Pragmatic Bhagavad Gita: Unlocking the Practical Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Krsnadaasa - krsnadaasa

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Live Session - Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 4, Shlokas 13 to 20, Vancouver, BC Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

The varnas created by Shri Krishna

Shri Krishna says that he created the four categories of occupations according to people’s qualities and activities.

What we need to understand is that Krishna, as he is saying, created these categories of occupations based on the people’s qualities or gunas, not based just on birth. In olden times, even the son’s of kings had to prove themselves and pass various tests before becoming eligible to rule. It was only corrupt and weak kings who eventually made it a hereditary affair.

A great example is Chandragupta Maurya. One of the most successful kings and leaders of all time. He was born of low caste and adopted by the great Chanakya and groomed to become one of the best kings that India ever produced.

That was the concept of caste system which Krishna had created. Where people became Kshatriyas or Brahmanas or Vaishyas or Shudras based on their gunas.

If you notice, most avatars of Krishna lived the lives of Vaishyas and Kshatriyas. Buddha was born a Kshatriya and eventually went on to become the most successful preacher of all times although preaching was the domain of Brahmins.

Nobody should be proud simply because they were born Brahmins or feel inferior because they were born in lower castes. What is important is how we cultivate our gunas and how we conduct ourselves. Our ultimate success on the spiritual path and liberation is determined by our gunas and karmic activities along with faith and devotion and not based on our caste or race.

As Krishna himself has said, he is the creator of Maya however he is not impacted by Maya. He is the creator of the caste system however he is above all castes. He is also a perfect soul who is above the laws of karma and not bound by the cycles of cause and effect.

As we read in chapter 3, the sages and saints who are self realized are content in the Atman and are qualified to give up all action. Then, why do they still perform various activities like preaching, writing books, performing devotional service, etc.? The reason is that they wish to serve God, and are inspired to do works for his pleasure.

The other reason is that they feel compassion on seeing the sufferings of the materially bound souls who are lacking God consciousness, and they work for their spiritual elevation. That is the example set by Krishna where he performed various duties and actions with the intent of helping humanity find the path to liberation.

Gautama Buddha once said, “After attaining enlightenment, you have two options—either you do nothing (Bhajananandi), or you help others attain enlightenment (Sevanandi).”

As we read in earlier chapters, doing your duties without achment and working in devotion attracts the grace of God. Shree Krishna is advising Arjun to also do the same, to perform actions as a service to God, without any attachment.

Maya is Shri Krishna’s own energy but He is not impacted by it
Action and Inaction

Live Session - Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 4, Shlokas 6 to 12, Vancouver, BC Jul 09, 2023

Show notes

Shri Krishna and His Yogamaya

In 4.6 Shri Krishna says that “Although I am unborn, the Lord of all living entities, and have an imperishable nature, yet I appear in this world by virtue of Yogmaya, my divine power”.

There are many people who believe that God is ‘only’ formless. So they doubt Krishna saying “He was born like a human and died like a human, so how can He be God”. Here Krishna is explaining his Leela. That He appears in this world and plays the role of a human for the sake of humankind.

There are three parts to this verse:

“Although I am unborn, imperishable, and the Lord of all beings": Here, Krishna is referring to his divine nature. As a form of the Supreme Being, he is eternal (unborn and imperishable) and the ultimate controller of all beings.

"controlling My own material nature": This refers to Krishna's supremacy over the material world and its nature. He is not subject to the laws of the material world but rather controls and governs them.

"I come into being by My own magic potency": Here, Krishna is explaining the concept of his divine descents or "avataras." He descends into the material world by his own will and divine power, not by the laws of karma that govern the births and deaths of ordinary living entities.

In essence, this verse underscores Krishna's divine and supreme nature. He is not bound by the material world and its laws, and his incarnations in the physical world are acts of his own divine will and potency, not due to karmic laws. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Krishna is explaining his divine nature and role in the cosmos to Arjuna.

Krishna lived and performed all prescribed duties. He led by example and inspired humanity to follow the right path. That was one of the purposes of his incarnation as a human being.

When people insist that God is only formless, it is like saying that the sun is only light. However in reality, the sun is both, the source of light as well as the light itself. Just like that, God can be both formless as well as having various forms.

Krishna says that he doesn’t have to be born in human form however he chooses to do so. Why does he choose to do so? Krishna will explain that in the next two verses. Before that, we should understand a subtle aspect, where Krishna says that he will ‘manifest’ or ‘appear’. Not ‘born’. As per the scriptures, Krishna was not technically born out of Devaki’s womb although he made it look like that based on his powers. It is said that before being born, he manifested himself in the form of Vishnu in front of Devaki and Vasudev.

And then Krishna speaks these two very prominent and popular verses:

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत |

अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् || 4.7||

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् |

धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे || 4.8||

Whenever there is a decline in dharma and an increase in adharma, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth.

And what would be his goal for manifesting on earth? He says he will do three things:

To protect the sadhus and the righteous
He will destroy/ annihilate the wicked, and
He will reestablish the principles of dharma

And Krishna says that he will continue doing this in every yuga as per the need.

What a wonderful assurance! Krishna is saying that he will personally manifest on earth during such times. Some people have questioned in the past, why does Krishna have to descend Himself on earth for this? Why can’t he just send some of his assistants to do the job?

There is a story of Akbar, the mughal ruler. It is said that he was a unique ruler who was wise and kind and not cruel like other mughal rulers. Akbar used to read the Bhagavad Gita and he even got it translated into Persian language.

Shri Krishna’s warning and assurance
Shri Krishna’s love for His devotees

Live Session - Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 4, Shlokas 1 to 5, Vancouver, BC Jun 25, 2023

Show notes

Strengthening Arjuna’s faith in Shri Krishna’s teachings

Shree Krishna is sharing profound wisdom with Arjuna to strengthen his faith in the teachings. He encourages Arjuna to eliminate any doubts in his mind using this enlightening knowledge. Krishna then urges Arjuna to rise and fulfill his duty as a warrior.

In Chapter 4, Shri Krishna explains that the knowledge he is imparting is not something newly created for the purpose of motivating Arjuna into battle. It is the timeless science of Yoga that Krishna originally taught to Vivasvan, the Sun God. Vivasvan passed it on to Manu, the father of humankind, who then instructed it to Ikshvaku, the first king of the Solar dynasty and ruler of the entire planet.

The Sun has a very special place and purpose for humanity and it is exalted in the vedas often. One of the most important mantras in the Rig Veda is:

ॐ तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं,

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि,

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥

“Om tat savitur varenyam,

Bhargo devasya dhimahi,

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat”

ॐ (Om) - Universal sound/Primal sound; तत् (tat) - that; सवितुर्वरेण्यं (savitur varenyam) - of the divine Sun, worthy of worship; भर्गो (bhargo) - radiant, effulgent; देवस्य (devasya) - of the deity; धीमहि (dhimahi) - we meditate upon; धियो (dhiyo) - intellects; यो (yo) - who; नः (nah) - our; प्रचोदयात् (pracodayat) - may inspire/enlighten;

We meditate upon the divine Sun, the radiant source of light and life, who is worthy of worship. May He inspire our intellects.

There are two ways of getting knowledge. One is called the descending process and the other is called the ascending process. What Krishna is explaining is the descending process of knowledge, where someone who is a perfect authority on the knowledge passes it down to another who wishes to know.

The descending process of knowledge is the reception of knowledge or wisdom from a higher or divine source. It is the idea that true and profound knowledge can be revealed or transmitted from a higher spiritual realm, deity, guru, or through divine revelation. In the descending process, knowledge is considered to be timeless, eternal, and absolute. It is believed that this knowledge descends from a higher source to enlightened beings or directly to receptive individuals. The descending process involves a top-down approach, where knowledge is received as a revelation or divine grace.

Whereas, the ascending process of knowledge refers to the human endeavor to understand and acquire knowledge through personal effort, observation, study, analysis, and logical reasoning. It is the process of gaining knowledge by using our senses, intellect, and faculties to explore the world around us. In this approach, knowledge is acquired through external sources such as books, teachers, and experiences. The ascending process involves a bottom-up approach, where we start from individual observations and build a broader understanding.

Both the ascending and descending processes of knowledge are seen as complementary and interconnected. The ascending process enables us to explore and comprehend the material world, while the descending process provides us with deeper insights, spiritual truths, and higher wisdom that surpasses ordinary intellectual understanding.

However, the ascending process of knowledge is error prone and tends to get outdated quickly. Whereas, descending knowledge is eternal and perfect. That is why the knowledge of Bhagavad gita is still relevant today even though it was originally passed on by Krishna to the Sun God millions of years ago. And it will stay relevant for eternity.

The significance of Sun God
Ascending and Descending process of knowledge

Live Session - Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3, Revision, Vancouver, BC Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

Revision of the 3rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita where student volunteers answer various questions pertaining to this chapter.

Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3, Overcoming lust, Shlokas 36 to 43 Jun 11, 2023

Show notes

Step into an enlightening discussion centered onBhagavad Gita 3.36–3.43, where Arjuna asks Krishna the pivotal question: “What force compels us to act against our own better judgment?” Krishna’s response unveilslust, which when left unchecked evolves intoanger, as the “eternal enemy” that clouds spiritual understanding. In this podcast, we delve deep into the significance ofovercoming lust, a crucial step for anyone seeking genuine self-mastery and divine connection.

We begin by unpacking Krishna’s profound explanation of how lust arises in the mind and intellect. By examining the root ofsinful desire, we uncover how unchecked passions become stumbling blocks on the path to spiritual growth. Discover why these verses emphasize the necessity ofcontrol over the senses and how such control paves the way for greater mental peace. Along the way, we explore the importance ofspiritual intelligence as a tool that helps us recognize and navigate the illusions of lust and anger.

In practical terms, the guidance Krishna offers inBhagavad Gita 3.36–3.43 resonates with those of us confronting daily challenges. Listen in as we discuss effective ways tomaster the mind, transform destructive impulses, and align ourselves with a higher purpose. We highlight methods to apply this wisdom, including meditative focus, mindful action, and cultivating empathy. These powerful strategies can help redirect your energy away from fleeting desires toward spiritual clarity, setting a firm foundation forhigher self mastery.

Our conversation also explores how understanding these verses helps us break the cycle of anger that often follows unfulfilled lust. When desires remain unsatisfied, frustration brews, creating internal and external tensions. Krishna’s message urges us to transcend this negative spiral by focusing on loving service, humility, and unwavering devotion. As you listen, you will learn why sincere devotion to a higher principle can gradually dissolve the very seed of lust within us, replacing it with a genuine longing for purity and connection.

This podcast ultimately offers hope and inspiration for anyone battling inner conflicts. Instead of denying the presence of lust and anger, we learn to confront them head-on with steadfast determination and knowledge. Through Krishna’s timeless insights, we are reminded that real freedom arises when we recognize that our true enemy lies within, and the key to victory is a balanced blend of discipline and devotion.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery, whereKrishna’s guidance lights the way towardrising above passion. Let these timeless verses encourage you to evolve, free from the clutches of anger and desire, and empowered by the promise of a more peaceful, spiritually enriched life.

krsnadaasa
(Servant of Krishna)

Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3, Swadharma, Shlokas 29 to 35 Jun 04, 2023

Show notes

The chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom on fulfilling one’s duty with devotion, clarity, and detachment. In this episode, we explore Swadharma, the principle that every individual has a unique role in life, dictated by their nature, inclinations, and past karma. Krishna emphasizes that it is far better to perform one’s own duty, even imperfectly, than to succeed in another’s duty, for following someone else’s path leads to confusion and fear.

Krishna explains that actions aligned with Swadharma bring growth, while those performed against one’s nature create bondage. He warns against forcing enlightenment upon those who are not ready, as wisdom must be shared gradually. This teaching aligns with Samatvam, the ability to act with mental equipoise, free from attachment to success or failure.

Throughout the episode, we delve into Krishna’s advice on performing duties without attachment, understanding the law of karma, and how self-mastery leads to liberation. We also discuss the dangers of attachment and aversion, two forces that can hijack the mind if left unchecked.

Join us as we uncover the deeper layers of Swadharma, Samatvam, and the path to true spiritual evolution.

Krsnadaasa

(Servant of Krishna)

Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3, Leadership by example, Shlokas 20 to 28 May 28, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we explore Lokasangraha (Leadership by Example), as emphasized by Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Through timeless examples of great leaders like King Janaka and Harishchandra, Krishna highlights the power of selfless action to inspire others and uphold societal harmony. This teaching, rooted in Lokasangraha, underscores the responsibility of leaders to act not for personal gain but for the welfare of the world.

Shri Krishna demonstrates how leaders must perform their duties with detachment, setting a standard for others to emulate. Even the enlightened, who are beyond worldly obligations, engage in rightful actions to guide and uplift society. Krishna’s own life exemplifies this principle—from his role as a student in the gurukul to his duties as a Kshatriya and a King. Each action, driven by Lokasangraha, serves as a beacon of inspiration for humanity.

We also discuss the interplay of nature’s gunas and the importance of overcoming false ego, as highlighted in stories like Ashtavakra Muni’s lesson on attachment and the Isha Upanishad’s wisdom. These teachings illuminate how acting without attachment and with a sense of higher purpose leads to true self-realization and societal welfare.

Drawing parallels to modern scenarios, we examine how Lokasangraha applies to contemporary leadership challenges, workplaces, and communities. Practical examples, like George Harrison’s spiritual journey under Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, illustrate how individuals can use their unique talents to inspire others and spread positivity.

Join us to uncover the transformative power of Lokasangraha (Leadership by Example), and learn how embodying this principle can elevate your leadership, spiritual journey, and contributions to the world.

kṛṣṇadaasa
(Servant of Krishna)

Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3: Karma Yoga, Shlokas 13 to 19 May 22, 2023

Show notes

The power of gratitude and selflessness

In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on verses 3.13 to 3.19. These verses highlight the profound concepts of gratitude and selflessness, emphasizing how they form the foundation of spiritual growth and balanced living. Krishna teaches us that by offering everything we consume, from food to material objects, to the Divine, we elevate our consciousness and free ourselves from karmic reactions.

This episode delves into the power of selfless action (Yajna) and how it sustains the cycle of nature, ensuring balance in the world. Through the practice of karma yoga—performing duties without attachment to the outcome—we contribute to the well-being of all beings and live in harmony with the universal laws of karma. Additionally, the concept of Atma-rati, or the joy of self-realization, is discussed, offering a deeper understanding of the path toward spiritual liberation.

Join us as we reflect on Krishna’s timeless wisdom and explore how acts of gratitude and selflessness can bring about spiritual elevation while fostering a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Whether you're looking for ways to enhance your spiritual practice or seeking practical wisdom to navigate modern life, this episode will provide you with valuable insights on leading a life of selflessness and balance.

Keywords: gratitude and selflessness, karma yoga, power of selfless action, spiritual growth, Yajna, self-realization, balance in nature, Krishna’s teachings, spiritual consciousness

krsnadaasa

(Servant of Krishna)

Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3, Nishkama Karma Yoga: Shlokas 7 to 12 May 14, 2023

Show notes

Chapter 3: Nishkama Karma Yoga: Unleash Inner Peace Through Selfless Action: Shlokas 7 to 12

Importance and benefits of mind and sense control

In the previous verses, Krishna is warning Arjuna not to misunderstand that inaction will yield no reaction and to also avoid the hypocrisy of physical renunciation without purification and control of the mind.

Here, Krishna is saying that those karma yogis who control their senses using their mind and intellect and engage in work without attachment, are certainly superior.

Our minds are like sponges, absorbing stimuli from the world around us via our five senses. Think of it this way: our mind extends outwards through our senses, interacting with and perceiving the physical world. This interaction is so deep and intricate that if our mind is not in sync with our senses, we may not perceive things that are right in front of us. For example, we may be so engrossed in watching a movie that we don't realize who came and sat right next to us. Instances like this show us the powerful role our mind plays in perception.

Consider our minds as a bustling city. The buildings are our thoughts, the roads are neural pathways, and the cars are our focus, constantly moving from one thought to another. Now, let's say we want to control traffic in this city - direct it in a certain way or make it stop altogether. Trying to do this without a plan is like standing in the middle of a highway during rush hour and expecting cars to stop or change their direction just because we want them to. Not only is it nearly impossible, but it's also hazardous and can cause harm to us and others.

Similarly, our minds, when engaged with the sensory world, are bustling and active. Thoughts and perceptions are flowing in like cars on a highway. Trying to forcefully control this flow with sheer willpower is like trying to stop a river during a flood with bare hands - it's not just futile, but it can also lead to frustration and mental exhaustion.

What we need instead is a well-planned, gradual approach. Just like the way a traffic management system eases the flow of vehicles, a mindful approach to our thoughts can help us gain better control over our minds. This doesn't involve abrupt halting or forceful control, but rather a thoughtful redirection of our mental focus. The Bhagavad Gita offers such strategies, including that of tying our minds to the yoke of God consciousness and gradually shortening the length of the rope used to tie it.

There is also the concept of mindfulness in Vedanta and Buddhism, Taoism as well as in modern psychology. Mindfulness, defined as paying full attention to the present moment without judgment, allows us to gain control over our minds and our reactions to sensory input. In the Vedantic context, mindfulness can be seen as a sustained, conscious awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. It involves observing the mind and its activities closely. This aligns with the teachings of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali where Patanjali defines yoga (union) as "chitta vritti nirodha", which means "the cessation of the modifications of the mind". Through practices like meditation and mindfulness, one can achieve this state, leading to self-realization.

Mindfulness
Vedanta also encourages mindfulness in daily life by advocating "nishkama karma yoga", or the path of selfless action. This involves performing one's duties without attachment to the results, being fully present and engaged in each action. This kind of mindful action helps one develop detachment and equanimity, qualities that aid in spiritual growth.

Pragmatic Gita - Chapter 3, Karma Yoga: Shlokas 1 to 6 May 07, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we dive deep into the wisdom of Bhakti Yoga as explained by Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Join us as we unravel the intricate relationship between Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga and how these paths work together to guide us toward self-realization and spiritual liberation. Krishna emphasizes that true karma is not just about action but about performing it without attachment to the results. He also highlights the pitfalls of false renunciation and the importance of disciplining both the body and mind. We explore key teachings that help us understand why we must confront life's challenges and fulfill our duties with detachment to attain spiritual freedom.

In this episode, you will learn:

The connection between Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga
How renunciation is not the same as liberation
The importance of Nishkama Karma (selfless action without attachment)
The significance of maintaining mental discipline while performing your duties

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this podcast offers insightful takeaways that can deepen your spiritual practice and bring clarity to your journey of Bhakti Yoga. Perfect for those looking to understand how to apply ancient wisdom in modern life.

Tune in to learn how to harmonize action and wisdom in your pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.

krsnadaasa

(Servant of Krishna)

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