Greetings All,
Swamiji continued his talks on Prasna Upanishad.

Second Question, Shloka # 7:
Swamiji says all mantras from #5 to # 13 are all Prana Devata Sruthi or praise. Glorification is done at both Subjective (Adhyathmika) level as well as Objective ( Adhi Daivika) level. Prana is the Shakthi animating the ten gyanendriyas such as Shravnam, Darshanam etc at the Adhyathmika level. At the Adhi-Daivika level all these Shakthis are manifestations of Prana.  Prana as Hiranyagarbha is manifesting as Prithvi, Varuna, Surya etc. At both micro and macro cosmic levels it is the one Prana Shakthi appearing as many.

Shloka # 11: “O Prana, you are Vratyaha and the Eka Rishi fire as well. You are the eater of everything as the Eka Rishi fire. You are the One who goes to the Antahriksha (space). As the Mathrikshva, you are the father of Vayu.”

Explaining this glorification Swamiji says:

Vratyaha: Here a Ninda Shruthi is used.  A Ninda Shruthi is one that criticizes. Vratyaha is a Brahmin or Dvijaha who has not gone through the Samskaras.  All Dvijahas go through an Upanayanam ceremony at which point their second phase of life begins. Up to Upanayanam ones life is led as per his own raga and dvesha. After Upanayanam all his activities must be according to Shastras or as per three Vedas. The age for Upanayam for Brahmin is 5; Kshatriya is 11 and for Vaishya is 12.

A person born as a Dvigaha but has not had Upanyanam at appropriate age is called a Vratyaha or unpurified one. It is a term used only from a spiritual point of view. Here, however, Prana is praised as a Vratyaha in a ninda sruthi. As per Shankacharya, Prana is part of Sukshma Shariram and Samashthi Prana is considered Hiranyagarbha. Hiranyagarbha is considered a Vratyaha as he was the first person born in the cosmos and did not have anybody to perform his Samskara.

Brahman+ Maya>Hiranyagarbha.

Samskara is necessary only for the impure. Hirayagarbha being ever pure, no purification rite is necessary.

Eka Rishihi: Eka Rishi is the fire used by Atharvana Vedis. For each ritual, shastras prescribe a specific fire. Thus, a grihasta is required to maintain a fire called Garbhapatya agni daily. There are different methods of kindling fire prescribed by shastras. There are also different forms of Homa Kunda (shapes) prescribed. Each fire has a
name, as well, based upon the ritual and type of homa kunda used. Eka Rishihi is also a manifestation of Prana. Eka Rishihi belongs to the Athravana Veda as also Prasna Upanishad.

Attha: You are the eater of everything as the Eka Rishi fire.

Aadhyam: The offering or oblation. All Devatas are offering to Hiranyagarbha. At individual level also we are offering oblations by touch, sight, hearing etc to Prana Devata.

Matrikshva: One who goes to the antahriksha (space) or Vayu or Prana.  As the mathrikshva you are the father of Vayu.

Shloka # 12:  Prana Shakthi is present in every Indriya. Thus, it is present as the power of speech, power of hearing, power of sight and power of thinking. As death arrives Prana starts to leave and indriyas become weak. Indriyas now ask Lord Prana to become peaceful and not leave.

1. Shloka # 13:This is upasamhara or conclusion of the chapter on Prana Sruthi.  Indriyas now ask Prana “May you protect us like a mother protects a child. May you bless us with the wisdom that we do not repeat this mistake again.”

   All these things in front of you are under the control of Prana. Whatever is there in other worlds is also under control of Prana.

   This concludes the Prana Shruthi.

   Swamiji summarized the three questions and their respective answers:

   1.    What are the powers of the individual?  All 19 indriyas and the panca (5) pranas are the powers of the individual.
   2.    Who glorify themselves?  All 19 indriyas glorify themselves.
   3.    Who is most powerful?  Prana alone is most powerful of all.
   4.    How to prove superiority of Prana?  All 19 organs function due to Prana. At time of death, as Prana leaves, all organs also start failing.

   With best wishes,

   Ram Ramaswamy

Greetings All,

Gita, Chapter # 2, Samkhya Yoga:

Before getting into details of Chapter 2, Swamiji refreshed our memory on the key concepts presented in chapter 1. He says the disease called Samsara plagues mankind. It is an internal and psychological disease.  Raga (Likes), Dvesha (Dislikes) and Moha (delusion) characterize this Samsara disease. Often, not understanding the true problem we look to external factors as the root cause (s).  Thus, a poor man thinks his poverty is the cause of his problem.

In another example, an unmarried person thinking of marriage to solve his problems sees that his friends with wives all still seem to have problems.

Giving yet another example of a man who while riding a bus heard a noise and thought it was a tire problem. When he asked others in the bus they said they did not hear a noise. He was not convinced. He asked the driver to stop the bus and check the tires. They found the tires were fine. Later the man went to an Ear Doctor and learned that
he had a hearing problem that caused him to hear noises.

Similarly, all our problems are noises of Samsara (Kama, Krodha and Moha) and they are all internal as well. Performing an external adjustment will not work, says Swamiji.

Only a mature person, who has experienced the world, comes to know that the problem is within him. He, however, does not know how to solve it.  This is known as Dainya Avastha or the helpless stage. Once he becomes aware of his helplessness he then goes to Sharanagathi or going to an external power to solve the problem. At this stage, Shranagathi, one has to accept and be humble enough to surrender to someone. After Sharnagathi comes the stage of giving the solution and pursuit of spiritual knowledge. This is the Bhagavat Gita stage. So, the four stages of ones evolution are:

1. Discovery of the true problem of Samsara,
2. Reaching a state of helplessness in solving the problem,
3. Seeking the help and advice of some one, Sharanagathi and
4. The Solution to the Samsara problem­­­­­­­­­­

Of these four stages, while Arjuna has discovered his problem he has not yet arrived at the helpless stage. He, however, has doubts about his decision. Swamiji says a doubt is better than a wrong decision. At least here there is the possibility of help and a solution. In Chapter #1 Arjuna made a wrong decision. Now he progresses to the doubt stage.

Swamiji says it like progressing from: Tamas>Rajas> Satva.

Shloka # 1:

Arjuna has thrown down his bow and arrow. He has not yet asked Lord Krishna for help. Arjuna’s attachment led to his blurred eyes that further obstructed his vision. This was the poignant condition of Arjuna, the Samsari, that Sri Krishna saw.

Kripa in this Shloka means attachment and not compassion. Also, Avishtam means overpowered. A man of  compassion is also called a Swami while a man of attachment is called Kami.

Recognizing Arjuna’s condition Sri Krishna decides to break the ice. He criticizes Arjuna with strong words so that he could motivate him to get up and fight.

Sri Krishna says, “ From where did such a low thought (Kashamalam) come into you. You are known for courage. You have fought many battles before. You heve defeated Shiva. How come you are crying in this battlefield at such a critical time of battle? Such dejection can never come to an Arya (noble person). If you are a noble person, do your duty. If you do not do your duty it will give you papam in the next life. In this life, as well, you will live with ill-fame.”

Some Clarification:
Arya:  Discussing the meaning of the word Arya used in this shloka, Swamiji says, it does not mean people who migrated to Iran to India, nor does it mean fair complexioned people. The Shastric meaning of Arya
includes:
·      It is the character that makes a person an Arya, not his birth.
·      One who does what has to be done, pleasant or unpleasant. Duty is duty.
·      One who is without likes or dislikes.
·      One who will not do anything that should not be done.
·      One who leads a life of discipline.

Shloka # 3:

Sri Krishna continues: “ Hey Arjuna, Kleivyam (unmanliness) does not suit you. You are known for your courage. How can you be frightened? Get away from this weak-heartedness that makes you a disgrace and get up.”

Param tapa means scorcher of enemies.

Here Sri Krishna does not teach Arjuna the Gita Gyanam yet. The reason is, Arjuna has not yet surrendered himself to Sri Krishna and as such is not yet ready to listen or receive his teaching. Hence, says Swamiji, it is foolish to give him advice. Sri Krishna knows Arjuna has not yet exhausted his emotions.

Here Swamiji counsels that one should only advise a person who wants it, values it and asks for it. Without asking no advise should be given.

Shloka # 3:

Now Arjuna says: “Oh Madhsudhana, how can I fight Bhishma and Drona who really deserve worship? They are my Gurus.”

Shloka # 4:

If Arjuna decides not to fight he will have to go to the forest and live on bhiksha. This is considered a papam. As per Shastras, a Grihasta cannot live on Bhiksha. Only a Brahmachari or Vanaprastha can live on Bhiksha. A Grihasta has to give Bhiksha and not ask for it. Per Arjuna, killing Bhishma is also a papam. Thus, Arjuna has to choose between two papams. Both are bad choices. Here, normally, we humans, try to avoid making a decision. Arjuna, however, chooses to live on bhiksha.

Arjuna says: “ If I fight and kill my two Gurus, I may get the kingdom, but Sri Krishna, will I be able to enjoy the pleasures of victory? I will only remember how they struggled and died in battle. Neither in this world or next will I enjoy life after seeing that. Therefore, I am not in favor of this war.

Suggested take away from this class:

Swamiji counsels that one should only advise a person who wants it, values it and asks for it. Without asking no advise should be given.

With my good wishes,

Ram Ramaswamy

Greetings All,

Swamiji continued his talks on Prasna Upanishad.

Second Question, Shloka # 6:, Swamiji said all mantras from #5 to # 13 are Prana Devata Sruthi or praise. Refreshing our memory on Shloka 6, he says all 10 Gyanendriyas are able to function because of Prana Shakthi. At Samashti (cosmic) level each Gyanendriya is also a Devata.  Thus Hiranyagarbha Devata represents Prana. All Devatas are able to perform due to Prana Shakthi. At our individual level also we are able to perform due to the Prana Shakthi.

All powers in creation (rain, planetary motion, gravity, atomic etc.) perform because of one basic power called Prana Shakthi. When we worship Prana Shakti it is not the material aspect of the Shakti we worship, rather we are worshipping the intelligence behind the Prana Shakti. Although we are aware of the solar energy, the Shakti, the one
we worship is Surya Devata, the intelligence behind it.

Upasana is always performed of an Utkrishta Vastu (A superior force).  When we worship Chetana it is spiritual worship rather than worship of a material or inert substance. Swamiji says we should worship Shakti with Shiva. Shakti is the energy while Shiva is the intelligence principle behind Shakti.

Mantra # 6: Discussing this mantra, Swamiji says, the spokes are the many powers while the hub is the Prana where they get their power. Swamiji says rituals or Yagnas are performed in Rig, Yajur and Sama mantras. Yagnas have meaning when there is somebody to perform them. Thus:

Kshatram: means Kshatriya who performs the Yagna of protecting the Yaga and the Brahmana who performs it.
Brahman: Is the one who performs the Yagnas.
Prana Shakti supports all of them.

Mantra # 7:
Continuing praise of Prana Shakti, He says, Prana is the lord of Brahma, Rudra and Vishnu. They are divisions of Prana Shakti. This power is available in every being i.e., power of reproduction and propagation. It is divided into male and female. Every male and female has the creative power. Only when a male and female join a child is
born. You alone are later born in the form of parents. Thus, all Beings are giving oblation to you alone. Each sense organ gives oblation to the Prana Shakti. When this offering or Oblation is stopped, death occurs.

Swamiji says each indriya has a Shakti such as Shrvanam, Darshanam etc. They are all manifestation of the Prana Shakti.

Mantra # 8:

You are the greatest carrier of Oblations. You are Agni, the carrier of oblations. You are the first oblation given to forefathers.

Before any puja, one has to perform Naandi Shradha, a worship of ancestors. This great Karma is performed for Kula-Parampara and Kula-Dharma. This offering is known as Shradha. The offering of Annam
is also Prana Shakti.

The way of life of Rishis is the truthful way. Hence we remember them. Atharva and Angirasa are mentioned as Rishis.

Shankaracharya gives a different interpretation: He says Rishis are sense organs. Sense organs know color smell etc. Atharva is another name for sense organs.  Angirsa is also another name for sense organs. Their functions nourish the individual Prana Shakti.

Mantra # 9: Hey Paraná, by your power you are none other than Indra or Rudra, the protector. You are moving in the sky as the Sun or as Vayu in the Anthariksa.

Every cause has an effect. Thus Brahman>Maya>Akasha>Vayu>Prithvi are examples of cause and effect. Prana is the cause of everything, says Swamiji.

Manta # 10: Here Prana is praised as rain. Hey Prana, You alone are poring as rain. All people become full of Ananda because sufficient food will now be available. Swamiji says our very living depends on rain.

Lecture 11 Notes : Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Summary 1/09/16

Swamiji gives a Summary of Chapter 1 and an Introduction to Chapter 2.

Summary of Chapter 1

To live a healthy life – consider these 2 factors:
1. The surroundings should be hygienic so that it doesn’t cause diseases. This is an external factor;  objective factor (the environment)
2. A person’s body must have sufficient resistance to face the external world; build up immunity in your body. Subjective factor (immunity)

In addition to having a sterilized environment for surgery, the patient also needs to resistance. All vitals conditions are checked in order to proceed with the surgery. A physically healthy life depends on objective and subjective factors. The environment alone is not responsible for giving you the disease. You also have low immunity to catch it.

This same principle can be extended for mental health as well. Mental health means a mind free from all psychological diseases in the form of fear, anxiety, stress, strain, worry, jealousy, anger, inferiority complex (Kama, kroda, lobha, moha, madha, maatsarya are all psychological diseases). We have a tendency to blame the external factors ie. the world is responsible for my worry, my spouse is responsible for my tension, etc. Scriptures point out that we need to consider two factors for mental health. The external world is not totally responsible for my psychological problem. The weakness of the mind is also responsible for our psychological problem.

For a healthy life the environment and sufficient resistance are needed. For a healthy mental life (a secure, relaxed, happy  life), you need to consider the environment and having sufficient mental strength to face the situation.

There are three benefits of having a strong mind. The number of psychological problems:

• frequency is less(thus family is saved)
• intensity of anger, frustration is less.
• duration of these are also less

The frequency, intensity and duration of these mental diseases are less in a healthy mind. The after effect is also less. So, a psychological healthy, happy life requires taking care of

1. adjusting the external conditions
2. improving one’s own resistance

We usually only look into the external conditions. Vedanta talks about the subjective factor – your own inner strength. This freedom from mental diseases caused by external factors, is called mokshaH.

Swamiji recites from Chapter 2, Verse 56:

दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः।

वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते।।2.56।।

Lord Krishna says a jnani, a free person, also faces adversities but his resistance is very healthy and thus he is not shattered to handle this problem.

The subject matter of Gita is to strengthen the inner resistance (not change the external world) to obtain freedom from psychological disturbance. This is called mokshaH. Gita is also called “Moksha shaastram”. Gita is meant for people who recognize that they have to improve their resistance (being aware of their psychological weakness, their susceptibility to raga, dvesha, kama, kroda, etc  and being aware of its affects on other people too).

Chapter 1 of Gita gives an introduction with Arjuna discovering that he has an inner weakness. And before he can change the world, he needs to strengthen himself.  Arjuna discovers his weakness, and becomes a spiritual seeker, surrendering to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna then gives him self knowledge.  .

The first chapter can be divided into five parts:
1. Part 1: Vyasa presents the context, in which Arjuna feels the disease  of samsaara; Verses 1-20

The context is the MB battlefield. In Kurukshetra, the Pandavas and Kauravas have gathered to settle their issue. Arjuna is very clear about the battle, he does not have any conflict or guilt because this war was the last resort after unsuccessful non-violent methods. Lord Krishna also goes as a messenger and tries to settle peacefully. But Duryodana tries to kill Lord Krishna even though he is just a messenger. Therefore, Arjuna, has come to the battlefield without any regrets. Duryodana enumerates the Pandavas’ army and his won army to Drona. And he betrays his diffidence that the Pandava army is stronger. This is caused by adharma. In reality, Duryodana’s army is stronger but the support of Dharma is not there. Seeing this, Bhisma enthuses Duryodana by blowing his conch. Then both sides blow the conches signaling the beginning of the MB battle.

1. Part 2: Arjuna goes near the Kaurava army to see them at closer range. Verse 21-25

Arjuna feels somehow that he should closely see whom he has to fight. This decision was a blessing in disguise even though it seemed it was not a good decision to delay the start of the battle. If this hadn’t occurred, we would not have the Bhagavad Gita.

Swamiji recites Verse 20 and the first line of Verse 21:

अथ व्यवस्थितान् दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान्कपिध्वजः।

प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसंपाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः।।1.20।।

हृषीकेशं तदा वाक्यमिदमाह महीपते।

सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये रथं स्थापय मेऽच्युत।।1.21।।

Arjuna requests Lord Krishna to place the chariot in between the two armies so that he can see his opposition. At this time, Arjuna is the master (not a student) and Lord Krishna is the humble charioteer (not the Guru). Lord Krishna obeys Arjuna and places the chariot in front of the people towards whom Arjuna has a strong attachment.

1. Part 3: Arjuna’s discovery of his weakness and the consequent problem of RagaH.Verses 26 – 28

The first weakness presented is the problem of attachment or psychological dependence on external factors. This is called a weakness because psychological dependence for your happiness in no longer in your own hands but it is connected to external factors. Since the external factors are not under your control, depending upon an unpredictable, external factor is risky for your happiness.  You should not allow an external factor to determine your state of happiness. For example, the disobedience of your child causing you sorrow is due to the fact that you are depending on your child being obedient for your happiness(external factor). This displays your lack of resistance.  Vedanta says that you should not depend upon a certain condition to be happy.  This psychological need or dependence is called the problem of ragaH. Arjuna has this problem because he expected these people to be around him all the time and could not imagine even a hypothetical separation.  Arjuna imagined a life without Bhisma, Drona etc. and broke down.

कृपया परयाऽऽविष्टो विषीदन्निदमब्रवीत् – Verse 28, discovery of RagaH (basic samsaara), psychological leaning. Physically, we depend on the world for food, clothing and shelter. Vedanta does not talk about physical independence but talks about emotional/psychological dependence, which is not required at all.

Gita’s ultimate lesson is:  आत्मन् एव आत्मना थुष्टः  “atma, alone, by yourself, pleased” I am happy with myself,  in spite of external factors being favorable or unfavorable. (Sounds so much sweeter in Samskritam).With any addiction, you imagine that you cannot do without it. This is not true. This is your intellect justifying your addiction. Don’t have a crutch.

1. Part 4: ShokaH (consequence of RagaH)  or VishadaH Verses 28 – 35

The title of the first chapter is Arjuna Vishada YogaH.  Grief or sorrow is an inevitable consequence of dependence (leaning on an unpredictable, perishable, external factor).  Arjuna faces this deep attachment  कृपया परयाऽऽविष्टो विषीदन्निदमब्रवीत् . The intensity of grief depends on the intensity of attachment. For Arjuna, his intense sorrow was overflowing into the physical body also.

गाण्डीवं स्रंसते हस्तात्त्वक्चैव परिदह्यते।
न च शक्नोम्यवस्थातुं भ्रमतीव च मे मनः।।1.30।।

निमित्तानि च पश्यामि विपरीतानि केशव।
न च श्रेयोऽनुपश्यामि हत्वा स्वजनमाहवे।।1.31।।

1. Part 5: MohaH(consequence of RagaH and ShokaH); conflict, confusion, indecisionVerse 36-47

Delusion, not able to determine what to do; MohaH or avivekaH. Arjuna can’t decide whether to fight or not and draws a series of wrong conclusions.

Confusion 1: Arjuna  sees Dharma Yuddham as adharma now. The greatest irony is in Verse 36 line 2 where Arjuna says: पापं एव आश्रयेद् अस्मान्ह् हत्व एतान् आततायिनः “By killing these criminals, we will incur sin”. This confusion is similar to a judge saying he cannot render punishment to a criminal, as it is a sin. Imprisoning a criminal is a duty of the court. Arjuna as a Kshatriya has to protect dharma, even if it resorts to war.

Confusion 2: Arjuna sees running away from a righteous war as dharma. If a Kshatriya runs away from a righteous war, he is shirking his duty, which is considered a sin of omission. The sin of omission is called अकरणे प्रत्यवायः “akaraney prathavayaH” (absence of action is a sin).

The 2nd type of sin is Sin of commission. Note – A common thread in all religions:

Sin of Commission – commiting an amoral act
Sin of Omission –  failure to do some ritualist act

If Arjuna runs away , this action is paapam for him but he sees this as the best decision. धर्म अधर्म अविवेकः “dharma adharma avivekaH” – utter delusion where he cannot distinguish between dhaarmic and adhaarmic actions. Arjuna’s delusion is complete and it has overflowed into his intellect. The intellect will not be able it fight the weakened mind and so the intellect will justify the weakness.

Confusion 3: Arjuna’s intellect tries to justify his delusion by telling Lord Krishna:

कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्माः सनातनाः।
धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत।।1.40।।

In his argument, Arjuna points out that family is very important for maintaining culture. This is a true statement.  A society in which family life is not respected, culture will breakdown after one generation. The eternal dharma will be destroyed, pitr will be affected, people will lose faith in karma, rituals, dharma, religion, God, etc.

Due to his confusion, Arjuna quotes these true facts incorrectly to support his stand. RagaH, ShokaH and MohaH (attachment, sorrow, delusion) are called samsaaraH. A samsaari is one who suffers from these three problems. If a person handles these three samsaaraH, he is a liberated person मुक्तः (muktaH). Throughout Gita, Lord Krishna emphasize, married or unmarried, being internally free is what matters.

Even though Arjuna has discovered the problem of samsaara, Lord Krishna has not started giving the solution yet. Discovery of the problem alone is not enough for the solution. Some more steps are required.

1. Diagnosis of having the problem(know that you have a problem); Discovery of problem.But when we discover the problem, we try self medication first. Only when you realize that you cannot solve it yourself, do you go to the next stage of feeling…..

2. Discovery of helplessness (know that you cannot solve the problem) I have a problem don’t know how to get out of it; I require help from another firm personVedanta Shaastra दैन्य भावः “Dainya bhavaH” affliction, state of being; or कार्पण्यं “kaarpanyam” pitiful circumstances.

We will be studying this in Chapter 2:

कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः।
यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्िचतं ब्रूहि तन्मे  शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्।।2.7।।

1. Surrender to someone who will give me a hand. Called शरणागति sharanaagati
2. Solution is given, Medication Arjuna has only gone thorough the first stage – discovering the problem of samsaaraH. Arjuna has to go through stages 2 and 3 before Lord Krishna gives his advice. Therefore Lord Krishna observes silently. Since Lord Krishna has not spoken, Arjuna thinks his conclusion is right and so throws down his bow/arrow and sits down in the chariot.

So, Vyasa completes the first chapter by saying that Arjuna sat down, afflicted by shokaH (ragaH shokaH mohaH):

एवमुक्त्वाऽर्जुनः संख्ये रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्।
विसृज्य सशरं चापं शोकसंविग्नमानसः।।1.47।।

Introduction of Chapter 2

Chapter 2 gives a comprehensive picture of the whole “treatment” (for the disease) as given by the Gita. This chapter is the  essence of the entire Gita and it can be divided into 4 portions. Swamiji gives a high level overview.

Portion 1:  Arjuna surrenders to Lord Krishna; अर्जुन शरणागति Arjuna sharanaagati Arjuna going through the other stages(he discovers the helplessness). Arjuna decides to quit the battlefield but his inner conscience feels that this is not a good decision. The decision to go to war was made after years and years of adhaarmic actions done by the Kauravas. This was a sudden decision to quit the battle. He realizes that he is confused and not able to make the correct decision. He knows he cannot solve the present problem.

Swamiji recites Chapter 2, Verse 6, Line 1:

न चैतद्विद्मः कतरन्नो गरीयो  यद्वा जयेम यदि वा नो जयेयुः।
यानेव हत्वा न जिजीविषाम स्तेऽवस्थिताः प्रमुखे धार्तराष्ट्राः।।2.6।।

Hey Lord Krishna, I thought I had made the right decision but now my mind is wavering and I am not able to determine if my decision is right or wrong. On one hand, the war is for a dhaarmic cause; but my emotional mind is unable to come to terms with knowing the casualties of war (my guru and other relations).  Arjuna realizes his wavering and accepts his helplessness by saying(Ch 2, Verse 7, line 1):

कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः।

Once he discovers his helplessness, he needs to surrender to some one. Voilà, he has the Jagadguru himself (universal guru). Arjuna surrenders and says (Ch2, Verse 7, line 2):

यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे  शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्।।2.7।।

I am your disciple. The 3rd stage is surrendering (1st is discovery of the problem; 2nd is feeling helpless). The 4th stage is where Lord Krishna accepts the disciple Arjuna and gives the solution.

Gita Shaastram: संसार निवारण औशदम् ; भव रोग बेशजं

Worldy illusion, warding off, medicine;  state of being, disease, remedy The spiritual pursuit is two-fold:

1. Karma YogaH – to become a Jnana Yogyata
2. Jnana YogaH – to gain Jnanam

Portion 2:  Krishna briefs Arjuna about Jnana YogaH; self-knowledge given to a Jnana Yogyata praptiH Jnana YogaH is self knowledge. Krishna will explain “self-knowledge” briefly . But in order to gain Jnana YogaH, one needs to be eligible to receive Jnanam(already be a yogyata praptiH).

Adi Shankara said Brahma Jnana is aushadam. The medicine is ज्ञानयोग Jnana yogaH(disease removal).  A Jnana yogyata(worthiness to get Jnanam) is required; medicine will be given only for a yogyata praptiH(one who has acquired the eligibility).

Portion 3:  Krishna talks about Karma YogaH: Actions taken to become a Jnana Yogyata praptiH Krishna explains how to become a  योग्यत प्राप्तिः “Yogyata praptiH” (one who has acquired the eligibility to learn). Karma YogaH are the actions to be taken without being attached to the results of one’s deeds. The benefit of Karma YogaH is Jnana yogaH yogyata.

Portion 4:  Jeevan MuktiH:  Inner Freedom, Salvation:  Explore the life of a psychologically healthy person, who has developed inner resistance, and who has solved raga, shoka, moha.

नन्दति नन्दति नन्दत्येव “Nandati nandati nandatyeva” Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!  A psychologically healthy person enjoys life thoroughly.

Questions:

1. What are the principles sustaining the body: Gyanendriayam, karmandhriyam panca boodha and andhagraganam (intellect.). 19 principles and 24 including panca pranas. But pranas are excluded as they will be introduced as the most superior.
2. Who all glorify themselves. All 19 principles (except panca prana) glorify themselves.
3. Among all the sustaining principles which is most powerful – varishtaha.

The first two questions are answered in verse 2. To answer the third question, a story is told, personifying all tatvas or pricinciples.

Verse 3

One day prana called all 19 principles. Don’t get deluded regarding the glory of who sustains the body, because I the prana alone divide into five, prana (respiratory), apana (excretory) , vyana (circulatory), samana (digestive) and udhana (reversing),  and sustain the whole individual. However, the 19 principles did not believe because of their vanity.

Verse 4

To prove the point, Prana pretended to go out. As prana started to leave other principles also followed prana because their very existences dependent on Prana.  And prana came back and all the 19 principles came back. This is the direct proof that all principles are dependent on prana sakthi. The 19 principles were pleased as the Prana did not go away permanently. Swamiji gave the example of Queen Bee, where the entire beehive follows the Queen Bee without any question. Similarly, the 19 principles followed Prana without any question. With this the 19 principles understood the glory of prana.

The rest of the section is prana sthuthi by the 19 principles.

Verse 5

In this verse, prana is glorified at micro and macro levels.

Glorificattion at individual level – prana sakthi gives power to eyes, ears etc. At the cosmic or macro level, hiranyagarba alone appears as burning power of agni, appears as light energy in sun. Similarly, Indira, Vayu, Earth, Moon are all powered by Prana sakthi. Prana sakthi broken down is all Murtha (formed) and amurtha (formless) vasthu (objects).

Verse 6

All the vedas, yagyas, warriors, brahmanas, the whole creation is based on prana. Without prana nothing can survive. In a wheel, the outer rim appears to be supported by spokes, but in reality, the spokes are supported by the hub. The whole wheel supported by the hub. Similarly all principles are supported by prana sakthi. In this example, each spoke can be taken as different principle; the wheel as the whole creation and prana as the hub.

Arjuna shows the close connection between the institution of family and a dharmic way of life. These are intertwined so closely that when one is affected, the other has an impact and then it spirals into a vicious cycle. If family is destroyed, then dharma is destroyed, and with dharma destroyed, the next generation of the family is destroyed
as well.

Vedic teachings have 3 aspects of Dharma:

1. Values of life: like truthfulness, generosity, non-violence, love, concern for others
2. Attitude or basic reverence: towards things and beings ie earth, sun, moon; parents, teachers, and others in the society.
3. Rituals: this is a very important aspect and one that is not appreciated much anymore. A ritual is a concrete expression of the abstract values and is required for communication.

The Vedic religion considers rituals as one of the most important aspects of Dharma because:

a. Since the first two aspects of Dharma(Values and Attitude) are abstract
b. Rituals is one of the methods to keep a group together. Every member of a (belonging to the mind) they cannot be communicated or expressed. Hence “rituals” need to be physicalized/verbalized, making it easier to teach babies/toddlers. To communicate the concept of “respect” to a child, you will have to physicalize it….by symbolizing respect in the form of namaskara.

Friendship/love is also conveyed by verbalization or physical embrace, shaking hands, etc. Psychologist point out that physicalization or verbalization is very important for any relationship. Family takes part in a group ritual. Eat together, pray before a meal etc.

The psychological and sociological benefits of Rituals:

1. Give concrete form to an abstract value
2. Way to communicate the abstract value to the children
3. Maintain the togetherness of a group

Whenever there is reference to “dharma”, these three aspects are of importance: values, attitudes and rituals. The communication of values via rituals vary between religions and even between communities of the same religion. Krishna says that once the ritual part of religion is ignored, then there will be varna sankaraha. The values are universal to all religions. Religions differ only from the stand point of rituals. Varna sankaraha is the immediate consequence of sacrificing rituals. This can occur even in a family where rituals are accepted, a person wants to maintain religion, gets married within the same community, etc. If the rituals diminish in importance and leads to the questioning of the cohesiveness of religion and of community, the consequence of this is varna sankaraha.

No particular religion is needed to follow the attitudes and values – any religion is okay. The religion becomes important only when you value a particular way of performing the ritual. But once rituals are given lesser importance, the next consequence is that the separation of religions and the segregation of community will go away and this is varna sankaraha. There is another worse consequence of varna sankaraha….. disappearance of the family institution.  A family institution was required for

1. Vedic Rituals to be followed; a family is not required for Values and Attitudesa ब्रह्मचारि Brahmachari, a वनप्रस्थ vanaprahsta, a सन्यासी sanyasi cannot perform the  ritual of giving  दक्षिणा dakshina nor अन्नदान annadaanam. Only a गृहस्थ grihasta can.
2. Fulfillment of आर्थ artha – wealth, security
3. Fulfillment of  काम kama – enjoyment, pleasures

Once the rituals are not respected, a family institution remains for artha and kama; but with changes in a society, artha and kama will become available without families.  The government provides the security and if one has money, all artha and kama can be bought. Values and attitudes don’t need a family life. And if artha and kama can be obtained without a family, why is family is needed? A family was required to maintain religion expressed in the form of वैदिककर्म Vaidika karma. All these are relevant because of karma. Once karma goes away family will be disintegrated. Without a stable family, there will be no karma nor values and attitudes. Who will teach values and attitudes to the next generation? No one will preserve Brahmana dharma – studying of scriptures and propagating it.

Chapter 1 Sloka 42

सङ्करो नरकायैव कुलघ्नानां कुलस्य च।

पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः।।1.42।।

सङ्करः confusion of castes नरकाय for the hell एव also कुलघ्नानाम् of the slayers of the family कुलस्य of the family च and पतन्ति fall पितरः the forefathers हि verily एषां their लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः deprived of the offerings of riceball and water. Once the varnasankara(intermingling of 4 groups) takes place, even मत सङ्करः mathasankara(religious confusion). the attitude and value of dharma may remain but ritual part of dharma will not remain. Ritual part of religion will have to be given up with varnasankaraha. Rituals are the method of communicating our feeling.

सङ्करः नरकाय एव – because of the confusion, this will lead to naraka because all karmas are sacrificed. कुलघ्नानाम् कुलस्य – naraka for both the victor of the war and for the vanquished, because they will lose all the values for religious practices; not only they fall spiritually but पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः Vedic religion prescribes five fold compulsory rituals for every आस्तिक  or भक्त Pancha maha yagna: Brahma or Rishi Yajna; Deva Yajna; Pitri Yajna; Bhuta Yajna; Manushya Yajna

pitr yagna – respect to our forefathers; blessing of our forefathers are needed for our material or spiritual growth. All rituals in family is started with Naandi sradha – invocation of the grace of the forefathers. Once dharma goes away – all these rituals will be sacrificed. लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः Forefathers will be derpived of पिण्ड क्रियाः pinda kriya- srardham, उदक क्रियाः udaka kriya- tarpana; लुप्त lupta deprived of.  Forefathers will be deprived of this karma. These days people replace pitr yagna with manushya yagna but it can only be a supplement not a substitution.

एषां पितरः पतन्ति the forefathers will fall.   In a society where rituals were considered important, Varnashrama dharma had value.
If there are no rituals, varnashrama dharma has no meaning..Morals and attitudes can be practiced with out varnashrama dharma. Varnashrama dharma is important only from the perspective of rituals.

Chapter 1 Sloka 43

दोषैरेतैः कुलघ्नानां वर्णसङ्करकारकैः।

उत्साद्यन्ते जातिधर्माः कुलधर्माश्च शाश्वताः।।1.43।।

दोषैः by evil deeds एतैः (by) these कुलघ्नानाम् of the family destroyers वर्णसङ्करकारकैः  causing intermingling of castes उत्साद्यन्ते are destroyed जातिधर्माः religious rites of the caste कुलधर्माः family religious rites च and शाश्वताः eternal.  कुलघ्न एतैः दोषैः because of these defects in which the ritualistic part of dharma is degraded, वर्णसङ्करकारकैः responsible for the intermingling of various communities, religion, caste etc जातिधर्माः उत्साद्यन्ते casuality is certain practices purely based on वर्ण varna. According to Veda –certain rites can be done only by some varnas only.  Rajasuya yaga can be done only by a raja a brahmana can assist the raja. Vedic rites will have to be given up.  जाति within one varna itslef, the vedic practices differ from gothram to gothram कुलधर्माः a child of mixed varna cannot choose any vedic dharma; Rituals are gone.  शाश्वताः dharmas from a long time ago, destruction takes one generation

Chapter 1 Sloka 44

उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन।

नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम।।1.44।।

उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणाम् whose family religious practices are destroyed मनुष्याणाम् of the men जनार्दन O Janardana नरके in hell अनियतं for unknown period वासः dwelling भवति is इति thus अनुशुश्रुम we have heard.  Without rituals, the religion can continue with values and attitudes. But for these a family is not required and so after 2 to 3 generations, when it is realized that with money one can obtain artha and kama, the question arises if a family is needed at all. The negative side to not having a family is that you lose the people that you can call your own, those that you can trust and those that give you unconditional love. The psychological anchor or psychological security will be lost. This leads to sociological disaster when people without the family anchor exist in a society(crimes increase, etc).

मनुष्याणाम् नरके अनियतं वासः even when alive and after death, w/o family, w/o love and trust, it is like hell; इति अनुशुश्रुम  when स्वधर्म svadharma is not done(sradha, tarpana), according to vedic rules it is प्रत्यवाय पापं pratyavaya paapam; will lead to narakam.  Arjuna says we have heard this repeated in the vedic mantra(not that he has seen).

Chapter 1 Sloka 45

अहो बत महत्पापं कर्तुं व्यवसिता वयम्।

यद्राज्यसुखलोभेन हन्तुं स्वजनमुद्यताः।।1.45।।

अहो बत alas महत् great पापम् sin कर्तुम् to do व्यवसिताः prepared वयम् we यत् that राज्यसुखलोभेन by the greed of pleasure of kingdom हन्तुम् to kill स्वजनम् kinsmen उद्यताः prepared.

Arjuna’s monologue continues as he thinks of the current and future repercussions of the MB battle. अहो बत – alas, a great tragedy indeed; we are about to cause  महत् पापम् कर्तुम् वयम् व्यवसिताः perform a great sinful act; killing all these people which will lead to वर्ण varna sankaraha, जाति jaathi (family) sankaraha, धर्म नाशः (ruin) dharma nashaha, पितृनाम पतनं (downfall) pitrnaam patanam यत् राज्यसुखलोभेन because of our short-sightedness; we were interested in royal pleasures; due to our misplaced greed for the pleasures

स्वजनम् हन्तुम् उद्यताः Arjuna has forgotten that this is a fight between dharma and adharma and says we are prepared to kill these people.

श्रीमदभगवद्गीता Chapter 1 Sloka 46

यदि मामप्रतीकारमशस्त्रं शस्त्रपाणयः।

धार्तराष्ट्रा रणे हन्युस्तन्मे क्षेमतरं भवेत्।।1.46।।

यदि if माम् me अप्रतीकारम् unresisting अशस्त्रम् unarmed शस्त्रपाणयः with weapons in hand धार्तराष्ट्राः the sons of Dhritarashtra रणे in the battle हन्युः should slay तत् that मे of me क्षेमतरम् better भवेत् would be. Arjuna says I have decided not to contribute to this tragedy but the beginning of the war has been signaled by conches. Therefore Duryodana may start the war but I will not retaliate. I am perpared to die but will not contribute to the pending chaos of the society. माम् धार्तराष्ट्राः रणे हन्युः the kauravas may choose to kill us माम् अप्रतीकारम् we, who have decided not to resist; अशस्त्रम् we are with out weapons तत्  मे क्षेमतरम् भवेत् I consider sacrificing my life for the sake of dharma; I consider this a good fortune for me to have realized this in the nick of time.

Having said all these, Arjuna has shown raga, shoka, moha. Krishna maintains silence. Therefore Sanjaya says…

Chapter 1 Sloka 47

सञ्जय उवाच

एवमुक्त्वाऽर्जुनः संख्ये रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्।

विसृज्य सशरं चापं शोकसंविग्नमानसः।।1.47।।

एवम् thus उक्त्वा having said अर्जुनः Arjuna संख्ये in the battle रथोपस्थे on the seat of the chariot उपाविशत् sat down विसृज्य having cast away सशरम् with arrow चापम् bow शोकसंविग्नमानसः with a mind distressed with sorrow.

Sanjaya gives a picture of Arjuna – who symbolizes a maha samsaari. शोक संविग्न मानसः – Arjuna’s mind is totally grief stricken – indicating the problem of raga and shoka; completely overpowered by attachment and intense grief सशरम् चापम् विसृज्य – he has thrown away the bow and arrow; For a kshatriya, the bow and arrow represent fighting for/establishing dharma, his duty. The physical action of throwing his bow and arrow represents Arjuna giving up his duty. स्व धर्म त्यागः “Sva dharma tyagaha” – indicating conflict or mohaha; स्व धर्म परित्याग – wants to run away from the battle, wants to do tapas(dharma of a sanyasi); a grihasta has to do his family duty first; this is called mohaha: परधर्म ग्रहणं स्वधर्म परित्यागः paradharma grahanam(taking the duties of another caste), svadharma parithyagaha(deserting your own duties) एवम् अर्जुनः उक्त्वा  having uttered all these words to Krishna, Arjuna did this
रथोपस्थे उपाविशत् he sat down on the chariot seat

At this crucial juncture, Vyasacharya says:
ॐ तत् सत् इति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासू उपनिषत्सु ब्रह्मविध्यायां

योग शास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे  अर्जुनविषादयोगो नाम

प्रथमोऽध्यायः

This portion comes at the end of every chapter.

ॐ तत् सत्  Om tat sat – all 3 words are names of the Lord. Said at the end of every chapter to thank the Lord for the successful completion. There are various meanings in different context. Swamiji gives the simplest meaning for these:

Om –  अवति इति ॐ avati iti om; Avati is the protector; protected us from all obstacles
Tat – one who is beyond sense perception; परोक्षः and अक्ष्नः परम् Para (beyond) and Aksha (eye); सर्वेइन्द्रिय अगोचरः beyond the cognizance of the senses

Sat – eternal (past, present, future); From Tatva Bodha: तृकाले अपि तिष्ठति इति सत्  The eternal protector who is beyond our sense perception.

प्रथमोऽध्यायः – oh Lord, by your grace, we have completed the 1st chapter called
अर्जुनविषादयोगो – the grief of Arjuna. The main theme is vishada – raga, shoka and moha.
श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे – presented as a diologue between Krishna and Arjuna
Samdavaha – most healthy form of communication, is a dialogues between a  guru and a shishya – attitude of guru is love and compassion towards the disciple and the attitude of shisya is faith and reverence towards the guru; Name of this dialogues is called श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतोपनिशद्  The full name of Gita – upanishad means knowledge which liberates the person from sorrow. Wisdom which is taught by,  revealed by, Srimad Bhagavaan. Meaning of Bhagavan – one who has Bhaga  – 6 fold virtues.

The original upanishad, pat of Veda, was in existance even before Krishna was born. Krishna’s teaching is the essence of upanishad. Swamiji recites Dhyana Sloka #4:

सर्वोपनिषदो गावो दोग्धा गोपालनन्दनः पार्थो वत्सः सुधीर्भोक्ता दुग्धं गीतामृतं महत्

sarvopanishado gavo dogdha gopalanandana: parthovatsa: sudheerbhoktha dugdham gitamrutam mahat

There are only two topics in the entire Gita(theme of the entire dialogue):

Religion + Philosophy = Gita; Total contentment is the benefit.

1. Religion (योगशास्त्र yoga shastra): वेद पूर्व भाग Veda poorva bhaga(first part of Veda); कर्मकाण्ड karma kanda – which relates to ceremonial acts and sacrificial rites.  This is a  way of life which prepares you to be competent  for philosophy; gives fitness for knowledge; makes you a ज्ञान योग्यता jnana yogyata (eligibility). First part of life get fit, then gain knowledge

2. Philosophy (ब्रह्मविद्या brahma vidya): वेद अन्त भाग Veda antha bhaga(latter part of Veda);  ज्ञानकाण्ड jnana kanda – which relates to knowledge of the one Spirit Philosophical part – gives jnanam (knowledge)

Namaste:

This are my notes from New Year talk given by Swamiji on January 1, 2016:

You can listen to this talk here.

The topic of this talk was six principles of tolerance.

Swamiji started the talk by pointing out that the topic of tolerance is in the news now a days and that both Tatva Bodha and Bagawat Geeta point out the need for tolerance.  Tatva Bodha says one need thithiksha (mental shock absorbers) to withstand the ups and downs of life.  Lord Krishna says in Chapter 2 of Bagawat Geeta that one need shama to withstand the up and downs of life.

Six principles of tolerance:

1. Non empowerment:  Scriptures says the creation is full of pairs of opposites as per laws of karma.  The creation is full of events  like  loss and gain and up and down.  Swamiji says we classify all events as welcome and unwelcome.  The first principle of tolerance is not to label any situation.  By labeling an event we empower the world to hurt.  Let all the pairs of worldly experiences happen, but do not label them as welcome or unwelcome.  Be prepared to go through the results of karma without attaching a label of  unwelcome.  If one must attach a label, use the label “welcome” and accept all situations and experiences.
2. Empowering ourselves:  Strengthening ourselves to withstand and move forward from any event.  Worldly events are not the creation of Bahawan, but the results of karma.  While creation includes both pavam and puniyam, the resources to handle the situation are also created within ourselves.  Learn to rely on internal resources and not on external outside resources.
   • Arm ourselves with the ability to be strong
   • Understand and accept that there are resources within ourselves to withstand the ups and downs of life
   • Build up faith in ourselves with the realization that Lord resides in ourselves.
3. Non Magnification: Avoid dwelling upon unwelcome experiences and let it occupy our minds completely.  Whenever there is an “unwelcome” situation, our tendency is to dwell on and magnify that situation.  This results in worry, anxiety and fear.  Dwell upon the solution and do not to dwell upon and magnify the situation.  Apply the first two principles above and assimilate the thought that all difficult experiences are not given out by Bagawan but are the results of karma and the world is only a medium.  This does not mean that we don’t take any action, but take any action, including deliberate inaction, but do not contaminate the action with hatred and vengeance.  Cultivate tolerance at both “kartha”  (doer) and ‘boktha” (experiencer) level.
4. Self Restraint: Avoidance of impulsive responses.  Boktha becomes a kartha by following the first three principles.  Impulsive actions prevents us from developing a long term solution.  Boktha (the experiencer) gives the message;  Kartha should filter the messages and take careful actions.
5. Objectivity:  Avoid judgment based on incomplete data.  Never judge a person in a hurry.  No one should become a victim of prejudicial actions.  Prejudicial actions and judgment only will result in accumulating more pavam.  Before taking any action at others, stand in the position of others and determine if the proposed action is one that your would accept yourself.
6. Postpone violent measures:  Whenever we face difficult situations, we face two options: one is aggressive and the other is peaceful.  When we are faced with difficult situation, we prefer aggressive measures as they may appear to bring immediate results.  Scriptures say that the peaceful measures must be tried first.  Always remember ahimsa is an important virtue.  Only after exhausting all ahimsa measures, more  aggressive measures should be pursued.

Swamiji concluded that if we follow these six principles, then we will be able to handle and move on after any difficult experience.

Important points made by first section:

Shristi is the first point: Life and death are not opposite but complementary pair of nature; similar is growth and decay. We must accept the pair. Shrusti as a form of mithunam. Five shristies mentioned in the first section are:

1. Mithuna shristy
2. Loka shrishty
3. Kala shristy
4. Anna Shristy
5. Prajapathi

Second point is Chukla Krishna Gathi topic was discussed after shristi as a diversion.

Third point is discipline of brahmanacharyim

Second Section

Para vidhya and apara vidhya are from Mundaka Upanishad. Apra Vidhya or preparatory knowledge consists of karma and upasana. First chapter of Mundaka Upanishad elaborately discussed karma (e.g. agni hothram) but upasana (mental activity for saguana brahman) was not discussed in detail. Physical activities like pooja are not upasana. Vedanta is mental activity for nirguna brahman.

Second section: Hiranyagarbha (prana) sthuthi. Prior to upsana, the upsana deity should be glorified.

Hiranyagarbha is consciousness with the total (all) subtle body. This total subtle body is available as individual subtle body for everyone. Of the 17 organs of sukshma sareeram, prana is the most important one. Prana keeps body alive. Also during sleep, all sense organs come to a standstill except prana.

Third Section: Hiranyagarbha (prana) upasana is samashti prana, because Hiranyagarba blesses everyone as prana.

V1

Question: What are the devadas that sustain the people (sareeram)? Devadas are various factors or principles behind every inert object. This consciousness principle is called Devada. Sun is not just an object, but when we consider that sun is pervaded by Eeswara, we call it Surya Deva. Each principle is called deva for this reason. So the first question is how many devas are sustaining the sareeram. Second question what principles (devas) are publicizing their own glories. Third Question is among these devas who is the greatest devada?

V2

First principle sustaining the sareeram is 19 devas. because it provides a place to live. The 24 devas are:

• Panca Botham (akasa – space, vayu – air, agni – fire, apaha – water and prithvi – earth)
• Panca indriyam (hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell)
• Panca karmandhra (Vak – express, upasatha – procreate, payu – excrete, Pani – grasp and Pada – move
• Manaha
• Budhi
• Ahangaram
• Chitham

All 19 devas except prana claim they are the most important.

The rest of the section is answer to third question.

Chapter 1 Sloka 38

यद्यप्येते न पश्यन्ति लोभोपहतचेतसः।
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं मित्रद्रोहे च पातकम्।।1.38।।

यद्यपि though एते these न not पश्यन्ति see लोभोपहतचेतसः with intelligence overpowered by greed कुलक्षयकृतम् in the destruction of families दोषम् evil मित्रद्रोहे in hostility to friends च and पातकम् sin

Swamiji explains that Vyasarcharya shows the intensity of Arjuna’s samsaara in the battlefield. Samsaara is raga, shoka and moha (attachment, sorrow and conflict).

Attachment was shown in the 1st line of Verse 28: कृपया परयाऽऽविष्टो विषीदन्निदमब्रवीत् The intensity of attachment grows in Arjuna when he thinks of the possible loss of his relatives that have assembled on the battlefield. He always had this attachment but it remained hidden. But once this attachment overpowers him, he suffers the immediate consequence of sorrow. Sorrow is directly proportional to the attachment. Hence, his sorrow was equally intense and it affected his physical body (his limbs were trembling, his arms are weak, etc.). This is shown starting with Verse 29. Vyasarcharya shows how raga and shoka is leading him to moha: conflict or confusion.

Moha is धर्म अधर्म अविवेकः “dharma adharma avivekaha”  aviveka – absence of judgement or discrimination, not being able to judge between dharma and adharma. When there is a confusion, dharma appears as adharma and vice versa.

Arjuna’s duty as a kshatriya is to fight this war and this yuddham is dharma for Arjuna. But Arjuna sees this dharmayuddham as adharma. This is the first conflict.

Secondly, a kshatriya should never run away from the battlefield. This is shirking his duty. Arjuna is seeing अधर्म पलायन “adharma palaayanam” as punya karma. Arjuna’s confusion is complete.

When the emotional mind(attached and confused) begins to overpower a person, it stifles even the educated and well informed intellect. The intellect, not being able to overcome the emotional mind, begins to support the mental weakness. If the mind has a feeble addiction, the intellect can fight and overcome this weakness. If the addiction is intense, the intellect will justify the mental weakness.

From Verse 38 through 46, Arjuna, having been deceived by his intellect, talks about the evils of war. He says to Krishna, the Kauravas do not see the evils of war. कुलक्षयकृतम् दोषम् – heads of the family are killed, thus destroying the families, and the consequences of destroying families are terrible.

मित्र द्रोहे च पातकम् – hurting our own kith and kin; another mahapaapam which they are not seeing but we are seeing clearly. We should help our friends. Let us decide to withdraw from war.

Chapter 1 Sloka 39

कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभिः पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम्।
कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन।।1.39।।

कथम् why न not ज्ञेयम् should be learnt अस्माभिः by us पापात् from sin अस्मात् this निवर्तितुम् to turn away कुलक्षयकृतम् in the destruction of families दोषम् evil प्रपश्यद्भिः clearly seeing जनार्दन O Janardana.

Arjuna, feels that the Kauravas are confused but now that his thinking is clear, he says to Krishna:

Hey Janardana, दोषम् प्रपश्यद्भिः we are able to clearly see the negative consequences of कुलक्षयकृतम् destroying families.

अस्माभिः  अस्मात् पापात्  निवर्तितुम् कथ न ज्ञेयम् Having seen this evil clearly, why can’t we withdraw? पाप a sin(this war) which involves कुलक्षय the destruction of families..

Why should we have a false ego? Regardless of what others may say, let us withdraw from war. Arjuna is pleading for Krishna’s support to retrieve. Krishna, however remains silent because he feels that Arjuna is not yet ready to hear his advice. Talking to a non receptive person is called वन रोदन vana rodana – crying in the forest.

Chapter 1 Sloka 40

कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति कुलधर्माः सनातनाः।
धर्मे नष्टे कुलं कृत्स्नमधर्मोऽभिभवत्युत।।1.40।।

कुलक्षये in the destruction of a family प्रणश्यन्ति perish कुलधर्माः family religious rites सनातनाः immemorial धर्मे spirituality नष्टे being destroyed कुलम् कृत्स्नम् the whole family अधर्मः impiety अभिभवति overcomes उत indeed.

Arjuna further explains the consequences of family destruction. What are the consequences if there are no healthy families in society (have broken families)? Arjuna wants to say that without family life, dharma, religion and culture can never grow. Spirituality is never possible. These grow in a society where the family is strong, stable and long lasting.

Our scriptures give a lot of importance to family life. Without good family structure, cultural growth is inhibited. A stable family is required for Cultural/Ethical growth, Dharmic growth and Spiritual growth. These are known as कुलधर्म Kuladharma (practice or observance particular to a group or family).

So Arjuna says, कुलक्षये प्रणश्यन्ति without a stable family, kuladharma will perish.

धर्मे नष्टे – when this dharma is destroyed

अधर्मः अभिभवति – adharma (life in which importance is given to आर्थ and काम); only material values become important. This materialistic lifestyle will overpower all the good values.

Chapter 1 Sloka 41

अधर्माभिभवात्कृष्ण प्रदुष्यन्ति कुलस्त्रियः।
स्त्रीषु दुष्टासु वार्ष्णेय जायते वर्णसङ्करः।।1.41।।

अधर्माभिभवात् from the prevalence of impiety कृष्ण O Krishna प्रदुष्यन्ति become corrupt कुलस्त्रियः the women of the family स्त्रीषु in women दुष्टासु (being) corrupt वार्ष्णेय O Varshneya जायते arises वर्णसङ्करः caste mixture.

Swamiji first explains the importance of a stable family for cultural growth.

A stable family is needed for a cultural or a healthy personality trait to be formed in a child. This needs to be done at a very early stage in life. A baby or young child does not have the capacity to discriminate/judge what is important or valuable. A child learns to value things based upon the set of values of the parents(god like to the child). While child is developing values for various things, the respect it develops towards itself (self value) is also learned. The self image development is also very important. A newborn does not have an idea about itself – “am I a wonderful child or useless child; respectable or a rejected child”. This self opinion is developed based on the parent’s opinion of the child. If the life of the mother is centered on the child; parents respect the child; treat as a VIP in the first 5 years of life; be at his beck and call; with all the needs fulfilled; etc., then the child develops a beautiful self image, self worth and self confidence. This self opinion developed within the first 5 years can never be erased. If this is not developed within those few years, the child will condemn itself and develop inferiority complex, lacking self confidence. This negative value is developed not due to the child’s mistake – but they are the values the parents have imparted. A healthy mind is one which has self respect.

Swamiji refers to Chapter 6, Verse 5 where Krishna says:

उद्धरेदात्मनाऽऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।।6.5।।

“Arjuna, once you condemn yourself, no one can help you”.

If you don’t have self-confidence, no God, Guru, or Shastra can help. Ishvara kripa, Guru kripa, and Shastra kripa are secondary. These graces will be valid only when the most important grace “atma kripa” आत्म कृपा – is there (self respect/self image/self confidence). This must be formed within the first 5 years of life with the help of a stable family and parents who respect the child. Therefore, family life is very important to develop psychologically healthy children that will become self respecting citizens in a society.

This is “ego nourishment” but nourishing the ego will enable the ego to grow, and as the ego grows it ripens, then the ripened ego can drop(like a ripened fruit falls from a tree, when it is ready)…. leading to moksha.

The second importance of family is to impart cultural values, again done early in a child’s life(nonverbal communication). The child learns by observing and imitating the parents. Even a newborn gets influenced by the thought of the mother during pregnancy, the manner in which the mother welcomes the child, the manner in which the family greets the child, etc. All these nonverbal communications have a psychological impact on the child. Every word and action of the parents are being imbibed by the child. Parents have to serve as a model to teach the cultural values.

Matha, Pitha, Guru, Devyam….. Mother is the first model, then the father. If the parents are not available as the models, then they seek for a model elsewhere.

The parents(models) should be consistent and constant in their lives. The parents should have trust, understanding and harmony between themselves to provide a suitable and nurturing environment. A father or mother should not contradict each other in front of the child. This causes confusion to the child since both parents are Godlike and both are correct.

Here Arjuna says, among the parents, the mother is more important – because the mother is intimately attached with the child. And if the head of the families are destroyed, the women may become corrupt. A young girl growing up in a broken home does not develop cultural values. And when she becomes a mother without values, she will not be able to teach her children. Hence a vicious cycle is created where the generations to come have no values. All values will be utterly destroyed.

अधर्माभिभवात् कृष्ण  प्रदुष्यन्ति कुलस्त्रियः When the families are destroyed, a girl child gets spoiled, she will become an unhealthy mother.

स्त्रीषु  दुष्टासु corrupt women (destruction of entire society)

वार्ष्णेय addressing Krishna, as descendant of Vrishni.  वृष्णि कुल समुद्भूत “vrishni kula samudbhoota”; you are born in a beautiful family; and know the importance of family

जायते वर्णसङ्करः there will be utter confusion in regards to varnaashrama dharma.

Sankara means confusion.

Varnashrama dharma – In varna dharma, the veda prescribes certain duties for each class of people. Brahmana have certain cultural duties, Kshatriya have political duties, Vysya have economic duties, Sudra have supporting duties towards the other three. All these duties are important for the growth of a society.

Veda says that everyone has to take one of these duties(profession) based on birth or based on character i.e. choose to be a politician, business man etc.

Imagine a society which values money. This will lead to everyone choosing a  profession based on whichever brings them maximum money. Once a society is materialistic, a class that was devoted to cultural growth of a nation will diminish. Learning dharma shastra & the scriptures and following & propagating the dharma shastra will not thrive.

Varna sankara – everyone will take every other profession but no one will come forward to study the scriptures. There will be confusion among the duties and no one will preserve and propagate the religious and spiritual culture. Society will be corrupt leading to destruction of humanity.

All these will happen when families become unstable…due to the war….so lets abolish war….drive chariot away from battlefield.

Prasna Upanishad, Class 6 – Dec 20, 2015

Continuation of explanation of verse 11.

[divah: bhuvarlOkha. pare: beyond]

SuryalOkha is in a place beyond bhuvarlokha. (bhUlOkha is earth, bhuverlOkha is intermediate, suverlOkha is in a higher space).

Adhithya is also purishinam (plenty of water). Why? Sun alone is responsible for rain. Some sages glorify the sun in these terms. Other sages glorify the sun in other terms, including vichakshanam (illuminator of all), Hiranyagarbha (which is samashti buddhi), omniscience, one with 7 chakras (7 horsed), 7 colours, six-spoked (each season being a spoke and life moves in seasons alone).

With this, the samvatsare shrishti is over but not the kAla srishti.

Verse 12. mAsa shrishtih: (division of month)

mAsa is a manifest of PrajApathi. Must come in dual (mithuna) form. – complementary pair: krishna and shukla paksha. For those rishis that meditate on shukla prAna, their rituals will be as good as when done in shukla pakshi. Rituals during Shukla pakshi are more efficacious than in krishnapakshi. If you do upAsana on shuklaprAna, rituals on k-p will be as effective as done in sh-paksha. Any karma done with upAsana will have better effect.

Verse 13. (division of day into day and night)

Day and night are also prajApathi. Day is prAna and night is matter. The rule given to householders is that sthri samyoga should only occur at night, otherwise if during daytime, they lose all their energy. Daytime is presided over by prAna and they will be dissipating it. At night time, it is as good as observing bhramcharyam.

Verse 14. anna Shrishtih:

After dEsah: and kAlaH:, now comes annam. PrajApathi alone is food. Annam also must consist of rayih: and prAna but this not mentioned here. From food is derived the seed (retah:) (meaning here sperm and ovum). All beings are borne from the combination of the male and female seed and hence from food and hence from PrajApathi.

Verse 15. phala stuthi

Some vratham has to given to those not into vEdantam. PrajApathi vratham develops self control in sthri samyoga. Thos who follow this p-vratham will get mithunam (complementary pair). P-vratham is an important condition for attaining krishnagthi and shuklagathi. [in this verse bhulokha stands for chandralOkha]. This will be attained for those who follow austerities’discipline and who are truthful. For vedAnta jnAnis also, brahmacharya vratam is highlighted.

Verse 16.

Only for those following Brahmavratham is BrahmalOkha possible. BrahmalOkha’s benefit is shukham. An important qualification is that one must be free from 3 evils:

1. Free from vakra buddhi (negative motives, seeing wrong side of things).
2. Lying
3. Fraud, cheating (mAyA chethi)