THE FIVE YAGNAS

THE FIVE YAGNAS

In his divine discourse the Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna points out to the doubting Arjuna that it is impossible to exist without doing Karma or action. At least for the sake of maintaining the body one should perform karma. Duties should be discharged for God’s sake and not for one’s own self. Selfish karma binds man to the world. When duty is done for God it translates into yagna or sacrifice done for Lord Vishnu. It is God who is responsible for our actions. Sacrifices performed by people are the connecting link between mortals and devas. Everything in the world is God’s property. When we forget this fact and enjoy everything without his permission we are really thieves. Therefore  food not offered to God is considered as sinful morsels of food! Why should man perform yagna or sacrifice? What is its significance? What exactly are those that man should perform?

Family life is practically impossible without five indispensable items. They are 1 knife, 2 grinder, 3 stove, 4 pot or vessel to cook and 5 the broomstick. When using these articles many germs die and unknowingly man commits sin. To ward off this evil of sin and allow man to liberate himself five kinds of sacrifice are recommended.These are called “Panchamaha yagnas”. The first and foremost is “Brahma yagna” where one reads the Vedas and does scriptural study. He has to contemplate on what they say and try to follow their mandates. Krishna describes the second yagna as “ Daiva yagna.” Or Divine worship. The Sun, the Moon, the stars, oceans, rivers, magnificent mountains and Nature are the manifestation of God. The gardener or the owner of the garden does not make the mango sweet. It is God who does it! Do not forget the existence of God in all these objects. Offer all God given things  to God before you enjoy them. This offering is called “Daiva yagna.”

The third important yagna is “ Pitru yagna” or worship of the parents and forefathers. “ Pitru devo bhava” declare the Vedas. They should be considered as Gods and given due regard and respect and love.It may some times be possible to clear the indebtedness of the father but it is impossible to wipe off the debt of the mother who is the first God! For the satisfaction of the  ‘pitrus’ (dead) proper ‘sraddhas’ or annual ceremonies should be performed. Unfortunately, in these days people have no belief in the rituals to be performed for them. When the Pitrus are dissatisfied their families suffer and have to undergo difficulties. Some of the hurdles and sufferings of families are because of the curse of the ‘Pitrus’ for whom proper funeral and other rites are not performed

The fourth sacrifice is “Narayagna” or “Manushya yagna” which signifies service to humanity. Service to man is service to God as the human body is the living temple of God! Extending love to all people irrespective of color, creed, community, caste and religion is the greatest service one can do to society.It is in serving the needy, the poor and the downtrodden that man finds fulfilment of his existence.In fact service to humanity ennobles man and raises him to Godhead! Service to man elevates man to a higher spiritual plane through which he can realise the  Supreme Reality. Man loses his ego by serving humanity and thus can realize his own self

which is the real purpose for which God has created him.

The fifth yagna or sacrifice is “Bhuta yagna” or service to the dumb creatures which are no less important. Arranging drinking water tubs, sheds for cattle, giving food to dogs and other animals, putting rangoli with rice flour, being kind to the dumb creatures, are the essence of this “Bhuta Yagna”. We are indebted to all the dumb creatures in one way or other and should repay our debt to them. They should never be ignored lest we would be committing a great sin. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the essence of Karma Yoga consists in living for God, living for humanity and living for the world at large. It is also the means to root out our selfishness.

MOKSHA SAYASA YOGA PART TWO

 Not satisfied with Lord Krishna’s answer, Arjuna  questions, “ Oh Krishna! How is it possible to rise above  these  gunas or qualities? Kindly elucidate  and clear my doubt.” The Lord is delighted  and responds. “Oh Partha! Understand that a particular karma is the cause of birth. Another specific karma is the cause of liberation. Karma or action is the link for everything from the beginning to the end! Each individual should discharge his prescribed duties. The duties of a Brahmin are 1 control over sensory organs 2 restriction in diet and food 3 absence of anger 4 purity in body and mind 5 setting example to others 6 realizing himself and leading others to self realization! A kshatriya should have brighteness in his face. He should have courage, determination and presence of mind. He should either win the battle or die but not show his back to the enemy. A king should bring happiness to his subjects and consider their difficulties as his own!
      The Vaisyas should carry on trade and commerce and sell  materials without adulteration and for legitimate profit. Sudras are expected to do manual labor. The four castes should remain interdependent and realize peace and happiness. No caste should feel superior or inferior to the other. They should all work together for the general welfare of humanity. Krishna continued, “ Partha!  Your karma in the previous birth shall force you into action whether you like it or not. You are like toys in my handI Your resolution not to fight war will not fructify! Dhananjaya! This Bhagavad Gita is very secret knowledge! I have described in detail the effects of listening to it and acting accordingly! It is for you to decide the course of action! Have a critical appraisal and act accordingly!”
      Sloka 66 of this last chapter of the Gita is of special significance because it is the last sloka of GITOPADESA! Like the slokas 1 to 11 of the first chapter forming the prologue, slokas  67 to 78 of this chapter form the epilogue! This is also called CHARAMA SLOKA because one has to remember it in his last moments! The idea is that after proper karma ignorance is removed. Through Jnana and meditation inner purity is achieved. Through this process  the Jiva and the Brahma merge into one!
       The Lord concludes, “ Oh Partha! This is Jnana yajna. Remember , the Gita should not be offered to those who do not serve God or Guru or who have no faith in the Vedas and the Puranas  or those jealous of others! Those who recite with faith the original slokas of the Gita or explain its meaning to others or at least hear with faith are showered with MY Grace! The Bhagavad Gita in one’s home shall remove his PRARABDHA KARMA and grant him emancipation from worldly bondage
        Sanjaya, the great sage, relates all this information to the blind king Dhrutarashtra and says that he has seen the Lord’s cosmic form and heard the conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. After Gitopadesa  Arjuna fought the enemies and upheld his 'swadharma’ When questioned about the result of war Sanjaya says, “ The side that has Sri Krishna, the Lord of all yogis and Arjuna the greatest of all devotees shall win the war! Not only that, they shall be free from all sorrows, obtain effulgence, success, good conduct and finally liberation! We can sum up the eighteen chapters of the Gita in three words!- --1 KARMA 2 BHAKTHI  and 3 JNANA or KNOWLEDGE
        It is my proud privilege and fortune to have brought to my readers the eternal Truth and Wisdom granted by the Lord to Arjuna  in simple language! I am greatly indebted to them for reading my blogs and for their valuable comments. I thank Providence for making me HIS instrument in passing on this Eternal Wisdom of the Gita to all of you!!

SRADDHA THRAYA VIBHAGA YOGA PART TWO

ontinuing the description of the three kinds of Sraddha namely Sathwik, Rajasic and Thamasic, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that men can be identified for their type through their tapas. The first and foremost is physical restraint or 'sareerika tapas'. The ways in which the body has to be used are 1 service to God and other related activities 2 respecting and even worshipping a great  Vedic Scholar. 3 offering respect to the Guru who imparts devotion, jnana and non attahment 4 cleanliness or soucha 5 harmony of thought, word and deed or 'arjava' 6 celebacy or brahmacharya, diverting the sensory organs towards god. in other words all parts of our body must be directed to the service of God. Our tongue should be used for uttering the name of God, not for gossip and scandal mongering. Truth, if it hurts any one, need not be said. Truth should be spoken to make others happy.
        " Arjuna! Keep your mind and heart pure. You should wish well for the beings of the world. Maintain the vow of silence. Do not betray others. Think always honestly," said the Lord to the Pandava warrior. Penance or tapas is of nine kinds. Sathwic, Rajasic and Thamasic penance fall into three divisions each. They are physical, literary, and of the mind. God given riches and education must be utilized for the benefit of others, Charity, within one's means, in the name of God is called Sathwik Dana. Krishna asks Arjuna to discard his ego and attachment and offer gladly thinking that he is distributing  God's property to HIS children. Charity should be given to the deserving. Feeding the people or anna dana is the best as it satisfies the individual fully unlike other desires! Food must be served to a good, pious and service minded person Feeding such a person results in the liberation of 21 generations of the host's  ancestors! When the great Suka Maharshi partatook of tha annadana by the Pandavas by smelling a morsel of food, a bell rang continuously for half an hour to underline its importance. This is called Sathwic dana.
           Rajasic dana or charity is giving alms to others expecting happiness in this and the other world. Thamasic dana is charity given to the undeserving, at an ordinary place and time. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that those who take Rajasic and thamasic food should repeat the mantra 'OM TAT SAT.'  Krishna explains the significance of OMKARA otherwise called as PRANAVA. It is a combination of the three letters A U and M. They represent the trinity-- Brahma,the creator, Vishnu, the protector and Maheswara,the destroyer. They indicate Paramatma, Jivatma and Prakrithi, the three Vedas, Rig, Yajus and the Sama. They signify Sat, Chith and Ananda-Existence, Awareness and Bliss. The word 'Tat' represents that which is far away and invisible. SAT is that which has no beginning, or middle or end. The universe is called "asadvasthu"-that which was not there, which is not there, and which is not going to be in future! The ' atma' alone is the 'sadvasthu'.
              " How can one remember this mantra? Please let me know!" said Arjuna to Krishna.  "Arjuna! repeat either the PANCHAKSHARI or the ASHTAKSHARI mantra before meals or at least the names of RAMA or KRISHNA that destroy the Rajasic and Thamasic qualities of food." replied the Lord. He tells Arjuna that all actions done without faith or sraddha are useless. 'Sathkarma' is that which is done with faith in the Vedas, sasthras, and Puranas. A faithless person loses all the PURUSHARTHAS---Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha also!

SRADDHA THRAYA VIBHAGA YOGA PART ONE

As a true spiritual aspirant, Arjuna is assailed by a number of doubts in spite of  the Lord answering his genuine doubts. He questioned the Lord, “  Oh Krishna! You have remarked in the last sloka that those acting according to the sasthras and with faith belong to the divine category. What about the illiterate and the ignorant? Do they belong to the diabolic class? If they follow the traditions and the sasthras can they belong to the divine type? Will you put them under the Rajasic and Thamasic type? Kindly elucidate on these points.” With great delight at this relevant question, Krishna replied, “ Arjuna! Faith or sraddha is more important and a primary quality than education and knowledge. What is sraddha?  It is belief and faith in the great statements of the Upanishads ( Vedanta) and the sadgurus  or the best preceptors. Acting according to their teaching  is extremely beneficial.
       “ This faith is of three kinds.1 Sahwik 2 Rajasic 3 Thamasic. Sraddha includes concentrated application. Faith in things shall come according to one’s karma in his previous birth. 1 Sathwika sraddha pertains to the happiness of the self or soul like performing Gayathri Japa, recitation of stothras, and worship of God. 2 Rajasika sraddha turns a man to mammon worship—to accumulate wealth, name and fame. 3 Thamasika sraddha involves the individual in acts of violence and creating difficulties to others. The Lord goes into the details of these sraddhas one by one. Krishna continues, “ Partha! Don’t forget that man is basically a creature of faith He is what his faith makes him to be. Those who do not visit the temple at least once a year but propitiate the lower deities with toddy, mutton and animal sacrifice are the Thamasic type.
         “ Tools and instruments  they use in emaciating their bodies torture ME the indweller! Such people are of demoniac nature The food they take as well as their charity, and sacrifice are also of three kinds. Much depends on the food that one takes.The ferocity of the lion and the gentleness of the lamb is because of the food they take. Radish and drumstick increase sensuality. They are taboo for sanyasins and widows. Foods that offer longevity, strengthen the body and spirit and afford happiness and bliss should be taken. People who take excess of salt and chillies and other tasty foods are Rajasikas. Food with ghee, properly cooked and substantial and nutritious, that entices the palate and looks wholesome and beautiful to view is the ideal Satwik food. Thamasic food is that which is stale for four hours. One should not cook in the morning itself  for the night! Rotten and bad smelling food should be avoided. Eating food of the previous day is the worst thing one can do! One should never eat the remnants of  another’s food. This increases the Thamasic qualities in a person. One should not eat food that is not offered to God!
         A Satwika  does his duty or karma without expecting any reward either in this or the other world as ordained by the  Vedas. Rajasa yajna includes bathing, performing Gayathri Japa and worship expecting happine ss in this and the other world. Sacrifices without the sanction of the sasthras. Without mantras and peace of mind and bereft of offering to Brahmins are Thamasic!         (Continued)

 

 

DAIVASURA SAMPATH VIBHAGA YOGA

In this interesting chapter of the Gita, Lord Krishna gives a list of divine  and diabolic qualities that exist in Man and distinguish him! Divine traits are described in the first three slokas. Man is neither divine entirely nor is he diabolic or asuric completely! He is a mixture of both the divine and monstrous qualities. Appearances are deceptive and we cannot conclude if one is good or bad by a mere look at him or her. It is only their conduct  and character that reveal their inner traits. Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna what  these demonaic qualities are from the fourth sloka to the 24th sloka.
      People blessed with divine qualities have 26 sterling qualities of character. They are, according to the Lord 1 fearlessness or abhaya 2 mental purity or sathwa, manas suddhi 3 acquisition of knowledge as an ideal 4 charity or dana 5 control over the mind or dama 6 following the stages of life or Varnasrama dharma 7 spiritual study or swadhyaya 8 control over the indriyas or tapas 9 unity of thought, word and deed 10 nonviolence or ahimsa 11 truth or satya 12 peacefulness or angerless state 13 self sacrifice or thyaga 14 patience 15 not carrying tales or apaisunam 16 kindness to men, animals and vegetables 17 non indulgence in sensual pleasures or alolatvam 18 gentleness or mardavam 19 modesty 20 non wavering tendency or achapalam 21 effulgence or tejas 22 forbearance or kshama 23 perseverance or fortitude 24 cleanliness both external and internal 25 adroha or non betrayal and 26 absence of vanity or conceit.
    " Oh Partha! the qualities of demonaic character are arrogance, ostentation, insolence, wrath or anger, coarseness and ignorance" said krishna. Continuing, the Lord said,," There are two sorts of nature, divine and diabolical. You need not be afraid because your nature is divine! Those of diabolical nature break all rules do prohibited activities,and are liars.They are not clean and are of rank materialism. They are atheists and do not believe in funeral rites. They are violent, abusive,and forge documents.

.Arjuna! they are slaves of unfulfilled desires! They are arrogant, and disillusioned. They resort to black magic to gain control over women and wealth. They are corrupt and build castles in the air. They don't bother about their means to reach their ends!
       " Arjuna! They blow their own trumpet and pride over the murders and destruction they have perpetrated. They are vain and believe they are the greatest in strength and luxury". According to Sankara the diabolic person is always steeped in misery and sorrow. "Oh Dhananjaya! Those of diabolic nature never reach me. They progressively fall downward into abysmal regions. They are reborn as birds and animals. They become the slaves of the inner enemies-- arishadvargas-- kama, krodha and others. Those who disrespect the sasthras and disobey the elders and are full of lust have no happiness in both the worlds.They do not enjoy either bodily or mental or spiritual happiness"

 

 

PURUSHOTTAMA PRAPTI YOGA PART TWO

Continuing His discourse, Lord krishna asserts that he has brought His effulgence to the earth. It is because of His divine light that the earth is able to bear many things. Divine consorts like Lakshmi, Bhudevi,and Niladevi are energizing deities. The king of snakes Adisesha is said to bear the burden of the entire cosmos! It is the divine quality that permeates through every creature including fauna and flora. " Perhaps a fool sayeth in his heart that there is no God! Why is it that the mangoes are so sweet? Is it due to the owner of the garden or the gardener? Neither of the two, but it is due to God!" says Swami Vivekananda.
    The Lord points out that He is in the form of " JATARAGNI" the digestive fire in the stomach of every living being. He is in the form of " BADABANALA" in the sea merging into itself all the rivers of the world.Things that fire cannot burn are burnt, digested and assimilated into the body by divine fire. The five kinds of food are easily digested in the stomach through divine grace.Sri Ramakrishna says that Paramatma is the divine architect under whom the Jiva labours.  Paramatma is the supplier of needed materials and desires as per His whims and fancies. He is the real DIRECTOR. It is He who converts food into blood, flesh,urine,semen and faeces and brain!
     " I am in thehearts of all beings and perform certain acts," said the Lord to Arjuna and continued, ' I am responsible for one's scholarship, forgetfulness, remembrance and all other activities! I dispense justly  everything according to one's Karma in the previous birth! It is only through the VEDAS  that I can be realized!
     " Among the Purushas there are two types. They are 1 KSHARA PURUSHA-- representing all worldly objects existing in name and form. They are all perishable and full of defects. They are subject to the eternal cycle of birth and death! 2 The second type is called AKSHARA PURUSHA.These are entities which in spite of losing physical bodies retain the essence of life. That is ATMA the imperishable and eternal spirit. Atma remains changeless while the body changes and is lost. There is one transcedent being above these two kinds of Purushas! He is otherwise called as PURUSHOTTAMA! The body is PURI-- the place. The occupant of this puri is the ATMA. The greatest of all the atmas is PURUSHOTTAMA! He is the Paramatma or the Absolute Parabrahman! The Jiva or the Individual soul is atomic. Paramatma is omnipresent  AKSHARA PURUSHA is greater than the KSHARA PURUSHA. Paramatma isgreater than Akshara Purusha! Hence He is called PURUSHOTTAMA!
       Lord Krishna continued, " Arjuna!  the Gita is the most mysterious of all the sasthras! By reading this you read all the sasthras and their quintessence! You have been instructed  by Me in this! Those who read the Gita, specially the 15th Chapter or hear or tell others shall surely be absolved of  all their sins! It is only by realizing these things and worshipping Me one can find fulfilment in life,enjoy happiness and reach Me finally and attain eternal bliss!!" krishna concluded.
       Swami Vivekananda says, '"  The Gita is unique and unrivalled. If at all there is one universal scripture it is Gita and Gita alone!" Sri Ramakrishna says, " The value of JIVA is cipher. A combination of Jivas is also the same. It is only when the cipher is preceded by a digit it gets the value! That digit is the Paramatma."

 

 

 

 

PURUSHOTTAMA PRAPTI YOGA PART ONE

This chapter is of special significance as Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna without his asking a question! The few slokas of this chapter are of very highly suggestive nature. The Chapter has key letters of invocation otherwise called " Beejaksharas" in Sanskrit!! Poetic fervour is visible in the slokas and philosophy and poetry go hand in hand. This chapter can be considered greater than the other chapters of the Gita! Lord Krishna has simplified  things to Arjuna as well as for the readers of the Gita!
   The Lord compares worldly and material existence or Samsara to a tree! Says the Lord, " the world is like a tree. It is a matter of great wonder that its roots are pointing to heaven! The branches are below going downward."  Normally the tree has its roots in the soil and branches above the soil spreading in different directions. This bestows happiness to every one. The tree upside down is an impediment for all. Similarly the tree of Samsara or worldly life is an obstacle for reaching the goal of life, namely God! The word " ASWATTHA" means that which is ephemeral.like the world. The body,wife,and children and relations are of transitory nature. According to another commentator, it is permanent like the river with running water. Men may come and disappear but the world continues to stay. One should not forget that God is the real entity and the world is unreal. A few branches pointing upwards are like the heavenly regions that do not offer everlasting happiness. Hence you have to worship the Paramatman to get rid of the cycle of birth and death. The tree is watered by the three gunas, satwa, rejas and thamas. Its tender shoots are the Jnanendriyas----sabda, sparsa, rupa, rasa and gandha! Earth or soil is the root. Paramatma is intracosmic as well as extracosmic! We should never imagine that He is some where beyond the clouds!
   As we realize that all the world is a stage and we are all actors discharging our duties with a sense of detachment, the fetters of samsara do not bind us. The Jiva has taken the body because of his karma in the previous birth! Time has no beginning! Things that have no beginning are six in number. They are 1 The Vedas 2 Karma 3 Paramatma 4 Jivatma 5 Maya or Illusion and 6 Time. There is no point in arguing which is the origin- the tree or the seed. Even the immortals are enjoying or suffering the results of their Karma !In fact they aspire for human birth.Sri Ramakrishna says that God is playing kites with his creation overwhelming them with the thread of Maya! Though Maya is part and parcel of God it does not affect Him The Vasanas or tendencies linger long enough and are too thick for us to come out of them!
   Moksha or emancipation cannot be achieved from outside.It has to be manifested from within.Illumination of Jnana is essential for achieving it! Lord Krishna says that people do not realize the benefits of worshipping God. He elaborates on the benefits that he bestows on all his creatures. He is the primum mobile, the motivator, and propeller of all Jivas. The impressions of our Karma affect the subtle body or suksma sareera. The Jiva carries the impressions of his previous birth while he takes another body! Moksha is nothing but the annihilation of the subtle body and the Jiva! Jiva is the king and manas is the minister.The Jiva enjoys and suffers through the body. Mind has to be kept under control for attaining " atma Jnana." After all JIva is the chip of the same block. namely Paramatma who is the fountainhead of all light and effulgence The Sun, Moon and all other objects radiate the light of the Paramatma! They have no light of their own. They are all His office bearers executing their duties in strict obedience to the dictates of Paramatma!

GUNA THRAYA VIBHAGA YOGA---Classification of the Three Basic Qualities.

After describing the various ways of reaching God in the previous chapter, Lord Krishna elaborates on the classification of the three basic qualities in every human being. Hence this chapter is called  " Guna Thraya Vibhaga Yoga." The Lord continues," Arjuna! I shall tell you about that with which the great sages attained liberation or Moksha. The Jnanis reach me and transcend the cycle of birth and death. There should be the male and female element for creation! The world is no exception. I am the FATHER! Prakriti or Maya is the MOTHER! In other words, there is union between matter and spirit!
     "Maya is of three kinds namely SATWA, RAJAS and Thamo Guna or qualities. These three qualities are the stumbling blocks that do not allow the person to go up. Greed and lust are the manifestations of  RAJO guna. THAMO guna is the quality of those who do not think of the Soul or the Absolute Soul! Therefore, Arjuna! Unless man transcends all these qualities he cannot get Moksha!" What are the qualities of a person who has transcended these three gunas? 1. He is perfectly indifferent to all the worldly things. He does not take sides. 2. He treats both happiness and sorrow on an equal footing. 3. He treats gold, a lump of clay and a stone as the same!
     According to Sri Ramakrishna, the Jiva or the individual Soul is traveling with the treasure of Jnana in the forest of samsara or family life! The three gunas are the thieves who want to way lay him! Thamo guna is like the thief who wants to kill. Rajo guna wants to imprison, not kill him.  Sathwa guna takes the person to the boundary and leaves him there! Like a doll made of sugar that loses its individuality and merges into water, Sathwa guna merges into God!  Similar to a doll made of cloth which becomes heavy by absorbing water,  Rajo guna makes one get Jnana  slowly and steadily. The stone doll does not absorb even a drop of water! This is the quality of Thamo guna. It is impossible for a person to get mokaha without the special clemency of God!
     Maya has two important ramifications. The first is " Avidya Maya."or the deluding power  Like the cloud that covers the Sun, Maya hides God. It is this “ avidya Maya” that obstructs your vision of the Divine! The second type of Maya is called “ Vidya Maya. It reveals as the liberating power! It leads Man towards God while “ avidya Maya” leads him astray. Vidya Maya consists of knowledge, wisdom, devotion, dispassion and compassion. It is Maya that makes it possible to realize the Brahman! Vidya Maya never kills the devotee. The cat catches the kitten with its teeth but they are not hurt while when the mouse is caught it dies!!

KSHETRA KSHETRAJNA VIBHAGA YOGA PART TWO

 

 

 

  Lord Krishna now enumerates the important qualities of character that constitute Kshetra Kshetrajna Jnana! (1)  Amanitwam This is arrogance born out of scholarship, riches, children, authority and race. This is false prestige. One should not have conceit and vanity. (2) Haughtyheadedness should be avoided by a jnani. (3) Non violence in thought, word and deed. (4) Forgiveness and tolerance. Doing good  even to an inveterate enemy. (5) Humility which is a sign og greatness like a blade of grass and the trees that offer free air, fruits and shelter even to those who fell them. (6) Arjavam or Frankness. Harmony between thought, word and deed as in the case of great men. (7) Soucham or Cleanliness There should be inner cleanliness bereft of  lust, desire, anger, greediness, arrogance and hatred. (8) Steadfastness of purpose. Determination to carry on in spite of impediments. (9) Atma nigraha-control over the sensory organs as well as the Mind, (10) Absence of arrogance Man is only a tool in the hands of God. Give all the credit to him (11) Remember the details of Birth and how one was delivered on to earth. (12) Old age and senility
        Krishna continues and describes other qualities: (13) Too much of attachment towards home, family and children should be avoided. (14)  meditation and worship of God in a solitary plaxe is essential. Ideal places are river banks, near temples,mountains, caves etc At least a puja room at home is good. (15) Keeping good company and avoiding the company of  the worldly minded (16) Study and realization of the relationship between the atma and paramatma (17) Jneya-the only knowledge to get eternal salvation is ' atma jnana' --knowledge of the Self.
          " Man liveth not by bread alone but by word of God says the Bible!  Nachiketas requests the God of Death Yama to instruct him on the nature of atma! According to Sri Ramanuja Jneya is the pure Jeeva without any association of jada prakriti. According to the Bible, " The son of Man has not a stone which he can call his own!" Paramatma is far away as well as very near. There is no point in searching for God elsewhere forgetting that He is in the inner recess of our heart!
              How can the Jiva reach the Absolute? Many are the ways available to reach the Almighty!
(1) Dhyana Yoga or Raja Yoga intended for those with meditation and concentration. (2) Raja Yog for persons  of psychic temperment .( 3 )  Jnana Yoga for intellectuals. (4) Karma Yoga for persons with physical strength. (5) Bhakti Marga for persons of emotional temperment and. (6)  Sravanam by listening to the glories of God!
Any one of these paths shall enable one to reach the lotus feet of the Lord! Krishna concluded.

 

 

 

KSHETRA KSHETRAJNA VIBHAGA YOGA PART ONE

Arjuna is assailed by many more doubts because of his spiritual orientation! He wants to know the meaning of a few terms that the Lord has used in His discourse. " Oh, Lord!, you have used the following six words-- Prakriti,Purusha, jnana, Jneya, Kshetra and Kshetrajna! I desire to learn from you what these things are. Kindly define and explain in detail." said Arjuna. The Lord replied, " This Body is called the 'Kshetra' or the field. The wise refer to Him who knows as 'Kshetrajna'

       The Body, the outer coat, formed of the Fiuve Elements is called Kshetra. Another Body, the inner one is ' Sukshma Sareera' and has 19 tatwas. This lives as long as the individual Soul lives! These two Bodies, the physical and Sukshma sareeras are called Kshetra. The Individual Soul requires a protective cover.and cannot exist without the physical Body. It is like an armour for the Individual Soul. One who realizes that the physical body is the Kshetra is called kshetrajna. He is otherwise called 'PURUSHA'--one who knows whatever happens in the Kshetra, the body composed of the five elements Lord Krishna continued, " Oh, Prtha! I am the omnipresent entity and I know every thing about them. A Knowledge of the two can be called as the True Knowledge. Every Body has two Knowers, the Individual soul or the Jiva and Paramatma the Absolute Soul of prime importance. All our bodies and souls are His Kshetras. Hence he is called " Sarva Sareeeri!"
          Lord Krishna now tells Arjuna what matter is ,its origin, its composition, why it changes, what Self is and its powers! Many sages and even the Vedas have explained these authoritatively. The Lord now explains the tatwas of Kshetra:. 1 Pancha bhuthas, the five elements,earth, water, fire,air and ether or akasa form the physical body. 2 Sukshma Sareere or the inner subtle body is composed  of ego or ahankara, budddhi or  determinative faculty. It includes primordial matter or moola prakriti.3 Indriyas or organs:-- Jnanendriyas like the eyes,nose,ears,tongue and skin and Karmendriyas like the mouth,the hand, foot and others. Manas is the overseer of all these entities! Thus there are 24 tatwas 4 Antahkarana consists of love, hatred, courage and cleverness etc. Out of the 24 Tatwas, 5 are found in the physical body and 19 are in the Suksh

ma sareera Above all these is the Atma.

 

 

 

BHAKTI YOGA PATH OF DEVOTION

Continuing his discourse on Bhakthi or devotion Krishna says, " Arjuna! offer devotion according to the dictates of scriptures. Don't be the slave of your mind. Follow the mandates of the Vedas and  'Varnasrama Dharma'  Adi Sankara has defined Bhakti as merging of the mind with Lord Siva. It is similar to the seeds of the ' udugu' tree attaching themselves to the tree itself; Like a magnet drawing the iron filings; like a chaste woman ( pativrata) following her husband; like the rivers that flow into the sea the Devotee merges  himself into the Lord!
     Bhakthi or devotion is of three kinds. The worst type is that which prays for one's own happiness in this and the other world. The second is devotion aspiring for personal salvation or moksha. The third and the best is devotion  for the sake of devotion! Sri Kulasekhara Azwar in his " Mukunda Mala" prays not for the four 'purusharthas' but for the perennial  devotion unto His lotus feet irrespective of the number of births he may have!
      Bhakthi can be classified into NINE KInds:
       1 Sravanam--Hearing the name of the Lord.
        2 Keethanam--Singing His praise
        3 Smaranam--Repeating the name of the Lord
        4 Pada sevanam--Serving at the feet of the Lord
         5 Archanam--Worship of the Lord
         6 Vandanam--Offering obbaisance
         7 Dasyam--Serving the Lord
         8 Sakhyam--Friendship with the Lord
         9 Atma Nivedanam--Total surender to the lord.
        In Krutha yuga DHYANA was needed  for moksha or salvation. In Treta Yuga yagnas and other karmas  were performed for moksha. But in Kali Yuga it is enough if we sing the praise of the Lord! All the accumulated sins of many Births are destroyed by the repetition of the name of the Lord says NARADA, one of the greatest devotees of the Lord! Lord Vishnu tells Narada, " I do not reside in my abode Vaikunta or in the hearts of Yogis; I reside in places where my bhaktas sing in my praise!" In the Bhagavatha purana, a brahmin, Ajamila, was given to evil and immoral ways. But in his last moments he called his son NARAYANA to come to his side. Uttering the Name of the Lord in his terminal stage gave him moksha or salvation! A chief of robbers addressed his band on how to execute their job. He directed, " Vane charamo, vasucha haramo,nadistharamo, nabhayam smaramaha"---Go to the forest, plunder wealth, cross the river, don't be afraid. It is said that the robber chief attained mukti as he repeated the name "RAMA" four times though unwittingly!
            Sankara says that the "RA" sound expels all our sins and "MA" sound slaps the door against all sins! God's name is the magnet that attracts God himself! Jayadeva, a great Bengali devotee used to worship God till He, in

the picture before him nodded His head! Saint Thyagaraja sang with extreme devotion and had the vision of his Lord Sri Rama! Lord Krishna  is believed to have appeared before Purandara Dasa to enjoy his Kirtanas! Swami Vivekananda saw Rama by repeating His name as per the directions of his mentor, sri Ramakrishna! God's name has intrinsic value and transforms Man into a  great bhakta in the long run!

       

BHAKTHI YOGA THE PATH OF DEVOTION PART ONE

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New doubts crop up in Arjuna's heart! He is in a dilemma whether to worship the nameless and formless God or the one with name and form. Krishna says that both forms of worship are valid----the SAGUNA and NIRGUNA for the devotee who controls his senses and strives for public good and maintains serene mind..Worship of the Formless is difficult and hazardous for ordinary man. But single minded devotion shall save such a person from the cycle of births and death! The Absolute Brahman has two sides.--NIRGUNA, the formless and SAGUNA  with Name and Form. The former is static It is like a coiled snake that includes creation, protection and destruction. When the formless NIRGUNA reflects in Maya He is endowed with name and form. In other words He becomes SAGUNA!. Combination with ' rajoguna' makes him the creator Brahma, with 'satwa guna the protector Vishnu and ' thamo guna' the destroyer Siva. Parabrahman is the same but called by different names in performing different duties!

     Sagunopasana is the best as worshiping the Formless is extremely difficult. Any worship requires an object with name and form and a person who worships. Sankara, in spite of being an Advaiti, composed many sthothras on Siva, Vishnu, Devi and other forms. According to Swami Vivekananda Saguna Brahman is like a priest officiating at a marriage with Paramatma as the Bridegroom and Jivatma as the Bride. He brings about a marriage or alliance between the two. According to Sri Ramanuja worship of Lord Narayana is easier than that of pure Jiva or Brahman. Nirgunopasana, according to him is more labour and less result! It requires stringent and strict control of inward and outer senses. According to the Dwaita School of Thought Maya or Prakriti is Goddess Lakshmi. It requires a greater control of Mind and senses. It is like walking on a sharp razor's edge! A little disturbance in the mind shall ruin the person! From the beginning one should develop maternal feelings towards the deity. Sri Ramakrishne worshiped mother Kali and Sankara worshiped Devi as his mother!
       Krishna says, " Arjuna, if you cannot calm your mind, practise meditation. If that too is difficult, do selfless service to mankind! That will eventually lead you to Me! If that is also impossible surrender to me , in devotion, accepting victory and defeat as granted by me."  The lord expounds the positive qualities of a true devotee. Compassion and ways and means of eradicating the sorrows of others is the most important quality of a Bhaktha. He should maintain equanimity or balance of mind in both joy and sorrow! Lord Krishna has detailed the steps for becoming a great devotee:.
       1 A Bhaktha must believe that every thing is a blessing in disguise.
        2 A real devotee's real home is God himself.
        3 He should have stability of purpose.
        4 He should see God in friends and enemies.
        5 He does not hate any one.
        6 He is not afraid of any thing and none is afraid of him.
      Bhakthi has magnetic influence and attracts all beings. The more one identifies himself with the mortal coil the greater is the fear. The greater the detachment the lesser the fear. It is said that in the presence of great Bhaktas even the animals lose their enmity and live together!     ( continued)                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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