Vedanta: Ancient Wisdom for Life

In this episode, Swamiji presents Krishna's logically derived conclusion in verse 68 of Chapter II of the Bhagavad Gita that spiritual wisdom is measured by one's mastery over and not denial of sense objects.

This episode is based on Verse 67 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. The verse illustrates a striking metaphor to convey that in the absence of intellectual governance and direction, the mind is swept away by the senses and eventually destroys the individual.

Episode 9 of the series on 'The Perfect Human Being’ expounds verse 66 of chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. Swamiji helps one understand that unless one exercises self-control and pursues a higher ideal in life, one cannot find lasting peace and happiness.

In Episode 8 Swamiji highlights the dangers of allowing likes and dislikes to directly determine one’s actions in life. In a world of contradictions, chances are that what one likes to do is not beneficial for one in the long-term and vice-versa. To overcome this challenge, one needs to build a strong intellect.

In this episode, Swamiji defines and explains the mechanism of self-control as presented in verses 64 and 65 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. By practicing self-control one cultivates a tranquil mind. Such a mind allows the intellect to establish itself resulting in a peaceful and productive life.

Episode 6 of the series presents two powerful verses from the Bhagavad Gita which expound the “Ladder of Fall”. The verses detail the devastating impact of ungoverned thoughts. How they go through negative modifications and eventually destroy the individual.

Based on verses 60 and 61 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, this episode highlights the power of the senses and how they can be destructive to even those who are knowledgeable. Swamiji impresses upon the vital need to develop the intellect to be able to control the senses. A fundamental human requirement which is hardly known much less addressed in the world today. When one has achieved perfect control over the senses, only then is one qualified to meditate.

In this episode Swamiji reveals the Gita's secret to gaining mastery over sense objects. The Gita explains that by merely abstaining one cannot overcome one's desires for sense contact. Instead one must learn the art of dealing with sense objects culminating in complete suzerainty over them.

In this third episode of the series on 'The Perfect Human Being' from the Bhagavad Gita, Swamiji explains Lord Krishna's answers on how an Enlightened person conducts himself in the world and the impact of the world on him. Such a person bristles with dynamism and cheer but never gets attached to anything. He experiences the fluctuations of the world but never loses his mental equanimity.

In episode 2 of ‘The Perfect Human Being’ series from the Bhagavad Gita, the great warrior Arjuna asks Lord Kṛṣṇa to define the nature of an Enlightened person. How does such a person express himself in the world, what happens within him and how does he react to external environments and events. In response Lord Kṛṣṇa begins his famed definition of a perfect person.

Swamiji's deft explanation of the verses helps one grasp the depth of the philosophy being imparted.