Chapter 1, Stanza 5

Swami Kriyananda reads the second stanza (sloka) of the Bhagavad Gita and discusses the power of habits. Habits of course can be constructive or negative but all too often habits are destructive forces that bind us to detrimental behaviors. Kriyananda shares a few stories that demonstrate how bad habits can be overcome through the power of strong affirmation and by supplanting bad habits with good ones.

Kriyananda also clarifies the enduring struggle to overcome the ego and explains that self-forgetting not deprecation is the essence of humility. He explains that in recognizing the insignificance of the ego compared to the power and bliss of the divine, we can transcend the ego, the little self.

Kriyananda reminds us that God is the Doer (we are His instruments) and advises us to think of others, help others, and through that selflessness we will feel the deepest satisfaction. Kriyananda explains that we will have to move beyond habit bound behaviors and the limitations of the ego to reach our full potential because the ultimate aspiration is to merge with the Divine and become One with it.

Chapter 2, Stanza 19

Chapter 1, Stanza 19

Chapter 2, Stanza 45

Chapter 1, Stanza 42

Chapter 2, Stanza 5

Chapter 1, Stanza 3

How do we awaken the power (Kundalini) that is within each of us? It is possible to awaken this power by bringing energy upward through spiritual practice to the brain. We possess a tremendous power that can be harnessed when we learn to be lions of self-control.

No matter the background or religion, it is a general recommendation to avoid those things that cloud and dull the mind (lowers the energy). The entire battle of life is in the mind. Kriyananda shares that as children of the One God we have the power to become exactly what we want to be.

 

Chapter 1, Stanza 2

Swami Kriyananda discusses the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the symbolism of Duryodhana as representing material desires and Dronacharya as habit. He explains that our senses create the illusion of a real world, but it's essentially a dream. The goal is to realize our true nature as Satchidananda (ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new bliss).

We are born into a world where desires and habits pull us down, making it difficult to realize our divine potential.

Habit is a powerful force, initially helpful but can become a curse, hindering spiritual progress.

Overcoming habits and understanding the illusory nature of sensory experiences are crucial steps in the journey to realizing our true, blissful self, which is one with the infinite.

Reincarnation gives us infinite chances to learn our lessons.

Chapter 2, Stanza 39