Srimad Bhagavad Gita, AS IT IS, Chapter 2, Presentation Notes
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The document provides a summary of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna about the nature of the soul and the importance of performing one's duty. It emphasizes the distinction between the eternal soul and the temporary body, asserting that the soul is indestructible and should not be a source of lamentation. The essence of Krishna's message is that Arjuna must fulfill his Kshatriya duties without attachment to the outcomes.
Srimad Bhagavad Gita, AS IT IS, Chapter 2, Presentation Notes
- 1. Bhagavad Gita - 2 Contents of Gita Summarized
- 2. Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~Founder Acharya~ International Society for Krishna Consciousness
- 3. oà ajïäna-timirändhasya jïänäïjana-çaläkayä cakñur unmélitaà yena tasmai çré-gurave namaù çré-caitanya-mano-'bhéñöaà sthäpitaà yena bhü-tale svayaà rüpaù kadä mahyaà dadäti sva-padäntikam vande 'haà çré-guroù çré-yuta-pada-kamalaà çré-gurün vaiñëaväàç ca çré-rüpaà sägrajätaà saha-gaëa-raghunäthänvitaà taà sa-jévam sädvaitaà sävadhütaà parijana-sahitaà kåñëa-caitanya-devaà çré-rädhä-kåñëa-pädän saha-gaëa-lalitä-çré-viçäkhänvitäàç ca he kåñëa karuëä-sindho déna-bandho jagat-pate gopeça gopikä-känta rädhä-känta namo 'stu te tapta-käïcana-gauräìgi rädhe våndävaneçvari våñabhänu-sute devi praëamämi hari-priye väïchä-kalpatarubhyaç ca kåpä-sindhubhya eva ca patitänäà pävanebhyo vaiñëavebhyo namo namaù çré-kåñëa-caitanya prabhu-nityänanda çré-advaita gadädhara çréväsädi-gaura-bhakta-vånda hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare Mangalacarana
- 4. Summary – Chapter 1 Compassion Enjoyment Destruction of Family Saintliness and fear of sinful reactions BG 2.6 Indecision Arjuna's reasons for not wishing to fight Observing the Armies Arjuna surrenders to Lord Krsna Chapter 2 Lord Krsna reveals Transcendental Knowledge
- 5. Chapter 2 - Sections Section Verse Description A 2.1 to 2.10 Arjuna's further doubts & his surrender B 2.11 to 2.30 Jnana -- fight! there is no death for the soul C 2.31 to 2.38 Karmakanda -- fight! for gains come from dutifully fighting and losses come from not fighting D 2.39 to 2.53 Buddhi-yoga (Niskama Karma) --fight! but without any reaction E 2.54 to 2.72 Sthita Prajna -- fight! become fixed in krsna consciousness
- 6. Summary - Section - A Arjuna's further doubts & his surrender 1-10 After Arjuna continues to express his doubts about fighting, he surrenders to Krsna for instruction. Verse 2.1 to 2.10
- 7. Text – 1 Seeing Arjuna depressed Lord Krsna thus spoke…. Real Self (Eternal Soul) Material Compassion Lamentation Tears signs of ignorance Self Realization Compassion • Compassion for the dress of a drowning man is senseless (Sudra) • Real Compassion means Compassion for the Eternal Soul, (Self Realization) • Madhusudana : Killer of Demon Madhu. • Lord Krsna is addressed as Madhusudana, expected to kill Arjuna doubts(demons) Chapter 2 discusses : Self Realization Analytical Study Soul Material Body Lord Krsna Explained by Analogy – Saving Dress of Drowning Man Material Compassion
- 8. Text – 2 Lord Krsna (Sri-Bhagavan) spoke, where from impurities come upon you(Arjuna)? Brahman Lord Krsna Absolute Truth The Supreme Personality of Godhead Paramatma Bhagavan RealizedasSB1.2.11 impersonal all- pervasive Spirit. (Sun shine) localized aspect, in heart of all living entities. (Sun’s Surface) Personal feature of Lord. (Sun Planet) All Riches All Fame All Strength All Beauty All Knowledge All Renunciation ParāśaraMuni Arjuna Aryan Aryan, who know value of life based on Spiritual Realization • Non-Aryans : No Knowledge of liberation from bondage of Material Life. • Arjuna is deviating from performing his duty as Kstriya. • Such deviation, will stop progressing in Spiritual Life and become infamous. • Lord Krsna condemns such non-aryan behavior. Analogy - Sun Sunshine-Brahman Sun Surface Paramatma Sun Planet Bhagavan
- 9. Text – 3-4 Lord Krsna advices Arjuna to give up petty weakness of Heart Ksatriya Krsna Vasudeva Prtha (Kunti) Sister Son Partha (Arjuna) Son Relatives By Birth Friend Ksatriya family Protection of Society Fight for right cause Cannot be Non-violent for Material Causes Decline War Weakness of Heart magnanimous attitude Seniors are worshipable Should not be counter attacked Would Krsna Kill his Relatives? Krsna Addressed as Madhusudana Killer of Demon Madhu 3 4
- 10. Text – 5-7 Arjuna continues to give reasons for not Fighting and Finally Surrenders. 5 • Arjuna thinks better to live in this world by begging, rather than killing his Teachers, Grandfathers. • Teacher who engages in an abominable action and has lost his sense of discrimination is fit to be abandoned • Bhisma and Drona were obliged to take the side of Duryodhana because of his financial assistance. • Arjuna thinks if they are killed, everything we enjoy will be tainted with blood. • Arjuna didn’t knew which is better, conquering them or being conquered by them. 6 • Arjuna did not know whether he should fight and risk unnecessary violence, although fighting is the duty of the ksatriyas, or whether he should refrain and live by begging. • Arjuna is confused about his duties & lost all composure b/c of miserly weakness, surrenders.7 Material Activities Source of Perplexities (Forest Fire) Surrender to Bonafied Spiritual Master By Natures way Kripanas Misers Brahmanas Self Realization Not Interested InterestedSkin Disease Overly affectionate to Family, Society, Country, Krsna Original Spiritual Master
- 11. Text – 8-10 Arjuna’s symptoms and doubts continues & Finally decided He shall not Fight… 8 • Symptoms & doubts : grief drying up sense. Not be able to dispel it even if he is prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty like the demigods in heaven Unable to Resolve with Material Knowledge Needs to Surrender to Spiritual Master 100% Bonafied Spiritual Master Arjuna’s Problems Material Problems Birth, Death, Old age, Disease Krsna Original Spiritual Master Wealth Economic Development Surrender to Bonafied Spiritual Master Krsna BG SB Cannot be solved only Dispel Doubts and Lamentations (Perplexities) • Arjuna said, Govinda, I shall not Fight, Till my doubts are clear. 9 • Krsna, smiled (prahasan) b/c his friend has now become his disciple. Assumed the role with gravity and thus spoke… 10
- 12. Summary - Section - B Verse 2.11 to 2.30 JNANA >>> Fight! there is no death for the soul 11-13 16-25 Death is the eternal soul changing from one body to another; therefore, since no soul can die, Arjuna would not be killing. 14-15 Performance of duty must not be affected by happiness and distress arising from sense perception. 26 Atheistic and Materialistic theory. 27-30 The eternal, indestructible, immutable soul cannot be killed and the temporary body cannot be saved. Therefore fight.
- 13. Text – 11 Lord Krsna taking role of a Spiritual Master chastises Arjuna 11 Chastises Arjuna Talking like a Learned Man But he is a Fool (Spiritually) Learned Man Body Soul Temporary Eternal differentiates Knows difference between body (temporary) and Soul (eternal) Do not lament for body whether its dead or alive. Matter Spirit Controller Of Both Body is born and destined to vanquish, therefore body is not as important as soul knows knows Actually Krsna Krsna
- 14. Text – 12 Lord Krsna explains the Science of Soul 12 Never was a Time (Eternally) Krsna Arjuna Spirit Soul Kings Following Points are Addressed 1 Spirit Soul is Eternally Existing (Conditioned OR Liberated) 2 Spirit Soul is individual (past, present, Future) (Defeats Mayavadi Philosophy) (Conditioned OR Liberated) 3 Supreme Personality of Godhead Eternally maintaining the Jivas (soul) (Conditioned or liberated Stage) 4 Lord Krsna is not under Maya, otherwise the knowledge given by him is useless. Mayavadi Philosophy Conditioned State, Covered by Maya Liberated State, Covering of Maya is removed and merge into Impersonal Brahman Analogy : Bee Licking outside Honey Jar Mayavadi (Non-devotee) explanation of Bhagavad Gita is like bee licking honey outside Jar, will never taste actual nectar of Gita. Krsna keeps the Jar closed b/c of their envious nature. Caitanya Mahaprabhu - Mayavadi bhasya sunile haya sarvanasa
- 15. Text – 13 Lord Krsna further describes the Soul13 Boyhood Soul Youth Soul Old Age Soul New Body Soul Death Learned Man not bewildered Following Points are Addressed 1 Spirit Soul is Eternally never changing 2 Body is always changing (every second) boyhood, youth, old age, there is no cause of lamentation. 3 Spirit soul gets next body based on the activities of the current body. 4 Arjuna should not lament for Bhisma or Dronas body change as they will get nice based on their current activities. 5 Dhira (Sober man) : Who perfectly knows individual Soul, Supersoul, and nature both Material & Spiritual, never bewildered by changes in the body or death. Analogy – Changing Dress (Body)
- 16. Text – 14-15 Tolerate Happiness & Distress (Eligibility for Liberation) 14 Happiness Distress Appear Disappear Tolerate without being disturbed Following Points are Addressed 1 In discharge of duty one has to tolerate happiness and distress which arise from sense perception. 2 Similarly Kshatriya has to fight with relatives in order to protect dharma. 3 Arjuna is called as Kaunteya, Bharata : her is representing 2 great dynasty (responsibility), he needs to perform his prescribed duty to fight against irreligion 4 Examples : Women has to cook for family in heat, one has to take cold shower in the morning in winter. Key to Bhagavad Gita Steady in both Eligible For Liberation 15 Non Permanent - Arise from sense perception
- 17. Text – 16-19 Soul Never changes, Material Body Always Change, Soul is indestructible 16 Material Body (Matter) Never Change Always Changes Following Points are Addressed 1 The Soul pervades the entire body and its indestructible. 2 Symptom of Soul is Consciousness, this consciousness is limited to ones own body (individual consciousness) 3 Size of Soul is one ten thousand the Tip of the Hair. 4 The Soul is situated in the region of heart and cannot be asserted by any material means b/c its Spiritual. 5 Soul is immeasurable (minute), Material body is sure to come to an end, there is no doubt, its matter of time, as soon as soul leaves the body, the body starts decomposing. Arjuna therefore must fight. 6 When someone is killed, body is killed, soul is eternal and hence cannot be slayed. When someone thinks he has killed or is being killed is not in Knowledge. However this does not encourage killing others. Soul (Spirit)Personalist Impersonalist Seers of Truth 17 18 19
- 18. Text – 20-21 Soul is neither born nor dies, unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval 20 Following Points are Addressed 1 The symptom of Soul is consciousness, even if we can’t find soul physically in the region of heart, we can understand/perceive by the symptom ie consciousness. Eg. Sun covered by Clouds. 2 Soul is full of eternal, full of Knowledge and blissful, Currently covered by its desire to enjoy separate from Krsna. 3 There are 2 kinds of Soul minute particle soul (aṇu-atma) and the Supersoul (vibhu-atma). The consciousness of Supersoul is different to that of particle soul. Supersoul knows about past, present and future all the time, where as particle soul subjected to forgetfulness. 4 Violent has its utility, Manu Samhita : Murderer should be killed otherwise will suffer in his next life. Similarly fighting under direct order of Krsna is not Violence. Eg. Surgical operation is meant for curing not killing. Soul (Spirit) Neither takes birth Nor dies Unborn Eternal Ever-existing Primeval Not Slained when body is Slained Transformation of Body Birth Remains Grows Produce Offspring's Dwindles Dies Soul doesn’t undergo such changes Indestructible Immutable 21How can somebody kill the soul OR cause anyone to Kill? 21
- 19. Text – 22 Soul changes body, as people change dresses 22 Following Points are Addressed 1 Changing of body is compared to changing of garment, when it becomes old and useless. 2 individual soul is transferred to another body by the Grace of Supersoul. The Supersoul being a friend of the soul eternally fulfills the desire of the friend. 3 Arjuna is advised by Lord Krsna, not to lament for the changes of the body of Bhisma and Drona since they will be cleansed from the reaction of all the activities of the present body and will get fresh new body. Present Body Soul Next Body Soul Super soul Fulfills the desire of living entity Analogy – Changing Dress same as changing Body Analogy – Two Birds on a tree, Soul, Supersoul
- 20. Text – 23 Soul cannot be cut by weapon, burned by fire, withered by wind, moistened by water 23 Following Points are Addressed 1 All kinds of weapons — swords, flame weapons, rain weapons, tornado weapons, etc. — are unable to kill the spirit soul because it spiritual. 2 individual souls are eternally parts and parcel of the Supreme Soul. Its not that the individual soul is cut from the Supreme Soul. 3 When the individual soul is liberated, it does not merge into supersoul. Cut by weapon Moistened by Water Burned by Fire Withered by Wind Soul Eternal Cannot be destroyed by Analogy – Sparks of Fire compared to Soul, separated
- 21. Text – 24-25 Soul, More characteristics…. 24 Following Points are Addressed 1 Spirit soul is eternally the same size and never become homogenous. 2 Spirit Soul is (sarva-gatah) present everywhere ie earth, water, air, fire, even in the sun planet 3 Magnitude of Soul is very small, cannot be seen by Microscope, it should be understood from scriptures, inconceivable by experimental knowledge. Repetition means to understand matter thoroughly. Eternal Soul unbreakable insoluble neither burned nor dried everlasting present everywhere unchangeable immovable Eternally the same invisible inconceivable immutable 25 25 24
- 22. Text – 26 Atheistic Arguments : Soul is always born and dies for ever. 26 Following Points are Addressed 1 Lord Krishna tells even if Arjuna believes that life is combination of Matter, there is no reason to lament since no one laments for the destruction of lump of Chemicals and stop performing their prescribed duties. 2 If there were no rebirth for the soul, Arjuna had no reason to be afraid of being affected by sinful reactions due to his killing his grandfather and teacher 3 Maha-bahuh – Mighty bowman : b/c Arjuna did not accept these bogus theories. lokayatikas Vaibhasikas Life Symptom is combination of Matter (Combination of Physical and Chemical Elements) Modern Scientists
- 23. Text – 27 Birth and Death Cycle 27 Following Points are Addressed 1 Cycle of birth and death does not mean one can kill unnecessarily, Violence is required if the Dharma has to be protected. 2 If Arjuna does not fight for Dharma he would go for wrong course of action (not performing his duty), hence subjected to sinful reaction. Soul take accepts New Body (Birth) Death (Body is old and useless) Based on the past desires and what soul deserve Acts on the basis of desire (Karma) Liberation
- 24. Text – 28 Birth and Death Cycle Continued…. 28 Do not believe in existence of Soul (Atheist) Believes in existence of Soul Material Existence Manifested Stage Unmanifested Stage Before creation Ether Air Fire Water Earth Many Varieties of Creation Creation Annihilation Lord Krsna’s argument is what is there to lament
- 25. Text – 29-30 Soul is Amazing (look (see), describe, hear)29 Some look on the soul as Amazing Some People who are Amazing look on the Soul Some look on the Soul which is Amazing Looking is Amazing People are Amazing Soul is Amazing Some describe the soul as Amazing Some People who are Amazing describe on the Soul Some people describe the Soul which is Amazing Describing is Amazing People are Amazing Soul is Amazing Some hear about Amazing soul Some People who are Amazing hear about the Soul Some hear about the Soul which is Amazing Soul is Amazing People are Amazing Hearing is Amazing Soul same size Amazing 30 Soul cannot be killed, therefore need to grieve and Perform your duty
- 26. Text – 30 Soul cannot be killed so Perform your duty30 Analogy for Unnecessary Violence is not Justified Judge Awarding Capital Punishment Surgeon performing Operation
- 27. Characteristics of Soul No Characteristics No Characteristics 1 Eternal (12,18,20,21) 16 Cannot be cut into pieces (23) 2 No Change (16) 17 Burned by Fire (23) 3 Indestructible (17,18,21) 18 Moistened by Water (23) 4 Imperishable (17) 19 Withered by Wind (23) 5 Immeasurable (18) 20 Unbreakable (24) 6 Neither Slayer (19) 21 Insoluble (24) 7 Nor ever Slained (19,20,30) 22 Neither burned or dried (24) 8 No Birth, No Death (20) 23 Everlasting (24) 9 Not Come into being (20) 24 Present everywhere (24) 10 Does not come into being (20) 25 Unchangeable (24) 11 Will not come into being (20) 26 Immovable (24) 12 Unborn (20,21) 27 Eternally the Same (24) 13 Ever existing (20) 28 Invisible (25) 14 Primeval (20) 29 Inconceivable (25) 15 Immutable (21,25) 30 Amazing (look, see, hear, describe) (29)
- 28. Summary - Section - C Verse 2.31 to 2.38 KARMAKANDA -- fight! for gains come from dutifully fighting and losses come from not fighting 31-38 If Arjuna dies in battle he will be promoted to heaven, and if he wins the battle, he will rule the earth. Dishonor will overcome him if he leaves the battlefield.
- 29. KARMA-KANDA Regulated Sense Gratification Using Prescribed methods of Vedas (Sacrifices & Rituals) for the purpose of higher Material Sense Gratification (No Spiritual Objectives) Up Down Result Going Up (Higher Planets) & comes down to (Earth/Lower Planets) UpDown
- 30. Text – 31 Lord describes how Fighting would be beneficial – Karmakanda31 Sva-Dharma Specific Duties Daivi-Varnasrama Spiritual-No bodily concept Liberated Stage Varnasrama-Dharma Prescribed Duties (Stepping Stone to Spiritual Understanding) Conditional Stage follow Progress towards Liberation Goal When liberated follow Brahmana (Goodness) Ksatriya (Passion) Vaisya (Passion+Ignorance) Shudra (Ignorance) Based on the 3 Modes Sacrifice, Education Administration, Protection Business Class Serving other class (workers) Performing Sva- Dharma OR Discharging Specific duties gradually elevates to higher platform (heavenly planets) Lord Krsna does not support artificial renunciation and acceptance of Sannayas by a Ksatriya BG 2.47 BG 3.35
- 31. Text – 32-38 Lord describes how Fighting would be beneficial – Karmakanda Ksatriya (Passion) Protection of Society (Discharge of Duty) Must be Violent 32 Die perfoming Duty Elevated to Heavenly Planets Opportunity to fight righteous wars Very Happy Earthly Kingdom Heavenly Planets Won Lost Discharging Duty Not Performing Duty Incur Sins for (Neglecting Duty) Loose Reputation as a Fighter Infamy For Respectable Person Dishonor is worst than death Great Generals will consider Arjuna left battlefield out of Fear Consider him insignificant 35 34 33 Arjuna’s so called Compassion Enemies will describe with unkind words & scorn his ability What could be more painful? 36Heavenly Planet (If dies in battlefield) Lord Krishna Final Judgment Earthly Kingdom (If wins the battle) 37 Get up with Determination and Fight Fight for sake of Fighting (Lord wants him to fight) Happiness or Distress Victory or Defeat Loss or Gain Never Incur Sin 38 Without Consideration of
- 32. Text – 38… Niskama Karma based on Jnana or Bhakti38 Karmakanda Niskama Karma Buddhi Yoga Yoga of Intelligence JnanaSection B.. Section C.. Section D.. Jnana Karma+ Performing Duty in Knowledge without attachment to results (Fruits). Detachment b/c of knowledge that we are not this body Niskama Karma Buddhi Yoga Yoga of Intelligence Perform Duty (In Knowledge) Material Detachment (Not attached to results) Perform Duty (In Knowledge) Material Detachment & Spiritual Attachment Advances towards Liberation Results offered to Krsna with Love & Devotion Bhakti Advances towards Pure Love for Krsna
- 33. Summary - Section - D Verse 2.39 to 2.53 BUDDHI-YOGA (NISKAMA KARMA) -- fight! but without any reaction 39-41 47-51 If Arjuna fights without being attached to the result of his fighting, fighting simply because it is Krsna's desire, with his mind focused on Krsna and in full resolve, his fighting will bring no sinful reaction. 42-46 52-53 Arjuna should rise above the "good and bad" of the Vedic formulas by knowing that the purpose of the Vedas is to serve Krsna.
- 34. Understanding Srila Prabhupada’s Vision Niskama Karma Buddhi Yoga Yoga of Intelligence Working without material desires SP defines this as Krsna Consciousness Performing Duty in Knowledge without attachment to results (Fruits). Gradually understand that there is Supreme Spirit Soul Knowledge (Jnana) We are not this body but Spirit Soul Understand 3 different features of Supreme Soul Surrender to Lord Krishna’s Lotus Feet Gradual Process Direct Process Accept Lord Krsna as SPOG, Fix Mind on Lord Krsna, Perform DS Gradually Detach Gradually Attain Knowledge Attain Lotus Feet of Krsna Recommended
- 35. Text – 39 Lord describes Niskama Karma (Buddhi Yoga) 39 Sankhya Yoga Nirukti-Something described in Details By Atheist Kapila Not by Lord Kapila deva Atheistic Sankhya Supreme Lord (purusa) is Active and creates Material World (prakriti) by his glance and impregnates individual soul (living entities.) Lord Kapila to Mother Devahuti in SB Analytical Study of Body & Soul (Material World) Accepted by BG & Vedas Living Entities (prakriti) are working in the Material World for sense gratification, under spell of Maya, thinking to be enjoyer. Last snare of Maya, where living entity wants to merge with Supreme Lord After Many Many births living entities surrenders to Supreme Lord Vāsudeva Arjuna’s reasons for not fighting war was Sense Gratification Therefore Lord Explained that Soul is Eternal Happiness derived from conquering them Happiness derived from seeing kinsmen alive. Sensegratification Buddhi (Intelligence) Yoga Karma Yoga, Niskama Karma (Working in KC) Working for Sense Gratification of the Lord Devotional Service (Bhakti) Direct communion with Lord (Paramatma) BG 10 Devotional Service (Bhakti) By the grace of Lord Transcendental Understanding by which they can go back to Godhead Further Lord explains Does not Take place without attains When one performs
- 36. Text – 39… Difference between Sankhya (Inactive) & Buddhi Yoga (NK) Working 39 Jnana (TK)Section B.. Sankhya Yoga Analytical Study Soul Material Body Inactive way Renounce Work Using Intelligence & Discriminating power Contemplate on the fact that we are soul and not the body Transcendental Knowledge (Jnana) Niskama Karma Buddhi Yoga Yoga of Intelligence Section D.. Working without Fruitive Results Acting in such Knowledge Free from bondage of Reaction Act Knowledge + Transcendental Knowledge Working in the Consciousness of Renunciation, not Renouncing Activity Inactivity Activity Major Theme of Bhagavad Gita Verse 11-30
- 37. Text – 40-41 Lord explains acting in Buddhi Yoga is beneficial & Vyavasayatmika Buddhi 40Buddhi (Intelligence) Yoga Karma Yoga, Niskama Karma (Working in KC) Acting for Krsna without expectation of Sense Gratification, Little advancement is beneficial It has permanent effect, not lost unlike Material things and performer starts from same point he left in last life. because Gets birth in Brahmana or Aristocratic family. (Not Animal life) Saves from Most Dangerous fear Strong Faith that by KC one will be elevated to Highest platform Vyavasayatmika Buddhi (Resolute in KC) Faith : Unflinching Trust in Something sublime When engaged in KC, need not act in Material relationship All activities in KC is absolute (no duality : good, bad) Highest Perfection in KC is Renunciation of Material conception of Life Gradually achieved by working in KC Vasudeva sarvam iti sa mahatma su- durulabah (If Krsna is satisfied everyone is satisfied) Devotional Service to Krsna should be performed under Bonafied Spiritual Master SM is satisfied Krsna is satisfied By Knowledge Practical Knowledge of Soul beyond Conception of Body No Knowledge Mind diverted by various fruitive acts 41
- 38. The best kind of intelligence I can have is intelligence used in the service of Krsna. That intelligence is defined as fixed when it is intent upon my spiritual masters instruction such as chanting the names of Krsna, remembering his activities and performing service to his lotus feet. His instructions are my sadhana and my life both in the beginning stages of Bhakti as well as in Bhakti's perfectional stage. I desire only to follow his instructions. I accept nothing else as my life's work, even in dreams, whether I am happy or distressed, whether the material world remains or is destroyed, I do not care, there is no loss for me. I simply must carry our the orders of my Spiritual Master. Fixedness upon his orders is determined intelligence in devotional service. And only by being fixed in his orders such determined intelligence is possible.
- 39. Text – 42-44 Men with less Knowledge attracted by flowery words of Vedas & Result Vedas Sama, Rig, Yajur, Atharva (BG 9.20) Jnana-Kanda Upasana-Kanda Karma-Kanda Philosophical Knowledge How to Worship Lord and Devataas How to improve Material Happiness People who are Not intelligent due to Ignorance Attached to Furtive (Sense Gratification) Activities Gets attracted to the Sacrifices mentioned in Vedas Performs severe austerities to achieve Heavenly planets Good Birth Heavenly Planets Power Women Wine (Soma) SenseGratification Sense Gratification (Sense Enjoyment) Material Opulences (Opulent Life) Desirous of Nothing more than this Resolute determination for devotional service to Supreme Lord does not take place Mind Attached 42 43 44 Mind attached b/c of Lack of Knowledge & hence bewildered
- 40. Text – 45 Vedas deals with subject of 3 modes, become Transcendental to 3 Modes 3 Modes of Material Nature (Gunas) Sattva Guna Rajo-Guna Tamo-Guna Furtive (Sense Gratification) Activities Vedas deals with Fruitive Activities Material Activities Based on Vedanta Philosophy (Begins with Brahma Jijnasa) Upanishads 45 Sattva Guna Passion Ignorance Action & Reaction Gradually elevate Material Platform Transcendental Platform Vedas For the Suffering Living Entities, Lord presents info in Vedas Process to achieve Liberation from Cycle of Birth & Death Transcendental Position (Fully dependent on will of Krsna) fromto
- 41. Composed by sages Wording may change from age to age Revealed absolute Truth Every word unchanged eternally sisters sisters sisters Rajasic VEDIC KNOWLEDGE SRUTI SMRTI UPAVEDAS Dhanurveda Ayurveda, etc. VEDAS Rg, Yajur, Sama, Atharva VEDANGAS ItihasasPuranas Six Darshanas Tantras Spoken by Lord Siva to Parvati Ritual Sutras Connected to Kalpa-vedanga Pancaratras Srauta Sutras explains public yajnas Grhya Sutras explains home yajnas Dharma Sutras Law books Vedanta (Vyasa) (Metaphysics) theology of Upanisads Mimamsa (Jaimini) (Hermeneutics) interpreting scriptural texts Nyaya (Gautama) (Epistemology, logic) philosophy of knowledge including logic Vaisesika (Kanada) (Metaphysics) philosophy of existence Yoga (Patanjali) (Sadhana) Sankhya (Atheist Kapila) (Metaphysics) Dharma Sastras including Manu- samhita and others 18 Major 18 Minor Samhitas mantras Brahmanas ritual explanation of mantras Aranyakas esoteric explanation of mantras Upanisads Jnana-kanda philosophy of Brahman Kalpa ritual details Siksa pronunciation Vyakarana grammar Nirukta etymology Chandas meters Jyotisa astronomy-time calculation Vaisnava worship Tamasic Sattvic Courtesy : Tyaga Caitanya Das
- 42. Text – 46 Purpose of Vedas is to Understand Krsna Vedas People should understand real purpose of Vedas 46 Revival of KC (Relationship) is highest perfection of Vedas Should not get attached to rituals Should not desire for heavenly planets for better sense gratification Relationship Lord Krsna Self Realization Living Entities Purpose BG 15.7 BG 15.15 SB 3.33.7 Difficult to follow all the rituals in Kaliyuga Difficult to study and follow Vedanta Philosophy Easiest Process in Age of Kali is Sankirtana Yagna prescribed by Lord Caitanya
- 43. Text – 47 Rights to Perform Duties, Not results, Never think yourself cause for the results, Never abandon duties47 Work (Action) Prescribed Duties (Karma) Capricious Work (Vikarma) InAction Action based on one’s mode acquired at birth Not performing prescribed duties Action without sanction of authorities Action (duty) Results (fruits) Perform Duties Cause of Bondage and Inauspicious Niskama Karma Attached to Results Responsible for cause of action Enjoyer or Sufferer for Result of Action Attached Routine Work Emergency Work Desired Activity Path of Liberation Leads to Perform as an obligation without desire for result - Goodness XX BG 2.31 BG 3.35 Therefore
- 44. Text – 47 Karma to Karma Yoga to Bhakti Yoga47 Work (Action, Activity) Karma Karma Yoga Attached to Fruits of Work Detached from Fruits Detachment comes from Jnana (knowledge) Bhakti Yoga Results are offered to Krsna with Love & Devotion becomes becomes when Birth & Death Cycle result Working in Detachment Knowledge of Soul Knowledge of Lord Knowledge of Surrender to the Lord Then one surrenders to the Lord Gradually situated in Prema Bhakti Art of Working
- 45. Text – 48 Perform Duties equipoised without attachment to loss or gain, this is Yoga 48 Action in Yoga Concentrate Mind on Supreme Controlling Senses Krsna Following Krsna’s Instruction Without considering Loss or gain Real Yoga by Following Points are Addressed 1 Act According to Krsna’s instructions (will) (KC), this is action in Yoga. 2 By such ACTIONS ONLY one can give up sense of false proprietorship and become servant of Krsna or servant of servant of Krsna. 3 According to Varnasrama Dharma the aim is to satisfy Vishnu or Krsna
- 46. Text – 49-51 Keep all abominable activities far away by engagaging in Buddhi Yoga, Result 49 Buddhi Yoga (Action in KC) Devotional Service Understanding self as eternal servitor of Lord Perform Transcendental Loving service to the Lord Connection to Chapter 3.1 Free from bondage of Action/Reaction Pure Love for Krsna Liberated from Cycle of Birth & Death (Birth, Death, Old Age, Disease) result Kripanas Misers Desire to enjoy fruit of work Entangled in cycle of birth & deathDo not engage Fruit of work in service of Lord Arjuna Understood Fighting this war would be an Abominable Activity Purificatory Process Get rids of results of Good & Bad Action in this life which are accumulated in many many life's. 50Art of all work By following, many sages achieved perfection 51
- 47. Text – 52-53 When intelligence is purified, one does not engage in Vedic Rituals Veda Revealed Scriptures 52 Prayers 3 Times a day Vedic Rituals & Rites (for neophytes) includes Taking Early Morning Bath Offering respects to forefather Fruitative Activities Gradually elevating Consciousness Devotees of Lord Eg. Madhavendra Puri Indifferent to Vedic Rituals Simply perform Transcendental Loving Service (Devotional Service) to the Lord Relationship Lord Krsna Living Entities Transcends the range of Sabda-Brahma (Range of Vedas & Upanishads) Mind no longer disturbed by flowery language of Vedas Samadhi Divine Consciousness 53 Mind fixed in trance of SELF REALIZATION Bhagavan Paramatma Brahman In full Samadhi
- 48. Dense Forest of Delusion Veda Revealed Scriptures Karma Kanda Section Dense Forest of Delusion Compared to Fruitative Benefits How to avoid Material Pains Birth & Death Cycle Resultsin Actual Purpose of Vedas Difference between Body & Soul Purpose of Life Path of Liberation Progress towards Understand
- 49. Summary - Section - E Verse 2.54 to 2.72 STHITA PRAJNA -- fight! become fixed in Krsna Consciousness 54 Arjuna asks Krsna four questions about one whose consciousness is merged in transcendence: What are his symptoms? How does he speak? How does he sit? How does he walk? 55 What are his symptoms? (How does he reveal his position?) the self-realized soul has renounced all tinges of sense gratification by finding pleasure in his self. 56-57 How does he speak? (How are his mentality and words affected by the affection, equanimity, or anger of others?) Such a pure soul is neither mentally disturbed, elated, attached, fearful, or angry, and verbally he neither praises nor criticizes the good and evil he attains. 58-63 How does he sit? (What is his mentality when his senses are restrained from their objects?) Such a person remains fixed in transcendental consciousness by virtue of his higher taste for the service of Krsna. (2.59) Therefore, one should restrict one's senses from the sense objects by focusing them on Krsna. Otherwise one will fall down into the material pool. 61-67 How does he walk? (How does he actually engage his senses?) Free from attachment and aversion and satisfied in Krsna consciousness, he is fixed by his intelligence (64-65) and achieves undisturbed peace by ignoring the desires of his mind. Thus, Internally renounced, he acts in connection with the Supreme. 72 Conclusion : By living in this way, one can enter into the kingdom of God at the time of death.
- 50. Text – 54 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Speak, Language, Sit & Walk? 54 Symptoms (55) How does he reveals his position? Speak, Language (56-57) How does he react to actions of others? Sit (58-59) Mentality when senses are withdrawn from sense objects, How is he situated? Walk (61-67) Engage his senses Parampara Examples Sthita - Fixed Prajnaya - Intelligence
- 51. Text – 55 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya (Fixed Intelligence) 55 Sthita-Prajnaya Man in Fixed Intelligence Pure Transcendental Consciousness Gives up all varieties of Desires of Sense Gratification Desires for Sense Gratification arises from Mental Concoction Mind Purified (Always engaged in Serving Lord) Find Satisfaction in Self Alone (Satisfied Serving Krsna) Engage Sense in Serving Lord Krsna Always Steady in his Determination Easily attained by
- 52. Text – 56-57 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Speak? 56 Mind not disturbed Three Fold Miseries Accept as mercy of Lord Elated (carried away) in Happiness Completely Free From Stitha-dhir Muni Sage of Steady Mind by Not engaged in Creative Speculation Accepted Lord Krsna as Supreme BG 7.19 Attachment & Aversion Fear Anger Always Steady in his Determination Firmly fixed in Perfect Knowledge Unaffected by Good Evil Not Praising Not Despising (Hate) 57 Samadhi
- 53. Text – 58 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Sit? (Withdraw senses from Sense Objects) 58 Sthita-Prajnaya Man in Fixed Intelligence Pure Transcendental Consciousness Withdraw Senses Objects of Senses Able to Control Senses Senses Are like Venomous Snake, should not be allowed to act loosely-independently Best way to control Senses is engage in Krsna’s Service Example Tortoise Follow Do’s and Don'ts of the Revealed Scriptures
- 54. Text – 59 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Sit? (Withdraw senses from Sense Objects) 59 Embodied Soul Restricted from Sense Enjoyment Taste for Sense objects Remains Developing Higher Taste Fixed in Consciousness Automatically looses taste
- 55. Text – 60 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Sit? (Withdraw senses from Sense Objects) 60 Senses Very Strong Impetuous (Forceful) Forcibly Carry away Mind of man trying to control them Sage VisvamitraSage Durvasa Maharaj Ambrish, Yamunacarya Mind Engaged in Krsna’s Service Sense Gratification becomes distasteful Mind easily controlled
- 56. Text – 61 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Walk? (When Senses are engaged) Man of Steady Intelligence Restrained Senses Keep them under full control Mat-Para Fixed Consciousness upon Krsna Paramatma burns up all impurities in Heart By Constantly Engaging all the Senses in Service of Krsna 61
- 57. Text – 62 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Walk? (When Senses are engaged) 62 Living Entity Senses engaged in Krsna’s Service Senses engaged in Sense Gratification Contemplating on Object of Senses Develop Attachment From Attachment Lust Develops From Lust Anger Develops Transcendental Loving Service of Lord Worship Demigods Quickly achieve sense gratification Unsatisfied Lust turns into Anger
- 58. Text – 63 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Walk? (When Senses are engaged) 63 Contemplating on Object of Senses Develop Attachment From Attachment Lust Develops From Lust Anger Develops Unsatisfied Lust turns into Anger Complete delusion arisesFrom Delusion bewilderment of MemoryMemory is bewildered Intelligence is Lost Intelligence is Lost one fall in Material Pool Living Entity Engaged in Devotional Service of Lord Easily fall in Material Pool Not
- 59. Text – 62-63Process of Spiritual Fall down By contemplating the objects of the senses (positively or negatively) One develops attachment for them Which leads to lust Unsatisfied lust results in anger Then delusion Then bewilderment of memory Then loss of intelligence And then one falls down into gross material existence Feeling Stage Thinking Stage Willing and doing Stage Courtesy : Tyaga Caitanya Das
- 60. Text – 64-66 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Walk? (When Senses are engaged) 64 Living Entity Attachment Aversion Free from Able to Control Senses Thru Regulative principles of Freedom Obtain Complete Mercy of Lord Satisfied in KC Three Fold Miseries no longer exists In such a consciousness, Intelligence is soon well established Not connected to Krsna 65 Neither Transcendental Intelligence Nor Steady Mind No Peace No Happiness without Peace 66
- 61. Text – 67-68 Symptoms of Sthita-Prajnaya : How does he Walk? (When Senses are engaged) 67 Living Entity Senses engaged in Service of Lord Sense Controlled One of the roaming senses On which Mind Focus Carry away Man’s Intelligence Senses are restrained from Objects of Senses Steady Intelligence 68 Practiced under Bonafied Spiritual Master Called as Sadhaka Candidate for Liberation
- 62. Text – 69 Activities of Materialist and Transcendentalist are like day and night Living Entity 69 Two Classes of Intelligence Material Activities for Sense Gratification Introspective Sage for Cultivation of Self Realization Activities are based on Material Sense Gratification Activities for are for Spiritual Advancement Activities are like Day and Night Not disturbed by the demands of the Senses
- 63. Text – 70 Man not disturbed by incessant (indefinately) flow of desire is like Ocean Living Entity As long as have Material Body Demands of Body – Sense Gratification will continueEngages his senses in service of Lord Fully Satisfied by Transcendental Loving Service Not disturbed by such desires Living Entity is like Ocean, desires flows in but Undisturbed Ocean Rivers - Desires Perfectly Peaceful Engages his sense in Sense Gratification Unfulfilled desires Mind always agitated NO PEACE Peaceful 70 Analogy – Mind of a devotee
- 64. Text – 71 Person who has given up all desires for Sense Gratification, False Proprietorship and False Ego can attain only attain Peace Living Entity 71 Desire for Sense Gratification Become Desireless Desire for Krsna Consciousness Understand ones actual position as eternal servitor of Krsna Not falsely claim proprietorship over any Material things Perfectional stage of Krsna Consciousness Real Desirelessness No one can artificially abolish desires Understand that Krsna is the actual Proprietor & use everything is service of Krsna Attain Perfect Peace Desire for the Satisfaction of Krsna False Ego False Proprietorship Sense Gratification
- 65. Text – 72 This is the way to Spiritual Life; One can attain even at the time of death Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Glimpses of Bhakti Yoga Detail discussion of Jnana Yoga Detail discussion of Karma Yoga Living Entity Attain KC even at time of death Eg. Maharaj Khatvanga Nirvana Ending Material Life Actual life begins after completion of Material Life in this very life. Brahma-Nirvana Attaining KC in this life (Brahman Platform) After end of life GO BACK TO GODHEAD Perform Devotional Service to Krsna in this life (Transcendental) No difference (absolute) Brahma-Stithi Liberation from Material bondage (not on material platform) Bhagavad Gita Chapter-2 Contents of the Gita Summarized
- 66. Work Externally Like other People Internally Renounced & Attached to KrsnaExternally do not renounce Work Theme for Chapter 2
- 67. Krishna’s instructions to Arjuna i.e. the philosophical teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, begin in this chapter. Krishna provides a summary of all the instructions of the Bhagavad Gita in this chapter. Bewildered and perplexed as to the proper course of action, Arjuna submits himself as Kåiñhëa's disciple and asks for instruction. Kåiñhëa begins His teachings by presenting Säìkhya philosophy-the analytical study of matter and spirit. To alleviate Arjuna's horror at the thought of killing his relatives, Kåiñhëa contrasts the eternality of the soul (the real self) with the temporality of the material body (the soul's outer covering). Then Krishna presents Karma-Kanda philosophy, to convince Arjuna. He advises him that if Arjuna dies in battle he will be promoted to heaven, and if he wins the battle, he will rule the earth. Dishonor will overcome him if he leaves the battlefield. Then Krishna advises that Arjuna's reasons for not fighting, although having some basis in Vedic scripture, miss the higher purpose of the Vedas—specifically, to transcend material circumstance through yoga, which is the art of all work. This art means to work in the mode of selfless service, without being attached to the results of his fighting, fighting simply because it is Krsna's desire, with his mind focused on Krsna and in full resolve. By acting in this way, the self realized souls do not get any sinful reaction, and are able to get out of the cycle of birth and death. Arjuna then asks about the nature of the self realized souls. The Lord explains, the self realized souls are free from desire to enjoy the senses, have a steady mind, indifferent from good & evil, have a taste for devotional activities, and control the senses by engaging them in the devotional activities. One who is not connected with the supreme or not doing devotional activity can not have steady mind or peace or happiness. By being thus situated at the time of death, one can enter into the kingdom of God, which is the ultimate goal of life. Summary – Chapter 2
- 68. Compiled by Amritananda das email : amritanandadas@yahoo.com
- 69. End of Bhagavad Gita -2