The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagaawan Krishna explaining how the three “Gunas” namely “Sathva”, “Rajas” and “Tamas” can ruin our path towards the “Bhakti Maargam”. We might of course understand how the second and third “Gunas” would derail us, but what about the “Sathva Guna” too? This is where Bhagawan clarifies that if we’re too happy and satisfied with whatever we’re doing and if we’re too happy with our routine, this happiness itself will drag us into the “Samsaara” and will not make us go slightly out of way to walk the path of “Bhakti” if required. For instance, in the case of Prahlaada, he was a very soft-natured child. When his father, Hiranya Kashibu was pestering him again and again to forget Bhagawan Narayana and His divine names, if Prahlaada would have been carried away by his “Sathva Guna”, he could have simply obeyed his father’s words and been in a happy state of mind, isn’t it? At some point, as a “Bhakta”, we should rise up to the occasion. We cannot become complacent and go along with the flow, which might take us away from Bhagawan. Hence, being dominated by the “Sathva Guna” is good to an extent, but we shouldn’t get too complacent with it and this is the message that Bhagawan Krishna is trying to make us understand here. 

So with this important discussion, we come to the end of the fourteenth “Adhyaaya”. Now we’re left with only four more “Adhyaayas” and with this, we shall complete the long discussion on the Bhagawad Gita. However, as readers might be aware by now, we’re only seeing things in brief and we’ve not gone shloka by shloka in this Bhagawad Gita discussion. We shall take this up perhaps in our next project and for now, we shall take this opportunity to understand the overall perspective of the Gita as we move on. Now, as we move on into the fifteenth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan Krishna once again makes a declaration that He is the ultimate “Purushottama” of this world. Bhagawan says thus, 

“Urdhva moolamadah shaakam ashvattham praahu avyayam!

Chandaamsi yasya parnaani yaktham veda sa bedha vith!!”

Here, Bhagawan Krishna explains a very interesting point – He talks about a tree called the “Ashva tree”, for which, the roots are on the top and the stem, branches, leaves, etc. are at the bottom! We might be surprised as to how a tree can have roots at the top and branches below, aren’t we? Normally it should be the other way round, isn’t it? However, here, Bhagawan doesn’t talk about a normal tree that all of us know. The “Ashva” tree is nothing but the tree of “Samsaara”! For this “Samsaara” tree, the roots are at Bhagawan Brahma’s “Satya Lokha”. It is because, Bhagawan Brahma is the one who is incharge of creating the entire world, including all of us. Hence, our roots are at the “Satya Lokha” of Bhagawan Brahma. Our branches, stems, leaves, etc. are in this world, which is below the “Satya Lokha”. Hence, if we’ve to be freed from the ocean of “Samsaara”, this tree should be cut from below. 

Now Arjuna asks, “Oh Bhagawan! If we’ve to cut a tree, we would need a spade or a huge knife, isn’t it? Where do we get that?” As Arjuna asks thus, Bhagawan laughs and says – “Oh Arjuna! I shall give you that spade or knife that you require. This knife with which you should cut the tree called “Samsaara” is nothing but your “Vairaagya” or will-power. If one is able to use his / her “Vairaagya” to the fullest and is able to cut open the tree of “Samsaara”, he / she comes to me permanently without any problem. Once this person reaches me, he / she never takes rebirth again in this world! This is the assurance that I’m giving to all my ardent “Bhaktas”!”

Bhagawan Krishna continues thus, “Oh Arjuna! These people with “Vairaagya”, who overcome the “Samsaara” would reach the world which nobody would have even seen or dreamt about! This Lokha called “Vaikunta” is extremely pure in nature. Even Bhagawan Brahma would not have seen it till date. Thus, a person who has crossed over the ocean of “Samsaara” attains this world and from here, there is no question or returning back to any of the worlds, including “Svarga Lokha” and “Satya Lokha”. Oh Arjuna! Those Jeevatmas who are my ardent “Bhaktas” will never fail to attain me at any point in time. I’m always there with them to protect them and to hand-hold them to come to me!”

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna is going to talk about how He exists in this world, which we will take up for a detailed discussion in the next episode. For today, let us understand this important declaration given by Bhagawan Krishna and let us try and improve our “Vairaagya” levels little by little every passing day and as ardent Bhaktas of Bhagawan Krishna, this should be our aim – To attain Him come what may! 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 “Atma Gunas” that we need to develop within ourselves, so as to walk the path of the “Bhakti Maargam”. With this, we come to the end of the discussion on the thirteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita and we’re only left over with another five more “Adhyaayas” still. We shall finish this within the next few episodes and directly commence the war proceedings henceforth, which is going to be very interesting and informative. Moving on thus with the commencement of the fourteenth “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan says: 

“Param bhooyam prabhakshyaami gnyaanaanaam gnyaanamuthamam!

Yagnyaatvaa munayah sarve paraam siddhimithom gathaaha!!

Satthvam rajas tama ithi gunaah prakrithi sambhavaaha!

Nivarthanthi mahaa baaho dehe dehi namavyayam!!”

So here, Bhagawan talks specifically about the three main “Gunas” – “Sathvam”, “Rajas” and “Tamas”. Bhagawan clearly explains to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! If you’ve to practise the “Atma Gunas”, you were saying that it is difficult for normal people like you, didn’t you? Now I’ll tell one more reason as to why it is difficult to bring the “Atma Gunas” into practice. Our “Deham” is made up of the three “Gunas” namely “Sathvam”, “Rajas” and “Tamas”. The domination of these three “Gunas” in us makes it very difficult for us to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”! We’ve to keep these three “Gunas” under check at all times!” 

As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna doesn’t understand anything what Bhagawan says. He asks back thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! What are the three “Gunas” that you’re newly talking about now? Till this point you’ve mentioned so many hurdles that we’ve to cross over, so that we can walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. But suddenly where did these three “Gunas” come from? Please explain what they are and how they create hurdles for us!” As Arjuna asks thus, Bhagawan explains – “Oh Arjuna! Please understand this clearly – These three “Gunas” – the “Sathva Guna”, “Rajo Guna” and “Tamo Guna” are inbuilt within your body and nobody can separate you from these three “Gunas” at any point of time. If your “Sathva Guna” is dominating you, you will be very happy, calm, satisfied and very clear with what you’ve to do. However, this happiness in itself will drag you into the “Samsaara” and destroy you completely! Nex comes the “Rajo Guna”. This indicates your levels of desires and if your desires are not fulfilled due to some reasons, your anger and frustration levels start growing. This itself will drag you into the treachery of “Samsaara”. Third one is the “Tamo Guna”, which indicates laziness, sleepiness at all times, procrastination of actions, etc., which also will ultimately lead you into the treachery of the “Samsaara”!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan completes this discussion by saying, “Oh Arjuna! Even though all the three “Gunas” have the might to push you into the ocean of “Samsaara”, you should be careful here – You can trust upon the “Sathva Guna” and build upon it further. Because, if you’re getting dominated by the “Sathva Guna”, of course you will be happy and satisfied in whatever you do. But the clarity that you will possess in understanding and analyzing your own actions is very important to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. You should clearly be able to differentiate what is right and what is wrong for yourself. For this, your “Sathva Guna” should dominate more than the other two. Of course, too much domination of the “Sathva Guna” is also dangerous, but you can still be able to walk the “Bhakti Maargam” path with this. The other two “Gunas” should be strictly kept under control, as anger, frustration and laziness are extremely dangerous to throw you out of the path of “Bhakti Maargam” completely!” 

So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and with this, we get a fair idea of what the three “Gunas” are, and how they dominate us at every point in time. So, as per Bhagawan’s important advice, let us do all what it takes to enhance our “Sathva Guna”, so that it would be helpful for us to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. With this, we come to the end of the brief discussion on the fourteenth “Adhyaaya” and we shall wait till the next episode to commence the discussion on the fifteenth! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna continuing the discussion on the key characteristics (“Gunas”) that we should develop within ourselves, so as to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. We’ve seen the last three characteristics in yesterday’s episode and after explaining all of these, Bhagawan clearly spells out to Arjuna that He dwells in the hearts of those people who constantly are in practice with these “Atma Gunas”. Of course, developing these “Atma Gunas” within us might sound pretty easy, but might be very difficult to implement and follow in real life. We shall witness a few examples in today’s episode as to why it might be difficult and why we need to take that extra effort to implement these “Atma Gunas” in our everyday life. 

For instance, we’ve seen in the previous episode that refraining from hurting / killing other living beings is also one of the “Atma Gunas”. This might sound very easy, but in practicality are we practising this? We shall start with a small example here – If we see a mosquito or a fly coming near us, what will be our immediate reaction? We will try to kill the mosquito, won’t we? If there’s an insect like a cockroach or a spider or an earthworm that we spot at any corner of our house, what will be our immediate reaction? We would only try to crush that poor insect to death, wouldn’t we? If we see a group of ants passing by, what will be our immediate reaction? We would only try to kill all of them, wouldn’t we? For this killing purpose, we’ve also found out a few chemicals and mechanisms as well in today’s context! This is what Bhagawan does not want us to do. Instead of killing that insect, can we take a piece of paper, take the insect carefully on it and put it outside, so that it can crawl and go somewhere else? If we see a group of ants, can we do something to divert their direction without killing them? This is what we’ve to practise consciously and if we do so, it implies that we’re following Bhagawan’s “Atma Gunas” explanation. 

At the same time, we might have a query here – Oh! We’re consuming non-vegetarian food items. By doing so, we’re ending up killing many animals for it. Is it against the “Atma Gunas” that Bhagawan Krishna is mentioning here? The answer is very simple here – Of course, yes! We are ending up killing animals for satisfying our own appetite. This is why in those days, we had a practice that atleast whenever we’re trying to offer prayers and other spiritual offerings to Bhagawan, it is better to avoid non-vegetarian food as much as possible. Of course, I’m not saying that we should completely avoid non-vegetarian food. It depends upon people, professions and situations in life that many of us might have to undergo. Hence, I’m not getting into that discussion for the time being. However, what I’m trying to say here is that, even if we can’t avoid non-vegetarian food 100%, we can try and minimize it to whatever extent possible for us, right? In similar lines, we might even point out milk products as well by saying that when we draw milk from the cow, we’re hurting the mother cow. Actually it is not the case. When the mother cow milks its calf, the calf can drink the milk only to a certain extent and not fully. If the remaining milk stays in the mother cow’s body, it can turn infectious for her and this is why we take off the remaining portion of the milk from the mother cow. Hence, by drawing milk from the holy mother cow, we’re only trying to help her alleviate infections, and in the process, we’re not hurting her in any way. Of course, torturing the mother cow for producing milk artificially through injections, etc. is always considered to be a torture and such things should be avoided. 

Hence, we should clearly understand this point in-depth as to what is considered to be hurting and what is considered otherwise. However, the point remains that Bhagawan Krishna requests us to not unwantedly hurt any living being. So for today, let us understand this point clearly and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna explaining how to effectively employ our “Shareeram” to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. He explains six important characteristics that all of us should focus on as we try doing so. Firstly, Bhagawan talks about how and why we should respect elders and not insult them for anything. Secondly, Bhagawan talks about how we should dedicate all our actions towards Bhagawan at all times. Thirdly, Bhagawan explains that we should never hurt even a small living being in this world. Fourthly, Bhagawan talks about patience and perseverance in whatever actions we perform. Fifth, Bhagawan talks about how we should be honest, sincere and straightforward in whatever we do and whatever we talk. We should never cheat anybody on anything. Finally, we should be ready to offer our services to great “Mahatmas” and “Gurus”. We should visit them periodically and obtain their divine “Anugraha”. 

Continuing thus, Bhagawan next talks about “Shoucham”, which is nothing but “cleanliness”. We should keep ourselves and our surroundings clean at all times. There should not be any unwanted dirt or unwanted things lying around us. We should be able to lead a lean and a simple life without accumulating too many things for ourselves. If we do so, this itself contributes to dirt. Next, Bhagawan talks about “Dhairyam”, which is nothing but “Courage”. Now, what does Bhagawan mean when He talks about courage? It is important that we complete any task to the fullest extent possible as mentioned in the scriptural texts like Vedas and Upanishads. Here, the problem is that many of us might commence any task with great grandeur and will power. However, as time progresses, we tend to fizzle out owing to a variety of reasons. For instance, if we’ve not performed our “Sandhyavandanam” till now, maybe after reading all our episodes in this blog, we decide that from today onwards we shall perform it without fail and we would even start it today. However, if someone comes to us and ridicules our practice, or, due to several other commitments, we might withdraw from performing the “Sandhyavandanam” completely again! This is what Bhagawan does not want us to do. If we’re taking up any task, we should ensure that we continue performing it without a break in between. This is the “Vairagyam” that we should develop. A thousand people will keep telling a thousand things and will constantly keep pulling us down. But we should be steadfast and courageous in our approach, in such a way that the words of others should not affect us in any way. 

Next, Bhagawan talks about a very important characteristic called “Atma Vinigraha”, which means that we should have a complete control over our senses at all times. When we see some worldly attractions, the normal tendency for us is to get carried away easily with them. However, this is where Bhagawan is trying to caution us – We should be steadfast in our approach in such a way that we never lose our focus towards Bhagawan. This is very important for us to follow, isn’t it? Hence, “Atma Vinigraha” is a very important aspect that we need to keep in mind when we try to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. 

Saying thus, Bhagawan concludes this discussion by saying – “Oh Arjuna! These are the main “Atma Gunas” that you need to develop in yourself. Only if you do so, will you be able to retain closeness with me. I shall dwell in all those people’s hearts who constantly are in practice with these “Atma Gunas”!”  So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan concluding the twelfth “Adhyaaya” with a set of characteristics that we should develop, in order to pursue the path of “Bhakti Yoga”.  As Bhagawan lists them out, Arjuna has a real concern here – How is it possible for normal human beings like us to implement all these? For instance, how do we see success and failure equally? How do we digest happiness and sorrow on the same plane? Isn’t it tough? Won’t we get carried away by the success and failure that we undergo regularly in life? For this, Bhagawan Krishna explains how He Himself has been an epitome of these characteristics during His previous incarnation (Bhagawan Rama) and how He has illustrated everything to this world through the various aspects of the “Rama-Avatara”. However, Arjuna is quick enough to negate that argument. He says that Bhagawan can do anything and everything, and He cannot be compared to normal human beings like us. Even as Arjuna says so, Bhagawan is equally quick enough to reply thus, “Oh Arjuna! If “Mahatmas” and “Achaaryas” can follow and implement these characteristics, why can’t you? They are also normal human beings like you only! If they can do it, you can also do! Hence, stop finding excuses and look at ways as to how to implement these characteristics to perform the “Bhakti Yoga”!” 

So with this, we come to the end of the twelfth “Adhyaaya” and as we move into the thirteenth, Bhagawan is once again going to talk about the “Prakriti” (Shareeram), “Atman” and the “Paramatman”, and this time He is going to give a slightly different flavour to the entire discussion. Bhagawan says thus, 

“Idam shareeram kaunteya kshetramithyadi dheeyate!

Yetatyoveshtitam praahuhu kshetragnya ithi tatvitaha!!”

Here, Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Kaunteya! (Son of Kunthi Devi)! This “Shareeram” (Physical body) that has been given to you is like a ‘Kshetram”. Your physical body can be equated to farmland wherein you can grow all the essential crops for survival. The person who is going to be the farmer who will cultivate the land and grow the crops on it is none other than the “Jeevatma”. The one who is going to allow the crops to grow sufficiently, thus ensuring the yield is good is the “Paramatma”. Thus, in simple terms, your “Shareeram” (Physical body) is an instrument given to you by Bhagawan to perform all whatever I’ve said till now. The one who is going to perform these actions as per my instructions is the “Jeevatma”, which is nothing but your “Atman”. Without the command of the “Atman”, how can the “Shareeram” perform the actions correctly? I’ve already told you that the “Shareeram” does not have the capability to think and reason things out. The “Atman” has to give instructions to the “Shareeram” for proper execution. If the “Jeevatma” thinks correctly and the “Shareeram” executes correctly, me as the “Paramatma” will ensure that everything goes smooth and ultimately the “”Jeevatma” attains the highest “Moksha”. This is something that you should understand. Now, moving to the next level, I’ve gifted you with a good “Shareeram”, and you should put it into proper usage, shouldn’t you? If you have a fertile land, you will grow paddy or wheat or some nuts, etc. which will give you a good yield, rather than allowing thorny bushes to grow in it, won’t you? Similarly, to nurture your physical body, you’ve to ensure that you develop a certain set of characteristics as follows:” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan starts explaining a few of them – “Oh Arjuna! First and foremost, you should ensure that you respect elders and not insult or ridicule them (“Amaanitvam”). Secondly, please do not perform your actions for a commercial and a worldly purpose (“Asamvidhvam”). You should perform your actions with true and complete surrender towards me. Thirdly, you should not hurt any living being unnecessarily (“Ahimsa”). Fourthly, you should exhibit patience and perseverance (“Shantihi”). Fifthly, you should always talk about what you think in your mind (“Aarjavam”). In other words, you should be straightforward and honest. Sixth, you should perform service towards great “Gurus” and “Mahatmas” (“Aachaarya Upaasanam”)!” 

So for today, let us understand these six important characteristics that one should focus on with regards to how we employ our “Shareeram” effectively to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna explaining a few important traits or “Gunas” that we should develop within us, if we’ve to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. Most importantly out of all the “Gunas”, Bhagawan Krishna talks about how we should shun our ego. Bhagawan explains this through the point that we’ve to see “Sukham” and “Duhkam” (Happiness and sorrow) on the same plane and we should neither get overjoyed by the “Sukham” nor get broken down by the “Duhkam”. We should be able to see both success and failure with equal notion. Bhagawan explains how life is a combination of both happiness and sorrow and if we’re getting carried away by both, we’re only going to boost our ego too much. Even if someone insults us with abusive language, is our ego going to boost up to such an extent that we’re going to equally hurl abuses on the other person, or, are we going to silently move away from that place and move on with other important things in our life? If we’re going to fire back at the other person, it means that our ego is too fat and we’re unable to forgive and forget people and things! 

This is where all of us need to work upon as we move further in our lives. Of course, it is easier said than done, and in fact, Arjuna himself points out this only. Arjuna, after listening to all these points from Bhagawan Krishna, slowly replies back thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Whatever you’re saying is all very nice to listen to! But is this practically implementable? You’re saying that we should move away from people who are abusive and hurt our ego. But is it really possible? Our immediate instinct will be to hurl abuses back at that person, isn’t it? Similarly, you’re saying that we’ve to see both success and failure equally! I’m only laughing upon hearing this! Is it really implementable by any chance? How can we just walk away from a failure without getting affected?” 

This is a pertinent question that all of us might have in our minds isn’t it? For a long time now, for several episodes now, Bhagawan has been explaining so many points that we’ve to follow, which we might feel are too idealistic in nature! 🙂 But is there a practical side to it? How do we see success and failure equally? How do we maintain ourselves unaffected by success and failure? Bhagawan has a reply here – “Oh Arjuna! Yes! Of course it is implementable! You take my own example – When I was in my previous incarnation of Bhagawan Rama, how many abuses did I have to take? How many people insulted me, including my own mother, Kaikeyi? I had lost my kingdom for fourteen years and still I never reacted in a hostile manner, did I? When I heard that my brother Bharata would be the king of Ayodhya henceforth, just the night before my coronation, did my demeanour change? Did I funk and get bogged down? The answer is “No”! I took that too with a smile on my face! Hence, implementing this is very much possible!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna gives this reply, Arjuna laughs and tells back – “Oh Bhagawan! That is you! You can do anything and everything in this world and you are fully capable of changing anything and everything that you want! I’m talking about normal people like me and the others! Can these points be implemented by us? Who asked whether you can implement these points or not?” 🙂 For this, Bhagawan quickly replies back – “Oh Arjuna! Then what about great “Mahatmas” like the “Alwars” and “Aachaaryas”? They are also normal people like you! If they can implement my words, why can’t you? Oh Arjuna! Please stop searching for reasons as to why things cannot be done. Think of ways how things can be done! This approach will give you the light at the end of the tunnel. Only if you develop these characteristics in you, will you be able to walk the path of “Bhakti Maargam” to reach me!” 

What a philosophy is Bhagawan explaining here! This is the problem with all of us – We might come up with a thousand reasons as to why we shouldn’t do something, but we will not even think of a single reason as to why we should do something! This is the irony of “Jeevatmas” like us and this irony is represented by Arjuna’s question to Bhagawan Krishna with regards to implementation of whatever Bhagawan says! So for today, let us understand that rather than giving reasons for not performing whatever Bhagawan wants us to perform, we should find ways to implement. With this note, we shall wait till the next episode to commence the thirteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of the twelfth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita, wherein Bhagawan Krishna has come back to His normal form in front of Arjuna. Now, Bhagawan is trying to give some tips as to how one can enter into the “Bhakti Maargam”. Bhagawan lists out a few ways to do so, such as thinking about His characteristics and significance at all times, thinking about His divine “Kalyaana Gunas”, involving oneself in “Kainkaryam” (Helping others in whatever capacity possible), etc. Thus, if we pick any of these and start implementing them in our daily lives, it is understood that we’re going to go closer to Bhagawan through the “Bhakti Maargam”. Now, as Bhagawan is talking about His divine “Gunas” that one has to focus upon, Arjuna immediately asks Bhagawan to list out His key “Gunas”. Bhagawan does so, which we’re going to witness in today’s episode. 

As Arjuna asks thus, Bhagawan replies back – “Oh Arjuna! You’ve to remember one thing clearly – Love and compassion towards all living beings is the key for implementing “Dharma”. If you want to walk the path of “Dharma”, you’ve to exhibit love and compassion towards each and every living being in this world, without looking at the differences between them. You should never encourage bias or partiality towards any living being, as all of them contain the same “Atman” like yours. Hence, you should develop that compassion towards all living beings and this is the primary “Guna” that you’ve to focus on!” Bhagawan says thus,

“Adveshtaah sarva bhootaanaam maitraha karunayevacha!”

Thus, as Bhagawan explains about universal love and compassion, He moves on to the next point. Bhagawan subsequently says, “Nirmamaha nirahankaaraha”, which means that one should shun the “Mama-Kaaram” (Self-pride) and “Ahankaaram” (Arrogance / Ego) towards everyone and everything in this world. This is where many of us get trapped! We can still somehow try and exhibit love and compassion towards people, but if someone hurts our ego, we would immediately want to give it back to them, wouldn’t we? This is where we’ve to exhibit restraint. Even if someone hurts us deliberately, are we able to exhibit love and compassion towards them still? Or, even if this is not possible, are we atleast able to move away from that place? Many a time we might not be ready to do so. Rather, we will take that as an opportunity to scold the other person back with all our might and rigor, isn’t it? This is what Bhagawan Krishna is explaining here that we should avoid! 

Moreover, when we experience success in whatever we’re doing, we tend to jump up and down with a lot of joy. However, when we experience failure, we tend to sit and brood over it. Bhagawan says that we should have a neutral approach towards both success and failure. In other words, if we taste success, it is not required that we jump up and down everytime. At the same time, if we taste a failure, it is also not required for us to keep brooding over it. We should be able to get over it immediately and move on further with other aspects in life. Are we having this maturity of seeing success and failure in the same plane? We should do an introspection within ourselves. Moreover, if someone praises us, our ego will shoot up several notches, and we will be “floating” in the air literally, isn’t it? At the same time, if someone insults us, our ego will again shoot up and this will result in anger and frustration towards that person, isn’t it? Bhagawan says that we should treat both “praise” and “insult” equally on the same plane. 

If we’re able to do this, our ego will be in check. Else, what would happen is that, our ego will keep rising and falling, which would result in our composure and calmness taking a hit. The moment our mind loses its calm, we would not be able to think of Bhagawan constantly. We should always have this in mind – If we’ve to perform the “Bhakti Yoga”, we should embed Bhagawan into our minds completely and firmly and for this to happen, our mind should be completely devoid of ego! If we’re giving room for success, failure, praises and insults in our mind, our ego is going to lose its balance. Subsequently, we would experience happiness, joy, anger and frustration upon worldly things and not on Bhagawan! Hence, Bhagawan Krishna says that if we are bringing our ego into a balance, automatically we would start walking the path of the “Bhakti Maargam”! So for today, let us understand this important point from Bhagawan and with this, we’ve come to the end of the twelfth “Adhyaaya”. We shall wait till the next episode to commence the thirteenth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna returning back to His normal form upon Arjuna’s request. As Bhagawan does so, He controls His fury and frustration and once again comes back with His ever-smiling and handsome face in front of Arjuna. We’ve seen that Bhagawan’s fury is because He is none other than the incarnation of “Kaala-Devata”, who is responsible for the destruction of the entire world. Bhagawan is seemingly frustrated with the level of “Adharma” that is going on in the world and has taken a divine “Sankalpa” to destroy it completely without leaving a trace. For this, Bhagawan doesn’t want to take people head on, instead, He is going to use Arjuna and the Paandava brothers as His divine instruments to execute His divine mission. Upon seeing Bhagawan’s “Vishwa-Roopam” and His subsequent return back to His original form, Arjuna worships and praises Bhagawan Krishna. His only contention is that, even though Bhagawan Krishna has enormous significance, He is closely bonded and moving with Arjuna and the Paandava brothers, even though they are normal human beings without any significance. This shows Bhagawan’s infinite compassion and affection towards those who try to follow the path of “Dharma”, isn’t it? 

Moving on further thus, as Arjuna worships Bhagawan Krishna, this marks the end of the eleventh “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Now we move on into the twelfth one, which is the last “Adhyaaya” that explains Bhakti Yoga in a great detail. Once we’re done with the twelfth “Adhyaaya”, we shall finish off this Bhagawad Gita discussion quickly thereafter. Here, Bhagawan Krishna conveys yet another important message to Arjuna thus, “Oh Arjuna! If you feel that you’re unable to perform “Bhakti” like several other “Mahatmas”, it’s fine. Do not worry about it! However, you’ve to start somewhere, right? So start thinking of my “Gunas” (Characteristics), features, etc. and thereby invoke these thoughts when you sit down to meditate. With this procedure, you will slowly get into the “Bhakti Maargam”. Again, this will also be tough initially, but you can still do it in the long-term. Even if this is not possible for you to do, you can even simply perform “Kainkaryam” (Seva activities like helping out people in whatever ways possible). By doing the “Kainkaryam” towards others, you can think of me and dedicate your activities to my divine lotus feet. With this, you will have an opportunity to get into the “Bhakti Maargam”. Even if this is not possible for you to perform, you may even simply sit and think of your “Atman” and perform the “Atma-Dhyaanam”!” 

As Bhagawan lists out several procedures like this, Arjuna immediately asks thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Whatever you’re saying seems very good on paper, but when it comes to implementing, these are quite tough for people like me who do not have any background on spiritual upliftment and thinking about you. What do I do and where do I start?” For this, Bhagawan Krishna laughs and explains thus, “Oh my dear Arjuna! I know it is tough, but still there’s a reason why I’m telling all this to you – You’ve to start somewhere, shouldn’t you? For performing whatever I say, you’ve to have a “Sthira-Buddhi” (Stable mind and intellect). You’ve to slowly develop it with time. However, for the time being, if you want me to simplify this further, I shall suggest another way! Oh Arjuna! There are certain “Gunas” of mine that you can think of and recollect. Do this for some time and you will slowly start attaining the “Sthira-Buddhi”!”

So for today, let us understand up to this point with regards to the implementation of the “Bhakti Yoga” in our day-to-day life, which Bhagawan Krishna is explaining beautifully step-by-step. As Bhagawan talks about the “Gunas” that we’ve to focus on, He is now going to explain which are those “Gunas” that we’ve to focus on and we shall see them in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna making a huge declaration to Arjuna that He is none other than an incarnation of “Kaala-Devata” or “Kaala”, which, in other words is referred to as the ultimate destroyer of the entire world. Bhagawan Krishna declares that this war that is going to take place at Kurukshetra will re-define several things in this world once and for all, and Arjuna, along with Yudishtra and Co. will be the divine instruments of Bhagawan to execute this mission. As Bhagawan explains this, Arjuna asks why couldn’t Bhagawan execute this mission by himself and why should he or Yudishtra be a part of this. For this, Bhagawan explains that for “Dharma-Atmas” like Yudishtra and Arjuna, participation in these kinds of missions of Bhagawan serve as an opportunity to reach the ultimate “Moksha” without any hiccups and moreover, Bhagawan also says that He doesn’t want to obtain any name and fame out of this mission. All that Bhagawan is interested in is to restore “Dharma” in this world. 

Thus, from Bhagawan’s words, one thing is very clear – He is really fed up with what is going on in this world. “Adharma” has started to show its ugly face more than ever and hence, Bhagawan decides to call it off! Thus, with all the frustration that Bhagawan Krishna has, the great Mahabharata war becomes something that is inevitable in nature. We’ve already witnessed several other Maharishis like Sage Vyaasa predicting this war much earlier itself. Even during the time when Yudishtra was being invited by Duryodhana and Co. to play the gambling game at Hastinapura, we’ve seen Sage Vyaasa issuing a wield warning to Yudishtra, saying that things are going to get worse from here on and this is moving towards a great disaster! Only Bhagawan Krishna can be the saviour of this world and Sage Vyaasa advised Yudishtra to catch hold of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine lotus feet seeking refuge! We’ve seen this during our earlier episodes and as we see this Bhagawan’s declaration now, we’ve to connect the dots! The time has come wherein Bhagawan Krishna is going to take the ferocious “Kaala” (Destroyer) form, but in a very subtle manner! 

As Bhagawan Krishna roars thus with great fury, Arjuna is scared on one hand and is thankful on the other. Now Arjuna starts to praise Bhagawan Krishna’s divine form. Arjuna says thus, “Oh respected Bhagawan Krishna! Today you’ve opened my eyes and shown me who you really are! My respect for you has risen several folds now! My heart and mind feel that I should worship you, but I do not know how to begin my worship towards you! Oh Bhagawan! You are the father of this whole world! I still couldn’t believe myself that for all these years, you’ve been associating with this notorious child of yours, amongst so many others. You’ve always given me more attention than several others. How fortunate I am! How can I even thank you for whatever you’ve done for me? Oh Bhagawan! You are the “Guru” for this entire world! Who else can even be equal to you in stature in this whole world? Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Now I request you – Please come back to your original form of a normal human being! This ferocious form is inducing more and more fear into my heart every passing minute. So please come back to your original handsome form and stand near me as my good friend!” 

As Arjuna says thus, tears roll down his eyes and Bhagawan Krishna’s fury turns into compassion towards Arjuna. We can see how Bhagawan is extremely compassionate towards His ardent “Bhakta” here – Even though Bhagawan is extremely furious and frustrated with how the “Adharma” is taking shape, when Arjuna prays to Bhagawan thus, His demeanour changes immediately! Thus, as per Arjuna’s request, Bhagawan Krishna finishes His “Vishwa-Roopa Darshan” and once again takes the normal form of Bhagawan Krishna, which all of us including Arjuna knows. Coming back to His original form, Bhagawan replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! Tell me one instance till now wherein I’ve not executed your words! The moment you asked for my “Vishwa-Roopa” I showed it to you. Now, the moment you’re asking me to come back to my normal human form, I’ve obeyed it too. Now are you happy?” 

These words of Bhagawan Krishna bring even more tears from Arjuna’s eyes! I’m sure many of us would also be in tears of joy upon reading through this section! So for today, let us enjoy the unending compassion of Bhagawan Krishna towards His ardent “Bhaktas” and let us pray to Him that we also fall into this group of great “Mahatmas” who are near and dear to Him at all times! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Arjuna being able to view the spectacle of his lifetime, wherein he saw Bhagawan Krishna in the form of the divine Bhagawan Vishnu. Upon seeing this spectacle, Arjuna expresses his joy and satisfaction, but at the same time, he also expresses his fear upon seeing such a ferocious and a dazzling form of Bhagawan in front of him. As Arjuna is having this experience, Sanjaya, who is narrating the entire episode of the war to King Dhritarashtra at Hastinapura, is also able to witness this spectacle. Sanjaya communicates to King Dhritarashtra that he is able to see Bhagawan Krishna showcasing all His might to Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield at Kurukshetra, which in turn sends shockwaves to King Dhritarashtra. This makes it more and more certain that his sons Duryodhana and Co. are going to be handed over the worst defeat ever possible and their lives are in great danger in front of Bhagawan Krishna and the Paandavas. 

At a time when Bhagawan Krishna is showing His “Vishwa-Roopam”, it is not only Arjuna who is getting to see it, but also some people in the Kaurava camp as well. Bhishmachaarya obviously has the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Krishna at all times, and he is able to see the same. Along with Bhishmachaarya, some other people in Duryodhna’s camp are able to see it and Bhagawan “selectively” gives this opportunity to a few – This is done by Bhagawan Krishna to create a panic amongst the Kaurava camp and with this, it can be an opportunity for a few of the warriors to run away from the battlefield without fighting the war. If this happens, it would make Arjuna’s work lighter, isn’t it? 

Moving forward thus, Arjuna asks Bhagawan Krishna out of fear upon seeing this ferocious form – “Oh Bhagawan! Who are you? Till now I’ve never seen such anger and ferocity in you! You’re someone who is always smiling and playing amidst all of us, aren’t you? But now, I’m seeing something unimaginable and unbelievable! Who are you? What are you here for? What is your agenda for this divine incarnation? Tell me in detail!”As Arjuna asks this important question, Bhagawan replies through His ferocious form thus,  

“Kaalosmi lokakshayakith pravruthaha lokaantamaahartumihah pravrithaha!!”

Bhagawan Krishna says, “Oh Arjuna! I’m none other than “Kaala!” (The ultimate destroyer of this world)! I’ve come here to put this world to an end, because this world is now completely engulfed in “Adharma”! This cannot continue any further and I’ve come to destroy “Adharma” completely at the grassroot level! Oh Arjuna! You’re merely thinking of killing your own family members in this war, but the reality is something grossly different. Please understand – This war is my “Sankalpa”! This war should happen and it will lead to a mass destruction, which will mark the end of all the “Adharma” that is happening in this world. You are merely a small speck of dust in this great war that is going to take place. Hence, oh Arjuna! Please do the duty that is assigned to you by me and don’t ever think of running away from this place. You are destined to play a key role in destroying the “Dharma” and execute my “Sankalpa! You are an instrument in my hands to destroy “Adharma” and re-establish “Dharma” in this world! Please realize this truth as you take the bow and arrow in your hands again to fight!” 

As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna quickly replies back – “Oh Bhagawan! If that is the case, why can’t you fight the war by yourself? Your ferocity knows no bounds, isn’t it? Why am I needed here? Afterall, who am I if we compare you and me? You’re the supreme Bhagawan and I’m merely a novice here. If you think for a moment, you can destroy this entire gathering at Kurukshetra within a minute, can’t you? If such is the case, why am I even needed here in the middle of the battlefield?” For this, Bhagawan replies thus, “Oh my dear Arjuna! You’re making a mistake here – Of course if I want to, I can destroy everything and everyone within a second, but I do not want to do that. I want to give you an opportunity to wash off your “Karma” and come to me permanently at Vaikunta! I want you to play a role in restoring “Dharma” in this world, which is a great duty that you’re fulfilling! By destroying this gathering in a minute, of course, I can earn a great name, fame, reputation, etc. But I do not look for all that. I want you to earn all of these and ultimately reach me at the end of this birth of yours!” 

As Bhagawan says thus, tears roll down Arjuna’s eyes! What a great philosophy is Bhagawan Krishna narrating here! Can Bhagawan’s compassion towards His ardent “Bhaktas” know any limitations? Even if Bhagawan can achieve this within a minute, He wants to give Arjuna and his Paandava brothers an opportunity to have a go at the opposition, so that these five people will be able to attain the highest “Moksha” by washing off their “Karma”! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂