Gita 9.1 :
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
इदं तु ते गुह्यतमं प्रवक्ष्याम्यनसूयवे |
ज्ञानं विज्ञानसहितं यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् || 1||
śhrī bhagavān uvācha
idaṁ tu te guhyatamaṁ pravakṣhyāmyanasūyave
jñānaṁ vijñāna-sahitaṁ yaj jñātvā mokṣhyase ’śhubhāt
1. Qualifications for Hearing:
Shree Krishna emphasizes the importance of being Anasūyave or non-envious.
Arjun is considered qualified to receive this knowledge because he possesses a non-envious nature.
2. Warning Against Envy:
Those who are envious or scornful towards Shree Krishna may misinterpret His self-glorification as egotism.
Envious individuals may dismiss important teachings due to their pride, leading to spiritual harm rather than benefit.
3. Divine Motivations:
God needs nothing and acts solely for the welfare of souls.
Divine self-praise serves to enhance devotion among listeners and is not driven by vanity or conceit.
4. Comparison with Other Teachings
Similar to how Jesus of Nazareth expressed his role ("I am the path and the way"), Shree Krishna's affirmations are rooted in compassion for the souls, rather than self-interest.
5. Role of the Guru:
True Gurus, as exemplified by Jesus and Krishna, guide disciples towards understanding the path to God through their experiences and teachings.
Envious minds fail to recognize the empathetic intent behind such statements, attributing them instead to arrogance.
6. Progressive Wisdom:
The chapters reveal a progression of knowledge:
Second Chapter: The distinction between the ātmā (soul) and the body (guhya - secret knowledge).
Seventh and Eighth Chapters: Understanding of God's powers (guhyatar - more secret knowledge).
Ninth Chapter and Beyond: The teaching of pure bhakti (guhyatam - the most secret knowledge).
7. Arjun’s Qualities:
- Arjun's magnanimity and lack of envy position him as an ideal recipient for the profound knowledge that Shree Krishna is set to impart, ensuring the teachings are embraced in their true spirit.
- By understanding these points, one can appreciate the depth and context of the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, especially regarding who is best suited to receive such wisdom and the nature of divine self-praise.
Gita 9.2 :
राजविद्या राजगुह्यं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम् |
प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम् || 2||
rāja-vidyā rāja-guhyaṁ pavitram idam uttamam
pratyakṣhāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ su-sukhaṁ kartum avyayam
1. Rāja (King): Shree Krishna emphasizes that the knowledge He is about to reveal is the most important and supreme, akin to a king among sciences.
2. Vidyā (Science):
Unlike religious doctrines that often rely on faith and belief, the teachings of Krishna are termed Vidyā, highlighting their scientific nature. The essence of science lies in understanding through direct observation, experimentation, and rational inquiry. This implies that the principles of devotion can be tested and experienced directly through practice, rather than merely accepted as dogma. This objective framework empowers individuals to explore spirituality as a systematic pursuit akin to any other scientific discipline.
3. Guhya (Secret):
The term Guhya implies that this knowledge is profound and often hidden from perceptual understanding. God, in His wisdom, veils this knowledge to allow humanity the freedom to choose whether to seek Him out or not. This divine concealment underscores the value of free will in spiritual relationships. As love is meaningful when there is genuine choice involved (as opposed to necessity), this framework fosters genuine love for God, enhancing the depth and richness of the relationship between the soul and the Divine.
4. Pavitram (Pure):
The purity of devotion is crucial in distinguishing bhakti from other forms of practice that may involve self-interest or ulterior motives. Pavitram indicates that this knowledge is free from the taint of selfish desires. The pursuit of divine love purifies the heart and mind, leading to higher ethical standards and actions. By immersing oneself in pure devotion, individuals can transcend the boundaries of ego and material desires, fostering a spirit of selflessness and love toward the Supreme.
5. Destruction of Impurities:
The three categories of impurities—pāp, bīja, and avidyā—each represent distinct but interconnected challenges on the spiritual journey:
Pāp (Sins): These are the consequences of unvirtuous actions accumulated over many lifetimes. Engaging in bhakti helps to nullify these past actions, allowing the devotee to start anew.
Bīja (Seeds of Sin): Even after sins are forgiven, the tendency to sin remains if the heart is not purified. Bhakti works to eradicate these tendencies by fostering virtues that replace negative impulses like lust, anger, and greed.
Avidyā (Ignorance): This is the root cause of our misidentification with the body and material existence. By cultivating true knowledge through devotion, individuals can transcend their ignorance and realize their true spiritual identity, leading to lasting inner peace.
6. Benefits of Bhakti:
As mentioned in the Bhakti Rasāmṛit Sindhu, the transformative power of bhakti is limitless. It not only annihilates sins (pāp), purifies the heart (bīja), and dispels ignorance (avidyā) but also leads to a state of permanent purity and divine connection. Bhakti cultivates an environment in which the soul can flourish, free from the burdens of the past, enabling spiritual growth and realization.
7. Pratyakṣha (Direct Perception):
The journey of bhakti begins with an act of faith—a willingness to engage with the divine through devotional practices. Unlike abstract theories, bhakti provides immediate, tangible experiences of God and the divine. This direct perception validates the practice and encourages further exploration. It engages the practitioner's senses and heart, leading to a profound understanding of spirituality based on personal experience rather than mere theoretical knowledge.
8. Dharmyam (Virtuous) :
Virtue in devotion is derived from the selflessness and purity of intention behind the actions. Devotion is sustained through righteous living—performing duties and acts that align with dharma. Actions such as serving a spiritual teacher (Guru) or engaging in charitable deeds nourish the spirit of devotion and contribute to its growth, reinforcing the cyclical relationship between virtue and devotion.
9. Kartum Susukham (Easy to Practice):
Krishna reassures that attaining Him is inherently accessible for those who cultivate love and devotion. The principles of bhakti do not require elaborate rituals or complex philosophies; rather, they can be practiced in everyday life through simple acts of love and devotion. This ease of practice invites all—regardless of background or previous knowledge—to engage in the spiritual journey.
10. Challenge of Practice:
Despite the clarity and simplicity of this path, many individuals often overlook or neglect the opportunity to engage with bhakti. Shree Krishna acknowledges this spiritual dilemma and implies deeper reasons that prevent people from embracing this transformative knowledge. The next part of Krishna's teachings will likely address these barriers, illuminating the psychological and societal factors that hinder individuals from pursuing their genuine spiritual path.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 21.12.2024
