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The Bhagavad-Gita For Beginners (Abbreviated) Preface As a young Hindu adult, I was afraid to read the Gita. My perception was that its teachings were too idealistic, not relevant to our computerized space age world. Nirvana was for those who gave up on life. On my 50th birthday, I realized that at the time of my birth, life expectancy was about 57. One retired at 55 and died soon after. I sensed a great achievement at being one-half century old, still in pretty good physical shape and health. Soon after I began to mellow, started to eat more vegetables, and dwell upon the hereafter. Roots took me back to Hinduism. I did not understand the hierarchy of Hindu gods and demi-gods. Seeking answers to my numerous questions, I talked to enlightened ones. I was asked to read a transcript of a dialogue between a renowned Swami, and an American correspondent. It seemed to me that the Swami was trying to belittle the North American lifestyle in an effort to convince the correspondent that the Indian lifestyle was superior. I felt that the Swami did not really understand much about the American way of life. I purchased a copy of the Bhagavad-Gita, also found it on the web, downloaded it, and took out all the text except for the translation of the verses from Sanskrit to English. I found the translation difficult to comprehend because of the big words used by the author. Presumably, the author had better command of English than I. I became truly discouraged and convinced that salvation was not to be my fortune. As time went by, my desire to pursue the teachings of the Gita intensified, as did my search for a Gita written in everyday English. As luck would have it, I found a correspondence course offered by the International Gita Society. Finally, I was on my way to understanding the teachings of the Gita. The Gita says: · Do your duty to the best of your ability without worrying about the results. A farmer has control over how he works his land, yet no control over the harvest. But, he cannot expect a harvest if he does not work his land. · Perceive that God is present equally in all beings. · Treat all beings equally.
The four goals of human life are: · Doing one’s duty; · Earning wealth; · Material and sensual enjoyment (with senses under control); · Attaining salvation. The aim of the Gita doctrine is to lead one to tranquility, happiness and equanimity. No rituals are prescribed. The Gita says that the world needs different religions, cults and deities to meet the vastly different needs of individuals. “Don’t worry, be happy” may well be a modern term but the secret of achieving this lies in the Gita. The Gita Doctrine is beyond Religious and National boundaries. Dr. Ramananda Prasad, founder of The International Gita Society, and the author of "The Bhagavad-Gita" written in simple English, helped me immensely in understanding the Gita Doctrine. I am grateful to Dr. Prasad for enriching my life and for his time in ensuring that this abbreviation of the Bhagavad-Gita is a true representation of the Lord’s message. The numbers in parentheses are the chapter numbers and verse numbers respectively, of the Bhagavad-Gita.
1. ARJUNA’S DILEMMA
Circa 3000 BC, cousins went to war over inheritance of a kingdom. Their armies were made up of relatives, teachers, and respected community leaders. Arjuna was a renowned warrior recognized as a master archer. His childhood friend Lord Krishna agreed to be Arjuna’s charioteer. Arjuna became bewildered upon seeing people he loved and respected ready to battle, and said: “I desire neither victory, nor pleasure or kingdom, O Krishna. What is the use of a kingdom, or enjoyment, or even life because all those for whom we desire kingdom, enjoyment, and pleasure are standing here for battle, ready to give up their lives?” (1.32-33) “I do not wish to kill my seniors, spiritual leaders, and relatives who are ready to kill us, even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone for this earthly kingdom, O Krishna.” (1.34-35)
2. TRANSCENDENTAL KNOWLEDGE
“It would be better indeed, to live on alms in this world than to slay these noble personalities, because by killing them I would enjoy wealth and pleasure stained with their blood. (2.05) We do not know which alternative, to fight or to quit, is better for us. Further, we do not know whether we shall conquer them or they will conquer us. We should not even wish to live after killing our relatives.” (2.06) Lord Krishna said: “You grieve for those who are not worthy of grief, and yet speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead. (2.11) There was never a time when these monarchs, you or I did not exist, nor shall we ever cease to exist in the future. (2.12) The soul acquires another body after death. (2.13) The invisible Spirit is eternal. The visible physical body is transitory. (2.16) The Spirit pervades this entire universe and is indestructible. No one can destroy the imperishable Spirit. (2.17) The physical bodies of the eternal, immutable, and incomprehensible Spirit are perishable. Therefore, fight for your right as your duty, O Arjuna. (2.18) The Spirit is neither born nor does it die at any time. It does not come into being, or cease to exist. It is unborn, eternal, permanent, and primeval. The Spirit is not destroyed when the body is destroyed. (2.19-20) Just as a person puts on new garments after discarding old ones, the living entity or the individual soul acquires a new body after casting off the old body.” (2.22) “Even if you think that the physical body takes birth and dies perpetually, even then O Arjuna, you should not grieve like this. Death is certain for the one who is born, and birth is certain for the one who dies. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable but pray for the salvation of the departed soul.” (2.26-27). “Considering also your duty as a warrior you should not waver like this. There is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a righteous war. (2.31) Only fortunate warriors, O Arjuna, get an opportunity of an unsought war that is like an open door to heaven.” (2.32) War fought to reestablish morality is considered righteous, not one fought for dominance. “If you will not fight this righteous war, then you will fail in your duty, lose your reputation, and incur sin. (2.33) People will talk about your disgrace forever. To the honored, disgrace is worse than death. (2.34) You will go to heaven if killed in the line of duty, or you will enjoy kingdom on earth if victorious. Therefore, get up with determination to fight, O Arjuna. (2.37) Just do your duty to the best of your ability without becoming discouraged by the thought of the outcome which may be success or failure, gain or loss, victory or defeat. By doing your duty with this attitude, you will not incur sin or Karmic bondage.” (2.38) “The resolute determination of Self-realization is not formed in the minds of those who are attached to pleasure and power, and whose judgment is obscured by ritualistic activities. (2.44) Become free from pairs of opposites, be ever balanced and unconcerned with the thought of acquisition and preservation. Rise above the three modes of Material Nature (goodness, passion and ignorance) and be Self-conscious, O Arjuna. (2.45) To a God-realized person, scripture is as useless as a river in a flooded area. Scripture is only an aid to God-realization, not needed after one has realized God.” (2.46) “You have control over doing your respective duty, but no control or claim over the result. Fear of failure, from being emotionally attached to the fruit of work, is the greatest impediment to success because it robs efficiency by constantly disturbing the equanimity of mind.” A farmer is responsible for working his land yet has no control over the harvest. But, if he does not work his land he cannot expect a harvest. “The boundary of one’s jurisdiction ends with the completion of one’s duty. Do your duty to the best of your ability, O Arjuna, with your mind attached to the Lord, abandon worry and attachment to the result. Remain calm in both success and failure. Such selfless service brings peace and equanimity of mind.” (2.48) Lord Krishna further said: “The mind and intellect of a person become steady who is neither elated by getting desired results, nor perturbed by undesired results. (2.57) Restless senses, O Arjuna, forcibly carry away the mind of even a wise person striving for perfection. (2.60) One should fix one’s mind on God with loving contemplation after bringing the senses under control. One’s intellect becomes steady when one’s senses are under complete control.” (2.61) “A disciplined person, enjoying sense objects with senses that are under control and free from attachment and aversion, attains tranquility. (2.64) An uncontrolled mind distracts the intellect as a storm sways a ship from its path. (2.67) A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desire, that enter the mind, like rivers into an ocean which is ever being filled but is not disturbed by the rivers, can alone achieve peace, not the one who strives to satisfy such desires.” (2.70) Self-realization is to know one’s relationship with the Supreme Lord and His true transcendental nature. A Self-realized person does not need rituals to reach God.
3. PATH OF SERVICE
Arjuna asked: “If You consider that acquiring transcendental knowledge is better than working, then why do You want me to engage in this horrible war, O Krishna?” Lord Krishna said: “I have stated a twofold path of spiritual discipline in the past. The path of Self-knowledge for the contemplative ones, and the path of unselfish work for all others. (3.03) One does not attain freedom from bondage of Karma by merely abstaining from work. No one attains perfection by merely giving up work, because no one can remain inactive even for a moment. The forces of Nature drive everyone to action.” (3.04-05) “People get confused and think that leading a life devoted to scriptural study, contemplation, and acquiring transcendental knowledge may be better for spiritual progress than doing one’s worldly duty. A God-realized person does not consider oneself the doer of any action, but only an instrument in the hands of the Divine for His use. Both metaphysical knowledge and selfless service are means to attain the Supreme Being. These two paths are not separate, but complimentary. O Arjuna, do your duty to the best of your ability as a service to God.” (3.09) Lord Krishna said: “There is nothing unattained that I should obtain, yet I engage in action. (3.22) For, if I do not engage in action relentlessly, O Arjuna, people would, in every way, follow my path. These worlds would perish if I do not work, and I shall be the cause of confusion and destruction of all these people. (3.23-24) Do your duty and dedicate all work to God in a spiritual frame of mind; become free from ego, mental grief and the compulsion to satisfy all desires. (3.30) Likes and dislikes are two major stumbling blocks, on the path to Self-realization.” (3.34) Control over attachment, and aversion, is needed to attain peace of mind and tranquility. Arjuna said: “O Krishna, what impels one to commit sin as if forced against one’s will?” (3.36) Lord Krishna said: “It is lust born of passion that becomes anger when unfulfilled. Lust is insatiable and is a great devil. Know it as an enemy. (3.37) The senses, the mind, and the intellect are said to be the abode of lust; with these it deludes a person by veiling Self-knowledge. (3.40) Therefore, O Arjuna, by controlling the senses first, control this devil of material desire that destroys Self-knowledge and Self-realization.” (3.41) “The senses are said to be superior to the body, the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, transcendental knowledge is superior to the intellect, and the Self is superior to transcendental knowledge. (3.42) Thus, knowing the Self to be superior to the intellect, and controlling the mind by the intellect that is purified by spiritual practice, one must kill this mighty enemy, lust, O Arjuna.” (3.43)
4. PATH OF RENUNCIATION WITH KNOWLEDGE
Lord Krishna said: “Both you and I have taken many births. I remember them all O Arjuna, but you do not. (4.05) Though I am eternal, immutable, and the Lord of all beings, yet I manifest Myself by controlling Material Nature using My own divine potential energy.” “Whenever there is decline of Dharma (Righteousness) and predominance of Adharma (Unrighteousness), O Arjuna, then I manifest Myself. I appear from time to time for protecting the good, for transforming the wicked, and for reestablishing world order (Dharma).” (4.07-08) “With whatever motive people worship Me, I fulfill their desires accordingly. People worship Me with different motives. (4.11) The one whose mind and senses are under control, and who understands that he cannot control the outcome of his actions, does not incur sin (Karmic reaction) by doing bodily action. (4.21) A renunciant who is content with whatever gain comes naturally by His will, who is unaffected by pairs of opposites, like victory and defeat, free from envy, equanimous in success and failure is not bound by Karma.” (4.22) “People perform sacrifice in many different ways. The one, who considers everything as a manifestation, or an act of God, shall realize God. (4.24) Those who perform selfless service obtain the nectar of Self-knowledge as a result of their sacrifice and attain the Supreme Being. Acquiring transcendental knowledge is superior to any material sacrifice such as giving charity. Purification of mind and intellect eventually leads to the dawn of transcendental knowledge and Self-realization, which is the sole purpose of any spiritual practice.” (4.33) “After knowing the transcendental science, O Arjuna, you shall not again become deluded like this. With this knowledge you shall see the entire creation within your own higher Self, and thus within Me. (4.35) Even if one is the most sinful of all sinners, one shall yet cross over the ocean of sin by the raft of Self-knowledge alone. (4.36) There is no purifier in this world like the true knowledge of the Supreme Being. One discovers this knowledge from within in due course, when one’s mind is cleansed of selfishness by selfless service. (4.38) The one who has faith in God, is sincere in selfless practice, and has control over the mind and senses, gains this transcendental knowledge. Having gained this knowledge, one quickly attains supreme peace and liberation.” (4.39)
5. PATH OF RENUNCIATION
Arjuna asked: “O Krishna, You praise the path of transcendental knowledge, and also the path of selfless service, which is better of the two?” (5.01) Lord Krishna said: “The path of Self-knowledge and the path of selfless service both lead to the supreme goal. But, of the two, the path of selfless service is superior to the path of Self-knowledge, because it is easier to practice. (5.02) The wise see no difference between the renunciation of selfish activities, and the performance of one's worldly duty without attachment to the result. Renunciation does not mean becoming a hermit. (5.04) Selfless service is the goal, and renunciation is the means.” One is a true renunciant and enlightened who: · Does all work as an offering to God abandoning attachment to the result; · Enjoys sensual pleasure with mind and senses under control; · Sees one and the same Spirit in all beings. Looks at a learned person, an outcast, even an animal with equal eye, and can feel the pain and pleasure of others as one’s own; · Neither rejoices on obtaining what is pleasant, nor grieves on obtaining the unpleasant and is tranquil in pleasure and pain (disappointment), in honor and disgrace; · Finds happiness with the Supreme Being, who rejoices the Supreme Being within, who is illuminated by Self-knowledge and remains ever steadfast with the Supreme Self; · Acts beyond personal selfish motives; · Has neither attachment nor aversion for anything. · Has discovered the joy of spiritual knowledge, and whose mind is in union with God. Such a person is not bound by Karma though engaged in work, and attains eternal bliss. “The Lord neither creates the urge for action, nor the feeling of doership, nor the attachment to the result of action in people. The power of Material Nature does all this.” (5.14)
6. PATH OF MEDITATION
Lord Krishna said: “One does not become a renunciant by merely not lighting the fire, or by abstaining from work. (6.01) For the wise, who seek to attain equanimity of mind, selfless service is said to be the means. Equanimity leads to Self-realization. (6.02) One attains perfection by renouncing attachment to the fruit of work, and to selfish desire. (6.04) One can elevate or degrade oneself by one's own mind. The mind becomes a friend to the one who has control over it, and an enemy to the one who is controlled by the mind.” (6.05-06) “Perceive the same Self (or spirit) abiding in every being, and all beings abiding in the Self. (6.29) Those who see Me in everything and see everything in Me, are not separated from Me and I am not separated from them. (6.30) Undoubtedly, O Arjuna, the mind is restless and very difficult to control, but it can be subdued by sincere spiritual practice and by detachment.” (6.35) Arjuna said: “The faithful one who deviates from the path of meditation due to an un-subdued mind --- what is the destination of such a person, O Krishna? (6.37) Does he not perish like a dispersing cloud, O Krishna, having lost both heavenly and worldly pleasures, without support and bewildered on the path to Self-realization?” (6.38) Lord Krishna said: “There is no destruction, O Arjuna, for the one who tries to attain perfection either here or hereafter. A transcendentalist is never put to grief, My dear friend. (6.40) The less evolved unsuccessful one is reborn in the house of the pious and prosperous after attaining heaven and living there for many years. The highly evolved unsuccessful one does not go to heaven, but is born in a spiritually advanced family. A birth like that is very difficult to obtain in this world. (6.41-2) There, one regains the knowledge acquired in previous life, and strives again to achieve perfection, O Arjuna. (6.43) The most devoted of all is the one who lovingly remembers Me with faith, and whose mind is ever absorbed in Me.” (6.47)
7. SELF-KNOWLEDGE AND ENLIGHTENMENT
Lord Krishna said: “O Arjuna, listen to how you shall know Me fully without any doubt, with your mind absorbed in Me, taking refuge in Me, and trying to reach Me.” (7.01) “Material Nature or matter is My lower energy. My other higher energy is the Spirit by which this entire universe is sustained, O Arjuna. (7.05) Know that all creatures have evolved from this twofold energy; and the Supreme Spirit is the source of origin as well as dissolution of the entire universe. (7.06) There is nothing higher than the Supreme Being, O Arjuna. Everything in the universe is strung on the Supreme Being, like jewels strung on a necklace.” (7.07) “Know that three modes of Material Nature --- goodness, passion, and ignorance --- also emanate from Me. I am not dependent on, or affected by, the modes of Material Nature; but the modes of Material Nature are dependent on Me. (7.12) Human beings are deluded by various aspects of these three modes of Material Nature; therefore, they do not understand Me, I am eternal and above these modes.” (7.13) “This divine power (Maya) of Mine, consisting of three states of mind or matter, is very difficult to overcome. Only those who surrender unto Me easily, cross over this Maya. (7.14) Four types of virtuous ones worship or seek Me, O Arjuna. They are: · the distressed, · the seeker of Self-knowledge, · the seeker of wealth, · the enlightened one who has experienced the Supreme Being.” (7.16) “The wise surrender to Me by realizing --- after many births --- that everything in the universe and the world is nothing but My manifestation. Such a great soul is very rare.” (7.19) “Whosoever desires to worship whatever deity --- using whatever name, form, and method --- with faith, I make their faith steady in that deity. Endowed with steady faith they worship that deity, and obtain their wishes through that deity. Those wishes are granted by Me.” (7.22)
8. THE ETERNAL SPIRIT
Arjuna said: “O Krishna, who is the Eternal Being or the Spirit? What is the nature of the Eternal Being? What is Karma? Who are mortal beings? And who are Temporal Beings? Who is the Supreme Being, and how does He dwell in the body? How can You, the Supreme Being, be remembered at the time of death by those who have control over their minds, O Krishna?” (8.01-2) Lord Krishna said: “The eternal and immutable Spirit of the Supreme Being is also called the Eternal Being or the Spirit. The inherent power of cognition and desire of the Eternal Being (Spirit) is called the nature of the Eternal Being. The creative power of the Eternal Being (Spirit) that causes manifestation of the living entity is called Karma. (8.03) Various expansions of the Supreme Being are called Temporal Beings. The Supreme Being also resides in the inner psyche of all beings as the Divine Controller. (8.04) Thought of whatever object that predominates during one's lifetime, one remembers that object at the end of life and achieves it. (8.06) Therefore, always remember Me and do your duty. You shall certainly attain Me if your mind and intellect are ever focused on Me.” (8.07) You will remember your ultimate goal in life at the time of death. Do not just set your mind on The Supreme Being but set Him as your ultimate Goal. “I am easily attainable, O Arjuna, by that ever-steadfast devotee who always thinks of Me. (8.14) The dwellers of all the worlds up to and including heaven and the world of the creator are subject to the miseries of repeated birth and death. But, after attaining Me, O Arjuna, one does not take birth again.” (8.16)
9. SUPREME KNOWLEDGE AND THE BIG MYSTERY
Lord Krishna said: “I shall reveal to you, who do not disbelieve, the most profound secret transcendental knowledge together with transcendental experience. Upon understanding this you will be freed from the miseries of worldly existence. (9.01) This Self-knowledge is the king of all knowledge, is the most secret, is very sacred, it can be perceived by instinct, conforms to righteousness (Dharma), is very easy to practice, and is timeless.” (9.02) “This entire universe is an expansion of Mine. All beings depend on Me. I do not depend on them, and am not affected by them. (9.04) Perceive that all beings remain in Me --- without any contact or without producing any effect --- as the mighty wind moving everywhere, eternally remains in space. (9.06) I create the entire multitude of beings again and again with the help of My Material Nature. These beings are under the control of the modes of Material Nature. (9.08) These acts of creation do not bind Me, O Arjuna, because I remain indifferent and unattached to those acts. (9.09) The divine kinetic energy (Maya) with the help of Material Nature creates all animate and inanimate objects under My supervision, and thus the creation keeps on going, O Arjuna.” (9.10) “I personally take care of both spiritual and material welfare of those ever-steadfast devotees who always remember and adore Me with single-minded contemplation. (9.22) O Arjuna, even those devotees who worship the deities with faith, they also really worship Me. (9.23) Whosoever offers Me a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water with devotion; I accept and eat the offering of devotion by the pure-hearted. (9.26) O Arjuna, whatever you do, eat, give, or sacrifice, do it as an offering to Me.” (9.27) A dedicated heart full of devotion is needed to obtain God’s grace, not rituals. “The Self is present equally in all beings. There is no one hateful or dear to Me. But, those who worship Me with love and devotion are very close to Me, and I am also very close to them. (9.29) Even if the most sinful person resolves to worship Me with single-minded loving devotion, such a person must be regarded as a saint because of making the right resolution. (9.30) O Arjuna, My devotee shall never perish or fall down.” (9.31) There is no unforgivable sin or sinner. “Anybody can attain the Supreme Abode by just surrendering unto My will with loving devotion, O Arjuna. (9.32) Always think of Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, and bow down to Me. Thus uniting yourself with Me by setting Me as your supreme goal and sole refuge, you shall certainly come to Me.” (9.34)
10. MANIFESTATION OF THE ABSOLUTE
“Neither the celestial controllers, nor the great sages know My origin, because I am the origin of celestial controllers and great sages also. (10.02) One who knows Me as the unborn, without a beginning or an end, and the Supreme Lord of the universe, is considered wise among mortals, and becomes liberated from the bondage of Karma.” (10.03) “Discrimination, Self-knowledge, non-delusion, forgiveness, truthfulness, control over mind and senses, tranquility, pleasure, birth, death, fear, fearlessness, nonviolence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, disgrace, all these diverse qualities in human beings arise from Me alone. (10.04-05) I am the source of all. Everything originates from Me. Understanding this, the wise ones worship Me with love and devotion. (10.08). I give knowledge and understanding of the metaphysical science to those who are ever united with Me and lovingly adore Me, by which they come to Me.” (10.10) Arjuna said: “O Krishna, I believe all that You have told me to be true. O Lord, neither the celestial controllers nor the demons comprehend Your glory. (10.14) O Creator and Lord of all beings, God of all celestial rulers, the Supreme person, and Lord of the universe, no one understands You. You alone know Yourself.” (10.15) Lord Krishna said: “O Arjuna, now I shall explain to you My prominent divine manifestations, because My manifestations are endless. (10.19) There is no end to My divine manifestations, O Arjuna. Whatever is endowed with glory, brilliance, and power; know that to be the manifestation of a very small fraction of My splendor. (10.41) I continually support the entire universe by a small fraction of My divine energy.” (10.42)
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