early morning (lest disturbance for the world, peaceful) clean area picture of lord Krishna burn incenses
Every Religion Teaches you (the core teaching is the same- unity in diversity) Is teaching the same This world is not your true home there is a god, and you have a relationship with him, chant name of God there is God practice -
Exercise
Point to your eye point to your nose point to your right ear Point to your elbow point to yourself if the self is IN you, then who are you? you are the soul and it resides in this body The soul is situated in the hearth region of the body the heart is the seat of the whole body
we are not this body my brain, my body, my arms - you are the owner (the possessor) no one will say I brain, I body, I arm
we are not the body..
who passed away? the body is still there
Every 7 years, our body regenerated EVERY cells of our body, have completed replaced, body constantly regenerated and but we remain the same
The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life.
When was it spoken? approx over 5120 years back (Dwapar, 4 yuga Satya Treta, Dvapara, Kali yuga
Who wrote? - Sri VyasaDeva & Lord Ganesh Part of which scripture? Mahabharata (Bhisma Parva)
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata (chapters 23–40 of Bhishma Parva)
The Bhagavad Gita has a total of 18 chapters which are the compilation of 700 verses. Out of the total 700, Sri Krishna told 574, Arjun told 84, Dhritarashtra-1 and Sanjay told 41 shlokas of Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagwat Gita is an ancient textbook that explains the Vedanta philosophy. A philosophy which contains these principles of living And what happens when you gain this knowledge? Your mind within becomes peaceful And when you are peaceful, your intellect becomes clear You gain clarity in thinking in your decision making And with a clear intellect and a peaceful mind You can focus, and concentrate on what you do So you become very efficient. And therefore successful in your field of action.
Divided into 3 parts - Karma, Bhatht, and Gyaan Yoga..
First 6 Chapters focus on Karma Yoga(Action with selfless motives) - attaining Bhakti via karma yoga
1. Despondent of Arjuna Lamenting the Consequences of War (47 verses)
2. Knowledge Index of Gita(72 verses) Krishna spoke 69 (2-72, Arjuna 3 (1, 71 & 72
3. Action Karma Yoga (43 verses)
4. Discipline The fundamental of Santana Dharma (42 verses)
5. Renunciation (29 verses)
6. Meditation (47 verses)
Next 6 Chapters focus on Bhakti Yoga (Worship) about Bhagwan (Bhakti)
7. Divine knowledge 4 Types of Devotee sarati - Krisha your charioteer (30 verses)
8. Eternal God - Krishna talks about the Art of Dying
9. King of science - Krishna talks about himself
10. Opulence of God - Krishna is presents in all things
11. Cosmic form of God, Vishroop Bhagwan shows his full form to Arjuna
12. Devotion (20 Verses) Which form do you want me to worship form or formless
Last 6 Chapters focus on Gyaan Yoga (Knowledge) Attaining Bhakthi via Gyana yoga
13. Field & Knower of field, How we can use knowledge to reach Bhagwan Ch 7 and Ch 9)
14. Understand the 3 mode of material nature,
15. Supreme divine personalitySummary of Gita (15 Verses)
16. Discerning the 26 Devine & 6 demonic nature, Cliff Notes of Gita
17. Discerning the Three divisions of faith; Cliff Notes of Gita
18. Perfect renunciation and surrender Verse 65 (identical to Ch 9 verse 34 the last verse)
Is Bhagavad Gita a religious book or a spiritual book? Primary Spiritual Bhagavad- Bhagan- Lord Krishna Gita - songs of God
when we know the manual of a product, we use it better when we know Gita, the manual of life, we live better
How many chapters? 18 How many Verses? 700 How many voices? 4 Which is the longest chapter - 18th (78verses) Which is the shortest Chapter? 12th and 15th (20 verses) When was it spoken? approx over 5120 years back Who wrote? - Sri VyasaDeva & Lord Ganesh Part of which scripture? Mahabarata (Bhisma Parva) Who can read it - anyone
Karma Chapter 1 - Despondent of Arjuna Lamenting the Consequences of War(47 verses) Chapter 2 - Index of Gita The Yog of Analytical Knowledge(72 verses) Chapter 3 - the Karma Yoga The Yog of Action (43 verses) Chapter 4 - The fundamental of Sanatan Dharm Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action (42 verses) Chapter 5 - Karm (29 verses)
Gyaan (Knowledge) Chapter 15 - Summary of Gita Supreme Divine Personality(20 verses) Chapter 16 - Cliff Notes of Gita Discerning the Divine and Demoniac Natures(24 verses) Chapter 17 - Cliff Notes of Gita Discerning the Three Divisions of Faith(28 verses) Chapter 18 - Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender(78 verses)
Chapter 1 Arjun Viṣhād Yog : Lamenting the Consequences of War Chapter 2 Sānkhya Yog : The Yog of Analytical Knowledge Chapter 3 Karm Yog : The Yog of Action Chapter 4 Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog : The Yog of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action Chapter 5 Karm Sanyās Yog : The Yog of Renunciation Chapter 6 Dhyān Yog : The Yog of Meditation Chapter 7 Jñāna Vijñāna Yog : Yog through the Realization of Divine Knowledge Chapter 8 Akṣhar Brahma Yog : The Yog of the Eternal God Chapter 9 Rāja Vidyā Yog : Yog through the King of Sciences Chapter 10 Vibhūti Yog : Yog through Appreciating the Infinite Opulences of God Chapter 11 Viśhwarūp Darśhan Yog : Yog through Beholding the Cosmic Form of God Chapter 12 Bhakti Yog : The Yog of Devotion Chapter 13 Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog : Distinguishing the Field & the Knower of the Field Chapter 14 Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog : Yog through Understanding the Three Modes of Material Nature Chapter 15 Puruṣhottam Yog : The Yog of the Supreme Divine Personality Chapter 16 Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog : Yog through Discerning the Divine and Demoniac Natures Chapter 17 Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog : Yog through Discerning the Three Divisions of Faith Chapter 18 Mokṣha Sanyās Yog : Yog through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Bhagwat Gita was listened by
Arjuna; also was listened by Dhritarashtra Dhritarashtra listen through
Sanjaya. When Arjuna listened to the Bhagwat
Gita; at the end what happened?
Bhagawat Gita Chapter 18 verses 73 My Moha is gone he said; my delusion is gone
BG 18.73: Arjun said: O Infallible One, by Your grace my illusion has been dispelled, and I am situated in knowledge. I am now free from doubts, and I shall act according to Your instructions.
Dhritarashtra listened to the Gita thru
Sanjaya; what was his reaction? Krishna is a grate cunning person Arjuna does not want to fight
but Krishna was so cunning, he
manipulating and telling Arjuna to fight.
Same Bhagwat Gita, one feels Krishan
is manipulative, another feels my life is transformed.
So what did we learn? It is the receiver’s knowledge, how you receive
the knowledge Therefore Vedas is called as
what? Shruti - Shruit means listening and Bhagwat Gita is a essence of Shruti
the Vadas
Traits of men having demonical properties detailed
Section – 3 (Shloka 21-24)
Instructions to follow scriptures and renounce conduct opposed to them
Question:
What makes Dristhi "point of focus" hard?
Question:
How come we fall pray to (enjoyment/materal things) Why we are compromise on Dristhi "point of focus" What is the negatie trate
Question: How does it make you feel to listen to Asuri Sampat (Bad Qualities) Gratitude, Feel Really Bless, Bhagwan give us an opportunity for us to reflect on our personal qualities identify these qualities within myself and take corrective action to remediate it. Guilty, egoistic, mindfully vigilent, pendelum swing, introspective
Mind Perception about oneself I know, you don't know I don't know, you know I know, you know I don't know; you don't know - God Knows.
Question: How does kama krodhalobha(desire, anger, greed) impact Naraka
(lost peace of mind)
Team Lead read the discussion paragraph on Gita Ch16
vs 21
What is desire? It’s a strong feeling to want
something.
What we discuss as a group -is it wrong to have the desire, or is desire
multifaceted?
Is it wrong to have the desire? Desire to have the darshan of God? Desire
to attain moksha? Meera Bai had the desire to see Lord Krishna?
Because of desire, the mind is not silence
Desire-Samkalpa?
Right intention, I want inner peace, I want this ..
It’s a Vertex- vertex it pulls more and more into
it ..
It blinds our thinking and judgement, because you're striving temporary
happiness..
We ran out of
time😊
The main difference between Devine and demonic -
people who are following the teaching of the scripture are Devine
those who are acting against the scripture are call demonic
Chapter 16: Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
Yog through Discerning the Divine and Demoniac Natures
Life Lesson The Devine nature is characterized by humility, self control and purity The demonic nature leads to misery and suffering in this life and the next Lust anger and greed leads to the gates of hell Devine nature leads to spiritual progress and ultimate liberation The wise person recognizes the difference between the Devine and demonic qualities By cultivating Devine qualities, one can attain eternal happiness and peace.
This chapter expounds on the two kinds of human nature—the saintly and the demoniac. Shree Krishna explains that the saintly-nature develops in humans by cultivating the modes of goodness, by following the instructions given in the scriptures, and purifying the mind with spiritual practices. Such behavior attracts daivī sampatti or godlike qualities, eventually leading to God-realization. Contrary to this, the demoniac-naturedevelops by associating with modes of passion and ignorance and materially focused lifestyles that breed unwholesome traits in human personality. This leads the soul finally to a hell-like existence.
Shree Krishna enumerates the saintly virtues of those endowed with a divine nature and then describes the demoniac qualities that should be shunned consciously. Else, these will drag the soul further into ignorance and samsara or the cycle of life and death. In the end, Shree Krishna declares that the knowledge of the scriptures helps in overcoming ignorance and passion. They also guide us to make the right choices in life. Therefore, we must understand their teachings and injunctions and accordingly perform our actions in this world.
The 26 divine qualities are described as the characteristics of those with a divine nature, leading to liberation, while the opposite qualities belong to those of a demoniac nature, leading to bondage. Here's a breakdown of the 26 divine qualities, as described in verses 16.1-3: The Divine Qualities (Daivi Sampada):
Fearlessness (Abhaya): Brave and unafraid in the face of adversity.
Purity of Heart (Sattva): A pure and unblemished mind.
Perseverance in Acquiring Wisdom (Jnana-Yoga): Steadfastness in seeking knowledge and spiritual practice.
Charity (Dana): Generosity and giving without expectation of return.
Subjugation of the Senses (Indriya-Nigraha): Control over the senses and desires.
Performance of Holy Rites (Yajna): Performing sacrifices and rituals according to the scriptures.
Study of the Scriptures (Veda-Path): Studying the Vedas and other sacred texts.
Self-Discipline (Tapas): Austerity and self-restraint.
Straightforwardness (Satya): Honesty and truthfulness in words and actions.
Non-Injury (Ahimsa): Harmlessness and non-violence towards all beings.
Truthfulness (Satya): Speaking the truth and living honestly.
Freedom from Wrath (Krodha-Aparadh): Absence of anger and irritability.
Renunciation (Tyaga): Detachment from worldly attachments.
Tranquility (Shanti): Peacefulness and calmness of mind.
Absence of Malice (Asatya): Not speaking ill of others or engaging in gossip.
Compassion for All Creatures (Daya): Kindness and empathy towards all living beings.
Absence of Greed (Aloluptvam): Freedom from avarice and covetousness.
Gentleness (Shanti): Kindness and mildness of manner.
Modesty (Hrih): Humility and a sense of decorum.
Lack of Restlessness (Acapalam): Steadfastness and determination.
Radiance of Character (Tejah): Inner brilliance and strength of character.
Forgiveness (Kshama): The ability to forgive and not harbor resentment.
Patience (Dhriti): The ability to endure hardships with fortitude.
Cleanliness (Saucam): Purity of both body and mind.
Freedom from Hate (Asatya): Absence of hatred and malice.
Absence of Conceit (Natimanita): Lack of pride and arrogance.
Human Values: Peace, Love, Truth, Non-Violence, Right Conduct
The demoniac qualities are described as arrogance, pride, anger, conceit, harshness, and ignorance. Here's a more detailed breakdown of these qualities:
Arrogance: A sense of inflated self-importance and a disdain for others.
Pride: Excessive self-regard and a lack of humility.
Anger: Easily provoked and prone to outbursts of rage.
Conceit: A belief in one's own superiority and a tendency to boast.
Harshness: Cruel and unkind behavior towards others.
Ignorance: A lack of understanding and wisdom, particularly regarding spiritual matters.
6. Kama- Eating, sleeping or cravings, etc. too much it or too little, is not going to bring you any closer to the higher reality. Be temperate in your approach eat and sleep well and find time recreational activities too! This is what all of us need to learn and embrace from the Bhagwat Gita in this day and age of instant gratification and endless wants.
7. Krodha –Anger makes you lose your balanced point of view. Reasoning with such a state of mind is not possible. In such a state you cannot reason justly and thus are destined to be doomed. Anger element is the fundamental cause of failures in a person’s life. This is another main point of the Bhagwat Gita which cannot be emphasized enough.
8. Lobha- Greedy and Selfish attitude is like a dusty mirror. A greedy person will fail to perceive the truth when tackling any given situation. A lop-sided view will keep him bounded with doubts and disappointments. Contentment is what you have is essential. First be happy and satisfied and then work for your needs; this is the real meaning of living life according to the Bhagwat Gita.
Bhagwat Gita essentially 18 Chapters 700 verses with 1 verse repeats itself Divided into 3 parts - Karma, Bhatht, and Gyaan Yoga..
First 6 Chapters focus on Karma Yoga
Despondence
Knowledge
Action
Discipline
Renunciation
Meditation
Next 6 Chapters focus on Bhathi Yoga
Divine knowledge
Eternal God
King of science
Opulence of God
Cosmic form of God,
Devotion
Last 6 Chapters focus on Gyaan Yoga.
Distinguishing the Field and Knower of field,
Understand the 3 mode of material nature,
Supreme divine personality,
Discerning the Devine and demonic nature,
Discerning the three division of faith;
Perfect renunciation and surrender
Chapter 12 Summary Part 1 of 4
Bhakti Yog
Yoga of Devotion
Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, called Bhakti Yogor theYoga of Devotion, focuses on devotion. Arjuna asks Lord Krishna about the two types of devotees: those who worship Krishna in a personal form and those who meditate on the formless, unmanifested Divine. He wants to know which type of devotee is dearest to Krishna. Krishna explains the benefits and challenges of both paths, ultimately emphasizing that devotion to the personal form, or bhakti, is often more accessible and easier for most people to practice.
1. Types of Devotees: Personal Form vs. Formless Meditation
Arjuna asks Krishna who are the perfect yogis: those who worship You (Krishna) in a personal form or those who meditate on the formless, unmanifested Divine.
Krishna explains that while both are valid, focusing on a personal form (the path of devotion) is often easier and more accessible for most people.
Meditating on the unmanifested Divine (the formless) requires intense discipline, self-control, and detachment, which is difficult for many.
2. Devotion as a Simplified Path
Krishna reassures Arjuna that those who are devoted to Him, worship Him with faith, and surrender fully are indeed the best yogis in His eyes and will certainly attain Him.
Devotion requires love, faith, and a personal connection with God, making it a more approachable path than the abstract meditation on the formless Divine.
3. Ways to Practice Bhakti Yoga
Krishna explains different ways to develop devotion depending on one's ability and preference:
Complete surrender to Krishna and focusing solely on Him.
If complete surrender is difficult, then practice concentrating the mind on Him with continuous effort.
If focus is still hard, then do activities dedicated to Krishna, performing one's duties as an offering to God.
If even this is challenging, engage in regular acts of service with a sense of detachment, expecting no rewards.
4. Qualities of a True Devotee
Krishna describes the qualities of an ideal devotee which include:
Being free from hatred, selfish desires, and ego.
Remaining calm in happiness and sorrow, and treating friends and enemies alike.
Being humble, forgiving, pure in mind and heart, and always content.
Having control over senses, being firm in faith, and not causing harm to others or being disturbed by others.
Such devotees, who are focused on God and embody these qualities, are very dear to Krishna.
5. Steadfastness in Devotion
Krishna emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and steadiness in devotion. True devotees are those who consistently remain devoted regardless of life’s ups and downs.
Such individuals eventually attain peace and closeness with the Divine.
6. Conclusion: Path of Bhakti as the Most Attainable
Krishna concludes that while all paths can lead to Him, the path of bhakti (devotion) is the most practical and accessible for most people.
Through love and surrender, devotees can find God within themselves and experience peace and joy, without needing the intense concentration required to meditate on the formless.
In Chapter 12, Krishna encourages Arjuna to pursue devotion, emphasizing love, faith, and surrender as the best means to reach Him. Devotees who embody qualities like humility, forgiveness, and steadiness in faith are especially dear to Him. By surrendering fully or serving selflessly, anyone can make spiritual progress, making bhakti an accessible path to the Divine.
This chapter outlines the qualities of a true devotee and clarifies that through faith and love, one can directly experience peace and union with the Divine.
In the upcoming parts, we will discuss all of its verses because they are 20 only and all are must to read and understand.
O King, to him who was thus grieving between the two armies, Sri Krishna spoke the following words, as if smiling.
Commentary:
as if smiling,’ [by way of ridicule] — Arjuna was speaking about duty (dharma) which was based on the awareness of the concept of the Self being distinct from the body, but he was torn between contradictory ideas and had suddenly renounced action while standing between the two armies preparing for battle. Sri Krishna spoke to Arjuna ‘as if in jest’, the discourse beginning with; — "There never was a time when I did not exist" (2:12), and ending with "I will release you from all hindrances to self-realisation; grieve not!" (18:66)— which deals with the real nature of the individual Self [jivātman], of the Supreme Self [Paramātman], and of the paths of works (Karma), knowledge (Jñāna) and devotion (Bhakti) which constitute the means for attaining the highest spiritual goal.
Better than mechanical practice is knowledge; better than knowledge is meditation. Better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of actions, for peace immediately follows such renunciation.
Translation:
Wisdom is far better than the practice [of mindfulness of the Lord]. Meditation is esteemed to be better than wisdom; and the renunciation of fruits of action is better than meditation — from such renunciation, peace ensues.
Commentary:
In the absence of a spontaneous intense love for the Lord, the practice of mindfulness of the Lord is difficult, so therefore the next best means to well-being is the attainment of wisdom — which is direct Self-realisation by contemplating on the imperishable nature of the Ātman (Akṣara). Better than imperfect Self-realisation, is perfect meditation on the Self, as it is more conducive to one’s well-being. More conducive to well-being than imperfect meditation, is the work performed with renunciation of the rewards. The peace of mind that follows the absolution of sins, is attained only through the performance of works without a desire for their fruits. When the mind is at peace, perfect meditation on the Ātman is possible. From meditation one obtains the direct realisation of the Ātman. From this direct Self-realisation arises consummate devotion. It is in this format alone that Atma-nistha or ‘establishment in the Ātman’ becomes useful for a person who is incapable of practising Bhakti Yoga. And for one practising the discipline for Self-realisation (Jñana Yoga) without perfect tranquillity of mind, unmotivated work (Karma Yoga), which includes contemplation on the nature of the Self, is the better path to Self-realisation — this is the purport.
(Ch 12, verses 13,14)
adveṣhṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva cha nirmamo nirahankāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣhamī
santuṣhṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ
Not prejudiced towards any living being, friendly and compassionate to all, free from the notions of ‘I’ and ‘mine’, and regarding all pain and pleasure with equanimity, and forbearing; contented, constantly contemplating, self-restrained and firm in one’s convictions, dedicating the mind and intellect to Me — such a devotee is dear to Me.
Commentary:
“That devotee is most dear to Me who never hates any being even though they hate him and do him wrong. For he has the attitude that the Lord impels these beings to hate him and to do him wrong in order to punish him for his transgressions. He demonstrates a friendly disposition towards all beings in spite of being hated and aggrieved. He evinces compassion — shows mercy to suffering beings. He is free from the feeling of ‘I-ness’, — that is, free from the delusion that the body is the Self. Therefore, pain and pleasure are the same to him. He is free from depression and exultation resulting from pain and pleasure arising from his deeds. He is ‘forbearing’ — that is, remains unaffected even by pleasure and pain which arise from the inevitable contact with sense-objects. He is ‘contented’ — satisfied with whatever chance may bring him for the sustenance of his body. He is ‘constantly contemplating’ — constantly practicing mindfulness of the Self as being different from material nature. He is ‘self-restrained’ — namely, engaged in controlling the thought processes. He is of ‘firm conviction’ — regarding the doctrines taught in this Science of the Self. His ‘mind and intellect are dedicated to Me’ — in the certitude that Bhagavan Vasudeva alone is propitiated by unmotivated works, and when duly reverenced, He will reveal to me the direct vision of the Ātman. Such a devotee of mine, who acts in this manner as a Karma Yogin, is dear to Me.”
(Ch 12, verse 15)
yasmān no dvijate loko lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ | harṣāmarṣabhayo-dvegaiḥ mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ ||
Translation:
He by whom the world is not disturbed, and who is not disturbed by the world, who is free from joy and jealousy, fear and repulsion — he is dear to me.
Commentary:
The Karma Yogi does nothing to cause affliction to any being in the world. He has no cause to fear the world — no action on the part of others can cause him disturbance because of complete freedom from antagonism towards the world. Therefore he does not show favour towards some and intolerance towards others; he does not fear some or is repulsed by others.
(Ch 12, verse 16)
anapekṣaḥ śucir dakṣaḥ udāsīno gatavyathaḥ | sarvārambha parityāgī yo mad bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ ||
Translation:
One who is free from expectations, who is uncontaminated, skilled, impartial and free from anxiety, who has renounced every undertaking— is dear to Me.
Commentary:
‘Free from expectations’ — means no longer desires anything except Self-realisation; ‘uncontaminated’ — refers to one whose body is nourished only on the food prescribed by the Scriptures; one who is ‘skilled’ — is an expert in performing works that are enjoined by the Scriptures; one who is ‘impartial’ — is not interested in deeds other than those enjoined by the Scriptures. One who is free from ‘anxiety’ — is free from disturbances caused by heat, cold, contact with coarse things and other such experiences which are inevitably associated with the performance of prescribed activities; one who ‘renounces all undertakings’ — renounces those of a selfish nature but not those demanded by the Scriptures.
(Ch 12, verse 17)
yo na hṛiṣhyati na dveṣhṭi na śhochati na kāṅkṣhati śhubhāśhubha-parityāgī bhaktimān yaḥ sa me priyaḥ
Those who neither rejoice in mundane pleasures nor despair in worldly sorrows, who neither lament for any loss nor hanker for any gain, who renounce both good and evil deeds, such persons who are full of devotion are very dear to Me.
Translation:
One who is full of devotion to Me, who rejoices not, nor hates, nor grieves, nor desires, and who renounces both merit and demerit — such a devotee is dear to me.
Commentary:
The Karma Yogi does not ‘rejoice’ — on obtaining things which are generally considered to be the causes of joy. He does not ‘hate’ — on obtaining anything undesirable; he does not ‘grieve’ — that is, is not affected by common deprivations which generally cause grief such as the loss of spouse, child, fortune etc.; who ‘does not desire’ these things if he does not already have them. He ‘renounces both merit and demerit’ — because, like demerit, merit also causes bondage there being no difference between them in this respect.
(Ch 12, verses 18,19)
samaḥ śatrau ca mitre ca tathā mānāpamānayoḥ | śītoṣṇa sukha duḥkheṣu samaḥ saṅga vivarjitaḥ ||
He who is impartial to both foe and friend, honour and dishonour, who is indifferent to both cold and heat, pleasure and pain and who is free from all attachments; to whom both censure and praise are equal, who is silent [when praised or abused] and content with any condition, who has no home, who is steady of mind, and who is devoted to Me — dear to Me is such a person.
Commentary:
The general (abstract) absence of hate etc., towards foes and friends has already been taught in the verse beginning with, ‘He who never hates any being’ (11.13). What is now stressed is that specific equanimity which is to be practiced when such friends and enemies are actually present before one. One who has no ‘home’, refers to freedom from attachment to home and possessions. He possesses steadiness of mind with regard to the Ātman — because of this he is also balanced even in honour and dishonour.samaḥ śatrau ca mitre ca tathā mānāpamānayoḥ | śītoṣṇa sukha duḥkheṣu samaḥ saṅga vivarjitaḥ ||
He who is impartial to both foe and friend, honour and dishonour, who is indifferent to both cold and heat, pleasure and pain and who is free from all attachments; to whom both censure and praise are equal, who is silent [when praised or abused] and content with any condition, who has no home, who is steady of mind, and who is devoted to Me — dear to Me is such a person.
Commentary:
The general (abstract) absence of hate etc., towards foes and friends has already been taught in the verse beginning with, ‘He who never hates any being’ (11.13). What is now stressed is that specific equanimity which is to be practiced when such friends and enemies are actually present before one. One who has no ‘home’, refers to freedom from attachment to home and possessions. He possesses steadiness of mind with regard to the Ātman — because of this he is also balanced even in honour and dishonour.
(Ch 12, verse 20)
ye tu dharmyāmṛitam idaṁ yathoktaṁ paryupāsate śhraddadhānā mat-paramā bhaktās te ’tīva me priyāḥ
But those devotees who adopt this ambrosial virtuous conduct (dharma) as taught above, who are full of faith and who regard Me as the Supreme — they are exceedingly dear to Me.
Those who honor this nectar of wisdom declared here, have faith in Me, and are devoted and intent on Me as the supreme goal, they are exceedingly dear to Me.
Commentary:
“But those who practice Bhakti Yoga— which is an ambrosial path of virtuous conduct, that is, which is both good and delectable at the same time, and which, even as a means, is equal to its end in being most profitable — and adopt it as instructed in the stanza beginning with ‘Those who centre their minds on Me’ (12.2) — such devotees are exceedingly dear to Me.”
Main Teachings of Chapter 12
The Two Paths of Worship: At the start, Arjuna asks Krishna which path is preferable: worshipping the unmanifested (impersonal) form or the manifested (personal) form of the divine. Krishna explains that those who worship the personal form find it simpler, as the unmanifested form is challenging for embodied beings to grasp.
Qualities of a True Devotee: Krishna describes the ideal traits of a devotee. These extend beyond rituals, encompassing character and behaviour.
The All-Accepting Nature of Devotion: A key message is that anyone, regardless of their past, can turn towards devotion and receive the divine’s acceptance.
Practical Tips for Modern Living Derived from Chapter 12
Choose Your Path, But Stay Steadfast: Whether your devotion is to a personal god or a universal, unmanifested energy, consistency and steadfastness are essential.
Cultivate Devotee Qualities: Incorporate these qualities from the chapter into everyday life:
Non-enmity & Compassion: Show love and avoid hostility towards all living beings.
Equanimity in Pleasure & Pain: Develop an even-minded approach, staying balanced in joy and sorrow.
Absence of Ego: Practise humility, avoiding boastfulness.
Patience in Adversity: Remain patient, especially during difficult times.
Steadfast Determination: Stay determined in both spiritual and worldly pursuits.
Mind & Intellect Control: Practise meditation to better manage your thoughts and emotions.
Absence of Malice: Ensure your actions do not harm others, directly or indirectly.
Detachment Practice: Engage with the world while keeping emotional reactions in check, understanding that all is transient.
Regular Meditation: Meditate or practise techniques that focus the mind. This promotes spiritual growth and brings mental peace.
Universal Love and Acceptance: Just as the divine accepts all regardless of their past, we too can show unconditional love, fostering unity.
Seek Guidance: Like Arjuna seeks Krishna’s counsel, we can seek mentors in our own journeys, whether spiritual or otherwise.
Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita – A Podcast Summary
Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, called “Bhakti Yoga” or the “Path of Devotion,” offers timeless wisdom, guiding seekers towards a harmonious life. Krishna’s dialogue with Arjuna reveals the essence of true devotion, showing both its simplicity and depth. In a world full of distractions, these teachings highlight the virtues of steadfastness, compassion, and balance. By embodying the qualities of a true devotee and nurturing a spirit of love and acceptance, we can build inner peace and strength. The Gita’s wisdom remains relevant, providing practical tools and insights for modern life. Chapter 12 acts as a compass, guiding us towards a life filled with purpose, connection, and unwavering devotion.
Main Teachings of Chapter 12 Bhagavad Gita, called “Bhakti Yoga” or the “Path of Devotion,”
1. The Two Paths of Worship:
Arjuna asks Krishna which path is preferable:
worshipping the unmanifested (impersonal) form
the manifested (personal) form of the divine.
Krishna answers that both types of meditation are necessary.
* Without saguna meditation, nirguna meditation is impossible.
* Without nirguna meditation, saguna meditation remains incomplete.
Everyone needs to practice both types.
Krishna explains that those who worship the personal form find it simpler, as the unmanifested form is challenging for embodied beings to grasp.
Qualities of a True Devotee: Krishna describes the ideal traits of a devotee.
These extend beyond rituals, encompassing character and behaviour.
Unwavering Faith: A devotee's mind should be fixed on the Lord, always engaged in worship with great faith.
Selfless Action: A devotee performs actions without attachment to the results, dedicating them to the Lord.
Equanimity: A devotee remains calm and composed in the face of both pleasure and pain, success and failure.
Compassion and Kindness: A devotee's mind should be fixed on the Lord, always engaged in worship with great faith.
Renunciation of Ego: A devotee is free from ego and attachment to possessions
The All-Accepting Nature of Devotion: A key message is that anyone, regardless of their past, can turn towards devotion and receive the divine’s acceptance.
