This lecture was given by Swami Tattwamayananda on June 28, 2020. It was hosted by the Stanford Hindu Students Association.
-The Bhagavad Gita is a universal scripture appreciated by philosophers and great men and women from cultures around the world.
-The Gita teaches non-attachment in work. It is not negligence or indifference but it removes the binding effect of work.
-The first characteristic of a devotee is contentment (संतोष).
-Jnana Yoga teaches us to find out our own immortal nature.
-The Gita gives examples of men of women who combine secular success with spiritual values (राजर्षि) – the dynamism of a reigning monarch with the wisdom of saint who knows the inherent limitations of empirical success.
-By learning to distinguish between what is of permanent value and what is of spiritual value, we gain spiritual common sense. Our actions bring a sense of inner fulfillment (कृतकृत्यता).
-The one who is established in this spiritual common sense is able to see pain and pleasure with the same mind – a person of steady wisdom (स्थितप्रज्ञ).
-The characteristics of the person of steady wisdom are natural to him or her. According to Shankaracharya, if we practice them we will also become enlightened.
-The Gita also explains why we sometimes feel we reach a dead-end. We can become trapped by temptations presented to the mind and senses.
-To break this bondage, we should link ourselves to a great spiritual ideal. Then, our whole life becomes a sacred act (यज्ञ).
-A harmonious blending of action and contemplation, the positive aspects of secular values and spiritual values.
-Looking at the problem of unpleasant duty with equanimity of mind.