Greetings All, Continuing his talk, Swamiji reminded us that Arjuna wanted to know about the Sthitha Pragyaha. How does such a person respond to situations? Is there any practical benefit to the study of the Gita , asks Swamiji? Shloka # 55: A person comes to Sthitha Pragyaha by: Following the path of Karma Yoga […]
Greetings All, Continuing his teaching on Kaivalya Upanishad, Swamiji says, in previous class we discussed Nididhyasanam and then Brahmaji discussed the Gyana Phalam as well. Gyanam is the only means of liberation. Are other sadhanas not useful if they do not lead to liberation? They are useful for preparing the mind but not for liberation. […]
Continuing his teaching on Kaivalya Upanishad, Swamiji says, in Shlokas 5 though 7, Brahmaji gave instructions on the three levels of meditation. Everyone has to go through all three levels of meditation. First level is Eka Roopa Ishwara Dhyanam, second level is Aneka Roopa Ishwara Dhyanam and third level is Aroopa Ishwara Dhyanam. At the […]
Greetings All, Shloka # 55: Sri Krishna answered: “When one wholly discards desires of the heart and becomes exclusively content with the Self, one is called a sage of stable wisdom. O Arjuna.” Refreshing our memory, Swamiji says, we have come to the fourth and final topic of Sthita Pragyaha. Arjuna asked Sri Krishna if […]
Greetings All, Continuing his teaching on Kaivalya Upanishad Swamiji says, the student approached the teacher and asked for Brahma Vidya. He was sufficiently informed that it was the only means of liberation. What are the means to obtain Brahma Vidya? Brahmji says there are two means. 1. Direct or Sakshat and 2. Supporting means. Direct […]
Continuing his teaching on Kaivalya Upanishad Swamiji says, the student Ashvalayana approached Guru Brahmaji and asked for Brahma Vidya. This indicates maturity of the student. He does not ask for liberation, rather asks for Brahma Vidya. This is an important corollary as student is very clear that liberation can only be got through Brahma Vidya. […]
Shloka # 52: “When your intellect goes beyond the mist of delusion, you will win detachment from both what is to be heard and what has been heard.” Shloka # 53: “You will win this supreme yoga when your intellect, bewildered by Vedic texts, becomes firm and unwavering in concentration.” In shlokas 52 and 53 […]
Shloka # 49: “ Work impelled by the desire for fruit is indeed far inferior, evenness of mind being far above it. O Arjuna, Take refuge in the evenness of intelligence. Pitiful are those impelled by the desire for the fruits of works.” Shloka # 50: “With the intelligence of evenness one discards (in this […]
Greetings All, In mantra #1, Sruthi introduced Ashvalayana and his teacher Brahma. The student with appropriate qualifications asks for Brahmavidya with humility, also called Pariprashnaha. Having seen the student as well qualified from his approach, Brahmaji agrees to teach him. Brahma addressed the student and gave him instructions on the instruments or Sadhana to be […]
Shloka # 47: “to work alone you have the right and never to the fruits (of works). Don’t be impelled by the fruits of works; ( at the same time) don’t be tempted to withdraw from works.” Swamiji continuing with his teaching says Sri Krishna now presents the principles of Karma Yoga in Shloka # […]