The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an illustration of how Bhagawan Krishna’s words of advice to Arjuna has been put to practice in the past. We’ve seen how “Dhaanam” can be classified into “Saathvika Dhaanam”, “Raajasa Dhaanam” and “Taamasa Dhaanam” and how King Dasharata stood as a beautiful example in illustrating all the three types. Initially we saw how King Dasharata did not want to send Bhagawan Rama with Sage Vishwamitra and his reluctance indicates “Taamasa Dhaanam”. However, when Sage Vasishtachaarya intervened at the right time, King Dasharata readily accepted to send Bhagawan Rama with Sage Vishwamitra and this illustrated “Saathvika Dhaanam”, which came out of his immense “Guru Bhakti” towards Sage Vasishtachaarya. However, King Dasharata himself emphasizes that he is sending Bhagawan Rama not because something good is going to happen to him in the near future, but it is only because Sage Vasishtachaarya wants him to send the child. This indicates that King Dasharatra averts the “Raajasa Dhaanam” and sticks with the “Saathvika Dhaanam”. 

Hence in this way, every word that Bhagawan Krishna is uttering here is always backed up with a solid proof and a potential possibility that His words can definitely be implemented in real life. It is not that Bhagawan Krishna is talking something in the air as many of us might perceive. Of course there are enough and more people outside who can potentially mislead us by saying that these are very ideal things that Bhagawan is talking about and since we are in the “Kali Yuga”, nothing is applicable here! This is absolutely a wrong and a misleading argument. We should always understand that “Dharma” is the same across all “Yugas” and it doesn’t change even an inch. Circumstances might change of course, but with changes in circumstances and situations, our will power and resolve to follow the path of “Dharma” should increase. This is something that all of us need to constantly keep reminding ourselves. Bhagawan Krishna is not talking something very idealistic. His words are extremely simple and implementable if we have the proper understanding. All that He is saying is we should do our duty properly with due dedication and surrender towards Him (“Karma Yoga”). Isn’t this not implementable? Moreover, Bhagawan is saying that we should allocate some time in our schedule each day to sit and perform “Dhyaanam” thinking of Him (“Gnyaana Yoga”). Isn’t this not implementable? Third, Bhagawan says that the easiest way to attain “Atma-Saakshaakaaram” is to perform the Bhakti Yoga and He lists out several ways to perform “Bhakti” and to understand Him. Is this very difficult to implement? 

Hence, the resolve should come from within us, rather than blaming the “Yuga” and the circumstances that we live in. We should understand here that it is the same Bhagawan who has created the “Tretha Yuga”, has also created this “Kali Yuga”. As I’ve mentioned several times earlier, every “Yuga” has its own positives and challenges. It is up to us to pick up the positives and move along, rather than getting carried away by the challenges that galore. So the point here is that, whatever actions we perform, should be as per the guidelines in the “Shaastras” and these actions are grossly classified into the “Saathvika Karma”. Thus, Bhagawan says that we should embrace the “Saathvika Karma” and let go of the “Raajasa and Taamasa Karma”. 

Similarly if we look at the food that we consume, Bhagawan again classifies them into three. We might wonder what kind of food items are classified into “Raajasa” and “Taamasa”. Bhagawan says that those food items that are excessive in salt content or sugar content or spice content, etc. are classified under the “Raajasa Aahaara” because these excessive quantities of sugar, salt and spice tend to alter our nature and character to a great extent. Today’s medical research also threads the same line, wherein it has been established that our nature, demeanour, character, etc. are grossly determined by the food that we consume. For instance, if we consume excessive spicy foods in a sustained manner, our anger and frustration would start increasing. So these are the “Raajasic” characteristics that will be on the rise if we consume the “Raajasa Aaharam”. Similarly, when Bhagawan talks about “Taamasa Aahaaram”, He says that we should not consume food that has been stored for a long time after being cooked (“Yaatayaamam”). Of course, in those days there was no concept of a “refrigerator” wherein we keep storing cooked food items for a long time! 🙂 Normally, whatever we cook in the morning should be finished off in the morning itself. We should never carry forward the cooked food items to subsequent times of the day! Secondly, Bhagawan says that we shouldn’t consume food that has lost its natural taste (“Gatharasam”). Thirdly, Bhagawan says that we shouldn’t consume food that has changed its odour into a foul smell (“Poothi”). Fourth, Bhagawan says that we shouldn’t consume food that has become stale / rotten (“Parushitam”). Finally, Bhagawan explains that more than everything else, the food that is not offered as a “Neivedhyam” to Him should never be touched (“Amethyam”)! 

Hence, all these types of food items mentioned above would come under the “Taamasa Aahaaram”. So for today, let us take a deeper understanding about the different types of actions in terms of the food that we consume and let us try and implement this in our daily lives too. We shall have a detailed discussion on this “Taamasa Aahaaram” in the next episode as well, before we move on further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna classifying all our actions into three different categories according to the three important “Gunas” that we possess – “Sathva Guna”, “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna”. This discussion is as part of the seventeenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita and Bhagawan Krishna explains to Arjuna that whatever actions we perform, should be of the “Saathvika” nature. The same actions can be performed in the “Raajasic” and “Taamasic” nature as well and we should avoid these. For instance, consuming food is very important, but at the same time, we cannot eat whatever we get in hand, isn’t it? There should be a proper balance in our diet with all nutrients in the right quantities. This is what we refer to as “Saathvika Aahaara”. However, if our food contains a lot of spice, oil and salt content in it, we call this as “Raajasa Aahaara”. As a result of consuming such food, our “Rajo Guna” starts dominating within us and this motivates us to go along the path of “Adharma”. Similarly if we’re giving “Dhaanam”, we should offer the “Dhaanam” with our pure heart and love. This is the “Saathvika Dhaanam”. However, if we’re offering the “Dhaanam” in front of the cameras and with an aim of achieving name and fame because of this, it is called “Raajasa Dhaanam” and if we’re giving the “Dhaanam” with half-mindedness and with a lot of reluctance, it is referred to as “Taamasa Dhaanam”. Hence, even when we’re offering the “Dhaanam” to someone, we should always offer it in the “Saathvik” manner. 

In today’s episode, we shall witness some examples of these aspects that we’ve got in our scriptural texts itself. When Sage Vishwamitra made his way to King Dasharata’s palace to ask for Bhagawan Rama to perform his “Yagnyam” for the benefit of the world, initially King Dasharata did not want to offer. We’ve seen this during our earlier Ramayana project that when Sage Vishwamitra comes inside King Dasharata’s chamber, King Dasharata receives him with all the respects and gives an assurance that he would be ready to offer anything that Sage Vishwamitra wants! However, what conspired is that, Sage Vishwamitra asked for King Dasharata’s son straightaway, which King Dasharata least expected! At that time, Bhagawan Rama was around 12 years old and King Dasharata was wondering how a small 12-year-old boy could protect a huge “Yagnya” that Sage Vishwamitra is going to do! However, Sage Vishwamitra tries to pacify King Dasharata by motivating him that his son is capable of anything and we shouldn’t underestimate him in any way. Even after so much persuasion, King Dasharata was not really convinced! He replied to Sage Vishwamitra that he’s not going to give Bhagawan Rama to him by any chance! Instead, King Dasharata offered a deal to Sage Vishwamitra that he could ask him anything else other than Bhagawan Rama! 

However, as Sage Vishwamitra stood by his stance, King Dasharata bluntly refused! This act of King Dasharata is a great example of “Taamasa Dhaanam”, wherein King Dasharata is stubborn in his stance, not to give Bhagawan Rama! Normally when great Maharishis come for obtaining “Dhaanam”, it is a norm that we offer the “Dhaanam” with a Sanskrit phrase – 

“Braahmanaaya tubramaham sampradate! Idan namama!” 

This means – “Oh great Brahmana Rishi! I’m offering this item to you as “Dhaanam” and from now onwards this item is never mine!” After offering the “Dhaanam”, even for a second we should not think about that item that we’ve offered to them! Rather on the contrary, if we’re saying that this item is mine and offering the “Dhaanam”, great Maharishis will never accept it! This is exactly what King Dasharata does here – So when he’s saying that he’s not going to send Bhagawan Rama along with Sage Vishwamitra to the forest, he says – “Oh Sage Vishwamitra! I’m not going to send my son along with you!” This irked Sage Vishwamitra and he started to walk away in anger! However, due to the timely intervention of Sage Vasishtaachaarya, King Dasharata quickly changes his mind! The moment Sage Vishwamitra starts walking in anger, Sage Vasishtachaarya sends a non-verbal communication to King Dasharata that Sage Vishwamitra is calling Bhagawan Rama for a very auspicious purpose and he should send the child immediately with Sage Vishwamitra! Immediately after this message comes from Sage Vasishtachaarya, King Dasharata stops the angry Sage Vishwamitra and he sends Bhagawan Rama along! 

Now what has happened all of a sudden? King Dasharata’s “Guru Bhakti” towards Sage Vasishtachaarya is such that, if he even says a single word, King Dasharata will immediately execute it without fail! King Dasharata in fact replies thus, “Oh Sage Vasishtachaarya! It is not important whether something good is about to happen to my son or not! All that is important for me here is whether you’re saying that I should send him or not! If you say “yes”, I’m ready to send Rama immediately!” Now, the “Taamasa Dhaanam” has been converted into a “Saathvika Dhaanam” by Sage Vasishtachaarya at the right time, isn’t it? Here, we’ve to note that King Dasharata not only sent Bhagawan Rama, but also sent Lakshmana along with Sage Vishwamitra! With this, Sage Vishwamitra’s anger came down and he happily took the two kids along with him to the forest! Hence, the concept of “Saathvika Dhaanam” is beautifully brought out by Sage Valmiki in the Ramayana text, isn’t it? 

So for today, let us understand the practical application and validation of whatever Bhagawan Krishna explains and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna concluding the discussion on the sixteenth “Adhyaaya” by advising Arjuna that all his actions in this world should be strictly in accordance with the “Shaastras” and at any point in time he should not deviate from what the “Shaastras” say. If he does so, they would be counted as “Adharmic” acts. This advice is not only for Arjuna from Bhagawan Krishna, but for all of us as well. Whatever actions we perform every passing day, should be of benefit to others and should be as per the “Dharma” rule book. We’ve to ensure that Bhagawan Krishna’s words are followed at all times. Of course on the outward angle this might look a bit complicated, but if we delve deeply, whatever Bhagawan Krishna says is quite simple and easy for anybody to follow in this world. All that Bhagawan is saying is to be truthful, honest and sincere in whatever we’re doing. If we’re able to follow this in our actions, obviously Bhagawan is going to hand-hold us and bring us closer to Him. So it is up to us to put that effort in the right direction and take the right step towards Bhagawan. 

Now as we move into the seventeenth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan Krishna is going to classify those actions pertaining to “Dharma” into three categories – those actions pertaining towards “Sathva Guna”, “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna”. This is going to be quite interesting here. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Now you’ve to categorize all your actions into three types – For instance, the food that you consume has three types – “Saathvika Aahara”, “Raajasa Aahaara” and “Taamasa Aahara”. When you experience “Sukham” (Happiness), this is also of three types – “Saathvika Sukham”, “Raajasa Sukham” and “Taamasa Sukham”. When you exhibit “Shraddha” towards your actions, there are three types in this also – “Saathvika Shraddha”, “Raajasa Shraddha” and “Taamasa Shraddha”! Similarly, when you offer a “Dhaanam” towards someone, it can also be classified into three – “Saathvika Dhaanam”, “Raajasa Dhaanam” and “Taamasa Dhaanam”! So Arjuna! You should clearly be able to differentiate between these three categories in whatever you’re doing and you should be doing only those that pertain to the “Saathvika Guna” and reject the “Raajasa” and “Taamasa” parts!” 

This might be quite simple for Bhagawan to explain, but it might require some in-depth understanding for us here. For instance, if we take the example of “Dhaanam”, how can we have three classifications here? If we offer the “Dhaanam” with an intention that by doing so, we will get name and fame, it is “Raajasa Dhaanam”. If we offer the “Dhaanam” with a lot of hue and cry and with a lot of reluctance, it is categorized as “Taamasa Dhaanam”. Whereas, if we do the offering with our 100% heart and with a lot of love and affection, it is categorized as “Saathvika Dhaanam”. Hence, Bhagawan says that we should embrace this category of “Dhaanam” and reject the other two. Similarly, if we consider food, we’ve seen Bhagawan classifying it into three, isn’t it? If we have too much spice in the food that we consume, then it comes under “Raajasa Aahaara” and if we have too much of fat and carbohydrate content in the food, it comes under “Taamasa Aahaara”. Thus, the food which has a balance of everything is what Bhagawan calls “Saathvika Aahaara”, and this is what Bhagawan wants us to consume! 

So in similar lines, we have to understand the three classifications of all the actions that we perform and we should carve out the “Saathvika” part of the actions while rejecting the “Raajasa” and “Taamasa” components of them. So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and in the next episode, we shall take this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna continuing with His accord on what are the various characteristics that a “Raakshasa” would possess. As Bhagawan explains each and every point in detail, it is time for all of us to have a self-reflection as well. Given that all of us have our own preferences, likes and dislikes in life, we sometimes tend to overreact to a few things at a few circumstances, which might bring out the “Raakshasa” qualities from within us. We might of course not voluntarily do these as all of us are ardent “Bhaktas” of Bhagawan Krishna, but somehow, we tend to burst out a few times unconsciously. This is where, we’ve to be slightly careful and Arjuna is also shivering from within on this only. Of course, all of us know that neither Arjuna nor any of the Paandava brothers have walked the path of “Adharma” consciously even for a single minute till now. Arjuna himself knows it very well. However, the point here is, what if something is done unconsciously and Bhagawan would have taken account of that as an act of “Adharma” and what if because of this, we would be branded by Bhagawan as a “Raakshasa” who has to face the impending “Naraka Lokha” at the end of this birth? 

This is where, as spiritual seekers, we’ve to develop that awareness within all of us. There should not be any slip as far as possible from our side, both consciously and unconsciously into the path of “Adharma”, which Bhagawan Krishna has listed earlier. Of course, as I had mentioned earlier, we might not do any acts of “Adharma” consciously, but we’ve to be very careful with the unconscious ones as well. For instance, many of us have the habit of killing small insects, ants, etc. whenever we see them in any part of our house. If we see a bunch of mosquitoes for instance, what would be our immediate reaction? We would only resort to kill them, wouldn’t we? Of course, for that purpose we’ve invented so many ways and means as well! 🙂 Killing a living being for no reason is obviously classified as a part of “Adharma”, but are we aware that killing a small mosquito or an ant will also end up landing us into this category? For instance, if we spot a lizard in the walls of our house – The first thing that we would do is to scare the lizard away! We might not be killing it, but we will scare it to death, won’t we? This is also an act of “Adharma”, but unconsciously we do these things every passing day! Hence, when we talk about “awareness”, we should be able to hold ourselves back from performing these kinds of so-called “Unconscious” acts of “Adharma”. The problem is, we never realize that we’re doing something wrong, yet we keep doing it! Thus, as spiritual seekers, we should try meticulously and minimize such “unconscious” acts of “Adharma”. In other words, we should analyze ourselves bit by bit and try to bring these unconscious acts into our consciousness. Once we start becoming conscious of these small things, our “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” will start reducing, thereby paving the way for our “Sathva Guna” to prosper. This is what Bhagawan Krishna wants from all of us! 

Moving on further, Bhagawan Krishna adds one more important point in lines with whatever we’ve discussed today before He concludes the sixteenth “Adhyaaya”. Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Whenever you’re performing a task, you should always perform it as per whatever the “Shaastras” say. The “Shaastras” should always be your guide. You should not perform the task as per your own will and wish. If you do so, you’ll end up in a great danger. You should always understand what the “Shaastras” are explaining and all your actions should be in accordance with the “Shaastras”. Only if you do so, your “Sathva Guna” will prosper. Else, if you’re going to find your own way to perform your actions, your “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” will start assuming centre-stage! This is because, if you’re acting as per your will and wish, you are giving rise to your ego! If someone challenges your actions by saying that they are against the “Shaastras”, your ego will lead you to anger and frustration towards that person who is trying to correct you. Hence, my advice to you is very simple – Do your actions as per the guidance given by the “Shaastras”. Do not let your intellect decide what is right and what is wrong. The “Shaastras” should be your sole guide and not your intellect. Your mind and intellect will completely misguide you from reality!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna concludes the sixteenth “Adhyaaya” and these are obviously very important learnings for all of us as well. So for today, let us reflect upon these points and let us continue doing an introspection within all of us. We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna continuing His detailed accord on who are “Raakshasas” and what are their characteristics. Bhagawan clearly explains that the Raakshasas have an “I” attitude that is prevalent widely in all of them. Raakshasas have a mindset that the entire world belongs to them and it is only because of them that the world is functioning. Moreover, the Raakshasas are completely selfish in nature and if anybody talks / acts against them, they would be destroyed. Hence, Bhagawan cautions Arjuna and of course, all of us that we should not get into such a trap ever in our lives. We should be focused on Bhagawan and should always remember that Bhagawan is the one who is behind all our accomplishments, happiness and sorrows also. If we have this attitude, we would be able to maintain the balance in our mind. This accord is a huge eye-opener for all of us as well. So when Bhagawan talks about the “Raakshasas”, He is also talking about people like us who have all the above-mentioned characteristics too. Hence, it is a subtle warning that Bhagawan gives to all of us and we should be smart enough to act according to what Bhagawan wants us to do. 

Moving on further thus, Bhagawan says – “Oh Arjuna! Those people who are deemed to be “Raakshasas”, or, who possess these characteristics of “Raakshasas” are certainly bound to reach the “Naraka Lokha” wherein they would be made to pay for all their misdeeds and wrongdoings! The “Naraka Lokha” is one of the most treacherous “Lokhas” that one could ever reach. Hence, it is better to follow whatever I say in this world, so as to atleast avoid the “Naraka Lokha”!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna starts having tears in his eyes! He is now profusely crying! Upon seeing this, Bhagawan Krishna becomes slightly puzzled now! Why is Arjuna crying at this point when the Bhagawad Gita is almost going to get over? It is to be remembered by readers that Arjuna wept profusely in the beginning of the Bhagawad Gita when Bhagawan Krishna wantedly parked the chariot in front of Bhishmachaarya and his Guru Dhronachaarya. At that time, Bhagawan had to really convince and pacify Arjuna and thus, the fifteen “Adhyaayas” of the Bhagawad Gita were born. Now as Arjuna is crying once again, Bhagawan Krishna is scared whether He has to come up with fifteen more “Adhyaayas” of the Gita! 🙂 

Upon seeing Arjuna weeping, Bhagawan comforts him and asks the reason for his sudden change in demeanour. Arjuna replies thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Upon listening to all that you said till now about the “Devas” and the “Raakshasas”, I’m scared as to which category you will put me into! Of course, I have enormous characteristics that a “Raakshasa” would possess, but I’m not someone who is wanting to do something bad to someone! Maybe I might have ended up hurting people unconsciously, but will you consider those also as characteristics of a “Raakshasa” and brand me within that category?” 

Sensing Arjuna’s fear, Bhagawan Krishna laughs out loudly! He comforts Arjuna once again and replies thus, “Oh my dear Arjuna! Please do not worry! I’ll always categorize you under the “Devas” only. I know about you and we’ve been together for so many years now, isn’t it?” As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna heaves a huge sigh of relief firstly! Catching his breath once again, Arjuna asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! How do you know that I’m part of the “Devas” category? How do you decide this?” For this, Bhagawan replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! It’s very simple – For the past few hours we’ve been discussing so many things, aren’t we? I’m continuously keeping on saying that I’m the supreme Lord of this world in many different ways. Not even once during these fifteen “Adhyaayas” did you raise your voice and protest against my words! Not even once did your ego rise up and you picked up a weapon to come and attack me! This itself shows that you are a down to earth person and it is because of this, you’re coming under the “Devas” only! If I would have told all this to someone like Duryodhana, imagine what would have been the reaction from him! He would have definitely come and attacked me the next moment! This itself shows the difference between you and him! Oh Arjuna! Please ensure that you follow all the aspects of the “Shaastras” verbatim! At any point in time, do not try to overdo something against the “Shaastras’ instructions. If you do so, you’ll have to keep taking multiple births in this world again and again and you will be unable to come out of this cycle of birth and death!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna clarifies Arjuna’s important doubt of whether he falls under the “Devas” or the “Raakshasas” category. With this clarification that Bhagawan has given, we ourselves can do a self-introspection to find out which category we would be under! So for today, let us do this introspection within ourselves and let us wait till the next episode to continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna listing out some important characteristics of a “Raakshasa”, which is part of the sixteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. This forms part of a bigger narrative being set by Bhagawan Krishna that those who are able to realize Him and those who have the passion and desire to act as per the “Vedas” and the “Shaastras” are equivalent of the “Devas” and on the contrary, those who try and grossly disobey the “Vedas” and “Shaastras” and those who think that they are more superior than Bhagawan are considered to be “Raakshasas”. Bhagawan Krishna also poses a small question to Arjuna as to which category he thinks he belongs to! As Arjuna gives a neutral answer, Bhagawan Krishna lists out the key characteristics of a “Raakshasa” and cautions Arjuna thereby not to fall into this trap at any point of time. 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna absorbs everything, but during the course of the war within the next few days itself, there are going to be instances wherein Arjuna is going to show off his “Ahambhaava” towards none other than Bhagaawan Krishna Himself! We shall reserve this comment for now and when the context comes in the later episodes while we discuss the Kurukshetra battle in great detail, we shall get back to this phase of discussion once again. But for now, as part of the sixteenth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan Krishna is giving out a subtle warning to Arjuna not to get carried away by the “I” attitude in whatever he does. Bhagawan Krishna says further thus, 

”Ahankaaram balam dharbam kaamam krodham cha samshrutaaha!

Nibhadhnanti mahabaaho dehe dehi namavyayam!!”

Now moving further thus, Bhagawan Krishna lists out several other characteristics of a “Raakshasa”. Bhagawan Krishna explains thus, “Oh Mahaabaaho! (Arjuna, the great warrior) These “Raakshasas” are embodiment of “Ahankaaram”, which is nothing but the “I” attitude! They will never acknowledge anybody for their success. Rather, they will take full credit for whatever they achieve, even if their accomplishment is very minimal in the pursuit. Moreover, “Raakshasas” think that they are extremely powerful! They equate their power and strength to me, without realizing the fact that I’m powerful and all-pervasive than them in every way possible! Moreover, “Raakshasas” are trapped into “Kaamam” (Desire) and “Krodham” (Anger). This is because these people have this “I” attitude, which leads them towards the desire of achieving more and more to obtain name and fame. Even if they obtain the name and fame, do you think they’re happy with it? Do you think they’re satisfied with it? Not at all! They continuously keep going after their desires one by one and ensure that they are achieving something or the other at all times. Even if once or twice they encounter failure, their anger and frustration start dominating them! Oh Arjuna! You should be able to view things with a balance, and if you’re not able to do so, you’ll enter into the trap of becoming a “Raakshasa”!” 

Bhagawan Krishna continues further thus, “Oh Arjuna! Those who are “Raakshasas”, would give more importance to their “Deham”, rather than their “Atman”. All that is important to them are physical and worldly pleasures. Unless and until they keep obtaining these pleasures, they are happy. At a time when they fail to attain them, they become frustrated and it comes out through their anger and the intentions to destroy!” 

As Bhagawan explains all these characteristics of a “Raakshasa”, I’m sure there might be some alarm bells ringing within ourselves too! 🙂 All whatever Bhagawan is listing out is not just applicable for harcore “Raakshasas” like Kamsa, Ravana, Hiranya Kashibu, etc, but are also applicable to people like us as well in some way or the other! Of course, as per the “Shaastras”, these people like Ravana, Kamsa, etc. were categorised and picturized as “Raakshasas”, but we should realize the fact that there is a “Raakshasa” within all of us as well! For instance, we too run behind money, name, fame, property, luxuries, etc., don’t we? In the process, do we remember Bhagawan? Do we have the time to dedicate for Bhagawan and to think about how Bhagawan has gifted all that we have today? For instance, if we have our own luxurious house to live in, and if we’re comfortably getting three meals a day, and if we’re having a good job with a stable income, do we thank Bhagawan for all these, or, do we think that it is only because of our own effort that we’ve earned all these things? We may easily point out the Ravanas and Hiranyaakshas and escape by saying that we’re not of that type! But the reality remains that even though we might not be called “Raakshasas” as portrayed by the “Shaastras”, but we do possess several characteristics of “Raakshasas” in us! 

This is where Bhagawan Krishna is cautioning all of us – To get rid of the “Raakshasa” characteristics that we’ve accumulated knowingly or unknowingly so far. For doing so, we’ve to follow whatever Bhagawan Krishna has said till now in the fifteenth “Adhyaaya”, especially the fourth and the fifteenth! We’ve seen that in the fourth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan talks about His “Avatara Rahasya” and in the fifteenth, He talks about His own “Rahasya”. Hence, the more we realize who Bhagawan is, the less we will be trapped into these “Raakshasa” characteristics. This is why, realization of Bhagawan is extremely important and this is why Bhagawan Krishna too has spent around fifteen “Adhyaayas” in explaining about Himself! 🙂 So for today, let us expedite our understanding about Bhagawan’s significance and let us consciously try and focus on Bhagawan more and more as we move on with our life. This is perhaps the only way through which we can get rid of our “Raakshasa” characteristics that we’ve accumulated till date. We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna concluding the “Purushothama Yoga”, which is the fifteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Here, we’ve seen Bhagawan Krishna declaring how He exists within our own physical body in various forms, and a Bhakta who understands this and appreciates Bhagawan’s significance through this “Purushothama Yoga” is definitely going to attain the highest “Moksha”. Subsequently, we shall now move into the sixteenth chapter wherein Bhagawan is going to talk about how His ardent Bhaktas are equivalent to the “Devas” (Celestial Beings) and how the “Abhaktas” are equivalent to the “Raakshasas” (Demons). In today’s episode, we shall have this discussion in detail. 

Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Arjuna! All those people who are able to realize me in them, and who has the desire to act according to the “Shaastras” and “Vedas” (which are the guidelines that are set by me for the entire world), I see them as spiritual seekers and highly realized souls. However, on the other end, if someone wantedly goes against the “Shaastras”, I see him / her as my biggest enemy. So Arjuna! You tell me in which category you belong! Do you belong to the “Devas” category or the “Raakshasas” category?” As Bhagawan asks thus, Arjuna laughs and replies back, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! How can I give an answer to this? You’re the one who decides whether a person is a “Deva” or a “Raakshasa”. You are the one who sets the rules and regulations! You are the one who has given the “Vedas” and the “Shaastras” to the world. Hence, if someone is following the “Shaastras” or not, it is for you to judge and decide, isn’t it? Moreover, till now you’ve been the one who’s talking continuously with so much philosophy and “Vedanta”. Hence, how can I have an answer to this question of yours? You decide which category I belong to!” 

As Arjuna says thus, he continues further too – “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Even if I decide which category I should belong to, is it going to be final? You’re the ultimate approving authority, aren’t you? You can do some last minute changes and bring me from one category to the other in no time! For instance, you can change Prahlaada’s mindset in a minute if you want to! You can change Hiranya Kashibu from a “Raakshasa” into a “Deva” within no time! You have that capability to do anything and everything in this world! Hence, you decide as to which category I should belong and where you would like to see me!”

Saying thus, Arjuna is in tears and he exhibits complete surrender to Bhagawan Krishna, which moves Bhagawan’s heart! As Arjuna falls down on Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet, Bhagawan gives a very important reply thus, “Oh Arjuna! I know you’re a very pure person with a pure heart and I would never want to change it for any reason. I always want you by my side. However, you should know how a “Raakshasa’s” mindset and behaviour are – A “Raakshasa” thinks that everything in this world happens only because of him / her. A “Raakshasa” thinks that everything that he / she achieves during lifetime is all because of his / her effort only. A “Raakshasa” thinks that everything that he / she has won over is only because of his / her intelligence and smartness. A “Raakshasa” thinks that there is nobody in this world who can equal him / her. A “Raakshasa” thinks that he / she is the supreme lord in this world and he / she is invincible by any force! If someone tries to challenge the “Raakshasa” in some way, all he / she knows is to attack them back and ensure that he / she reigns supreme again! Moreover, a “Raakshasa” thinks that he / she is completely capable of taking care of his / her life without any interference from anybody. If at all any challenges arise, a “Raakshasa” thinks that he / she can overcome them singlehandedly without any interference from anyone! Oh Arjuna! I’m saying all this because you should not fall into such a trap ever in life!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna listens carefully, however, is Arjuna going to remember these important points about a “Raakshasa” henceforth in his lifetime? In due course of the war, we’re going to see several instances wherein Arjuna himself is going to be trapped into the “Ahambhaava” that he is the one who is the leader, forgetting the fact that Bhagawan Krishna is the one who is leading the way for him! So for today, let us understand these points clearly and we should ensure that we do not fall into these traps set by Bhagawan! If we fall, obviously Bhagawan is going to deem us as “Raakshasas” only! We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna explaining how His divine presence can be felt in several ways within our own physical body. He had mentioned earlier that He exists as the “Vaishwanara” (Agni Bhagawan) who enables combustion as part of our digestive process of the food that we consume. Subsequently, Bhagawan says that He is present within us as the divine conscience, wherein if we are about to do certain wrong things, Bhagawan keeps subtly warning us of the consequences in the form of this conscience. This is extremely powerful in every human being and subsequently Bhagawan says that He’s existing in our mind and brain as well. For instance, if we’ve to remember something, it is because of Bhagawan’s “Sankalpa” we do so. Similarly, if we’ve to forget something, this is also because of Bhagawan’s “Sankalpa” only. Hence, in every minute of our existence, we will be able to feel and experience Bhagawan’s divine presence. 

Moreover, moving on further, Bhagawan is now going to talk about how He is the ultimate “Purushotthama” of this entire world. He’s talking about several “Purushas” and amongst all of them, how He’s the supreme leader! But before that, we shall witness a small list of several kinds of “Purushas” in this world – “Apurushas”, “Purushas”, “Utpurushas”, “Uttara Purushas” and finally “Utthama Purusha”. Bhagawan here mentions that amidst all these types of “Purushas”, He is the “Utthama-Purusha”! In other words, Bhagawan Krishna is in a plane above all the “Bhaktas”, “Muktas” and “Nityas” and He is the supreme Lord for everyone in this world! 

Thus, Bhagawan continues further – “Oh Arjuna! Even though I can talk about so many things like this, not many people can realize me in full reality in this world. A person who is able to realize and understand that I’m the “Purushothama” in this entire world without any doubt, will be considered as the most ardent “Bhakta” ever! He / she who realizes me to this fullest level will be one of the greatest “Bhaktas” to cross several levels of “Bhakti” quite easily. For such a “Bhakta”, this would be the last birth for him / her in this world. He / she will not have to take a re-birth again ever! The only “Lokha” to which these Bhaktas will transcend to, will be the ultimate “Vaikunta” and from there, there is no chance that such people will come back to this world again!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna concludes the “Purushothama Yoga” of the Bhagawad Gita. This is a very important “Yoga” as Bhagawan is openly declaring that for those “Bhaktas” who transcend to the highest level of realization, there is no way that they would be left over in this world! This is the similar declaration which Bhagawan Krishna made during the end of the fourth “Adhyaaya” as well. Readers might remember that the fourth “Adhyaaya” is where Bhagawan Krishna lets out the secret behind His divine incarnations in this world (“Avataara Rahasya”). Here too, Bhagawan explained that if a Bhakta understands this “Rahasya” (Secret) behind His divine incarnations, he / she can be rest assured of attaining the highest “Moksha”. Here also towards the end of this “Purushothama Yoga”, Bhagawan Krishna declares that if a “Bhakta” is able to understand the reality of Him, he / she is sure to attain the highest “Moksha” at the end of this birth itself. Thus, we can see here that both the fourth and the fifteenth “Adhyaayas” of the Bhagawad Gita are extremely sacred and important. Of course not to mention, the other “Adhyaayas” are also important, however, these two “Adhyaayas” gain slightly more prominence because, Bhagawan Krishna is revealing His true nature and significance here. Thus, it is for this reason, it is advised by many “Mahatmas”, “Alwars” and “Aachaaryas” that we should keep reciting the shlokas of this “Purushothama Yoga” every day, which can make us realize Bhagawan in His full entity, which in-turn can lead us to the ultimate “Moksha”!  

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and with this discussion, we come to the end of this fifteenth “Adhyaaya”. In the subsequent sixteenth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan Krishna is going to present a simple logic here – “All those who are able to understand about me in-depth can be equated to the “Devas” and all those who do not understand me in-depth are considered to be “Raakshasas”!” So how is Bhagawan Krishna going to drive home this logic with His explanation? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

We’re amidst the discussion of the all-important “Purushottama Yoga” (15’th Adhyaaya) of the Bhagawad Gita, wherein Bhagawan Krishna is sowing the seed for an ardent “Bhakta” to attain “Moksha”. Here, Bhagawan explains how can a “Bhakta” attain “Moksha” and what are the ways to do so. Eventually, Bhagawan is also explaining how He exists within our own physical bodies as well. We’ve seen in yesterday’s episode that Bhagawan exists as the “Vaishwaanara” (Agni Bhagawan) within our stomach, which enables the process of digestion in our body. In modern-day science, we call this process “Combustion” of food within our digestive system. This combustion is extremely important for our body because it supplies the essential nutrients from the food that we eat to various parts of our body. Thus, the food is broken down and burnt by the “Vaishwaanara” and with this, the nutrients are separated from the food particles and this, supplied to the various nooks and corners of our body. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna exists in this important form of “Agni Bhagawan” inside our physical body. 

Moving on further, Bhagawan Krishna is going to highlight an extremely important point here. Bhagawan makes a declaration that it is not only within the stomach He exists, but also within the hearts of every living being in this world! Bhagawan highlights this point through this famous and an important shloka thus: 

“Sarvascha chaaham adhi sannivishtaha!

Matthah pratignyaanam apohanam cha!!

Vedaischa sarvaihi aham eva vedyaha!

Vedaantakrth veda videva chaavam!!”

So here, Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please understand – If you have a thought in your mind about something or someone, it is only because of me. Your mind and brain cannot function on their own without my instruction. Thus, I exist as your conscience and this is why, wherever you go down a wrong path, I keep warning you subtly. A person who ignores my subtle warning and goes down the path of “Adharma” is liable to be destroyed by me! Also, if you see something new in front of you, it is because of me that you give an identity to that object / person. At the same time, even if you forget something, it is because of me! At times, I want to make you forget a few things because, if you remember those, it might be detrimental for you! It is not necessary that you keep remembering anything and everything in your mind at all times. If you keep remembering bad experiences that you might have undergone in your life at some point, they will slowly transform into grudges and your anger / frustration will be on the rise. If such is the case, how will you build your “Sathva Guna”? Hence, I make sure that you keep moving on in life without remembering unwanted things in your mind!”

Bhagawan Krishna continues thus, “Oh Arjuna! All the Vedas and Upanishads will talk about all these significant points about me at all times in various contexts. Moreover, all of you are living in this world with your “Shareeram” (Physical body) aren’t you? You’re performing the “Karma Yoga”, “Gnyaana Yoga” and “Bhakti Yoga” with the help of your “Shareeram” aren’t you? Hence, all of you are referred to as “Bhakta-Atmas”. The one who is able to complete this birth, leaves this “Shareeram” here itself and travels to the highest “Vaikunta” is called “Mukta-Atma”. Thus, a “Jeevatma” who is able to reach the “Vaikunta”, will never come back to this world henceforth! He / she will have a permanent place to reside there and there is no sorrow or suffering at “Vaikunta”. It is a “Nitya-Lokha” and people who have reached there are in continuous bliss and joy. This is the permanent happiness that one can get! Oh Arjuna! Please understand – Upon comparing these two – “Bhatka Atmas” and “Nitya Atmas”, I’m far more supreme and superior than them!”

Saying thus, Bhagawan is now going to talk about the various “Purushas” and thereby is going to establish the fact that He is the ultimate “Purushottaman” of this entire world! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode we shall witness Bhagawan’s interesting submission on the various kinds of “Purushas”! Stay tuned for an interesting accord tomorrow! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the fifteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita, which is also referred to as the “Purushottama Yogam”. Here,  Bhagawan Krishna once again makes a few important declarations to the world and reiterates that He is the supreme saviour of this entire world. We’ve seen Bhagawan talking about the “Ashva tree” with its roots above and branches below, which is compared to the tree of “Samsaara”, wherein the roots for all of us are at Bhagawan Brahma’s “Satya Lokha” and our births are in the “Manushya Lokha” which is below it. Thus, to come out of this tree of “Samsaara”, one needs the “Vairaagya” to cut through it and walk the path of “Bhakti Yogam” to reach Bhagawan. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna is also going to explain in what forms can we worship Him in this world and let us witness this in today’s episode. 

Bhagawan says thus, 

“Aham vaishwaanaro bhudhwaa praaninaam dehamaashrutaha!

Praanaa paana samaayuktaha pachaamyannam chaturvitam!!”

Here, Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! I exist as the fire that is constantly burning inside your stomach (“Vaishwaanara”). This is the fire that enables your body to digest all the food that you eat. I exist as your “Praanan”, which means, the breath that you take every second. I’m the one who enables your body to digest all types of food that you consume!” Here, we’ve to note one thing clearly – Bhagawan is talking about the fire that burns within our stomach that enables digestion. Bhagawan is not talking about the fire that burns within our stomach out of jealousy for others! 🙂 Sometimes when we see people who are richer than us, or, when we see people who have a better lifestyle than ours, our stomach starts burning and we start fuming, don’t we? 🙂 Bhagawan does not mean this. Rather, Bhagawan is talking about that fire which enables us to digest our food. We would have studied about this in our biology lessons, and doctors may be able to talk more on this – Our food requires sufficient oxygen and heat inside our stomach to get dissolved and converted into various forms of nutrients and energy which is required for the body, isn’t it? This is what Bhagawan Krishna is referring to here, and this is why it is always advisable that we offer whatever food that we prepare at home to Bhagawan before we consume it. Once we offer the food to Bhagawan, it becomes a divine “Prasadham” and this itself enables our body to digest it easily without any problem. Normally, when we perform the “Naivedhyam” (Offering of food to Bhagawan), we chant the above shloka because, it talks about the digestion process and how Bhagawan is the one who enables it within our body. 

So for today, let us understand this important point and in the next episode, we shall witness yet another important shloka from this fifteenth “Adhyaaya”, along with its significance, as we move on further! Stay tuned! 🙂