BHAGAVAD GITA - CHAPTER 18 - PART-3 - SL.51 TO 78 - MOKSHA SANYASA YOGA

 

BHAGAVAD GITA

CHAPTER 18

PART-3-SL.51 TO 78

MOKSHA SANYASA  YOGA

 

 

51. He who possesses well Purified Buddhi (Intellect), controls himself with great courage. He also renounces interest in sensual objects of sound, sight and the dualities of Love and hate (Raga- dvesha)

52. He - (i) lives alone, (ii) eats less, (iii) controls his speech, physical body and mind (thought, word and deed), (iv) remains in meditation always (v) remains without likes and dislikes with strong detachment.

53.He has given up (i) All Ego (ahankara) (ii) Interest in Physical strength (Balam), (iii) Self elation and importance (Darpam) (iv) Desires (Kaamam) ,(v) anger (Krodham), and (vi) Owning or taking away from nature or others (Sangraha).

But, having given up all self interest (Mamakaara), he becomes fit for attaining to Brahman.

54. One who has attained oneness (feeling) with Brahman - is always with a happy mind. He never feels sorrow. he has no desires. He looks at all beings with the same mindset and equality feeling. He attains the best of my devotion.

My Comments :

What is this oneness feeling? It is what the Upanishads say as - Aham Brahma asmi. I am the Brahman. The Brahman is in me. I am in the Brahman. I am therefore the Brahman. This Upanishadic statement is often used as the best tool for Yoga and Meditation.

All previous slokas describe his way of life. He is beyond the Three Gunas of sathva, rajas and Tamas. He needs nothing in this world.

55. Through Bhakti, the Yogi knows who I am, my real  greatness and Power very clearly and very truly. After knowing my true nature, he becomes one with me.

My Comments :

Bhakti is nothing but knowing the Lord and surrendering the Egoistic self to the Lord. Surrender makes you know that the Lord is the Almighty himself.

56. Whoever has surrendered to me, even if he is doing all karmas always, he will attain to the imperishable and permanent seat in me because of my blessings.

57. Therefore, wholeheartedly, keep all your Karmas in me. Devote to me always. Adopt Buddhi Yoga and keep your mind always in me.

58. If you keep your heart in me, You will go beyond all Obstacles with my blessings. But, if you become ego-filled and do not listen to me, you will perish.

My Comments :

If you surrender to me, all obstacles will vanish and You win.

If you act according to your Ego, You perish - says the Lord. Perishing really means -you will be always in the birth-death-suffering wheel of life.

59.You are thinking because of your Ego to keep away from the battle. But this futile effort of you will go and your true nature will finally use you.

My Comments :

What is Ego? It is the feeling that - I am the Doer. That is keeping Arjuna's mind away from the battle. But, some other forces are always acting. Arjuna's innate nature is - in favour of battle. Temporary delusion is acting now. Finally, the innate nature will win. That is what the Lord says.

60. Because of delusion, you are refusing  to do the battle. But, your nature will bind you to your natural karma and you will anyway do it.

My Comments :

Prakriti creates Moha or delusion. Moha creates confusion. So, Arjuna's refusal to do battle arises from this confusion, which is what, the Lord is pointing out. But, ultimately, Arjuna's inner nature will come out and take over.

61. Arjuna ! Eeswara is sitting in the Hearts of all beings. He is moving all of them with his Maaya Sakthi,  as if they are riding on a machine.(The Machine here is their physical body and mind).

My Comments :

Lord is everywhere. His Maaya Shakthi is also everywhere. All of our actions are influenced by his Maaya Shakthi.

62.Arjuna,In every Possible way, surrender to the  Eeswara. By his blessings and Grace, you will achieve Great peace and an eternal place (which is, Moksha) in him.

My Comments :

Who is this Easwara? He is - None other than Krishna himself. Arjuna knows it by now.

63. I have told all this Jnanam which is more mysterious than all other secrets. Examine this within you in detail and fully - and do how so ever you feel fit.

My Comments :

Choice is yours. Do whatever you want to do now, says the Lord. Let us see what Arjuna decides.

64.Again, listen to my words which are most secret and most sacred. I am telling you, only that which will do you the greatest good,  because you are so very dear to me.

My Comments :

When Krishna offered a choice of 10,000 active warriors on one side and himself not touching any weapon - Arjuna still chose the Lord. He never entertained any choice in his mind. Duryodhan was happy to have the 10,000 warriors on his side. that shows clearly that - Lord is dear to him and he is dear to the Lord.

65. Keep your heart always on me. Become my  great devotee. Pray to me always. Prostrate before me with Namashkar. You will attain to me. Because you are so very dear to me, I am telling you this truth(Pratijaane) - on Oath.

My Comments :

Lord Krishna has exhibited this self awareness and self confidence - at each step of his life. He is the Almighty himself. Not his representative. Not his son. He is himself the Almighty. Remember - all this happened 5,500 years ago. Physically, he is no more with us. But, his teachings are with us.

66. Give up all (other) Dharmas and just surrender  only to me. I will liberate you from all Sins. Do not be sorrowful.

My Comments :

This sloka is very popular. Sarva Dharman Parityajya, maamekam saranam vraja!

How do you give up all Dharmas and surrender to the Lord? Surrender to the Lord means - Do what the Lord says in Gita. You don't need to read and understand all other religious Texts. And, some of them may be conflicting with each other.  They were all written by some sages. This was given by the Lord himself. So, don't confuse yourself at all - on what is the ultimate Dharma.

Follow the Gita. This is the essence of all Dharmas.  This is the real surrender to the Lord.

You  find - that the Lord asks Arjuna, now you have heard me. Decide what you want to do yourself. Arjuna wisely refuses to do that. This 66th sloka is deeply stuck in the mind of Arjuna. He has already surrendered himself totally to the Lord's will.

67. All this is meant only for you. Never is this to be told to (i) someone who is not a Tapasvi (who has never done Tapas), (ii) someone who is not a devotee (Bhakta), (iii) someone who has never served me and (iv) someone who actually hates me.

My Comments :

The Next sloka and this Sloka must be read together. You must teach this Yoga Vidya to deserving persons. But, you must not teach it to undeserving persons. Make them deserving, before you teach it to them. How they can become deserving - is clearly implied here.

68. But, whoever tells this eternal and sacred secret to my devotees (Bhakthas), such a person will have deep devotion to me. He will attain to me, without any doubt.

My Comments :

This implies - You must pass on this Yoga Vidya to other devotees. Krishna asks you to do it without fail. This is your duty - once you learn it. (So, I am also doing it through this small booklet)

69. Among human beings, there is no one other than such a devotee who does more lovable and cherishable deeds for me.

Likewise, there is none else on this earth, who is more dear and likeable for me than him.

My Comments :

Devotees are dear to the Lord and their deeds are loved by him. Whatever You do as a devotee - therefore, reaches him.

70. This dialogue between you and me is for upholding of Dharma. Whoever studies this in future, he will be showing his great love and reverence to me though this Jnana Yajna. This is my considered and definite opinion.

71. A human who is disciplined, respectful, and has no jealousy - if he listens to our dialogue, he also becomes liberated and reaches and enjoys the luxuries of heaven to which, one becomes eligible by performing lots of good and generous deeds (Punya Karmas).

My Comments :

The reading, recitation and listening of Bhagavad Gita has immense benefits. These are mentioned here in the last two slokas.

One who reads, studies and follows - for him, it is Jnana Yajna. He is totally liberated. One who listens when someone else is reading - he also gets partial liberation and goes to heaven.

There is a difference between total liberation and going to heaven.

Total Liberation relieves you permanently from all suffering.

Heaven gives you immense pleasures as a reward for the good deeds you have done on earth. It is not a place where you will stay permanently.

After the fruits of your good deeds are spent in heaven, you will come back to earth as human being in a good family. Again, the birth-death cycle starts.

72. O Arjuna !  You have heard all this dialogue with great focus of mind. So, has your ignorance caused by your delusions (and likes and dislikes) disappeared now?

My Comments :

We are all like Arjuna in our lives. Have our illusions and delusions disappeared, and has clarity of purpose dawned in us - after listening to this Krishna-Arjuna dialogue?

If not, read again. and again. All answers to life's mysteries are available in this great dialogue.

73. Now, Arjuna replies :

O Krishna ! By your grace, my delusions (Moha) have disappeared. I have regained the steadiness (of my mind). All my doubts have disappeared and gone. I will do whatever you order.

My Comments :

Arjuna has selected Krishna as his Charioteer. At every stage of the war, it is this charioteer, who protected Arjuna, from all dangers.

Arjuna says - I will follow your orders. Whatever you say - that will be my duty, my Dharma. Sarva Dharman Parityajya, maamekam Saranam Vraja - you said already. I adhere to that.

Nothing prevents you and me, from making Lord Krishna our charioteer, in respect of our lives. Like Arjuna, let us also follow the dictates of Lord Krishna, for all success in our lives.

74. Now, at the end, Sanjaya, who has heard all this through his distant vision and hearing says as follows :

In this way, I have heard this wonderful dialogue between the Great Lord, Sri Krishna and Arjuna, which is making my body hairs to stand straight on ends with extreme happiness.

75. Vyasa, the great sage, has given me this faculty of distant hearing. With the help of this skill, I have heard this supreme and sacred Yoga, which is a top secret,  straight from Krishna himself, who is the Lord of Yoga (Yogeswara).

My Comments :

Krishna (or Vishnu) is usually addressed as Yogeswara, the Lord of Yoga.

Siva is usually addressed as Yogeeswara, the Lord of Yogis.

Brahma is addressed as Yoga Brahma.

The great Trinity are always immersed in Yoga and are considered as the most ancient masters of Yoga. Their powers of Governance of the Universe are attributed to the Power of Yoga.

All are addressed as Eeswara. Their functions, namely, Creation, Sustenance and dissolution, are different. Their names are different.

Therefore, you may look at them as three different deities. But, they are in fact, a single entity.

Sage Sankaracharya says - Yeko devah, Kesavova, Sivova. Sivaya Vishnu Roopaya, Vishnu roopaya Namah Sivah.  They are one and the same - Sankaracharya has declared.

Yoga is born along with them. Which means, Yoga existed always. Bhagavad Gita is the complete Yoga Sastra - told to Arjuna, although, in brief.

It is a complete Yoga Sastra - a treatise in itself,  reiterated for our benefit by Lord Krishna, 5500 years ago, at the fag end of Dwapara Yuga.

76. Sanjay is now addressing King Dhritarashtra as follows :

I am becoming so happy, by again and again recollecting this wonderful dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. This itself is a sacred Punya deed for me.

77. O King ! I am again and again recollecting with pleasantness and surprise, the great and wonderful form of Lord Krishna. Thereby, I am feeling extremely happy.

78. Where Lord Krishna, the Master of Yoga is, and where Partha, the Gandeeva Bow wielding Archer is,   there, the Goddess Lakshmi resides; victory becomes certain; fame becomes certain; and there, righteousness  resides. This is my definite opinion-says Sanjaya.

My Comments :

Let us be the Arjunas of our life. We must wield the Bows of our life. We must do the actual fighting. But, we must make Lord Krishna as the Charioteer and follow his dictates. Our victory is certain.

Conclusion : Here ends the Eighteenth and the last chapter named Moksha Sanyasa Yogah - in the Yoga Sasthra, which is a Part of the Brahma Vidya, in the Upanishad of Bhagavad Gita.

It is a part of the Dialogue between Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna.

You have read the entire Bhagavad Gita now. Re-read it a few times. Some say - you must read a part of it daily.  And, live by its principles. You will achieve Joy, success and liberation from all sorrows.

May Lord Krishna bless you always.

BHAGAVAD GITA - CHAPTER 18 - PART-2 - SL.26 TO 50 - MOKSHA SANYASA YOGA

 

BHAGAVAD GITA

CHAPTER 18

PART-2-SL.26 TO 50

MOKSHA SANYASA  YOGA

 

26. A karta is said to be possessing Sathvika Guna(Sathvik characteristics) - when he is unattached, non-egoistic, courageous and enthusiastic and does the action any way whether it results in success or failure, without worrying about the result.

27. A karta is said to be possessing Rajasa Guna when he - (i) is possessed of desire, (ii) wants fruits of his actions, (iii) is greedy, (iv) is violent in nature, (v) not clean and (vi) is tossed between pleasures and sorrows

28. A karta is said to be possessing Taamas Guna when he is (i) not the fit person (ii) ignorant (iii) inactive (iv) of deceiptful nature (v) causing loss to others (vi) indolent (vii)  of sorrowful nature (viii) of delaying nature.

My Comments :

Understand your nature. Rise from Taamasik to Raajasik and from Raajasik to Saathvik. a Saathvik person is not a weak person or timid person. Weak and Timid are also Taamasik. Are you inactive? you are Taamasik. Become strong and active. A Saathvik man fights for Dharma. He protects the weak against the violent.

The Mahabharat war is a war between the Saathvik Yudhistir and a Raajasik+Taamasik Duryodhan. All wars are like that. Sometimes, it is Raajasik versus Raajasik. Sometimes, it is Saathvik versus Raajasik+Taamasik.

Saathvik man is a capable and courageous man but not Greedy or Jealous. Greed and anger makes you Raajasik. Jealousy makes you Taamasik.

 

29. Arjuna ! Listen also to the three types of differences in  Gunas (i) in Intellectual abilities (Buddhi) and (ii) in courage - without leaving any remainder(that is, in full).

30. Saathvik Budhi is that - which clearly distinguishes  (i) Pravritthis and Nivritthis, attitudes you must cultivate and attitudes you must give up

(ii) what must be done and must not be done (Kaarya-akaarye);

(iii) fear and fearlessness and

(iv) attachment and liberation (Bandham and Moksham).

31.Raajasik Buddhi is that which imperfectly perceives but does not clearly distinguish between (i) Dharma and Dharma and (ii) what must be done and must not be done.

32. Taamasik Buddhi is that which is enveloped by ignorance and perceives Adharma as Dharma and has extreme and opposite views in all matters.

My Comments :

Buddhi or intellect also works according to the three Gunas. Clarity is the hall mark of Saathvik Buddhi. Confusion is the Hall mark of Raajasik Buddhi. Thinking Adharma as Dharma - is the hall mark of Tamasik Buddhi.

Some people feel - it is OK to loot and rape others - it is Taamasik Buddhi. Whether we should prevent such loot and rape - that confusion is Raajasik Buddhi. Prevent Adharma at all costs - is Saathvik Buddhi. Weakness and timidity is not Saathvik - please understand.

33. Arjuna ! Saathvik courage (Dhruthi) is that - which remains unwavering in Yoga - in the face of any actions of the Mind (Manas), Prana(life or inhale/exhale tasks), and senses(Indriyas).

34. Partha ! Rajasic Courage is that because of which the person desires the fruits of his actions and does the actions of Dharma, Kaama and Artha  with selfish desires. (Lord Krishna has omitted Moksha actions here as Rajasik Buddhi does not seek Moksha)

35. Taamasa courage is that in which - a person with bad intentions does not give up (i) dreams (ii) Fear (iii) Sorrow, (iv) Sadness and (v) selfish pride

My Comments :

Saathvik courage is unwavering. Karma Yoga is unwavering action without hankering for the fruits. Your sensual attractions and distractions, your life force disruptions and your mind games - must not waver you away from your Yoga (Karma Yoga or Jnana Yoga).

If your inhalations and exhalations are steady - your mind also becomes steady - and you become absolutely peaceful. Have you ever felt that? Sit quiet, practice Pranayama. You will know that and you will become Saathvik.

Saathvik results in liberation from all worldly sorrows (and angers etc).

Raajasik Courage is worldly actions - for the fruits of the actions. Nothing to do with total liberation.

Taamasik courage - stems from bad intentions and lives in fear and sorrow.

36.  Arjuna ! A person achieves three types of Sukhas(happinesses) and destroys his sorrows by certain amount of practicing. Listen to them now.

37. A Saathvik Sukham (happiness) is that which looks like Poison in the beginning but becomes nectar-like in the end and creates deep peace and happiness in our intellect.

38. A Raajasik Sukham is that - which looks like Nectar in the beginning but turns out like Poison in the end because of attachment to sensual desires

39. A Taamasik Sukham is that - which creates delusions and ignorance (Mohanam) from beginning to end. It is born of (i) Sleep (ii) laziness and (iii) negligence and irresponsibility (Pramaada).

My Comments :

A mother has to undergo severe pain to deliver a child. he undertakes it willingly. When the Child is in her hands, she is immensely happy. A farmer toils on his land. There is pain involved. Ultimately, when he looks at the full grown crop, he feels immensely happy. No Gain without pain. there is a lot of unselfish toil in the mother and in the farmer. Every leader must also be like that. This is Saathvik sukham.

Some hanker for others' properties or that which is not really earned by them. It looks like a big achievement initially but it gives immense pain later. It is Raajasik sukham.

Taamasik Sukham brings with it fear and sorrow at all points.

40. All three Gunas are born of Prakruthi or nature. The Sathvam or the living beings which is apart from these three Gunas - does not exist on earth or in the heaven or among the Devas (divine beings).

My Comments :

There is nothing in this visible Universe - which is not made up of the three Gunas. In other words - Prakruthi means -essentially the three Gunas. All Pancha Bhutas are filled with the three Gunas. Of course, You have choice among the three. Let us see how :

41. Karmas are distributed among the Varnas (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Sudra,vaisya) according to the nature of the three Gunas in them.

My Comments :

Krishna said already that - I have created the four Varnas based on Guna and Karma. He never ever referred to jaati or caste as a criterion. He never referred to Birth in a particular womb as a criterion.

There are just four Varnas. But there are 4000 Jaatis within India. It is time to forget about them and re-unite them.

Do you think that the Lord created people of India only and divided only them into four Varnas?

He created all people of all world - belonging to all races and all religions. Is this not obvious?

In fact, he created all people of all worlds! All these people are divisible into four Varnas based on the Gunas and Karmas followed by them.

Gunas and Karmas are chosen by YOU. The Lord has divided people into four varnas based on the Guna and Karma chosen by us.

Many Great Sages were not born to Brahmin parents or in Brahmin wombs. What do you say - their Varna is? So are Kshatriyas. Do you say - Parasuram was Brahmin or Kshatriya?  Who do you say - karna was? Lord Krishna was born in Kshatriya womb but was brought up by a cowherd family! In which caste, did he not marry?

Hiranya Kasipa may be Raajasik or Taamasik by nature but his son Prahlad is Saathvik. Raavana was born of a Brahmin sage. But, he raped even married women, abducted Sita and hankered for others' properties. What do you say - his Varna was?

It is time to re-define ourselves - based on our Guna and Karma.

42. The karmas of Brahmans are - (i) control of the inner mind or Antahkarana (Samah) (ii) Control of the senses (Damah) (iii) Tapas (Meditation) (iv) inner and outer cleanliness (saucham) (v)Patience (Kshantih) (vi) Truthfulness (aarjavam) (vii) Jnanam (Wisdom) (viii) Scientific knowledge (Vijnanam) (ix) Belief in almighty/ Vedas (Aastikyam)

43. The Karmas of Kshatriya nature are - (i) Sauryam (Heroism or Bravery) (ii) Tejas (brilliance) (iii) dhruthi (courage) (iv) Daakshyam (great skill) (v) not running away from battle (vi) Daanam (Generosity) (vii) Master (self importance) feeling (Easwara Bhavah)

44. The Karmas of Vaisya type are  (i) agriculture(krushi) (ii) Gaurakhshya (taking care of cattle) and (iii) trading (Vaanijyam).

The karmas designed for Sudras are - to serve all the three other Varnas.

My Comments :

You must understand that - all Karmas covered in this classification are Karmas required by the whole human Society - not just India. None of these Karmas are bad.

The toughest Karmas are - of the Brahmans. They require the greatest control on themselves. Therefore, their number in Society is also - considerably less. Nobody will opt for Brahman karmas - unless they have huge levels of patience and wisdom. Their inner nature must be Saathvik.

The next toughest Karmas - are of the Kshatriyas. Here also, only some will opt for Kshatriya karmas. These are also tough. They must be willing to  fight for Dharma. Their Nature is mostly Saathvik plus a bit Raajasik.

But, they can also be purely Saathvik. Rama was a Saathvik Kshatriya. Krishna was a Saathvik Kshatriya. Sitting on the throne or going to forest - both were same for them. Kshatriyas rule over others. They protect Dharma. They remain impartial.

Vaisyas do agriculture(krushi) ; Gaurakhshya (taking care of cattle) and trading (Vaanijyam). Anybody doing these is a Vaisya. Many of today's trades and skills are of Vaisya Nature. Mostly Saathvik and somewhat Raajasik Gunas. But, they can also be purely Saathvik. Do you agree?

Sudras - serve others. Anything wrong with that? Nothing wrong with that. They lack particular skills. But, service to others is the greatest thing that anybody can do. That is the best of Karma Yoga. If they remain in fear, jealousy, inactivity - they cultivate Taamasik Guna. But, if they do it, willingly and happily, they can rise to Raajasik and  Saathvik. Sudra can be Saathvik. Make no mistake about it. The story related by Sage Markandeya to King Yudhistir - about Dharmavyadha, the Butcher teaching Dharma to Sage Kaushik - clearly reveals that a Sudra can be more Saathvik in nature than an angry Sage.

Whatever your worldly occupation - you can choose your Guna - yourself. Your Guna decides what Varna you belong to - in the view of the Almighty.

Times are changing. Changing times - have changed all Occupations. Changed Occupations - need changed perceptions. It is the Lord, who has done all this change. Do we change our perceptions - according to the current reality?

45.  Human beings achieve Siddhi or completeness and success by being devoted to one's own  type of Karmas. Now, listen to - how they achieve such siddhi or completeness :

46. Any Human being achieves completeness and success(Siddhi) by devoting (and praying) to the creator of all beings who is present throughout the Universe - by devoting himself to his specific karmas.

47. One's own self- chosen Karma (according to one's inner nature), even if done badly, is still better than the Karmas of others done better. He who does his own natural karma (Swabhaava niyatham Karma) does not become sinful at all.

My Comments :

Swabhaava - means simply - what your own inner nature is. It is not what your parents' nature was, or their parents' nature was.

Many Great Sages, whom we revere, were born of different types of parents. The Nature of the sages is much, much different from their ancestors. This is how - God creates. He is not creating the same type of people in each womb. It is differing. This is the reality.

48.O Arjuna, one's own Natural Karma should not be given up even if it is covered with some Doshas (Faults). Fire is also covered in smoke. So also, All Karmas are covered in some faults.

My Comments :

We see the reality. Some are very precocious in Mathematics even in childhood. Nothing to do with their caste. Some are great artistes, singers, dancers, fighters, meditators, scientists - even in childhood. We all see that. We can't deny that. That is Swabhaava. That is Natural Karma. Allow that to flower. Find the talent and nurture it.

In olden days - present day type schools and colleges and research institutions rarely existed. Today, they exist. Today, everybody has access to modern education. All that we need is - find the talent and nurture it.

We must move forward. Not backward. Lord Krishna, 5500 years ago - preferred to dine with Vidhura and sanjaya - rather than with Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Drona etc. He helped Kubja. of course, he also helped Sudaama. 

If he did not distinguish between caste structure and went to help devotees of every caste - what is preventing us from doing the same. Are we superior to Lord Krishna? Help the Helpless. Help the Poor. That was Lord's example - all through his life.

49. One who has (i) become disinterested in all things (all karmas or fruits of all Karmas), (ii) conquered his mind and senses (iii) left off all self importance/desires (vigatha Spruhah) - such a person attains to the best of Naishkarmya Siddhi ( attainment of the most desire-less state).

My comments :

How to go beyond the three Gunas? Become disinterested in the fruits of any karma which you do. Sage Ramana maharshi once made a walking stick for himself with great care. You might have seen his pictures. tall but spine bent a lot. So, He definitely needed the walking stick. But, while walking, somebody asked for that stick. Ramana Maharshi just gave it up to him without a word. There are many such great sages in recent past. Ramakrishna Parama hamsa, Kanchi Pramacharya,even Mahathma Gandhi - are all like that.

50. One who has conquered himself as above attains to the Brahmam.  You have heard this from me.  In the same way, Know from me, in brief, what is the best discipline of wisdom (or Jnanam).