Srimad Bhagavad Gita, AS IT IS, Chapter 4, Presentation Notes
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The document discusses key aspects of transcendental knowledge from Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita. It covers: 1) Lord Krishna explains that he originally spoke the Gita teachings and they are now being reiterated due to the disciplic succession being broken. 2) Krishna has a transcendental, spiritual body that never deteriorates and allows him to remember past lives, unlike living entities whose bodies and memories change. 3) Krishna descends during times when irreligion rises to destroy miscreants and reestablish religious principles. Understanding Krishna's true nature leads to liberation from material existence.
![Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah
SB 6.3.20-21 (12 Mahajan’s)
svayambhur naradah sambhuh kumarah kapilo manuh
prahlado janako bhismo balir vaiyasakir vayam
dvadasaite vijanimo dharmam bhagavatam bhatah
guhyam visuddham durbodham yam jnatvamrtam asnute
Lord Brahma, Bhagavan Narada, Lord Siva, the four Kumaras, Lord Kapila
[the son of Devahuti], Svayambhuva Manu, Prahlada Maharaja, Janaka
Maharaja, Grandfather Bhisma, Bali Maharaja, Sukadeva Gosvami and I myself
know the real religious principle. My dear servants, this transcendental
religious principle, which is known as bhagavata-dharma, or surrender unto
the Supreme Lord and love for Him, is uncontaminated by the material modes
of nature. It is very confidential and difficult for ordinary human beings to
understand, but if by chance one fortunately understands it, he is immediately
liberated, and thus he returns home, back to Godhead.
Mahabharata (Vana-parva 313.117): CC-Mad 25.57
tarko pratisthah srutayo vibhinna
nasav rsir yasya matam na bhinnam
dharmasya tattvam nihitam guhayam
mahajano yena gatah sa panthah
Dry arguments are inconclusive. A great personality whose opinion
does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. Simply by
studying the Vedas, which are variegated, one cannot come to the
right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid
truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an
unadulterated self-realized person. Consequently, as the sastras
confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the
mahajanas advocate.
Lord Brahma Narada Muni Lord Shiva 4 Kumaras Lord Kapila Manu
Prahlada Janaka Bhishma Bali Maharaj Sukadev Goswami Yamraja](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/bg0400chapter042-200629024039/85/Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita-AS-IT-IS-Chapter-4-Presentation-Notes-35-320.jpg)
Srimad Bhagavad Gita, AS IT IS, Chapter 4, Presentation Notes
- 1. Bhagavad Gita - 4 Transcendental Knowledge
- 2. Based on the Teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
- 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 & 2 BG 2.6 Indecision Arjuna's reasons for not wishing to fight Observing the Armies Arjuna surrenders to Lord Krsna BG 2.7 Chapter 2 Enjoyment Saintliness and fear of sinful reactions Compassion Destruction of Family Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna Chapter 1
- 5. Summary – Chapter 2 Lord Krsna summarizes all the instruction of Bhagavad Gita Sankhya Philosophy Analytical study of Matter and Spirit (Soul) Soul is eternal, imperishable Material body is inert and outer covering of soul Since Arjuna was horrified at the thought of Killing His relatives, Krsna begins His teachings Karma Kanda If Arjuna dies in battle he will be promoted to heaven If He wins the battle, He will rule the earth Dishonor will overcome Him if He leaves the battlefield Buddhi Yoga or Niskama Karma Yoga Work in the mode of selfless service Unattached to the results of the world With Mind focused on Krsna With Resolute Determination Fight simply because it is Krsna's desire Art of all Work Do not get any Sinful Reaction Able to get out of the cycle of birth and death Results Symptoms of Self Realized Souls Free from desire to enjoy the senses Have a steady mind Indifferent from good & evil Have a taste for devotional activities Control the senses by engaging them in the devotional activities Being thus situated at the time of death, one can enter into the kingdom of God One who is not connected with the supreme or not doing devotional activity cannot have Steady Mind or Peace or Happiness
- 6. Summary – Chapter 3 Arjuna asks Why Lord Krsna wants Him to fight? Lord Recommended Buddhi Yoga Condemn Fruitive Activities Arjuna confuses Buddhi Yoga as retirement from active life Lord Krsna says He has actually recommended 1 process with 2 stages ie Karma & Jnana Lord Krsna replies that there are 2 ways to realize self Sankhya-yoga Analytical Study Purifying senses by Philosophical Process Karma-yoga Niskama Karma Buddhi-Yoga Working in Devotion Soul Active by nature, giving up work without purification of materialistic contamination will not get perfection One will be pretender as the senses may be restrained but the mind will dwell on sense objects. Performing work in devotion(KC), one’s prescribed duty is better than not performing any work. Work in devotion performed for satisfaction of Vishnu will cleanse the heart of materialistic propensities and make one free from bondage According to Arjuna the War was a Fruitive Activity If one cannot perform work in devotion with detachment, then perform work as prescribed in the Karma Kanda section of the Vedas by performing Yagna/sacrifices for the pleasure of Vishnu. One fully absorbed in KC has no other duty to perform and by working thus with detachment one will attain the Supreme Perfected soul still performs one’s prescribed duties with detachment to set an example. Eg. Janaka, Lord Krishna Act to set an example Result Work only for Lord Krishna Without Self Motivation Following Teachings Faithfully Free from Lethargy Free from Bondage Attain Perfection Senses, Mind & Intelligence covers soul's knowledge Lust–All devouring Enemy Purpose of Bhagavad Gita By regulating Senses, Performance of duties with detachment, steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence – KC How to conquer Lust? Sitting places of Lust Without Envy
- 7. Chapter 3 Karma Yoga Dutiful detached work Transcendental Knowledge Elevates us from Sakama Karma Yoga to Niskama Karma Yoga Award our intelligence the strength to overcome lusty desires Purifies consciousness from Passion to Goodness Lust Covers Knowledge Ignorance binds us to Material World Chapter 4 What is Transcendental Knowledge? How it should be received? BG 3.30 Highest Level of Karma Yoga Surrender All Work to Lord Krsna With Full Knowledge of Krsna Without desires for profit, No claim to proprietorship and Free from LethargyLeads to
- 8. Chapter 4 - Sections Section Verse Description A 4.1 to 4.10 Transcendental Knowledge about Krsna B 4.11 to 4.15 Applying transcendental knowledge to work C 4.16 to 4.24 Understanding karma on the platform of jnana (Transcendental Knowledge) D 4.25 to 4.33 Sacrifices lead to Transcendental Knowledge E 4.34 to 4.42 Conclusion -- Summary of Transcendental Knowledge
- 9. Summary - Section - A Transcendental Knowledge about Krsna 1-3 This Bhagavad-gita was previously spoken by Krsna and later repeated by the disciplic succession of saintly kings. Now, as the succession has been broken, Krsna will speak it again to Arjuna. 4-6 Krsna can remember speaking Bhagavad-gita in a previous birth because He is the unborn Lord who possesses a transcendental body that never deteriorates. 7-8 Krsna advents Himself whenever religion declines and irreligion rises. He delivers the pious, annihilates the miscreants, and reestablishes religion. 9-10 One who actually knows the nature of Krsna's birth and activities attains Krsna's abode. Freed from attachment, fear, and anger, many persons have become purified and have attained love for Krsna, by being fully absorbed in Krsna. Verse 4.1 to 4.10
- 10. Lord Krsna speaks about History of Bhagavad Gita & Disciplic Succession Lord Sri Krishna Vivasvan Sun God King of all Planets Manu Iksvaku Lord Krsna has descended to Re-establish the Message (5K) Arjuna Devotee of Krsna Friend of Krsna Rajarshi (King+Rishi) 1 2 3 (120+ Million Years) Message of Bhagavad Gita is meant for Rajarshi Bhagavad Gita As It Is In disciplic Succession Two classes of Men Devotees Sura Accept Krsna as Supreme Lord Demons Asura Do not accept Krsna as Supreme Only Commentary of BG by Devotees should be accepted Useless Commentary BG 9.1 Qualities required to understand Bhagavad Gita Verse 1~3 Transcendental Knowledge
- 11. Verse ~ 1 Transcendental Knowledge
- 12. Arjuna’s doubt and Lord Krsna reveals Transcendental Knowledge Arjuna’s doubt Eternal Associate How Krsna instructed Sun God who is senior by birth? Supreme Personality of Godhead Appeared as the Son of Devaki Does not change his body sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha Arjuna has no doubt in Krsna’s words. He has put forward this question to clarify doubts of demons. Lord Krsna describes about himself (Transcendental Knowledge) Spirit Soul Changes body Following points are discussed Spirit Soul changes body, hence subject to forgetfulness of past life. Arjuna is addressed as Mahabaho (mighty armed), still he will be never equal to Supreme Lord, though liberated. Lord does not change body hence remembers everything (past, present & future) even when he descends to Material World. Never affected by 3 Modes of Material Nature 4 5 Living Entities Forgets Everything Vaidurya Stone Verse 4~5 Transcendental Knowledge
- 13. Lord Krsna is Transcendental ~ body never deteriorates Appears like human but remembers all His past births 6 He appears in His own body (His body does not change) He appears in same original body, by His internal potency Original eternal form with two hands holding a flute. His body does not deteriorate like material body. Krsna appears to take birth, change to childhood, boyhood, Youth hood. Never ages beyond Youth. Prakriti (Nature) or Svarupa (Original Form) Oldest Person in the entire creation Neither His body, intelligence ever deteriorates or changes He is Sat, Cit, Ananda. Changeless in His Transcendental body and intelligence His appearance is like rising of Sun, moving and then disappearing Never contaminated by Material Nature or covered by Maya Appears to take birth in Multi Manifestation Lord is conscious of all His previous appearances He performs Super Human activities on earth. He is ABSOLUTE TRUTH. No difference in Form, Self, Qualities and body. Verse ~ 6 Transcendental Knowledge
- 14. Courtesy : Gauranga Priya Das Verse 5~6 Transcendental Knowledge
- 15. Srijami Manifest Eternally present in Goloka Vrindavan Lord is Not Created or Born Manifest’s by His free will Purpose of Lords appearance Predominance of irreligiocity Disappearance of True Religion Vedas Establishes principles of Religion Highest Principle BG 18.66 Scheduled Incarnation, end of Dwapara Yuga, 28th cycle, 7th Manu. No obligation to the Rule SB 6.3.19 Sometime He descends Himself or sends representative Establish Principles of Dharma Avatar’s comes with a Mission Mentioned in Scriptures Lead people to God Consciousness and Obedience to Principles of Religion Avatars Purpose of Lord’s Appearance7 Verse ~ 7 Transcendental Knowledge
- 16. Previous Manvantar 1. Svaayambhuva (Druva,Prahlad) 2. Svaarochisha 3. Uttama 4. Taamasa (Gajendra) 5. Raivata 6. Chaakshusha (Kurma) Satya Yuga Treta Yuga Dwapara Yuga Kali Yuga Vaivasvata Manvantar 4,32,000 Years 8,64,000 Years 12,96,000 Years 17,28,000 Years Future Manvantar 8. Saavarni 9. Daksha-saavarni 10. Brahma-saavarni 11. Dharma-saavarni 12. Rudra-saavarni 13. Deva-saavarni 14. Indra-saavarni Verse ~ 7 Transcendental Knowledge Once in day of Brahma Lord Krsna & Lord Caitanya appears in Svayam Rupa
- 17. Deliver the Pious (Sadhu’s) Annihilate Miscreants. This can be done by Lords Agents. Reestablish Principles of Religion Sadhu is a man in Krishna Consciousness Foolish (Duskrtam) Lowest of the Mankind (Duskrtam) Purpose of Lord’s Appearance Appear’s Millennium after Millennium 8 Avatar in the Age of Kali Lord Caitanya - Sankirtana Satisfy His Unalloyed devotees. Mitigate anxieties of pure devotees who are anxious to see His Vrindavana pastimes Duskrtam Prime Purpose Purpose of Lord’s Appearance Verse ~ 8 Transcendental Knowledge
- 18. Verse ~ 8 Transcendental Knowledge
- 19. Tad-ekatma Rupa Avesa Rupa Svayam Prakasa Svayam Rupa Prabhava Prakasa Vaibhava Prakasa Bhagavad Avesa Saktyavesa Vibhuti Svamsa Vilasa Prabhava vilasa Vaibhava vilasa Vasudeva Sankarsana Pradyumna Aniruddha Narayana Vasudeva Sankarsana Pradyumna Aniruddha Reference CC Mad 20.165 Onwards Karanadakasayi Visnu Garbhodakasayi Visnu Ksirodakasayi Visnu Svayam Rupa Purusa Avataras Lila Avataras Manvantara Avataras Yuga Avataras Lord Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead 1st Quadruple expansion 2nd Quadruple expansion Courtesy : HG Radha Krishna Prabhu
- 20. Lord Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead Svayam Rupa Tad-ekatma Rupa Avesa Rupa Svayam Rupa Svayam Prakasa Prabhava Prakasa Vaibhava Prakasa Lord Sri Krishna Lila Purusottama Original Supreme Lord Cowherd boy 2 hand form Immediate First expansion 2 hand form Cowherd boy No difference except color Sri Krishna Sri Balarama Same features form Examples • Rasa Lila • Marriage with 16,108 queens of Dwarka Different emotional features Examples • Sri Balarama • Son of Devaki – 2 handed formCourtesy : HG Radha Krishna Prabhu Ref - CC Mad 20.165 Onwards
- 21. Lord Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead Tad-ekatma Rupa Differently Manifested Features differ in Form & Emotions Courtesy : HG Radha Krishna Prabhu Svamsa Vilasa Vasudeva Sankarsana Pradyumna Aniruddha Vasudeva Pradyumna Aniruddha Prabhava vilasa Vaibhava vilasa Narayana 1st Quadruple expansion2nd Quadruple expansion Karanadakasayi Visnu Garbhodakasayi Visnu Ksirodakasayi Visnu • Resides Karana Ocean (Viraja) • Source of unlimited Material Universes • Expands in each universe • Lord Brahma born from Lotus • Source of Guna Avataras • Resides in Garbhodaka Ocean • Supersoul of all matter & Living entities • Resides in Svetadvipa Unlimited Pastimes Form • Originate from Lord Balarama • Lord Balarama is also manifested in them • They eternally reside in Dwaraka & Mathura • These 4 Pastime forms are unique & gives rise to unlimited quadruple forms Purusa Avatars Personal Expansions • Less Important, Less Potency exhibited • Examples • Purusa-avatara • Lila avataras • Manvantara avataras • Yuga avataras • This 2nd catur-vyuha forms reside in the 4 directions. • They each expands 3 times first. These 12 forms are the predominating Deities of the 12 months. • The 2nd catur-vyuha again each expand 2 times. • Most of them eternally situated in spiritual sky but some of them are also in material world. • Differs in dress and features from the Prabhava vilasa Ref - CC Mad 20.165 Onwards Sankarsana Maha Sankarsana
- 22. Lord Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead Avesa rupa Divine Absorption Courtesy : HG Radha Krishna Prabhu Bhagavad avesa Saktyavesa Vibhuti Divinely empowered Indirectly empowered • 7 Main or Foremost • Sesa Naga in Vaikuntha for personal service • Anatadeva to bear universes • Lord Brahma to create cosmic manifestation • 4 Kumaras to distribute transcendental knowledge • Narada Muni to distribute devotional service • Maharaja Prthu empowered to rule & maintain • Parasurama empowered to cut down rogues and demons Eg. BG Chapter 10Eg. Kapiladeva Rsabhadeva Ref - CC Mad 20.165 Onwards
- 23. Result of Understanding Lord’s Appearance and Passtimes Path’s for Living Entities seeking Liberation Path of Impersonalist’s and Yogi’s Path of Devotees in Krsna Consciousness Not Easy, Takes many many births. Only Partial Success, Brahmajyoti High Risk of Falling down. Very Easy, One has to understand Lrods Birth and Passtimes Complete Success, Abode of Krsna Lord protects from falldown into Material World Faithful devotees accept Krsna’s protection with faith One who accepts Krsna as SPOG, Has many forms and relation with unalloyed devotees Does not waste time in Philosophical speculation. Perfection of Liberation Destination Vaikuntha Destination Brahmajyoti Fate of Others Philosophers and Mundane Scholars Waste of Time May get important roles in Material World but No liberation Analogy – Licking bottle of honey from outside Only Hope – Causeless mercy of the devotees of the Lord. Conclusion Cultivate KC with Faith & Knowledge and Attain Perfection9 Falldown Ref : SB 10.2.32 Lords Protection Ref : BG 15.6 Verse ~ 9 Transcendental Knowledge
- 24. 10 Problems with Materialist Raga Strong Material Attachment Bhaya Fear of Personal Spiritual identity Krodha Conception of Void resulting from frustrations of Life Cannot understand personal nature of Lord Result Leads to Negligence of Spiritual life Attaining Transcendental Love for Krsna For them, Merging into Impersonal is highest Too absorbed in bodily concept, retaining personality after liberation frightens them, due to past bad experience. Analogy : Impersonalist compare living entities to bubbles in the ocean which merges into ocean. Becomes angry at all sort of spiritual speculation out of hopelessness Takes to intoxication Accepts hallucination as Spiritual Vision Solution Take complete shelter of the Lord Under guidance of bonafied Spiritual Master Follow disciplines and regulative principles of devotional life 9 Stages of Devotional Service, Frees one from the Raga, Bhaya and Krodha. …Next Page Verse ~ 10 Transcendental Knowledge
- 25. Adau Sraddha Faith Sadhu Sanga Association of Devotees Bhajana Kriya Performance of Devotional Service Anartha Nivriti Decreasing Unwanted attachments Nistha Steadiness Ruchi Taste Asakti Attachment Bhava Love Nectar of Devotion 1.4.15-16 adau sraddha tatah sadhu- sango 'tha bhajana-kriya tato 'nartha-nivrittih syat tato nishtha rucis tatah athasaktis tato bhavas tatah premabhyudancati sadhakanam ayam premnah pradurbhave bhavet kramah Nine Stages of Bhakti Weeds Ref CC-Mad-19.151-161 Prema Pure Love for Krsna Verse ~ 10 Transcendental Knowledge
- 26. Summary - Section - B Applying Transcendental Knowledge to Work 11-12 Everyone ultimately surrenders to Krsna, for it is Krsna who awards fruits of work. 13-14 Although Krsna creates the Varnasrama system according to the modes (so that people can attain the fruits of work that they desire), He is beyond the system. No work affects Him nor does He aspire for fruits. 15 Knowing Krsna as the awarder of the results of all work and as the transcendental creator of Varnasrama, all liberated souls act without becoming entangled. Arjuna should perform his duty and fight for Krsna, but with detachment. Verse 4.11 to 4.15
- 27. 11 Krsna rewards everyone, according to their surrender Bhagavan Paramatma Brahman 3 Levels of Realizing Absolute Truth Everyone is looking for Krsna in different aspects of His Manifestation Who realizes Krsna Fully? Only pure devotees Krsna Reciprocates based on DESIRES Type of Devotee How Lord Reciprocates Fruitive Worker Yagnesvara Impersonalists Brahmajyoti Yogi’s Mystic Power’s Devotee’s 5 Primary Rasa’s Krsna is object of everyone’s realization Without coming to highest perfection of KC, all attempts are Imperfect Everyone depends on Krsna’s mercy for success All kinds of Spiritual process are but different degrees of success on same path Akamah sarva- kamo va SB 2.3.10 Verse ~ 11 Transcendental Knowledge
- 28. People worship Demigods, to get quick results Supreme Lord is ONE Many Demigods Lord Narayana or Vishnu does not belong to material Ref Sankaracarya Parts and Parcel of Lord Living entities with Material Powers Even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva worship Lord Vishnu 'Iha-devatah' – Any powerful man or demigod in this material world Madness of Human Society Mad after temporary material things Not interested in KC Worship temporary leaders, so called big guns Worship Demigods to quickly get their needs Conclusion : People are rarely interested in Krishna Consciousness People approach them to quickly satisfy their needs, but their boons are like bubbles in ocean Approach Lord Krsna to satisfy needs First Purifies Heart, Purification may take time. Obtains their desire, when reward is achieved, devotee no longer wants it. Eg. Dhruva Maharaj Supreme Lord Demigods-Parts and Parcel 12 Verse ~ 12 Transcendental Knowledge
- 29. Difference between Lord Krishna & Demigods No. Demigods Lord Krishna 1 Many One 2 Parts and Parcel Supreme Whole 3 Always worship Supreme, as obedient servants Supremely Worshipable 4 Created by Supreme Supreme Creator 5 Exists within Material Nature Beyond Material Creation 6 Delegated with various grades of power to manage the affairs of the universe Supreme Controller 7 Subordinate to the Will of Supreme Supremely independent 8 Have material bodies, hence, subject to birth, old age, disease and death Completely Spiritual body, NO Birth, Death, Old Age and Disease 9 Come under the influence of the three material modes to different extents Completely beyond the influence of the three material modes 10 Temporary Posts Eternally the same Supreme Lord
- 30. Krsna creates Varnasrama dharma so that people could purify themselves 13 Varnasrama Dharma Division based on Guna and Karma Creator Lord Krsna does not belong to any of these classes b/c He is Creator and Not a conditioned soul Brahmana Mode of Goodness Kshtriya Mode of Passion Vaisya Mode of Passion, Ignorance Sudra Mode of Ignorance Vaishanava Higher than Brahmana 'Brahmana' by quality is supposed to know Brahman, The Supreme Absolute Truth but most of them approach only the Impersonal Brahman One who transcends limited knowledge and reaches knowledge of SPOG is a 'Vaishnava' KC includes knowledge of all different plenary expansions like Lord Rama, Nrsimha etc. Lord Krsna & one in KC is Transcendental to all divisions of society Purpose of this system Elevate from animal status to human status People could purify themselves by regulating desires Process of purification for one whose material desire inhibits him from directly approaching Krishna Systematically develop Krishna consciousness Verse ~ 13 Transcendental Knowledge
- 31. Krsna is free from all Material attachments hence unaffected 14 Creator of Varnasrama Dharma King not subject to state laws Proprietor not responsible for activities of workers Krsna unaffected by activities of Material World like Krsna is aloof from Material Actions and Reactions Eg. Rains not responsible for different types of vegetation's, although without rains, there is no possibility of vegetative growth Lord is not interested in any kind of material happiness, even heavenly planets just like a proprietor is not interested in the low grade happiness of the workers Lord only gives facilities through material nature, living entity is responsible. Ref. Vedic Smrti: Lord is only Supreme cause, the immediate cause is material nature Ref. Vedanta Sutra: Lord is never partial to any living entity, but living entity is responsible for his own acts; Lord only gives the facilities through material nature Results of Understanding Lord Krsna’s Nature Results of Not Understanding Lord Krsna’s Nature Understands law of Karma and does not get entangled Thinks activities of Lord to be Mundane and get’s entangled Verse ~ 14 Transcendental Knowledge
- 32. Previous liberated souls perform their Varnasrama dharma for Krsna's pleasure 15 Two Classes of Men Materially Polluted Freed from Material Contaminations Krsna Conscious KC is beneficial to both They take to KC for gradual cleansing process KC person may act to set an example Lord Krsna’s Advise to Arjuna Retiring from battlefield & sitting aloof making a show of Krishna consciousness is less important Follow footsteps of previous disciples & engage in the discharge of duties adopted by Krsna. Eg. Sun God Vivasvan Neophytes in KC wants to retire from activities without having knowledge of KC (escaping attitude) Eg. Arjuna's desire to retire from battlefield Verse ~ 15 Transcendental Knowledge
- 33. Summary - Section - C Understanding Karma on the platform of Jnana (Transcendental Knowledge) 16-24 Activities in service to Krsna are Akarma, actions without reactions. A person acting with mind and intelligence free from sense gratification, without a sense of proprietorship, accrues no sinful reactions. Free from dualities and envy, satisfied in both success and failure, one will attain the spiritual kingdom. Thus Krsna has explained how karma can be seen as Jnana. Verse 4.16 to 4.24
- 34. Krishna explain’s how to perform Akarma 16 Perform Action’s under directions of authorized person in parampara Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah Lord Krsna explain’s difference between Karma, Akarma and Vikarma Avoid independent work, otherwise work causes bondageWhy Lord explains Arjuna Even most intelligent man get bewildered on this path We should follow Arjuna, b/c Lord Krsna instructs Arjuna Whom should we follow?Hence, we surely don’t get bewildered Lord’s causeless Mercy Krsna directly explaining to Arjuna so that His devotees can understand Only action performed in Krishna consciousness can deliver a person No one can Manufacture religious principles by imperfect speculations or experimental knowledge. Dharmam tu saksad (SB 6.3.19) Verse ~ 16 Transcendental Knowledge
- 35. Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah SB 6.3.20-21 (12 Mahajan’s) svayambhur naradah sambhuh kumarah kapilo manuh prahlado janako bhismo balir vaiyasakir vayam dvadasaite vijanimo dharmam bhagavatam bhatah guhyam visuddham durbodham yam jnatvamrtam asnute Lord Brahma, Bhagavan Narada, Lord Siva, the four Kumaras, Lord Kapila [the son of Devahuti], Svayambhuva Manu, Prahlada Maharaja, Janaka Maharaja, Grandfather Bhisma, Bali Maharaja, Sukadeva Gosvami and I myself know the real religious principle. My dear servants, this transcendental religious principle, which is known as bhagavata-dharma, or surrender unto the Supreme Lord and love for Him, is uncontaminated by the material modes of nature. It is very confidential and difficult for ordinary human beings to understand, but if by chance one fortunately understands it, he is immediately liberated, and thus he returns home, back to Godhead. Mahabharata (Vana-parva 313.117): CC-Mad 25.57 tarko pratisthah srutayo vibhinna nasav rsir yasya matam na bhinnam dharmasya tattvam nihitam guhayam mahajano yena gatah sa panthah Dry arguments are inconclusive. A great personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. Simply by studying the Vedas, which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated self-realized person. Consequently, as the sastras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahajanas advocate. Lord Brahma Narada Muni Lord Shiva 4 Kumaras Lord Kapila Manu Prahlada Janaka Bhishma Bali Maharaj Sukadev Goswami Yamraja
- 36. Intricacies of Karma are difficult to understand 17 Lord Krsna explains difference between Karma, Akarma and Vikarma Karma Working with Attachments according to Shastras Vikarma Forbidden Actions Akarma Actions in Krishna Consciousness To know every living entity is eternal servant of Lord Krishna Action in Krsna Consciousness is free from 3 Modes. Conclusion of Bhagavad Gita How to Learn this? Why one need to understand this? If one is serious about liberation, one need to understand distinction It’s difficult subject matter, speculation won’t help, learn from Authorities Akarma Verse ~ 17 Transcendental Knowledge
- 37. Seeing Action in Inaction and Inaction in Action Akarma Karma Vikarma AkarmaIntelligent Man One who is in the transcendental position Inaction in Action Action in Inaction Akarma Acting but no reaction to work, acting in platform of Soul OR acting in constitutional position Renunciation of Work A sannyasi without TK of Krishna appear not to be working, liable to all reactions. Eg. Breathing, walking, eating accrue reaction All acts done to please Lord Krishna Work with attachment according to Shastra’s Results Good Reaction. Following Varnasrama system according to quality and work Work with attachment against scriptural injunctions Results into Bad Reaction and Sufferings No desire for sense gratification Renunciation Acts as eternal servitor Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists) understands How to get immunity to reactions of work? By sense of "Eternal servitorship to Krishna" 18 Verse ~ 18 Transcendental Knowledge
- 38. Activities of one in Full Knowledge is devoid of Sense Gratification 19 One in Full Knowledge Actions or Endeavors Devoid of Sense Gratification Reaction of Work Burnt of by the Fire of perfect Knowledge Knowledge of eternal servitorship of the Lord OR acting in Constitutional positions Fire of Knowledge Example Actions only in Krsna Consciousness Verse ~ 19 Transcendental Knowledge
- 39. Activities of one in Full Knowledge –Detached, Ever Satisfied, Independent. 20 Actions or Endeavors Engaged in All Kinds of Action Detached from the result of activities Ever satisfied Independent Of external source of Happiness Performs NO Fruitive work Freedom from bondage of Action Sadhaka Stage Verse ~ 20 Transcendental Knowledge
- 40. Activities of one in Full Knowledge –Detached, Ever Satisfied, Independent. 20 Actions or Endeavors (Work) Reaction to Work Sufferings in Material World Actions in KC No reaction work Akarma Unattached to Results of Work Performs works with following consciousness Acts out of pure love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Not even attached to his personal maintenance Not anxious to secure things Nor to protect things already in his possession. Does his duty to the best of his ability, Leaves everything to Krsna causes Leads to Visible signs of one acting fully in Transcendental Knowledge Verse ~ 20 Transcendental Knowledge
- 41. Activities of one in Full Knowledge – Free from sense of proprietorship, acts only for bare necessities. 21 Actions or Endeavors (Work) Reaction to Work Sufferings in Material World Actions in KC No reaction work Akarma Unattached to Results of Work Performs works with following consciousness Does not expect good or bad results in his activities. Mind and Intelligence are fully controlled Knows that He is part and parcel of the Supreme Desires always dovetailed with the desire of the supreme No desire for personal sense gratification causes Leads to Understands that the part played by Him is not his own activity but is only being done through him by the Supreme. Eg. Part of a Machine Maintains himself by his work just to remain fit for action in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. No Real Independence. Eg. Like Animal, he has no proprietorship even over his own body. Fully engaged in self- realization, has very little time to falsely possess any material object For maintaining body and soul, he does not require unfair means of accumulating money Visible signs of one acting fully in Transcendental Knowledge Verse ~ 21 Transcendental Knowledge
- 42. Activities of one in Full Knowledge – satisfied, free from duality, does not envy, steady in both success and failure. 22 Actions or Endeavors (Work) Reaction to Work Sufferings in Material World Actions in KC No reaction work Akarma Unattached to Results of Work Performs works with following consciousness Does not make much endeavor even to maintain his body. Satisfied with gains which are obtained of their own accord. Neither begs nor borrows Independent in his livelihood. Labors honestly as far as is in his power. satisfied with whatever is obtained by his own honest labor causes Leads to Does not allow anyone's service to hamper his own service in KC. Does not hesitate to work for satisfaction or service of the Lord and he can participate in any kind of action without being disturbed by the duality. Therefore steady both in success and in failure Visible signs of one acting fully in Transcendental Knowledge Verse ~ 22 Transcendental Knowledge
- 43. Acting fully in Transcendental Knowledge, Unattached to Modes >>> Merges entirely into transcendence. 23 Freed from contaminations of Modes of Material Nature Become liberated b/c He knows his Constitutional position in relation to Krishna Freed from all dualities Person Fully Acting in KC Mind cannot be drawn from Kåñëa Consciousness Yagna All His work is Sacrifice Whatever he does, he does for Kåñëa All His work is for satisfying Krishna Merge into transcendence Does not suffer Material effects is hencecan hence All his acts Results Verse ~ 23 Transcendental Knowledge
- 44. All activities of a Person fully absorbed in Krishna Consciousness is Absolute 24 Entangled in material contamination Sure to act in the material atmosphere Perform activities of Material World in KC, by complete absorption Samadhi or Trance Mind fully absorbed in KC Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “Yajna” or sacrifice for the Absolute All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the Absolute The Contributor The Contribution The Consumption The Performer The Leader of the Performance The Result or Ultimate gain Absolute in Nature - Brahman KC is process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (Spiritual) Brahman means Spiritual Acting in this consciousness The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material. Entanglement of Jiva How to remove Material Veil? Analogy Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd Verse ~ 24 Transcendental Knowledge
- 45. Symptoms/Qualities of One Working in Transcendence Qualities of One Working in Transcendence Main characteristic Works without attachment (Detached) to sense gratification Detached from fruits – Acts without fruitive attachment, although engaged in all undertakings Ever-satisfied and independent Self-control – Mind and intelligence fully controlled Freedom from sense of proprietorship Desires only bare necessities Self-satisfaction – Satisfied with whatever comes by providence with no over-endeavor Freedom from duality – nothing can hamper his service Steadiness – Steady in success and failure Freedom from envy Absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in Krishna consciousness has no reaction Detached from the modes Fully situated in transcendental knowledge Such kind of work merges into transcendence 19 20 21 22 23 24 Courtesy : Gauranga Priya Das Sadhaka Siddha Siddha Summarized Akarma Yagna Verse 19~24 Transcendental Knowledge
- 46. Summary - Section - D Sacrifices lead to Transcendental Knowledge 25-32 Some yogis perfectly worship the demigods through sacrifices, and others sacrifice to Brahman. To control the mind, some sacrifice their hearing, their senses, or their breath. Some sacrifice their possessions, perform severe austerities, practice yoga, or study the Vedas. All who sacrifice advance toward the Supreme. These sacrifices, approved by the Vedas, suit different workers. Knowing this, one becomes liberated. 33 The fruit of all varieties of sacrifice is transcendental knowledge, which leads to liberation and ultimately to pure devotional service. Verse 4.25 to 4.33
- 47. Sacrifices in Summary Sacrifices Goal Varieties of Sacrifices are described in verse 25-33 which are described in Veda’s Sacrifices leads to Transcendental Knowledge 1st Goal Control Senses Courtesy : Gauranga Priya Das 2nd Goal Gain Transcendental Knowledge 3rd Goal Devotional Service This purifies one of all sins and makes one happy Text 4.19-24 explains how sacrifice uncovers Brahman (Spiritual Nature) & reveals TK Why variety of sacrifices? Different types of Sacrifices are appropriate for different types of workers according to one’s position in Varnashrama and their level of realization How to do? Perform sacrifices in consciousness mentioned in Texts (4.19 – 4.23) Result Realization of Brahman (4.24) 32 Verse 25~33 Transcendental Knowledge
- 48. Primary Divisions of Sacrifices Sacrifices to Demigods and Supreme Brahman 25 Sacrifice of worldly possessions Sacrifice in pursuit of transcendental knowledge Comparison of Various Sacrifices Demigod Worshippers Sacrifice material possessions for material enjoyment They worship demigods for various material benefits and are called 'Bahu- isvara-vadi' (believers in many Gods) Impersonalists Sacrifices own self into fire altar of “Supreme Brahman” They regard the forms of demigods as temporary Sacrifice their material designations, end their individual existence by merging into existence of Supreme Sacrifice their time in philosophical speculation Krishna conscious devotee Sacrifices all material possessions and own self for Krishna’s Satisfaction Arjuna sacrifices everything for satisfaction of Krishna (First Class Yogi) without loosing His existence Aim of Sacrifices is One but varieties differ superficially Different categories of sacrifices by different types of performers only superficially demark the varieties Factual aim of all sacrifices is to satisfy the Supreme Lord, Vishnu who is also known as Yajna Verse ~ 25 Transcendental Knowledge
- 49. Sacrifices by Brahmacäré’s and Gåhastha’s 26 Purpose of Varna Brahmacäré Gåhastha Vänaprastha Sannyäsé Meant to become Perfect Yogés or Transcendentalists Hearing - Only words concerning Krishna consciousness, especially engaged fully in "harer namanukirtanam" (Chanting and hearing the glories of the Lord) Sacrifices - Brahmacäré Restrains himself from vibrations of material sounds Controls Mind by - Staying under care of bona-fide spiritual master and abstains from sense gratification Hearing is the basic principle of Understanding. The householders, who have some license for sense gratification, perform such acts with great restraint Sacrifices - Gåhastha Sex life, Intoxication & Meat-eating are general tendencies of human society. Regulated householder does not indulge in unrestricted sex life and other sense gratification Yagna It's Yajna because the restricted householder sacrifices his general tendency towards sense gratification, for higher transcendental life Verse ~ 26 Transcendental Knowledge
- 50. Sacrifices by Yogi’s 27 Goal of Yoga System Pratyag-atma Parag-atma The soul attached to sense enjoyment Pratyag-atma The soul unattached to sense enjoyment Principle The soul is subjected to the functions of ten kinds of air at work within the body and this is perceived through the breathing system Patanjali system instructs how to control the functions of the body’s air in a technical manner, so that ultimately all the functions become favorable for purifying the soul of material attachment Prana-vayu Interaction of senses with sense objects and their engagements in activities outside the self Apana-vayu Goes downwards Vyana-vayu Acts to shrink and expand Samana-vaya Adjusts equilibrium Udana-vayu Goes upwards Functions of Air What happens when one is enlightened? One engages all these airs in searching for Self- realisation Verse ~ 27 Transcendental Knowledge
- 51. Overview of Prana Type Vayu System Action Direction Organs Chakra Element Main Prana Prana Respiratory Controls breathing, intake of Vital atmospheric energy Moves from outside to inside to center of body Head & Chest Anahata Air Vayu Udana Nervous Controls vocal cord and intake of air and food Moves from inside to outside, from center of body to head Throat, Brain Visuddhi Ether Akasa Samana Digestive Stokes the gastric acids, aids digestion, integrates whole body Along the center of the body Stomach Manipura Fire Agni Vyana Circulatory Pervades the entire body, distributing the energies thru nadis, arteries & veins Circulates through out the body All over the body, specially near skin Svadhisthana Water Jala Apana Excretory Elimination of semen, feces, urine. Moves downwards Lower abdomen and surroundings Muladhara Earth Prthvi Upa Prana Naga Regulates Burping Little above the Naval Kurma Governs Blinking In the eyelids Krikala Governs Sneezing Above the stomach and the edges of trachea Devadatta Controls Yawning Upper end of trachea & in throat Dhananjaya Controls the Functioning of the Heart Valves In the bones, flesh, skin, blood, receptor sensors, hair etc.
- 52. 28 Other Sacrifices - dravya-yajïäù, tapaù-yajïäù, yoga-yajïäù, svädhyäya-yajïäù Dravyamaya Yajïa Sacrificing their possessions in the form of various kinds of charities Open various kinds of charitable institutions like dharma-çälä, anna-kñetra, atithi-çälä, anäthälaya and vidyä-péöha. Open many hospitals, old age homes and similar charitable foundations meant for distributing food, education and medical treatment free to the poor. Tapomaya- Yajïa For higher elevation in life or for promotion to higher planets within the universe, voluntarily accept many kinds of austerities such as Candräyaëa & Cäturmäsya These processes entail severe vows, rigid rules and sacrifice comforts of life. Eg. Under the Cäturmäsya vow the candidate does not shave for four months during the year (July-October), he does not eat certain foods, does not eat twice in a day or does not leave home. Yoga-Yajïa Engages themselves in different kinds of mystic yogas like the Pataïjali system (for merging into the existence of the Absolute), or haöha- yoga or añöäìga-yoga (for particular perfections). And some travel to all the sanctified places of pilgrimage. These are sacrifices for a certain type of perfection in the material world. Svädhyäya- Yajïa Engage themselves in studies of different Vedic literatures, specifically the Upaniñads and Vedänta-sütras, or the Säìkhya philosophy All these Yogé’s are faithfully engaged in different types of sacrifice and are seeking a higher status of life Kåñëa Consciousness is Transcendental It’s direct service of the Supreme Lord. Can Only be attained by Mercy of the Lord and His bona fide devotees. Verse ~ 28 Transcendental Knowledge
- 53. Sacrifices by Yogi’s – Hatha Yoga and Pranayama 29 Krsna Consciousness is Transcendental KC is direct Service to the Supreme Lord KC can be only attained by the Mercy of a devotee KC cannot be attained by the sacrifices mentioned earlier. Automatically controls all the senses by engaging in KC activities. Eg. Offering Bhoga Being constantly engaged in KC activities, naturally transferred to Krsna loka at death, therefore no need to increase longevity By Devotional Service, one immediately transcends the modes and elevates to Spiritual Kingdom Pranayama System of Yoga for controlling breathing process In the beginning practiced as Hatha Yoga (different postures) Goal of Pranayama & Hatha-Yoga To control senses Increase longevity: Yogi’s wants to achieve spiritual perfection in one life only, therefore needs increased life span for perfection in spiritual realisation To help in spiritual advancement How to practice Pranayama This practice involves controlling the airs within the body so as to reverse the directions of their passage Apana Goes downwards Prana Goes upwards Puraka Equilibrium state Recaka Offering the exhaled breath into the inhaled breath Kumbhaka-yoga When both air currents are completely stopped By Kumbhaka-yoga one can increase life span Verse ~ 29 Transcendental Knowledge
- 54. Overview of Astanga Yoga (Patanjali Yoga) System Yama’s Niyama’s Asana’s Pranayama Pratyahara Dharana Dhyana Samadhi Ahimsa Non-Hurting Aparigraha Non possessiveness Sauca Purity Asana – Poses Control of vital force : Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana Satya Non-lying Asteya Non-stealing Brahmacarya Sensory control Five Restraints Five Observances Santosa Contentment Tapas Austerity Svadhyaya Study Isvara Pranidhana Surrender Withdrawal of the Senses Concentration Meditation Spiritual absorption SamyamaHatha Yoga 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
- 55. Attainment of various Siddhi’s Anima Reducing one's body even to the size of an atom Mahima Expanding one's body to infinitely large size Garima Becoming infinitely heavy Laghima Becoming almost weightless Prapti Having unrestricted access to all places Prakamya Realizing whatever one desires Vasitva Domination over the entire creation Isitva Possessing absolute lordship tri-kala- jñatvam Knowing the past, present and future advandvam Tolerance of heat, cold and other dualities para citta adi abhijñata Knowing the minds of others Aparajayah Remaining unconquered by others agni arka ambu visa adinam pratistambhah Checking the influence of fire,sun,water,poison… Hanumanji using Siddhi’s to serve Lord anurmi-mattvam Undisturbed by hunger, thirst & other bodily disturbances dura-sravana Hearing things far away manah-javah Moving the body wherever thought goes (astral projection) dura-darsanam Seeing things far away kama-rupam Assuming any form desired para-kaya pravesanam Entering the bodies of others sva-chanda mrtyuh Dying when one desires devanam saha krida anudarsanam Witnessing & participating in the pastimes of the gods yatha sankalpa samsiddhi Perfect accomplishment of one's determination ajna apratihata gatih Orders or commands being unimpeded Siddhi’s Mentioned in SB Secondary Siddhi’s Astha Siddhi Primary 8 siddhi’s Patanjali Yoga Sutra PARKAYA PRAVESH One’s soul entering into the body (sensorium) of some other person or animal or bird. Through this knowledge even a dead body can be brought to life. HAADI VIDYA On acquiring this vidya, a person feels neither hunger nor thirst, and can remain without eating food or drinking water for several days at a stretch. KAADI VIDYA Person is not affected by change of seasons, i.e. by summer, winter, rain, etc. Person shall not feel cold even if he sits in the snow mountains, and shall not feel hot even if sits in the fire. VAYU GAMAN SIDDHI Person become capable of flying in the skies and traveling from one place to another in just a few seconds. MADALASA VIDYA Person becomes capable of increasing or decreasing the size of his body according to his wish. Hanuman had miniaturized his body , while entering the city of Lanka KANAKDHARA SIDDHI One can acquire immense and unlimited wealth through this Siddhi. PRAKYA SADHANA Yogi can direct his disciple to take birth from the womb of a woman who is childless or cannot bear children. SURYA VIGYAN This solar science is one of the most significant sciences. Using it, one substance can be transformed into another through the medium of sun rays MRIT SANJEEVANI VIDYA Through this knowledge even a dead person can be brought back to life. Nava Niddhi’s (Type of Wealth)
- 56. Summary of different sacrifices that leads to Transcendental Knowledge Different types of Sacrifices Unadulterated Brahmacharie’s Hearing process and senses in the fire of mental control Regulated Grhasta’s Objects of senses in the fire of the senses Charity Dravyamaya-yajna Austerity Tapomaya-yajna Study of Scriptures Svadhyaya yajna 25 26 27 28 29 Sacrifices into Brahman Demigod Worship Hatha Yoga & Pranayama Astanga Yoga (Patanjali Yoga) Yoga Yagna Sacrifice for a certain perfection in material world Verse 25~29 Transcendental Knowledge
- 57. Results of Sacrifices - Cleansed of sinful reactions & Advance toward Supreme 30 Purpose of Performing Sacrifices Common Aim To control senses Since, Sense gratification is the root cause of material existence Sacrifices help one to become cleansed of the sinful reactions of material existence Gain Transcendental Knowledge and gradually Devotional Service Advancement in life, One become happy and opulent in this life. End of Life enter into the Eternal Kingdom of God Impersonal Brahman Become Associate of SPOG Verse ~ 30 Transcendental Knowledge
- 58. Sacrifice - Essential to live happily on this planet or in this life and next 31 Ignorance Sinful Life Reaction to Sinful Life Dragged into Material existance Cycle of Material Life Human Form of Life Vedas How Veda’s Help us escape? Purpose of Vedas Explains Path of Religion Dharma Artha Kama Moksha Dharma results into Artha Path of religion, or different kinds of sacrifices, automatically solves our economical problems. Eg. By Yajna we get enough food, milk Next, from Artha comes Kama When body fully satisfied, next is to satisfy senses, Vedas prescribe sacred marriage for regulated sense gratification Tired from Kama, Veda’s recommends Moksha One is elevated to the platform of Moksha. This results from performance of Yajna, hence Yajna very important for happiness. Life of Krsna Consciousness Highest kind of happiness achieved thru promotion to spiritual planets by practice of KC KC Solution to all problems of material existence …Next Page Verse ~ 31 Transcendental Knowledge
- 59. Klesha Distress & The cause of distress Avidya Ignorance, The root cause Bija Vasna – Material desires (enjoyer) (SB 5.25.8) Papam Sinful Actions Sufferings Birth, Death, Old Age, Disease Adhyatmika, Adi- bhautika, Adi- daivika Prarabdha Manifest Reactions Aprarabdha Unmanifested Reactions Aprarabdha 1 Prarabdha Direct Physical or Emotional Sufferings Kutam Indirect suffering – By increased sinful proclivity Avidya Ignorance Bija Sinful desires Papam Sinful actions Aprarabdha Unmanifest reactions Kutam Sinful disposition Prarabdha Manifest reaction Sufferings Ignorance of one’s relationship with Lord Krsna OR eternal servant of Lord How Klesha Appears? Aprarabdha 2 Padma Puräëa: aprärabdha-phalaà päpaà küöaà béjaà phalonmukham krameëaiva praléyeta viñëu-bhakti-ratätmanäm For those who are engaged in the devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, all sinful reactions, whether fructified, in the stock, or in the form of a seed, gradually vanish. Solution - KC Cycle of Appearance of Desire and it’s Reactions (SB 4.22.39) Cycle of Appearance of Desire and it’s Reactions Courtesy : HH Dharurdhara Maharaj Waves of Devotion
- 60. Sacrifice - are born of different types of Work & culminate in Transcendental Knowledge 32 Sacrifices Why varieties of Sacrifices? To suit the different types of worker deeply absorbed in the bodily concept Work either with Body Work either with Mind Work either with Intelligence Sacrifices are ultimately recommended to get liberation from body Purpose of all Sacrifices To achieve complete Knowledge To gain release from material miseries To engage in loving service to the Supreme Lord Mystery behind different sacrifices Divisions of Sacrificial Activities Depending on "Differences in Consciousness" Karma Kanda Furtive Activities Jnana Kanda Knowledge in pursuance of Truth 33 Different types of sacrifice Sacrifice with knowledge is better Sacrifice without knowledge is Material Sacrifices takes different forms according to faith of the performer When one's faith reaches stage of TK, performer considered more advanced than simply sacrificing for material possessions Without attainment of knowledge, sacrifice remains on the material platform Verse 32-33 Transcendental Knowledge
- 61. Summary - Section - E Conclusion -- Summary of Transcendental Knowledge How to achieve transcendental knowledge The fruit of transcendental knowledge Who can successfully achieve transcendental knowledge The symptoms of one who has successfully applied transcendental knowledge to work Conclusion 34 How to achieve: To receive transcendental knowledge, approach and surrender to a self- realized spiritual master with submissive inquiry and service. 35-38 The fruit: After acquiring knowledge one never again falls into illusion, for he knows all living beings are in Krsna and are part of Him. (35) Transcendental knowledge destroys all miseries, for it eradicates reactions to all material activities. It is the mature fruit of both mysticism and devotional service. (36-38) 39-40 Who can achieve: One who has faith can acquire transcendental knowledge one who doubts, cannot. 41 The symptoms of success: One successfully working in transcendental knowledge desires no fruits, has no doubts, is not bound by work, and knows he's an eternal servant of Krsna. 42 Conclusion: Slash with knowledge all doubts born of ignorance. "Arjuna, armed with yoga, stand and fight." Verse 4.34 to 4.42
- 62. How to Acquire TK? – Approach Bonafied Spiritual Master, Inquire submissively and render service unto Him. 34 Verse ~ 34 Transcendental Knowledge Path of Religion is directly enunciated by Lord SB 6.3.19 dharmaà tu säkñäd bhagavat- praëétam Lord Krsna Original Spiritual Master Disciplic Succession He does not manufacture rules against the principles of the revealed scriptures & Never presents anything not to be found in Vedic literature Never claims to be God Never contradicts Teachings of Shastra’s and other Bonafied Sadhus 4 Bonafied Sampradaya’s Brahma, Sri, Kumara, Rudra …Next Page Manufacturing one’s own process is the fashion of foolish pretenders Mental Speculation Dry Arguments Independent study of books Cannot Help One Lead to a Right Path Non-Bonafied PathBonafied Path Path of Spiritual Realization is undoubtedly difficult Approach Bonafied Spiritual Master in Disciplic Succession Inquire Submissively from Self Realized Soul How inquiries are effective? Submission, Service Render Menial service unto Self Realized Soul Satisfaction of self-realized spiritual master is Secret of Advancement in Spiritual life One must be able to pass the test of the spiritual master, and when he sees the genuine desire of the disciple, he automatically blesses the disciple with genuine understanding With Submission and always ready to render service, the reciprocation of knowledge and Inquires become perfect Blind following & Absurd Inquiries are Condemned How to get Spiritual Understanding?
- 63. Chief Disciplic Succession Brahma Sampradaya Lakshmi Sampradaya Rudra Sampradaya Kumara Sampradaya Other Names Madhva Sampradaya Ramanuja Sampradaya Sri Sampradaya Srivaisnava Sampradaya Rudra Sampradaya Visnuswami Sampradaya Vallabha Sampradaya Nimbarka Sampradaya Nimbaditya Sampradaya Sanakadi Sampradaya Acharya’s Madhvacarya, Lord Caitanya Ramanujacarya Visnusvami, Vallabhacarya Nimbarka Commentary On Vedanta Purnaprajna-bhasya Govinda-bhasya Sri-bhasya Sarvajna-bhasya, Anubhasya Parijata-Saurabha- bhasya Tattva Madhvacarya: suddha- dvaita-vada (purified dualism) Lord Caitanya: Acintya- bhedabheda-tattva (inconceivable oneness and difference) Visistadvaita-vada (specific monism) Suddhadvaita-vada (purified monism) Dvaitadvaita-vada (monism and dualism) Mayavada Sampradaya Smarta Sampradaya Shankaracarya Sariraka-bhasya Advaita Kevaladvaita (monism)
- 64. Four Vaishanava Sampradaya - References Garga Samhita, Canto 10, chapter 61 Verses 23, 24, 25, 26 vamanas vidih sesah sanako visnu vakyatah dharmartha hetave caite bhavisyanti dvijah kalau Vamana, Brahma, Ananta Sesha and Sanaka Kumara will appear as brahmanas by the order of Visnu, for the preservation of eternal righteousness in kali yuga. visnuswami vamanangsastatha madhvastu brahmanah ramanujastu sesangsa nimbaditya sanakasya ca Visnuswami, Madhvacarya, Ramanuja and Nimbaditya will appear respectively as a portion of Vamana, Brahma, Ananta Sesha and Sanaka Kumara. ete kalau yuge bhavyah sampradaya pravartakah samvatsare vikrama catvarah ksiti pavanah These four saviours will be the establishers of the four authorised and empowered spiritual channels of disciplic succession in the period calculated from the reign of King Vikrama in 54 B.C. subsequently through the 432,000 year cycle of kali yuga. sampradaya vihina ye mantraste nisphalah smritah tasmacca gamanang hyasti sampradaya narairapi These four authorised and empowered spiritual channels of disciplic succession are to be fully accepted by all beings; as any word, combination of words or formulation of sound frequencies, invoked or addressed, audible or inaudible, secret or revealed, ancient or contemporary outside their auspices prove to have absolutely no efficacy. Lord Brahma Laxmi devi Lord Shiva 4 Kumara’s Madhavacharya Ramanujacharya Vishnuswami Nimbarkacharya Isvara Puri, Nityananda Prabhu, Advaitacharya Lord Caitanya Rupa Goswami, Svarupa Damodara, Sanatana Goswami Raghunatha das Goswami, Jiva Goswami Krsnadasa kaviraj Goswami Narottama das Thakura Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura Sri Baladeva Vidya Bhushana, Jagannatha das Babaji Bhaktivinoda Vinoda Thakura Gaurakisora das Babaji Maharaj Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Brahma – Madhava - Gaudiya Sampradaya
- 65. Qualification of A Bonafied Guru Teachings *He speaks only of Krsna and matters related to Him (Bg 2.54 +p) *He never presents anything not to be found in Vedic literature (Iso 13p,1st para) *He never contradicts sadhus (saintly persons) or scriptures (sastra) (Bg 10.3p last para) *He does not manufacture rules against the principles of the revealed scriptures (Bg 3.21p/Bg 4.34p) *He is able to answer any question on spiritual life without hesitation, having understood all Vedic knowledge (Bg 15.19 +p, 3rd para/Bg 2.7p 1st para) *He never says "I am God" (Bg 5.16p) *He must be a master of the science of Krsna (Bg 2.8p 1st para) Character *He must be a perfect devotee (PQPA page 27-28) *He must be fully in control of the six pushing senses (agents) (NOI 1) *He strictly practices what he preaches (Bg 3.21 +p) *He is an "acarya", one who teaches by example (Bg 3.20 +p) *because even Krsna Himself acted to set an example (Bg 3.22,23 +p) *He is by nature very kind and compassionate to the disciple and tirelessly instructs him (Bg 4.34p end/Bg 18.72+p) Realization *He must be fixed in the Absolute Truth (Iso Intro 11th para) *He must have the symptoms of one on the transcendental platform (Bg 18.51-53 +p, 54 +p 2nd para/Bg 14.22-25 +p, 2nd para/Bg 2.55- 57, 58 +p/Bg 5.20 +p, 21 +p) *He must be 100% Krsna Conscious (Bg 2.8p 1st para) *He should have attained the platform of uttama adhikari (NOI 5) *He knows the science of Krsna (Bg 2.8p 1st para) Ability to liberate Others *Krsna or His bona fide representative are the only persons who can release a conditioned soul from bondage (Bg 7.14p 3rd para) *The spiritual master knows the nature of his students and is thus able to guide them to act in Krsna Consciousness (Bg 2.41 3rd para) *He can change the materially conditioned nature of a person, gradually elevating him to the perfectional stage (Bg 17.2p) Disciplic Succession *He comes in the disciplic succession (Bg 4.34p) *And therefore does not deviate from instruction imparted millions of years ago (Bg 4.42p last part) *He must have heard the Vedic knowledge from the right source (Iso Intro 11th para) *The importance of the disciplic succession ... (Bg 18.75 +p) Activities *He is always glorifying Krsna (Bg 9.13 +14) *He never tries to imitate the Lord but always follows in His footsteps (Bg 3.24p)
- 66. Qualification of A Disciple One must be awakened to one's position of suffering in the material world and one must desire to find the ultimate solution (Bg Intro page 7 or 6) One must have a firm respect for the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Bg Intro page 7 or 6) One must have faith in the guru and Krsna (Bg 6.47p 5th para) One must be submissive (Bg 4.34 +p/Bg Intro page 6-7 or 6 Mac) One must be fully obedient (NOI 4 page 46) One must be humble (Bg 13.8-12p 5th para) One must have a serving mood (Bg 13.8-12p 5th para) One should consider the order of the guru as one's prime duty in life (Bg 18.67p, last 2 lines/Bg 2.41p 3rd para/Bg 2.53p last line/Bg 3.35p 1st part) One must respect the guru as God (PQPA pages 26-27/Bg 5.16p) One must be anxious to satisfy the guru (Bg 4.34p) One must serve the other disciples of one's guru.
- 67. Srila Prabhupada’s Unique Position as Founder Acharya Promoting Your Guru Present Message of Lord Krsna WITHOUT ANY ALTERATIONS Preacher’s Job is present the Message of Lord Krsna. Connect Bhakta to Lord Krsna. Beware of Ritvik Philosophy and Impersonalism No political intension in preaching or for name & fame. Never conceal devotees from mixing with other devotees for ulterior motive. Allow them to hear other’s opinions. Respect every Bonafied disciple of SP and senior preacher’s, as You Respect Your Diksha Guru
- 68. How to take shelter under A Bonafied Spiritual Master? Correct Understanding Srila Prabhupada is our Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada is representing a Bonafied DS Come to Complete correct Understanding that All the Bonafied Disciple of Srila Prabhupada are Uniquely great in their own aspect Each of them reflect unique qualities of Srila Prabhupada Each of them is capable to take You Back to Godhead Mission of Srila Prabhupada Each of them carrying out the Mission of SP Acting on correct Understanding With this mind set, Serve them with sincerity whenever You get an opportunity When You sincerely Serve the Pure devotees, Krsna within Your heart will reveal Incorrect Understanding (Do Not Take Initiation on the basis of following) Force from any Devotee or any Teacher Based on Friendship Based on Relationship Some Devotee favoring You in different ways Siksha Guru's Initiating SP, b/c He/She has helped You. Accessibility of A Spiritual Master Sincere Student Acts on correct Understanding Good Disciple Good PreacherCourtesy : Nritya Gauranga Prabhu Peer Pressure (All my friends are getting initiated)
- 69. Result of Acting based on Incorrect Understanding Gradual Disintegration of ISKCON Purpose of ISKCON Represent the Message of Lord Krsna in Disciplic Succession Training the devotees to Practice Pure Devotional Service Go Back Home Back to Godhead Instead of Krsna being center, we become center Other people might follow what we are doing Competing with devotees to make disciples instead of delivering pure message Disrespect, Disunity, Uncomfortable talking to each other etc. etc. All Kind of politics & cheating to maintain power or for personal glories Do You want to be part of this??? ISKCON is Philosophically Very Strong, Only thing that can DESTROY US, is Disharmony Amongst Ourselves. By Acting in such a way we will be displeasing entire Parampara & Jeopardizing their hard work.
- 70. Result of obtaining TK – Never remain in Illusion, See living entities as parts of Lord. 35 Verse ~ 35 Transcendental Knowledge What is Maya? Ma-Not, Ya- This Sense of an existence separate from Krishna is called Maya Thinks that we have nothing to do with Krishna, who is just a great historical personality & Absolute is only the Impersonal Brahman How Mayavadi Thinks? Wrongly think that Krishna loses His own separate existence in His many expansions, This thought is material in nature Arjuna’s thoughts of temporary bodily conception Example of one in Maya To think oneself separate from Krishna under illusion Come under bodily conception & recognize with bodily relationships What does liberation / freedom from illusion mean? Liberation means to be situated in one's constitutional position as an eternal servitor of Kåñëa. SB 2.10.6 muktir hitvänyathä-rüpaà svarüpeëa vyavasthitiù. Only from bona-fide Spiritual Master How to get such Pure Knowledge? Result One learns, All living entities are parts & parcels of Supreme Personality of Godhead Impersonal Brahman is the effulgence of Krishna (Ref BG 4.27) What is the entire teaching of the Bhagavad-Gita targeted towards? Living entity is an eternal servitor Cannot be separated from Krishna at any time Any sense of identify apart from Krishna is Maya What is the level of perfect Knowledge? Supreme soul Krishna, is the supreme shelter of all living beings Refutation Krishna is the cause of all causes, even the cause of millions of incarnations and all the living entities (Ref. BS 5.1) Failure of Mayavadis to understand the meaning of the Absolute. Material understanding is that, when a thing is fragmentally distributed, it loses its own original identity. But “Absolute Truth” means: ‘1+1=1’and ‘1-1=1’
- 71. Even most sinful of all sinners, when situated in the boat of transcendental knowledge, will be able to cross over the Ocean of Miseries 36 Verse ~ 36 Transcendental Knowledge Transcendental Knowledge - Boat Material World Ocean Forest Fire Transcendental Knowledge Directly from Krsna MaterialWorldSpiritualWorld Knowledge about Spiritual World Ocean of nescience (Ignorance) Severe struggle for existence Proper understanding of one's constitutional position in relationship to Kåñëa Only TK (Boat) can lift one from the struggle for existence which goes on in the ocean of nescience Even an expert swimmer cannot swim across the ocean but has to be lifted out of the ocean by a suitable boat
- 72. By that knowledge of Self & Supersoul and their relationship, one burns all sinful reactions 37 Verse ~ 37 Transcendental Knowledge Avidya Ignorance Bija Sinful desires Papam Sinful actions Aprarabdha Unmanifest reactions Kutam Sinful disposition Prarabdha Manifest reaction Sufferings Padma Puräëa: aprärabdha-phalaà päpaà küöaà béjaà phalonmukham krameëaiva praléyeta viñëu-bhakti-ratätmanäm For those who are engaged in the devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, all sinful reactions, whether fructified, in the stock, or in the form of a seed, gradually vanish. Cycle of Appearance of Desire and it’s Reactions Stages of Reaction Fire of Knowledge (TK) Transcendental Knowledge Fire Compared to Burns up All reactions to Material Activities Pious (Dutiful acts) Impious (Sinful acts) Types of Reactions Priori From the Earlier Posteriori From the Later Reaction in making Reaction fructifying Reaction already achieved Reaction a priori 4 Stages of Reaction
- 73. Verse ~ 38 Transcendental Knowledge Transcendental Knowledge Spiritual Understanding Sublime & Pure Leads one to Liberation Devotional Service Person engaged in DS, enjoys peace within himself Such a Person does not look for peace elsewhere. Ignorance is cause of Bondage Knowledge Peace Last word in Bhagavad Gita Krishna Consciousness Culminates in Mature Fruit Mature fruit of all mysticism Transcendental Knowledge - Sublime and Pure, is the mature fruit of all Mysticism 38
- 74. Verse ~ 39 Transcendental Knowledge Who can acquire transcendental knowledge? The faithful, with dedication and sense control 39 One who thinks that simply by acting in Krishna consciousness, one can attain the highest perfection Faithful CC Mad 22.62 ’çraddhä’-çabde—viçväsa kahe sudåòha niçcaya kåñëe bhakti kaile sarva-karma kåta haya “Çraddhä is confident, firm faith that by rendering transcendental loving service to Kåñëa one automatically performs all subsidiary activities. Such faith is favorable to the discharge of devotional service. How to attain Faith? Performing Devotional Service Chanting Hare Krsna Who can easily attain perfection in the Knowledge of KC without delay? Cleanses Material Dirt from the Contaminated Heart One who is faithful to Krsna One who has control over the senses
- 75. Verse ~ 40-41 Transcendental Knowledge Faithless cannot attain the Perfection of God Consciousness, No sinful reactions can affect one who performs his duties with TK 40 Best of all Standard & Authoritative Revealed Scriptures Srimad Bhagavad Gita Different categories of disqualified people Persons who are almost like animals have no faith or knowledge of standard revealed scriptures Even if they have knowledge, or can sight passages from, the revealed scriptures, have actually no faith Even if they may have faith in scriptures, they do not believe in, or worship the SPOG Those who have no faith and is always doubtful, make no progress at all Worst Solution to Success Follow the principles of revealed scriptures with faith and rise to the platform of knowledge Only this knowledge will promote one to the transcendental platform of spiritual understanding Follow in the footsteps of great acharyas who are in the parampara and attain success Result of following instruction of Bhagavad-Gita One becomes free from all doubts by the grace of Transcendental Knowledge Result of Action in full Krishna consciousness He is well established in self- knowledge He is undoubtedly above the bondage to action 41
- 76. Verse ~ 42 Transcendental Knowledge Lord Krsna : Slash Ignorance by the weapon of Knowledge, Armed with Yoga, Fight 42 Sanatana-yoga Refers to the eternal activities performed by the living entities Chapter 4 Sacrificial Actions Sacrifice of one's material possessions Knowledge of the self, which is pure spiritual activity to perform a sacrifice with a spiritual objective is the perfect sacrifice Such sacrifice, if not dovetailed for spiritual realisation, then such sacrifice becomes material Spiritual Activity Understanding’s of one's own self Truth regarding the Supreme Personality of Godhead Who can understand these two divisions of spiritual activity? One who follows the path of Bhagavad- Gita AS IT IS How to Study Bhagavad-Gita? Under a bona-fide spiritual master, with service and surrender Follow the path as expressed in the Bhagavad-Gita itself Beware of self-interested people after personal self-aggrandizement Benefit of such understanding? Such a person can easily understand the transcendental activities of the Lord as discussed in the beginning of this chapter One who does not understand Bhagavad- gita is faithless and is misusing his fragmental independence In spite of such instruction one who does not understand the real nature of the Lord is a fool number one Who is liberated from the very beginning of the study of Bhagavad-Gita? One who understands Lord as the Supreme Person and His activities as Transcendental How to awaken KC? By different types of sacrifices BG 4.25-29 Common basis of all sacrifices How to remove ignorance? By gradual acceptance of the principles of KC Regulated Action based on Self Realization Real student of Bhagavad-Gita One who seeks that objective of Self- Realization Two Divisions TwoDivisions
- 77. Summary of different aspects of Transcendental Knowledge Transcendental KnowledgeVerse 34~40 Transcendental Knowledge How to achieve Knowledge? 4.34 & 4.39 Submissive surrender to Guru, No absurd Inquiries Relevant inquiries, No blind following Service, without false prestige, in menial mood Goal Is to please Guru Faithful 4.39 Control Senses 4.39 How? By Regulation & by Intelligence (from Guru, Sadhu & Sastra) Who is disqualified for Knowledge? 4.40 Qualification of Guru 4.34 Glories / Fruits of Transcendental Knowledge 4.35-38 Ignorant Faithless Doubting Soul Jnaninah Self-realized Tattva-darsinah Has seen the truth Can impart knowledge unto you What is the result of that Knowledge? 4.35 All living entities are part and parcel of Krishna Any sense of identity apart from Krishna is Maya By that knowledge he will never fall into illusion By that knowledge you will cross over the ocean of miseries, even if you are the most sinful of all sinners (4.36) Self-Realization-mature fruit of devotional service (4.38) By that knowledge of self and Supersoul and their relationship, one burns all sinful reactions 4.37) One sees as follows Courtesy : Gauranga Priya Das
- 78. Conclusion Kåñëa commands Arjuna to destroy His doubts by Spiritual Knowledge Armed with Yoga Stand and Fight Lord Krsna reveals Transcendental Knowledge Lord Krsna appearance and activities are Transcendental Krsna remembers about All past, while Arjuna Forgets Karma does not apply Krsna Reasons of His appearance Deliver the Pious Annihilate Miscreants Reestablish dharma Krsna reciprocates according to degree or surrender Krsna explains the intricacies of action Krsna describes different types of sacrifice recommended in Vedas that culminates into TK. Krsna’s body is not material. One who understands do not take birth again. Everyone ultimately surrenders to Krsna, for it is Krsna who awards fruits of work Krsna creates the Varnasrama system according to the modes. He is beyond the system Krsna creates Varnasrama System All liberated souls act without becoming entangled, knowing Krsna gives result and creator of Varnasrama Arjuna should therefore, perform his duty and fight for Krsna, but with detachment Satisfy His Unalloyed devotees Prime Purpose How learned Man in Full knowledge acts and is unaffected by the reactions of work? Renounces self interested actions, acts only for the Supreme, Giving up all sense of proprietorship, acting only for the bare necessities of life Kåñëa reveals process for attaining TK - By approaching a self-realized guru (with submission, service and humble inquiries) Ultimate knowledge is that all Jévas are part of Kåñëa TK destroys karmic reactions and brings attainment of “The Supreme Spiritual Peace". Faithless, however, attain neither happiness nor God consciousness. Chapter Summary Transcendental Knowledge
- 79. Here for the first time in the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krsna clearly distinguishes Himself from ordinary souls by saying that while He remembers past appearances, Arjuna has forgotten them. And unlike ordinary souls, karma does not impose birth and death on Lord Krsna; He appears for His own reasons which are to deliver the pious, to annihilate the miscreants and to reestablish dharma, or religious principles, One who understands the transcendental nature of His appearance and activities attains liberation. Those who take refuge in Him are purified by such knowledge and achieve love for Him. Kåñëa reciprocates with the jévas in accordance with their degree of surrender unto Him. Everyone ultimately surrenders to Krsna, for it is Krsna who awards fruits of work. Although Krsna creates the Varnasrama system according to the modes, He is beyond the system. Knowing Krsna as the awarder of the results of all work and as the transcendental creator of Varnasrama, all liberated souls act without becoming entangled. Arjuna should perform his duty and fight for Krsna, but with detachment. Kåñëa again explains the intricacies of action and how, by being situated in transcendental knowledge, one becomes free from karmic reactions. The learned man, in full knowledge (that his self is spiritual and subordinate to the Supreme) renounces self-interested actions and acts only for the Supreme. Giving up all sense of proprietorship over his possessions and acting only for the bare necessities of life, he is unaffected by the reactions of work. Kåñëa describes different types of sacrifice recommended in the Vedas and states that they all culminate in transcendental knowledge. He then reveals the process for attaining transcendental knowledge ie. by approaching a self-realized guru (with submission, service and humble inquiries), and He explains what that ultimate knowledge is that all jévas are part of Kåñëa. Transcendental knowledge destroys karmic reactions and brings attainment of "the supreme spiritual peace". Those without faith in transcendental knowledge, however, attain neither happiness nor God consciousness. In conclusion, Kåñëa commands Arjuna to destroy his doubts by spiritual knowledge: "Armed with yoga," he tells Arjuna, "stand and fight." Summary – Chapter 4
- 80. Compiled by Amritananda das, Seattle email : amritanandadas@yahoo.com
- 81. End of Bhagavad Gita - 4