mean it as ‘Krishna’ of Radha or Gopis or Yashoda fame…neither does He mean Krishna, as the King of Dwarika…but as the ‘Atman’ (Individual Soul) who in essence is no different from Paramaatman (God)
Krishna says: “There is nothing in the three worlds that has to be done by Me, nor is there anything unattained that should be attained by me; yet I engage myself in action”
My note: Even the Lord who is not compelled to do anything nor does he need to attain anything…Acts!
I think that what Krishna is trying to say is that ‘doing ones karma’ is very important.
But as He stated earlier, do your karma in a spirit of detachment from fruits thereof.
A lot of people ask me: “How can we not have a desire for the fruits? If I am studying to become a doctor, would I not need to ‘desire’ to becaome a doctor?”
My understanding is:
1)Desire to be a doctor.
2) Drop the desire.
3) Engage in Action eg studies admission etc.
4) Do not constantly be obsessed with the result.
Ok let us see if we can understand it in a different way.
One needs to go to Delhi…one buys the ticket and sits on the train…Do we need to obsess about the destination?
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 4
Before we are able to understand what Krishna is about to say, let us understand the ‘concept of Devas’
Swami Chinmayananda explains it thus:
The concept of Devas is that of One Universal Power…receiving appropriate names because of its multiple functions…A Deva (a god) is also the very presiding Deity in any field of activity who blesses the worker in that field…
My note:
Hindus have divinized every field, every desire…Thus if you are looking for wealth, one prays to Goddess Laxmi, for knowledge, Goddess Saraswati, for removing of obstacles Lord Ganesh…
Lord Krishna says:
Foster the gods (presiding deities) through this sacrifice (action in a form of prayer, offering) and let the gods be gracious to you…the gods will surely bestow on you unasked all the desired enjoyments. Those who enjoy the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return, is undoubtedly a thief.
My note:
Those who enjoy the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return, is undoubtedly a thief?
Surely you will understand the above…It means, what now a days we hear constantly…that we need to give back to society…
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Before we are able to understand what Krishna is about to say, let us understand the ‘concept of Devas’
Swami Chinmayananda explains it thus:
The concept of Devas is that of One Universal Power…receiving appropriate names because of its multiple functions…A Deva (a god) is also the very presiding Deity in any field of activity who blesses the worker in that field…
My note:
Hindus have divinized every field, every desire…Thus if you are looking for wealth, one prays to Goddess Laxmi, for knowledge, Goddess Saraswati, for removing of obstacles Lord Ganesh…
Lord Krishna says:
Foster the gods (presiding deities) through this sacrifice (action in a form of prayer, offering) and let the gods be gracious to you…the gods will surely bestow on you unasked all the desired enjoyments. Those who enjoy the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return, is undoubtedly a thief.
My note:
Those who enjoy the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return, is undoubtedly a thief?
Surely you will understand the above…It means, what now a days we hear constantly…that we need to give back to society…
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 3
We have already understood the term ‘sacrifice’ as a ‘prayer, an offering’ free from attachment (of the desire for the fruit).
Before we enter other verses of the Geeta let us understand the term ‘Yajna’
Swami Chinmayanandaji says:
Yajna could mean any self sacrificing work undertaken in a spirit of Self-dedication…The following stanzas will become more and more clear and universally appropriate in their meaning when we understand Yajna as “any social, communal, national or personal activity into which the individual is ready to pour himself forth entirely in a spirit of service and dedication…Only when people come forward to act in a spirit of cooperation and self dedication, can the community get itself freed from its shackles of poverty and sorrow.
Now let us understand what Krishna says:
Having created mankind along with the spirit of sacrifice at the beginning of creation, the Creator Brahma said: “You shall prosper by this, may this yield the enjoyment you seek”
My note:
Why has mankind not prospered? The Yajna spirit is seen in the Sun, the moon, the Sea, the Earth…But is it seen in Man? Has he not only cheated his brothers and sisters but the very Mother Earth who brought him forth and nurtured him?
I am reminded of a song:
Jagat bhar ki roshni ke liye
Karoron ki zindagi ke liye
Suraj re jalte rehna
Suraj re jalte rehna…
Jagat kalyaan ki khaatir tu janma hai
Tu jag ke vaaste har dukh utha re
Bhaley hi ang tera bhasm ho jaaye
Tu jal jal ke yahaan kirne luta re
Likha hai yeh hi tere bhaag mein
Ki tera jeevan rahe aag mein
Suraj re jalte rehna
Suraj re jalte rehna
Which means:
Oh Sun! Keep burning for the sake of
Bringing Light
And (keep burning for the sake of) the lives of millions (of human bengs)
You are born for the the ‘good’ of the world,
So carry the burden of every unhappiness,
No matter if you burn,
You distribute your rays of sunshine,
It is so written in your fate,
That you live ‘in fire’ (yet)
Oh Sun, keep burning!
EXTENDED YAJNA OF SURYA......
KARODON LOG PRITHVI KE BHATAKTE HAIN,
KARODON AANGANO MEIN HAI ANDHERA,
ARAY JAB TAK NA HO GHAR GHAR MEIN UJIYARA,
SAMAJ LENA HAI ADHURA KAAM TERA,
JAGAT UDDHAR MEIN ABHI DER HAI,
ABHI TO DUNIYA MEIN ANDHER HAI.....
SURAJ RE, .....JALTE REHNA.....SURAJ RE....JALTE REHNA...
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
We have already understood the term ‘sacrifice’ as a ‘prayer, an offering’ free from attachment (of the desire for the fruit).
Before we enter other verses of the Geeta let us understand the term ‘Yajna’
Swami Chinmayanandaji says:
Yajna could mean any self sacrificing work undertaken in a spirit of Self-dedication…The following stanzas will become more and more clear and universally appropriate in their meaning when we understand Yajna as “any social, communal, national or personal activity into which the individual is ready to pour himself forth entirely in a spirit of service and dedication…Only when people come forward to act in a spirit of cooperation and self dedication, can the community get itself freed from its shackles of poverty and sorrow.
Now let us understand what Krishna says:
Having created mankind along with the spirit of sacrifice at the beginning of creation, the Creator Brahma said: “You shall prosper by this, may this yield the enjoyment you seek”
My note:
Why has mankind not prospered? The Yajna spirit is seen in the Sun, the moon, the Sea, the Earth…But is it seen in Man? Has he not only cheated his brothers and sisters but the very Mother Earth who brought him forth and nurtured him?
I am reminded of a song:
Jagat bhar ki roshni ke liye
Karoron ki zindagi ke liye
Suraj re jalte rehna
Suraj re jalte rehna…
Jagat kalyaan ki khaatir tu janma hai
Tu jag ke vaaste har dukh utha re
Bhaley hi ang tera bhasm ho jaaye
Tu jal jal ke yahaan kirne luta re
Likha hai yeh hi tere bhaag mein
Ki tera jeevan rahe aag mein
Suraj re jalte rehna
Suraj re jalte rehna
Which means:
Oh Sun! Keep burning for the sake of
Bringing Light
And (keep burning for the sake of) the lives of millions (of human bengs)
You are born for the the ‘good’ of the world,
So carry the burden of every unhappiness,
No matter if you burn,
You distribute your rays of sunshine,
It is so written in your fate,
That you live ‘in fire’ (yet)
Oh Sun, keep burning!
EXTENDED YAJNA OF SURYA......
KARODON LOG PRITHVI KE BHATAKTE HAIN,
KARODON AANGANO MEIN HAI ANDHERA,
ARAY JAB TAK NA HO GHAR GHAR MEIN UJIYARA,
SAMAJ LENA HAI ADHURA KAAM TERA,
JAGAT UDDHAR MEIN ABHI DER HAI,
ABHI TO DUNIYA MEIN ANDHER HAI.....
SURAJ RE, .....JALTE REHNA.....SURAJ RE....JALTE REHNA...
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Chapter 3 Lesson 2
What Krishna says now is absolute common sense. If one desists from action, one will not even be able to maintain ones body. Therefore Krishna tells Arjuna: Action is superior to Inaction.
My note:
Because some would not like to get involved in the give and take of ‘karma’ they give up their ‘life’ and move to the hills. But are they able to give up karma completely. Besides necessary body requirements, desire follows them to the remotest caves. Very few have been able to achieve the Lord through true renunciation. Some immortal names that come to my mind are: Meera, Buddha, Mahavira…)
Krishna continues to say:
Perform your action for the sake of sacrifice (which to my mind it means, as a prayer, an offering) free from attachment (of the desire for the fruit).
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
What Krishna says now is absolute common sense. If one desists from action, one will not even be able to maintain ones body. Therefore Krishna tells Arjuna: Action is superior to Inaction.
My note:
Because some would not like to get involved in the give and take of ‘karma’ they give up their ‘life’ and move to the hills. But are they able to give up karma completely. Besides necessary body requirements, desire follows them to the remotest caves. Very few have been able to achieve the Lord through true renunciation. Some immortal names that come to my mind are: Meera, Buddha, Mahavira…)
Krishna continues to say:
Perform your action for the sake of sacrifice (which to my mind it means, as a prayer, an offering) free from attachment (of the desire for the fruit).
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Celebrating Diwali at home.
We worship Laxmi. Most people know her as the Goddess of Wealth. But there is a difference between Laxmi and money for money's sake according to Chetan Bhagat.
Money has various uses:
Money gives stature...May give you a certain place in society today that is above others...
It gives a sense of security...
The irony is no matter how much money you have , if you dont fundamentally value yourself from within you will never feel that status despite crores stashed away. That is why corrupt people keep on accumulating money until they get caught. They hope the money will give them a better place in life. However since they have stolen and not earned the wealth, the crime gnaws at them from within and they can never be at peace. They have accumulated money for sure but not accumulated Laxmi.
Laxmi is wealth accumulated through honest and fair means...The lotus on which Laxmi sits is a sign of Spiritual well being.
Stolen money only brings emptiness to the soul...No matter how big their Diwali pujas or lavish their parties, Laxmi will never come to them. She only comes to those who are pure in heart.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
The Flame of the Diyas
Happy Diwali
Diwali will be celebrated on the 5th of November
Diwali falls during a dark period of a year. While most of us pray during this time, negative practices are also prevalent during this time. The best way to dispel negative influences is to light candles, or as is the practice amongst us Hindus, Diyas. Why is the fire worshipped by all the religions in one form or another? Let me share with you what I have learned.
While water finds its level by moving downwards, fire does quite the opposite. Even if you hang a lamp upside down, the flame will rise upwards. Human nature tends to be like water, flowing to lower levels. The flame that we light reminds us to soar upwards.
As one moves forward on the Spiritual path, the darkness of ignorance is replaced by the Light of knowledge. The flame in this case is symbolic of this light which brightens as we journey within.
Tapa in Sindhi means fever. It also stands for fire and penance. Fire destroys the impure. The flame of the fire reminds us of the fact that we should cleanse ourselves of all impurity of our ego and attachments, until only the purity of our soul remains
It is said by Mystics that he who loses his ego will cease to be. The fire rises towards the sky and vanishes.
Not only does the fire vanish as it rises, but after burning the fuel, it becomes silent. Isn't that what we are meant to become after, burning all our desires and attachments to falsehood?
So this Diwali, as you shop for Diyas, ponder upon its flame's spiritual nature. It will not only beautify and brighten your home, but will remind you of the transformations that it is meant to bring within.
Read more about Diwali and have a very very Happy Diwali
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/deepavali.htm
Happy Diwali
Diwali will be celebrated on the 5th of November
Diwali falls during a dark period of a year. While most of us pray during this time, negative practices are also prevalent during this time. The best way to dispel negative influences is to light candles, or as is the practice amongst us Hindus, Diyas. Why is the fire worshipped by all the religions in one form or another? Let me share with you what I have learned.
While water finds its level by moving downwards, fire does quite the opposite. Even if you hang a lamp upside down, the flame will rise upwards. Human nature tends to be like water, flowing to lower levels. The flame that we light reminds us to soar upwards.
As one moves forward on the Spiritual path, the darkness of ignorance is replaced by the Light of knowledge. The flame in this case is symbolic of this light which brightens as we journey within.
Tapa in Sindhi means fever. It also stands for fire and penance. Fire destroys the impure. The flame of the fire reminds us of the fact that we should cleanse ourselves of all impurity of our ego and attachments, until only the purity of our soul remains
It is said by Mystics that he who loses his ego will cease to be. The fire rises towards the sky and vanishes.
Not only does the fire vanish as it rises, but after burning the fuel, it becomes silent. Isn't that what we are meant to become after, burning all our desires and attachments to falsehood?
So this Diwali, as you shop for Diyas, ponder upon its flame's spiritual nature. It will not only beautify and brighten your home, but will remind you of the transformations that it is meant to bring within.
Read more about Diwali and have a very very Happy Diwali
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/deepavali.htm
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