The eleventh in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 3:21, Swamiji discusses a wide range of topics, including different concepts of avatars, a story about Anandamayi Ma, and more about our lives as examples to others.

Here's a summary from the talk "Our Lives as Examples."

• Krishna's Teaching to Arjuna: Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that individuals must perform their dharma (duty) not just for personal gain but as an example to others. 
• Influence of Actions: Every action by a great person influences others to follow suit, emphasizing that our lives are interconnected; our karma affects and is affected by others.
• Krishna's Role: Krishna, despite being beyond duty, continues to work to set an example. If he were to stop, mankind would lose direction, indicating the importance of Divine or enlightened beings working for the world's welfare.
• Divine Work and Sacrifice: God continuously works, experiencing all human conditions to maintain the cosmos. This work is a form of sacrifice, where the Divine consciousness unites with human experiences.
• Misinterpretation of Spiritual Teachings: There's a caution against using spiritual teachings to justify inaction or unethical behavior. An example given is of individuals misusing a statement by Mother Anandamayi to avoid responsibility.
• The Role of the Wise: The wise should work without attachment to the fruits of their actions but to lead others towards righteousness. Their work should be an example of how to live with one's consciousness aligned with the highest ideals.
• Critique of Detachment: Swamiji cautions against the misuse of spiritual detachment where individuals refuse to help others, using their spiritual status as an excuse, as seen with the story of sadhus ignoring a person in need.
• Holiness in Work: Work, when done with the right consciousness, is holy. Even mundane or unpleasant tasks become sacred when performed in service to others or with a divine intention.
• Misconceptions about Actions and Ego: Humans often mistakenly believe they are the sole doers of their actions, not recognizing the interplay of natural energies (gunas) and personal will.
• Conclusion on Responsibility: Swamiji emphasizes that one should not deny moral responsibility by attributing actions solely to external forces or bodily functions, advocating for a responsible and enlightened approach to life's duties.

The talk underscores the importance of living by example, the divine nature of all work when done with the right consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all beings influencing one another through their actions.