For Seekers by Seekers

Is what Krishna saying in Ch5 a repeat? Why is he repeating? Are we learning something new?

How to apply the learnings in daily life?

It seems that sometimes, we are pulled between spiritual path and materialistic path.

Sometimes we feel guilty that we are pursuing one and not the other.

Sometimes the pull is intense that we end up neglecting one path.

What is right /wrong thing to do?

What parameters one should use to understand the right thing to do?

If you have had such questions, listen to this episode as the seekers share with each other what worked for them and what did not work for them.

In summary, it is all about keeping the faith in the teachings, and doing as much nishkaama karma as possible; Krishna does not deride us from engaging in kamya-karma: we should only try to minimize it as much as possible.

Bhagavad Gita Ch 5.10 - 5.15

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5.5 to 5.10

We talk the essential difference between jnana (sankhya knowledge of who we truly are), karma (work - can be selfish & selfless) and sannyasa (lifestyle).

We also talk of karma yoga (selfless work /duty), jnana karma sannyasa yoga (doing work /duty knowing who we truly are) and karma sannyasa (adopting a lifestyle of a renunciate, compared to a householder).

We also dive deeper into the impact of gunas and ashramas.

We digress a bit to talk about commonality & differences between religions. The biggest difference is in the fact that Sanatana Dharma says YOU are GOD and propounds Advaita....although there is seemingly dwaita - in the external universe and also within our minds.

In this free flowing discussions, Rajesh Sengamedu presents what is Chaturmasa - the four months of intense climate changes during July - November of each year and how one can change their body, mind constitutions by following certain practices related to food, discipline.

Over 30 people attended this discussions and there were many questions that were answered.

In this satsang discussions, seekers discuss the last few slokas of Chapter 4 - karma sannyasa yogah.

The importance of guru is stressed again.

Importance of various paths and how all of them are entirely based on action (not inaction) and leave us at the 'mouth of Brahman'.

It is only the jnana that finally gets us moksha.

Importance of sraddha - tatpara - indriya nigrahah is discussed.

After describing 12 types of yagya (actions that are sacrificial in nature), Bhagavan summarizes that the most important of all yagyas is the yagya of 'burning ignorance through knowledge'.

'Brahmarpanam Brahmahavivi....' SLoka 4.24 says that it is that Infinite Knowledge-Truth-Existence that creates this entire illusion of division. However. it it tough to know this because of our vasanas /wrong channels of thinking. So, different 'actions' - spiritual in nature that involves 'letting go of the benefits /fruits' - also known as 'sacrifice' are prescribed.

11 such actions are prescribed in slokas 4.24 onwards.

Sacrifices to some Devas, Sacrifice to Brahman, Sense control, Self (Object) control, Self-restraint in the fire of Yoga, Pranayama, Donation, Austerities, Yoga /Upasana, Self Study, Pranayama, Regulated diet, etc....are the 12 sacrifices. All these are actions and finally culminate in complete understanding of the Knowledge of Brahman - Aham Brahmasmi! 

In today's discussions we continue the different types of 'sacrifice' - that is done as yagya - an offering to the Lord, by subjugating our 'small' ego and surrendering it to the 'Self'.

Specifically we discuss a lot about Pranayama as a technique.

In all, Bhagawan covers 12 techniques as 'yagya' and in this discussions we cover the last few.

In this episode, seekers discuss the meaning of the very famous sloka, brahmarpanam brahmahavivi....everything, everyone, everyaction is brahman...and the one that sees this truth attains brahman.

Also talks of sacrifice by karma yogins.....to various gods (ishta devata)

Others offer sacrifice directly to Brahman (non dual, no rupa god)

Few offer the senses in the fire of sense control....

Few others offer the objects that senses get attracted to....to the fire of senses

Some others offer functions of all organs (karma, jnana indriyas) and pancha prana in the fire of yoga of self control, lit by knowledge.

Listen to this as we explore how to enjoy mangoes even when mangoes are not there at times....a practical example

- when mangoes are there, enjoy it as a blessing

- when mangoes are not there, enjoy the frustration as a blessing

- Or, enjoy the mangoes eaten by another as if you were the one who were eating it....

[Remember - it is all Advaita & Saharsrashirsha Purushah- one Self, with many heads, hands, legs.....

Gita Satsang on May 22rd 2022 covering chapters 4.10-4.17