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Opening and closing prayer-chants 4
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Prayer-chant unto the guruparamparāLecture1.1
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Prayer-chant unto Bhagavān KṛṣṇaLecture1.2
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1 a Sankalpa for the Gita Amrtam courseLecture1.3
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Prayer-chant for the well being and prosperity of the worldLecture1.4
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Bhagavad Gita Dhyaanam 6
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1 b Freedom from seekingLecture2.1
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1 c Bhagavad Gita Dhyaanam verse 1Lecture2.2
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1 d Q &ALecture2.3
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2 a Bhagavad Gita Dhyaanam (verses 2 – 4)Lecture2.4
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2 b Bhagavad Gita Dhyaanam (verses 5 – 9)Lecture2.5
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2 c The context of the Gita – a glimpse of the MahabharataLecture2.6
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 9
Chanting only of Chapter 1 by Pujya Swami Dayananda ji
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Bhagavad Gita Ch 1Lecture3.1
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3 a The opening of the Gita 1.1-1.9Lecture3.2
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3 b The armies on both sides 1.10-1.20Lecture3.3
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3 c How to study and do sadhana of VedantaLecture3.4
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3 d Q & ALecture3.5
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4 a The situation of Arjuna 1.21-1.35Lecture3.6
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4 b Arjuna’s conflict and sorrow 1.36-47Lecture3.7
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4 Gita Q & ALecture3.8
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How to use the Slack communityLecture3.9
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Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 2 - Saankhya Yoga 46
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Bhagavad Gita Ch 2 chanting by Pujya Swami DayanandaLecture4.1
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5 a Arjuna’s topical problem 2.1-2.7Lecture4.2
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5 b Arjuna’s transformation from friend to shishya and request for shreyas (moksha)Lecture4.3
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5c Q & ALecture4.4
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Overview of the ShaastraLecture4.5
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6 a Arjuna qualified with viveka and vairagyaLecture4.6
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6 Q and ALecture4.7
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7 a The teaching begins 2.11-2.13Lecture4.8
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8 a Guided meditation (Attitude to sukha and dukha) 2.14Lecture4.9
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8 b Who is fit for liberation 2.14-15Lecture4.10
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8 c Satyam (and mithya) 2.16Lecture4.11
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9 a Guided meditation (Panchamahabhutas and connectedness)Lecture4.12
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9 b Sat – all pervasive and indestructible 2.17-18Lecture4.13
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9 c Q & ALecture4.14
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10 a The one who knows the Atma to be neither the karta (doer) nor the bhokta (experiencer) 2.19-20Lecture4.15
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10 b Nature of the Atma 2.21-23Lecture4.16
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10 c Q & A (2.19-23)Lecture4.17
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11 a Neither Atma can be grieved for nor Anatma which is ever changing 2.25-29Lecture4.18
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11 b Q & A and a delightful enactment of the Atma and the two bodies (sthula and sukshma sharira)Lecture4.19
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12 a Atma is no cause for grief 2.30Lecture4.20
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12 b Arjuna ‘s svadharma as a kshatriya (and our svadharma) 2.31-39Lecture4.21
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12 c Q & A (Expecting moksha from being a perfect parent, Career choice, Dharma conflict etc)Lecture4.22
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13 a Introduction to Karma Yoga and clarity on self knowledge being the solution 2.39-43Lecture4.23
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13 b Q & A (Is samadhi experience enough? , If moksha is not my only goal 2.39-43 )Lecture4.24
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14 a Glimpse of being a master (Atmavaan) 2.45-46Lecture4.25
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14 b Choice in Karma but not in result (Famous verses) 2.47-48Lecture4.26
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15 a Karma Yoga – attitude to action and its results 2.48-50Lecture4.27
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15 b Group Discussion and insights – The classification of the day into the four pursuits – Dharma/Artha/Kaama/,MokshaLecture4.28
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16 a Group discussion and insights – What happens when one is money/partner/work/children obsessed?Lecture4.29
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16 b How can one have it all – money/partner/work/children? By Being Dharma centredLecture4.30
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16 c Freedom from bondage of karma 2.51 and Q & ALecture4.31
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17 a Karma Yoga in relationshipsLecture4.32
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17 b How Karma Yoga helps in self knowledge, Vairagya towards alternatives and Arjuna’s question about a wise personLecture4.33
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17 c Q & A (Managing employees, Distractedness, Clash of roles, Dealing with a dominating personLecture4.34
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18 a Signs of a wise person and Mastery 2.56Lecture4.35
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18 b Mastery of the mind and senses 2.57-58 (incl Q and A)Lecture4.36
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18 c How do you feel loved? (Podcast episode link) – Supplementary listeningLecture4.37
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19 a Mastery of the mind and senses 2.59-61Lecture4.38
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19 b Understanding the framework of anger(Dwelling on sense object-Attachment-Anger-Loss of memory of learning-Destruction of person)Lecture4.39
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19 c Discussion on Kaushalam and Samatvam (Duty, Road rage, Resolving misunderstanding)Lecture4.40
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20 a Self mastery and tranquility 2.64-66Lecture4.41
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20 b The vision of a wise person and the sadhana of self mastery (audio has some disturbances)Lecture4.42
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20 c Q & A (Roles etc) (audio has some disturbances)Lecture4.43
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Questions for reflection and making notes on Chapter 2 0 questionQuiz4.1
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21 a The connection of self mastery and inner dialogue with the younger you (incl. guided meditation)Lecture4.44
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Wrap up on Chapter 2 – Kaushalam, Clear understanding of why Vedanta is a solution, Managing a strong desire for marriage, Expectations from our childrenLecture4.45
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 22
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 chanting by Pujya Swami DayanandaLecture5.1
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22 Arjuna ‘s doubt, ‘If knowledge is better than action why prompt me to do karma?’ 2 Lifestyles 3.1-5Lecture5.2
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23 a Quiet appearance but false front & Why karma yoga is better than karma 3.6-7Lecture5.3
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23 b Why karma is superior to inaction & Karma transformed into yajna 3.8-9Lecture5.4
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23 c Q & A (How much work is too much, Objectivity wrt pursuits )Lecture5.5
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24 a Karma as Yajna and recognition of Devatas 3.10-11Lecture5.6
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24 b Karma as pervaded by Veda 3.12-15Lecture5.7
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25 a Contribution to the cosmic wheel and the contentment of a wise person 3.16-18Lecture5.8
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25 b Why perform karma, Janaka, the wise king and role models 3.19-21Lecture5.9
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25 c Gita Q & A (Japa, Time for Vedanta, Delegation etc)Lecture5.10
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26 a Gita 3.22-25 No karma to be done by Bhagavan but still karma is doneLecture5.11
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26 b Gita 3.26-28 Karma impelled by Prakrti’s gunasLecture5.12
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26 c Q and A (Dharma, Rebirth)Lecture5.13
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27 a How can the wise person engage with those who are deluded by prakriti and its gunas and How to fight ?Lecture5.14
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27 b The role of shraddha in learning and how prakriti affects a wise personLecture5.15
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27 c Don’t some under the spell of ragas and dveshasLecture5.16
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27 d Discussion – Handling Differences, Managing ragas and dveshasLecture5.17
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28 a Svadharma is better than paradharma and the problem of (binding) desireLecture5.18
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28 b Knowledge (as though) clouded by binding desire and Atma untouched by it allLecture5.19
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28 c Guided meditation (Saakshi)Lecture5.20
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28 d Discussion (Processing a situation, The 4 aspects of a mind etc )Lecture5.21
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29 Ch 3 Discussion after small groups discussionLecture5.22
-
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Jnana-Karmasannyasa Yoga 30
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 chanting by Pujya Swami DayanandaLecture6.1
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30 a Greatness of the parampara 4.1-3Lecture6.2
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30 b The Why and What of an Avataara 4.4-8Lecture6.3
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30 c Gita 4.1-8 (Can a non sannyasi get jnanam and Can giving up desires lead to jnanam)Lecture6.4
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31 Discussion on the value of Dharma by looking at AdharmaLecture6.5
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32 a Reality of an Avataara and Levels of reality 4.9Lecture6.6
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32 b Taking refuge in Bhagavan and his blessings 4.10-12Lecture6.7
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32 c Gita 4.9-12 (Q and A) (Bindi, Dharma and religiosity etc)Lecture6.8
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33 a The Four fold Varna system 4.13Lecture6.9
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33 b Bhagavan Krishna as Karta and AkartaLecture6.10
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33 c Gita 4.13-15 (Q & A Vrata etc )Lecture6.11
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34 a Gita 4.16-17 What is karma and akarma?Lecture6.12
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34 b 4.18 The vision of a wise person about karma and akarmaLecture6.13
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34 c Gita 4.16-18 (Q & A – Work role, Healing karma etc)Lecture6.14
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35 a Atma as akarta and abhogta (non-doer and non experiencer) 4.18-19Lecture6.15
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35 b Aspects of Jnanam and lifestyle of grahastha and sannyasi 4.20-21Lecture6.16
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35 c Gita 4.18-21 Q & A (Clarifications of Akarta, Vedanta as a perspective, Being assertive)Lecture6.17
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36 Gita 4.22-25 Attitude of a wise person wrt gain/loss and life as yajnaLecture6.18
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37 a Gita 4.26-27 Self mastery of senses as yajna and Chariot imageryLecture6.19
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37 b Gita 4.28 Yajnas – Dravya, Yoga, Svadhyaaya etcLecture6.20
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37 c Gita 4.26-28 (Q & A – Social media response, You are bigger than your pain etc)Lecture6.21
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38 a Gita 4.29-30Lecture6.22
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38 b Gita 4.31-33Lecture6.23
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38 c Gita 4.29 – 33 (Q & A Soham, Misinterpreting the verse)Lecture6.24
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39 a Gita 4.34 How to relate to a teacher for knowledgeLecture6.25
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39 b Gita 4.35-38 The result of knowledge and What if one is a paapi?Lecture6.26
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39 c Gita 4.34-38 (Q and A – Making amends etc )Lecture6.27
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40 a Gita 4.39Lecture6.28
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40 b Gita 4.39 contd.Lecture6.29
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40 c Gita 4.40-4.42 (plus Q and A)Lecture6.30
-
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Sannyasa Yoga 20
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 chantingLecture7.1
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41 a Gita 5.1-3 Sannyasa or Karma Yoga – Which is better? aLecture7.2
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41 b Gita 5.4 Are Sannyasa and Karma Yoga same?Lecture7.3
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41 c Assignment on Identifying Life prioritiesLecture7.4
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42 Discussion on Life prioritiesLecture7.5
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43 a The goal of Sannyasa and Karma Yoga as a lifestyle is oneLecture7.6
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43 b Vision of a wise person despite performing actionsLecture7.7
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43 c Gita 5.5-9 Reflections and discussionLecture7.8
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44 a Gita 5.10 The wise one who is not affectedLecture7.9
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44 b Gita 5.11-12 How do karma yogis perform karmaLecture7.10
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44 c Gita 5.13-14 Where does the wise being live and how?Lecture7.11
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45 a Gita 5.15-16 Atma is not affected by punya/paapaLecture7.12
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45 b Gita 5.17 Levels of commitmentLecture7.13
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45 c Gita 5.18 How does the wise person look upon a Brahmana, a cow etc Q & ALecture7.14
-
46 a Gita 5.19-20 Freedom from the cycle of birth and death and extremes of emotionLecture7.15
-
46 b Gita 5.21-23 The gain of happiness that does not change and the transitory nature of experiential happinessLecture7.16
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46 c Gita 5.19-23 Q & ALecture7.17
-
47 a Gita 5.24-25 Videha mukti and the sukha of a wise personLecture7.18
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47 b Gita 5.27-29 Introduction to Dhyaanam and AikyamLecture7.19
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47 c Gita 5.24-29 Q & A (Imp of Asana, Desire fulfilment,Lecture7.20
-
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Dhyaana Yoga 15
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 chantingLecture8.1
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48 Gita 6.1-3 Who is a Sannyasi and a yogi?Lecture8.2
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49 Gita 6.4 Yogi has freedom from dependenceLecture8.3
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49 b Gita 6.5-6 Being a friend to oneselfLecture8.4
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50 a Gita 6.7 Being a jitatma and free from oppositesLecture8.5
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50 b Gita 6.8-9 A yogi ‘s attitude towards objects and peopleLecture8.6
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51 a Gita 6.10 The preparation of Karma Yoga for a meditatorLecture8.7
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51 b Gita 6.11-14 Initial preparatory steps (place, asana etc)Lecture8.8
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52 Gita 6.15 Who is an accomplished personLecture8.9
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53 Gita 6.19-20 The mind of a yogiLecture8.10
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54 Gita 6.21-23 Reveling in oneself and Dissociation from the association with sorrow (3rd definition of Karma Yoga)Lecture8.11
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55 Gita 6.24 – 28 Dissociation from the association with sorrow and benefits of DhyaanamLecture8.12
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56 Gita 6.29 – 30 The vision of oneness/samenessLecture8.13
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57 Gita 6.31-34 The wise person and Arjuna’s question about not seeing the visionLecture8.14
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58 Gita 6.36 – 47 What happens to one who did not complete his Vedanta journey and praise of a yogi?Lecture8.15
-
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Jnana-Vijnana Yoga 16
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Chanting by Pujya Swami DayanandaLecture9.1
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59 Gita 7.1-7.6 Introduction to Indirect and Immediate knowledgeLecture9.2
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59b Gita 7.4 – 7.6 Nature of IshvaraLecture9.3
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60a Gita 7.7 – 7.9 Manifestations of IshvaraLecture9.4
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60b Gita 7.10-11 Manifestations of Ishvara contd.Lecture9.5
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60c Gita 7.7-11 Q and ALecture9.6
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61a Gita 7.12-14 Mayashakti and crossing over MayaLecture9.7
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61b Gita 7.15-17 Four Types of devoteesLecture9.8
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61c Gita 7.12-17 Q and ALecture9.9
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62 Gita 7.16 Four kinds of devotees and their world viewLecture9.10
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62b Gita 7.18-20 Which among the devotees is one with IshvaraLecture9.11
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62c Gita 7.18-20 Q and A (Why more don’t take to Vedanta, Readiness, Journey of a Jijnasu etc)Lecture9.12
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63a Gita 7.21-22 How Bhagavan makes the shraddha strongerLecture9.13
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63b Gita 7.23-25 Why and what do people not know about Bhagavan?Lecture9.14
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63c Gita 7.21-25 Q and A (How shraddha for rituals grows)Lecture9.15
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64 Gita 7.26-30 How do devotees seek Bhagavan?Lecture9.16
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-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Akshara Brahman Yoga 17
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Chanting by Pujya Swami DayanandaLecture10.1
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65 a Summary of first seven chaptersLecture10.2
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65 b Gita 8.1-5 Arjuna’s question about Brahman and what happens when a person diesLecture10.3
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65 c Gita 8.1-5 Q and ALecture10.4
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66 a Gita 8.5-8.6 Whom to remember before dying ?Lecture10.5
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66b Gita 8.7-9 How to remember Bhagavan?Lecture10.6
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66c Gita 8.5-9 Q and A Grieving and HealingLecture10.7
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67 a Gita 8.10-13 How to give up the body (for a yogi and jnani)?Lecture10.8
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67b Gita 8.14-15 How to reach Bhagavan and what happens after that?Lecture10.9
-
67c Gita 8.10 – 15 Q and ALecture10.10
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68 a Gita 8.16-18 The lifespan of Brahmaji and the nature of the lokasLecture10.11
-
68 b Gita 8.19-21 The play of manifest and unmanifestLecture10.12
-
68 c Gita 8.16-21 Q and ALecture10.13
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69 a Gita 8.22-24 Who is the limitless purusha and where do meditators of Brahmaloka go?Lecture10.14
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69 b Gita 8.25-28 Where do karmis, mere ritualists go after death and who finally reaches Brahman?Lecture10.15
-
69 c Gita 8.22-27 Q and ALecture10.16
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70 a Gita Ch 8 Q and A (post death rituals)Lecture10.17
-
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Rajavidya Rajaguhya Yoga 20
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Chanting by Pujya Swami DayanandaLecture11.1
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70 b Gita 9.1-2 What is the King of Knowledge and the King of Secrets and why?Lecture11.2
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71 a Gita 9.3 What is required for the knowledge and what happens to those who don’t seek it?Lecture11.3
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71 b Gita 9.4-5 Satyam (and Mithya)Lecture11.4
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71 c Gita 9.3-5 Gita (Q and A)Lecture11.5
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72 a Gita 9.6-8 Nature of Ishvara (and Maya shakti)Lecture11.6
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72 b Gita Despite manifesting Ishvara is unchangingLecture11.7
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72 c Gita 9.6-10 (Q and A)Lecture11.8
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73 a Gita 9.11-12 What happens to the ones who do not recognise Bhagavan as the lord of all beings?Lecture11.9
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73 b Gita 9.13-14 Qualities of the ones who seek Bhagavan ?Lecture11.10
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73 c Gita 9.11-14 Q and ALecture11.11
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74 a Gita 9.15-17 How to worship Bhagavan with jnana-yajna?Lecture11.12
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74 b Gita 9.18-21 How Bhagavan is one and distinct & What happens to people who go to svarga ?Lecture11.13
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74 c Gita 9.15 – 21 (Q and A – People who don’t have viveka, what to do when a person is bitter etc)Lecture11.14
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75 a Gita 9.22 How does Bhagavan support the jnani/mumukshu?Lecture11.15
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75 b Gita 9.23-26 Devotees who are committed to different ends and not Bhagavan; Bhagavan ‘s acceptance of the smallest offeringLecture11.16
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75 c Gita 9.22-26 Q and A (Bhagavan-Sakshi/experiencer)Lecture11.17
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76 a Gita 9.27-28 Which actions to offer to Bhagavan and the resulting maturity from this attitudeLecture11.18
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76 b Gita 9.29-32 ‘I am the same in all’ and different groups of people can still gain BhagavanLecture11.19
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76 c Gita 9.33-34 and Q and A The level of commitment in seeking BhagavanLecture11.20
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-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10 Vibhuti Yoga 22
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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10 Vibhutih Yoga (Chanting by Pujya Swami Dayananda)Lecture12.1
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77a Gita 10.1-3 Introduction to the glories of BhagavanLecture12.2
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77b Gita 10.4-5 All dispositions and emotions are from BhagavanLecture12.3
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77c Gita 10.1-5 Q and A (Sadhana in Vedanta, Doing the right thing as jury, When people think you should not forgive etc )Lecture12.4
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78a Gita 10.6-7 Knowing the vibhuti of BhagavanLecture12.5
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78b Gita 10.8-9 What do wise people know about me and how does it show in their life?Lecture12.6
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78c Gita 10.6-9 Q and A (Vegetarianism, Socialising/Social pressure etc)Lecture12.7
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79a Gita 10.10-11 Whom does Bhagavan give knowledge to and what does he destroy?Lecture12.8
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79b Gita 10.12-19 Arjuna summarising his understanding of Bhagavan and making a requestLecture12.9
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79c Gita 10.10-19 Q and A (sharing of one’s life vibhutis and the question of creation)Lecture12.10
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80a Gita 10.20 Aham AtmaLecture12.11
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80b Gita The conscious being is free from roles (Guided meditation)Lecture12.12
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80c Gita 10.20 Q and A (Responses to meditation etc)Lecture12.13
-
81a Gita 10.21-23 Bhagavan’s vibhutis beginLecture12.14
-
81b Gita 10.24-26 Bhagavan’s vibhutis continueLecture12.15
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81c Gita 10.21-26 Q and A (Balance, Japa, Samskaaras, Where do thoughts come from?)Lecture12.16
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82a Gita 10.27-29 Bhagavan’s vibhutis – Uchhaishravasa till Yama who disciplinesLecture12.17
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82b Gita 10.30-32 Bhagavan’s vibhutis – Prahlada till Vada-discussionLecture12.18
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82c Gita 10.27-32 Q and A (the how of creation, the why of Bhagavan Krishna’s list)Lecture12.19
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83a Gita 10.33-35 Vibhutis – A among the letters till the Spring seasonLecture12.20
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83b Gita 10.36-42 Vibhutis – Game of dice etc All vibhutis are meLecture12.21
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83c Gita Vibhuti garland of blessingLecture12.22
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-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga 10
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (Chanting by Pujya Swami Dayananda)Lecture13.1
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84a Gita 11.1-16 Arjuna’s request to see the cosmic form and Bhagavan’s responseLecture13.2
-
84b Gita Garland of Vibhutis and Q and ALecture13.3
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85a Gita 11.16-24 Arjuna awestruck by the cosmic formLecture13.4
-
85b Gita 11.25-33 Arjuna getting afraid, Krishna tells him to be a ‘nimitta’Lecture13.5
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85c Gita 11.16-33 Q and A What is the point of this chapter?Lecture13.6
-
86a Gita 11.34-40 Arjuna doing namaskaar to the cosmic form and sharing his wonderLecture13.7
-
86b Gita 11.41-54 Arjuna apologises for being casual, the return of Bhagavan to the Krishna form and the importance of bhaktiLecture13.8
-
87a Gita 11.55 Clarification about offering karma to BhagavanLecture13.9
-
87b Gita Ch 11 Discussion – Being an instrumentLecture13.10
-
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 Bhakti Yoga 16
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 Bhakti Yoga (Chanting by Pujya Swami Dayananda)Lecture14.1
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87c Gita 12.1-2 Arjuna’s question – Is meditating on Bhagavan or Brahman better?Lecture14.2
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88a Gita 12.3 The one who meditates on Brahman gains meLecture14.3
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88b Gita 12.4-5 and QnA The maturity and mastery of a person who meditates on BrahmanLecture14.4
-
89 Guru stotram on the eve of Guru PurnimaLecture14.5
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89a Gita 12.6-7 What does karma yoga with upaasana do?Lecture14.6
-
89b Gita 12.8-9 If karma yoga with upaasana is difficult what to do?Lecture14.7
-
90a Gita 12.9-10 Why Abhyaasa yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) is helpful for mastering the mindLecture14.8
-
90b 12.11-12 The ways of relating to Bhagavaan (Sequence of maturity)Lecture14.9
-
91a Gita 12.13 Signs of a jnani bhaktaLecture14.10
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91b 12.14-15 Signs of a jnani bhakta (contd.)Lecture14.11
-
91c Gita 12.13-15 Q and A Do Vedantins have extra miseryLecture14.12
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92a Gita 12.16 Qualities of the bhaktaLecture14.13
-
92b Gita 12.17-18 Qualities of the bhakta (contd.)Lecture14.14
-
92c Gita 12.18-20 Glory of bhakta and shraddha incl Q and ALecture14.15
-
93 Gita Ch 12 Group discussion – some observationsLecture14.16
-
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Kshetra-Kshetrajna vibhagah yoga 23
-
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 (Chanting by Pujya Swami Dayananda)Lecture15.1
-
94a Gita Quick recap Ch 1 – 12Lecture15.2
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94b Gita 13.1-2 The kshetram (field) and kshetrajna (knower of the field)Lecture15.3
-
94c Gita 13.1-2 Q and A Am I the thoughts of the mindLecture15.4
-
95a Gita 13.3-6 More about the Kshetram, fieldLecture15.5
-
95b Gita 13.3-6 Guided Meditation on the Kshetra and kshetrajnaLecture15.6
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95c Gita 13.3-6 Q and A Sequence of manifestation, Knowing = BeingLecture15.7
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96a Gita 13.7 Intro to Value of ValuesLecture15.8
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96b Gita 13.7 Values contd. and AmanitvamLecture15.9
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97a Gita 13.7 Values are universal but not absolute Adambhitvam – absence of non pretensionLecture15.10
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97b Gita 13.7b Values contd. Ahimsa-non harming, Kshanti – AccommodationLecture15.11
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97c Gita 13.7c Values QnA Fear of hurting the other, What if the other does not give the same importance to the value like me?Lecture15.12
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98a Gita 13.7 a Values – Aarjvam, AcharyopaasanamLecture15.13
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98b Gita 13.7b ShauchamLecture15.14
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98c Gita 13.7c Values Q n A Applying the values etcLecture15.15
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99a Gita 13.7 Values – Sthairyam – SteadinessLecture15.16
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99b Gita 13.7b Atmavinigraha – Mastery of the mindLecture15.17
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99c Gita 13.8 Indriyaartheshu Vairagyamssion towards the sense objectsLecture15.18
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99d Gita 13.8 Anahankaara – Absence of prideLecture15.19
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99e Gita 13.8 Q n ALecture15.20
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100 a Gita 13.8 Janma-mrtyu-jara-vyaadhi-dukha-dosha-anudarshanam Seeing clearly the defects of pain in birth, death, old age and diseaseLecture15.21
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100b Gita 13.9 Asaktih-Absence of sense of ownership and Anabhishvangah – Absence of obsession towards the child, partner house and the likeLecture15.22
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100c Gita 13.8-9 Q and A Give and take in relationships, Parenting, Friendships drifting apart etcLecture15.23
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The third chapter of the श्रीमद् भगवद्-गीता concluded with the teaching of how Arjuna and all of us can overcome binding desire. ‘Binding’ is specified, to distinguish binding desire from काम | काम is a valid pursuit according to the वेद | Binding desire is when काम debilitates one, and I must have it by hook or by crook.
The permanent solution to binding desire is understanding that I am ever दृग् (Seer), I am never दृश्यम् (seen). The seen is the desire and all that comes along in its wake.
In transaction, one can manage desires~ by prioritization, making desires goal-oriented, being process-focused, and aligning desire with धर्म | However, true independence from binding desire comes from recognizing my स्वरूप and abiding in it.
The divisions into chapters of श्रीमद् भगवद्-गीता is only for our sake, depending on the topic being elaborated by भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: | श्रीमद् भगवद्-गीता talks of 18 योग:-s. योग: here means topic. And each chapter is titled according to the predominant topic spoken about within.
* श्लोक १ & २*
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम् ।
विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत् ॥ १॥
एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदु: ।
स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्ट: परन्तप ॥ २॥
This Chapter Four talks of ज्ञान in the form of कर्मसंन्यास |
भगवान् begins Chapter 4 by outlining the lineage of the Teaching.
Based on all that has been said so far in all verses, the two main topics we have seen are-
(i) the nature of आत्मा; ज्ञानम्,
(ii) the lifestyle that helps one to get (i).
If one is pursuing धर्म, अर्थ, काम, alongside with मोक्ष, then this lifestyle of कर्म योग is prescribed.
If we look at the time we dedicate to वेदान्त, it is about 4 hours/month for गीता अमृतम् | This does not amount to much time over the timespan of a year. If we compare this to a weekend camp immersive experience where there is ~8-10 hours of classes; this can equate to over 2 months of classes (using the above 4 hours/month).
So, one hour/week is so little. But even with this little time of one hour/week, the power of this tradition is so great, that one’s life can be changed.
Here, भगवान् is saying that all that I have told you about knowledge and the 2 lifestyles i.e. कर्म योग & संन्यास, that I have pretty much said all that I needed to say, and I have given you the Teaching.
This is what is meant by इमम् |
इमं योग ~ This योग refers to knowledge and the lifestyle (कर्म योग & संन्यास).
संन्यास is an exclusive pursuit of मोक्ष, where धर्म, अर्थ, काम are pursued to the least minimum.
We have seen in Chapter 3 that no one can live without doing कर्म |
The संन्यास does minimum कर्म alone, leaving all time & effort for learning & teaching.
Whereas with कर्म योग lifestyle, one pursues other things alongside pursuit of मोक्ष- श्रवणम् (attending classes), contemplating on what is learnt and applying it to one’s life etc. This is done with the ultimate purpose in mind, so that when one is ready, one pursues ज्ञानम् full-time.
संन्यास is both a lifestyle and it is indicative of knowledge.संन्यास means सम्यक् (well done/completely) न्यास: (giving up) i.e. giving up completely.
So, if it is a lifestyle, then it is a choice of how one wants to live one’s life. There are vows involved in accepting संन्यास | And only a select few will take it, and only a select few are ready for it.
But what is non-negotiable is the संन्यास of कर्म in the form of ज्ञानम् |
So, संन्यास लक्षणम् is कर्म संन्यास |
कर्मसंन्यास is to give up completely my notion/identity of being a limited person.
But, I cannot even give up an opinion, so how do I give up this strong notion of being a limited individual?
So here the sense of identity that I gained recognition & self-worth from and held on to,
in the light of knowledge, I give it up by seeing the Truth of it.
Also, previously भगवान् has spoken of कर्म योग as a disposition and lifestyle, and as an approach to कर्म & कर्मफल |
Here भगवान् says that, प्रोक्तवान्~ All I have said,
I have taught to विवस्वान् (सूर्य भगवान्).
विवस्वान् did not keep this knowledge to Himself, He did not get too precious about it.
He passed it on to मनु, who taught it to इक्ष्वाकु |
So, here we see भगवान् referring to important figures in the particular Teaching lineage of the सूर्य सम्प्रदाय |
*N.B.* – एवं परम्पराप्राप्तम्
The knowledge gained, has been gained through the परम्परा i.e. it is a Teaching tradition that has been handed down from one generation to another.
And was it only for the ऋषि-s? No. It was also for राज-s who were Sages, e.g. King Janaka, in addition to the ऋषि-s.
This shows that people who were highly accomplished also had a value for this knowledge. They were not consumed by धर्म, अर्थ, काम only. They also pursued मोक्ष |
But,
कालेन – since time has elapsed,
योगो नष्ट: ~ this योग (Knowledge) that I taught you, which has been going on in the lineage, It has declined in the world.
(नष्ट means destroyed, but in this context, it means that it has declined)
भगवान् is not lamenting about this, it is just a statement of fact.
Often, we initially join class with great enthusiasm. Then, life happens, and we miss class, and feel badly about it and then drop out. Instead of thinking- Oh I missed class, so I should try to catch up; this resignation is there.
And then our clever mind uses cognitive dissonance to explain away, and rationally justify either at the conscious or subconscious level why we cannot keep up so that we don’t feel badly about ourselves.
The ones who stick with it are very few in every generation.
Here on the battlefield, भगवान् is talking to Arjuna in द्वापर युग on the cusp of कलियुग, and even then there were very few takers for this knowledge.
And now in कलियुग with the complete decline of धर्म, there is even less interest.
Importantly, as भगवान्, भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: is highlighting the परम्परा |
परम्परा is the lineage of the flow of knowledge that takes place from one generation to another.
सम्प्रदाय is used interchangeably with परम्परा | सम्प्रदाय means that which is given completely. [सम्यक् – good, well done, completely; प्रदानम्-giving]
E.g. In academia/ “academentia”, insecurities can come up, so the secular knowledge isn’t completely shared between teacher & student.
But ब्रह्मविद्या is the only thing that can be given completely, because the knowledge is of me as completeness/पूर्ण.
So, it is सम्यक् प्रदानम् – completely given, because I am पूर्ण i.e. I am complete in & of myself.
Therefore, सम्प्रदाय reflects the lineage/teaching tradition that is the central aspect of Sanatana Dharma Hinduism.
There is no central institution in Hinduism.
The सम्प्रदाय is the lineage of knowledge which is dotted across the landscape of Bharat that has kept Sanatana Dharma alive.
The methodology is very thorough since it is immersive learning, with one cycle of learning being 12 complete years full-time.
Each सम्प्रदाय/Teaching tradition/lineage has a central deity, e.g. Lord Shiva, Ganapati Baba, Devi Mata, with different ways of worship/practices, and various dispositions on how they look at wealth, health, the world, and the relationship between the world and the individual.
However, there are a lot of commonalities, though the सम्प्रदाय-s may be different. For instance, there is agreement that everything is sacred, even if there are different ways of looking at reality.
For example, Reality may be looked at as द्वैत with two separate entities of the individual and भगवान् | Or, it can be considered that I am part of ईश्वर | So, there may be different ways of looking at Reality.
But, what is important is the culture of reverence which is present in all सम्प्रदाय-s.
So, one can travel anywhere within India and feel at home if one goes to a temple, or meets a religious person from another सम्प्रदाय |
We see this deep श्रद्धा at pilgrimage sites, e.g. at प्रयाग् we see different people of all ages praying to any form of भगवान्~ from different deities, to the river, or to the milestones on the roadside, and it is accepted by all, it is okay.
This culture of reverence that is there, is borne of the recognition that all that is here is sacred, all is ईश्वर | This culture is transmitted through the entire culture associated with every सम्प्रदाय/lineage.
So, importantly in these verses we see-
~ ब्रह्मविद्या is given completely.
~ Specific names are mentioned in श्लोक १ to highlight the role of the सम्प्रदाय for learning to take place.
~ The mention of the सम्प्रदाय also shows that this teaching is not something new, it has been around for a long time.
* श्लोक ३ *
स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योग: प्रोक्त: पुरातन: ।
भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम् ॥ ३॥
अयं मया प्रोक्त:~ all this said so far, by me,
(प्रोक्त:~ said)
it is पुरातन: ~ it is old, but ever new i.e. it is ancient but ever relevant.
So, possible concerns that Arjuna may have had at this time are:
– So then is this ancient knowledge applicable to me?
– Would our friendship last after भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: teaches me?
– What does भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: think of me?
Therefore, to remove Arjuna’s probable concerns, भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: says-
You are my भक्त, you are my सखा (friend).
भगवान् also says that I am telling you one great secret~ उत्तमम् रहस्यम् |
This Teaching is considered a रहस्य/secret.
It is not that one wants to deny/deprive someone of this knowledge,
but at a minimum, in order for one to understand, there should be भक्ति, with trust in भगवान् |
Some relationship with भगवान् is important, or else this knowledge has no point.
Therefore, we should reclaim trust if it has been eroded in life. Otherwise, we may not trust anyone, and always be second guessing their intention, and this can translate to doubts in the relationship with the Teacher who is part of the Teaching lineage.
So, भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: assures Arjuna, telling him that you are dear to me as a भक्त/devotee and as a friend, and this is why I am sharing this Knowledge with you.
Arjuna may have also thought, why did you not tell me this earlier, when we spent 12-13 years in the forest.
So, this could also be why भगवान् श्री कृष्ण: reassures Arjuna in this way.
This highlights the relational aspect of a Teacher-student relationship.
The Truth is actually glaringly obvious. But one has been looking externally/outwardly.
E.g. Even now, though one is studying वेदान्त, if one sees or hears an ad on the secret to ultimate happiness, one will check it out since the senses are turned externally outwards and one thinks that something external will give this happiness to me. Similarly, there is an appeal to the idea of a short crash course versus 12 years of study.
But metaphorically, भगवान् has hid that which is most precious in one’s own heart. So, I am the problem, but I am also the solution.
I have looked all over, went on all pilgrimages ~ spiritual and psychedelic, but really I am that पूर्ण that the वेद talks of.
But then one asks ~ how is it possible that I am पूर्ण? Therefore, the Truth remains a secret, because even if it is revealed to me, I do not fully assimilate it..
The basis of the Teacher-student relationship is both devotion & friendship.
Friendship is one of the most under-rated & undervalued relationships, but it is the basis of all relationships as there is an emphasis on equality. One is not trying to change the other, only support.
For instance, in marriages, once friendship is there, one can weather any storm.
But, if there are too many रागद्वेष, then this can be a problem.
So, this knowledge which is a part of the Teaching lineage, this knowledge which is given completely, भगवान् is sharing now with Arjuna because he is dear to Him, he is His सखा/friend.
And this knowledge is not something new, it is present in every सम्प्रदाय/मठ |
मठ is a traditional institution of learning in India, with different teaching traditions.
In some मठ-s, the teaching tradition is relegated only to initiates.
There may be Public Teaching which is accessible to all, but then advanced level is only taught to certain people because they have gained a certain maturity for it.
Also, not all सम्प्रदाय-s will teach अद्वैत वेदान्त; others may have विशिष्टाद्वैत, द्वैत etc.
But, one is respectful to all मठ-s | For instance, though in उपनिषद् class the argument of द्वैत may be demolished, one always treats people from the द्वैत सम्प्रदाय respectfully.
We must remain united as Sanatana Dharma, with no divisions due to differing theological positions, with धर्म remaining as a framework in one’s interactions with the other.