Transcript
WEBVTT
00:00:02.049 --> 00:00:08.300
Hello and welcome to another episode of The Bearded Mystic Podcast and I'm your host Rahul N Singh.
00:00:08.750 --> 00:00:13.859
Thank you for taking out the time today to either watch or listen to this podcast episode.
00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:33.868
If you are really interested in supporting The Bearded Mystic Podcast, and you've found great benefit in listening or watching these episodes, then please do support this podcast on Patreon where you can get ad free and bonus episodes along with other benefits depending on the tier that you select.
00:00:33.893 --> 00:00:43.938
Your support means everything, and it really does help the podcast keep running efficiently and smoothly, and also widens the audience that this message can reach to.
00:00:44.024 --> 00:00:48.645
If you would like to know more about it, the details are in the show notes and video description below.
00:00:48.908 --> 00:00:57.307
On Saturdays at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time there is a free virtual meditation session along with discussion and Q&A.
00:00:57.978 --> 00:01:04.628
If you're interested in meditating with us as a community, then you can find out the details in the show notes and video description below.
00:01:04.859 --> 00:01:14.373
Please do like, comment, and subscribe if you're watching this on YouTube and if you're listening to this on your favorite podcast streaming app, then please do give this podcast a five star rating.
00:01:14.373 --> 00:01:28.727
It helps the podcast get up in the charts and allows the algorithm to bring this podcast to new listeners and also do review the podcast if you can and make sure you do follow or subscribe to keep getting future episodes.
00:01:29.201 --> 00:01:40.891
So today we're going to be continuing on with my thoughts on the Bhagavad Gita and we'll be concluding chapter 12 by looking at verses 15 to verse 20.
00:01:41.204 --> 00:01:48.715
Before we get started, these are now the qualities we should see in ourselves.
00:01:49.025 --> 00:01:56.224
So remember in the last episode when we looked at verses 13 and 14, we asked ourselves, do we have these qualities?
00:01:56.495 --> 00:02:09.039
And Sri Krishna is going to go over some of these qualities again, but again, this is a checklist to see how much more work we need to do and how we can strive towards excellence.
00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:16.900
This is what it's about, how we can establish ourselves as the Atman and understand that there is only Brahman.
00:02:17.180 --> 00:02:19.689
This is the point of all these verses.
00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:26.310
So these are checklist points which we can truly practice.
00:02:26.810 --> 00:02:28.710
Okay verse 15.
00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:47.050
One who is kind to the entire world, who is unafraid in the world, who is not addicted to material enjoyments, who is not envious of others, and who is not disabled by the effects of material distress, is priya, very dear to Me.
00:02:47.073 --> 00:02:48.712
Let's break this up a bit.
00:02:49.663 --> 00:02:52.712
So first, one who is kind to the entire world.
00:02:53.092 --> 00:02:55.932
Their vision is of kindness to everyone.
00:02:56.532 --> 00:03:03.693
The nature of someone who is a knower of Brahman, a knower of this reality, is always kind.
00:03:03.983 --> 00:03:05.772
They're compassionate towards all.
00:03:08.157 --> 00:03:11.557
They do not withhold that kindness, they want to see everyone prosper.
00:03:11.918 --> 00:03:13.758
They want to see everybody do well.
00:03:14.207 --> 00:03:21.918
They are willing to give their time to help somebody, to guide them, to be with them in their darkest times.
00:03:22.044 --> 00:03:24.003
And they see all with that same vision.
00:03:24.394 --> 00:03:26.993
That's why they are kind to the entire world.
00:03:27.533 --> 00:03:29.123
And their vision is global.
00:03:30.528 --> 00:03:30.848
Right?
00:03:30.848 --> 00:03:34.769
It's not just my country, my town, my family.
00:03:34.848 --> 00:03:36.818
No, it's the whole world is mine.
00:03:36.838 --> 00:03:38.628
I'm going to be kind for the whole world.
00:03:39.278 --> 00:03:40.908
I want the whole world to prosper.
00:03:41.128 --> 00:03:42.218
That is their vision.
00:03:42.639 --> 00:03:47.681
And if somebody has this vision, then they are unafraid in the world.
00:03:48.618 --> 00:03:50.278
And Sri Krishna mentions this.
00:03:50.799 --> 00:03:52.739
They have nothing to fear of the world.
00:03:53.519 --> 00:03:59.709
And one, they can see the world as a reflection of this Brahman, of this Ultimate Reality.
00:04:00.493 --> 00:04:04.644
And the other is that this world is unreal and only consciousness is pure.
00:04:04.894 --> 00:04:07.253
So why fear something that does not exist?
00:04:07.253 --> 00:04:10.304
So therefore, they are unafraid in the world.
00:04:10.313 --> 00:04:11.973
They are completely fearless.
00:04:12.413 --> 00:04:17.184
They are completely determined to always do the right thing.
00:04:18.043 --> 00:04:26.124
For example, when it comes to ensuring that everyone has justice in the world, they will speak up.
00:04:26.524 --> 00:04:32.613
If any small part of the community is condemned, they will support them.
00:04:32.843 --> 00:04:45.863
Even if they politically disagree, religiously disagree, spiritually disagree, philosophically disagree, they will still be there to help them because they are kind.
00:04:46.803 --> 00:04:52.983
Yeah, and someone who is not addicted to material enjoyments.
00:04:54.004 --> 00:04:58.853
The knower of Brahman, yes, they do partake in material enjoyments.
00:04:58.853 --> 00:05:05.194
They do enjoy whatever they can from this material world, but they don't get addicted to it.
00:05:05.798 --> 00:05:07.908
They're not like, oh, I need this fix.
00:05:08.709 --> 00:05:13.889
You know, some people are like, unless I buy new clothes, I'm not happy.
00:05:14.619 --> 00:05:16.699
They're addicted to material enjoyments.
00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:21.459
Nor do they get attached to it.
00:05:22.338 --> 00:05:24.829
Addiction, attachment, same thing.
00:05:25.889 --> 00:05:28.538
And they just see these material enjoyments as fleeting.
00:05:28.788 --> 00:05:30.838
You enjoyed that ice cream, you enjoy it.
00:05:30.838 --> 00:05:32.918
You enjoyed wearing that clothes, wear it again.
00:05:34.798 --> 00:05:37.608
No but society asks but why wear it again?
00:05:38.218 --> 00:05:40.139
People will say, I have no clothes.
00:05:43.829 --> 00:05:51.559
I'd be more worried that people may say that you're mindless than saying you only have a limited wardrobe.
00:05:52.528 --> 00:05:53.738
But this is what happens.
00:05:54.788 --> 00:05:57.048
We get addicted to these material enjoyments.
00:05:57.298 --> 00:06:01.528
Whatever we can taste, whatever we can consume, we just keep consuming.
00:06:02.869 --> 00:06:06.038
Sri Krishna says, do not be addicted to material enjoyments.
00:06:06.829 --> 00:06:08.228
And you find that with people.
00:06:09.468 --> 00:06:10.769
And he was not envious of others.
00:06:10.769 --> 00:06:12.278
They're not jealous of others.
00:06:12.869 --> 00:06:15.108
They do not worry about what other people have.
00:06:15.738 --> 00:06:18.209
In fact they celebrate the success of others.
00:06:18.309 --> 00:06:19.559
That's their greatness.
00:06:20.709 --> 00:06:25.918
And they do not desire what others have just because they see that other people have it.
00:06:27.149 --> 00:06:29.129
They're like, brilliant, let them have it.
00:06:29.918 --> 00:06:33.129
Somebody has a bigger house and you celebrate.
00:06:33.569 --> 00:06:35.379
It's good, somebody's advancing.
00:06:38.588 --> 00:06:42.468
You know, sometimes we're like, oh this person had nothing, now look at them.
00:06:43.408 --> 00:06:45.709
And we say it in such a way where we're jealous.
00:06:46.238 --> 00:06:47.718
Like how dare they get it?
00:06:49.658 --> 00:06:50.269
Who cares?
00:06:50.778 --> 00:06:51.689
Don't be envious.
00:06:53.494 --> 00:06:58.483
And also these people, because they're not jealous of others, they're not easily influenced.
00:07:00.213 --> 00:07:04.553
Because only if you are jealous of others are you easily influenced.
00:07:04.764 --> 00:07:06.564
Or you want to influence others.
00:07:08.584 --> 00:07:10.863
For example, I'll put it this way.
00:07:11.723 --> 00:07:15.033
I don't care if you don't practice any of this.
00:07:16.303 --> 00:07:17.863
It's got nothing to do with me.
00:07:19.593 --> 00:07:21.403
I just share a message and that's it.
00:07:25.663 --> 00:07:28.153
And, what I always...
00:07:29.218 --> 00:07:37.988
ask for you and other people to do, when you listen to others, question, ask, does it sit well with your mind?
00:07:40.538 --> 00:07:43.928
And if it doesn't, you should be comfortable to ask me the question.
00:07:44.418 --> 00:07:48.538
And not only that with other people, you should be able to ask them too.
00:07:50.129 --> 00:07:54.718
And if they close their comments on YouTube, you know they're not after a conversation.
00:07:58.264 --> 00:08:06.934
And then Sri Krishna concludes in this verse, And who is not disabled by the effects of material distress is priya very dear to Me.
00:08:08.444 --> 00:08:11.543
We are always concerned with worldly matters.
00:08:11.543 --> 00:08:12.863
What's happening in the world.
00:08:12.874 --> 00:08:14.334
The economy is down.
00:08:14.713 --> 00:08:18.483
The housing market is crazy.
00:08:18.483 --> 00:08:20.774
We can't even afford a property.
00:08:21.423 --> 00:08:27.574
You know, it creates this material distress, the traffic in Atlanta is really bad, it is bad.
00:08:28.283 --> 00:08:42.833
You know, those things occur, we have financial difficulties, relationship challenges with our friends and family, people aren't as close anymore, we have social issues that are not resolved by those in power.
00:08:45.783 --> 00:08:49.533
However, a bhakta moves forward and raises their voice.
00:08:52.214 --> 00:08:54.494
Mystics like Kabir Ji did this.
00:08:55.094 --> 00:08:57.443
He was poor, but he never let that affect him.
00:09:01.183 --> 00:09:02.573
He was a simple weaver.
00:09:03.974 --> 00:09:14.053
But when I say a simple weaver, he weaved the most beautiful clothing you can ever think of.
00:09:14.354 --> 00:09:15.254
What is that?
00:09:15.813 --> 00:09:17.083
Wisdom, Gyan.
00:09:20.394 --> 00:09:23.303
His poetry today, we still remember it.
00:09:23.323 --> 00:09:25.783
We've discussed it in our wisdom of the Mystics.
00:09:28.389 --> 00:09:31.548
Rumi's children were full of jealousy, but he never let that affect him.
00:09:32.678 --> 00:09:33.658
He was good with it.
00:09:34.918 --> 00:09:42.469
So whoever stays connected to the One will always be very dear to Brahman, will be always dear to the isht-devta, to the Guru.
00:09:43.538 --> 00:09:46.708
The bhaktas find solutions in all challenges.
00:09:48.019 --> 00:09:51.759
If they're in financial difficulties, maybe like Kabir ji was...
00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:54.188
they won't be distressed.
00:09:54.298 --> 00:09:57.558
They'll be like, okay, I'm in financial distress.
00:09:57.589 --> 00:09:58.458
What do I need to do?
00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:01.489
Do I need to be affected by it?
00:10:01.499 --> 00:10:03.889
Do I need to be stressed about it?
00:10:04.619 --> 00:10:05.639
That's what bhaktas do.
00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:06.778
They find solutions.
00:10:06.778 --> 00:10:09.568
They find ways how to get back into peacefulness.
00:10:10.528 --> 00:10:13.278
Because remember, they own nothing within matter.
00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:18.019
So if they own something or everything or nothing, it's the same thing.
00:10:18.177 --> 00:10:19.337
Then verse 16.
00:10:20.302 --> 00:10:44.302
One who is free from all material desires, who is shuchi, which is clean and pure, who is skillful and dexterous, who is detached from all material objects, who is free of anxiety, and who is unattached to the results of all actions, is Mad bhakta and Priya, deeply devoted and very dear to Me.
00:10:44.783 --> 00:10:46.783
I adore such beings.
00:10:46.890 --> 00:10:48.431
What is Sri Krishna saying here?
00:10:48.730 --> 00:10:49.721
Let's break it down.
00:10:49.847 --> 00:10:52.288
One who is free from all material desires.
00:10:52.697 --> 00:10:56.488
The only desire they have is to be in formless awareness, to be in Brahman.
00:10:57.498 --> 00:11:00.548
Desires do not let us sleep or rest.
00:11:00.597 --> 00:11:01.398
Think about it.
00:11:01.868 --> 00:11:03.548
Can we rest if we have a desire?
00:11:03.908 --> 00:11:06.207
Can we sleep peacefully if we have a desire?
00:11:06.207 --> 00:11:06.653
No.
00:11:07.013 --> 00:11:11.503
Nothing allows us, we'll be awake again in the morning to start chasing those desires.
00:11:12.712 --> 00:11:28.969
For the sake of just showing off that we have a Ferrari, we will work crazy amount of hours and even, put it at the detriment of spending time with our family, with our friends, or studying the scriptures.
00:11:29.359 --> 00:11:30.528
Who has time for this?
00:11:32.668 --> 00:11:34.068
I have to achieve all this.
00:11:36.254 --> 00:11:46.933
But Sri Krishna says, one who is free from all these material desires is very dear to Me, is devoted to Me, deeply devoted.
00:11:50.224 --> 00:11:55.653
But those who have material desires, they always have it at the forefront of their mind.
00:11:56.813 --> 00:11:59.014
But the bhakta lets go of these things.
00:11:59.413 --> 00:12:01.813
They say, what am I going to do with these material desires?
00:12:01.844 --> 00:12:03.433
You are everything I desire.
00:12:05.583 --> 00:12:14.583
You the isht-devta, you Brahman and it's not like they may not want things in life, they very well may do so.
00:12:15.043 --> 00:12:16.974
But it will not overwhelm their mind.
00:12:18.504 --> 00:12:21.082
There is balance and hence they are free.
00:12:21.202 --> 00:12:24.953
They know how to operate with desire.
00:12:25.994 --> 00:12:28.264
They won't say leave all desires.
00:12:28.729 --> 00:12:36.589
What Sri Krishna is saying here, when He says one who is free from all material desires, He's not saying one does not have material desires.
00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:40.928
He's saying one is not driven by them.
00:12:42.178 --> 00:12:46.178
You know, one can control them and control the journey they need to take.
00:12:47.318 --> 00:12:48.499
So there is a balance.
00:12:48.528 --> 00:12:49.249
They are free.
00:12:49.719 --> 00:12:53.729
And since they are the Atman, how can any material desire arise from it?
00:12:53.778 --> 00:12:55.818
Material desire only arises from?
00:12:56.283 --> 00:12:57.264
Body and mind.
00:12:58.053 --> 00:12:58.583
That's all.
00:13:01.024 --> 00:13:04.094
And then He says, who is shuchi, clean and pure.
00:13:04.344 --> 00:13:05.994
Clean and pure in character.
00:13:06.644 --> 00:13:08.214
They are honest in their dealings.
00:13:08.874 --> 00:13:10.364
They don't cheat other people.
00:13:10.833 --> 00:13:13.714
Their mind is always focused on honesty and truth.
00:13:14.494 --> 00:13:15.494
That's the way they are.
00:13:16.644 --> 00:13:18.744
Someone may turn around and say, you know what shuchi is?
00:13:18.744 --> 00:13:19.994
What clean and pure means?
00:13:21.244 --> 00:13:31.173
It means keeping clean and pure by not eating meat, not taking intoxicants, not eating from someone else's unfinished plate.
00:13:32.484 --> 00:13:34.994
Let me make one thing clear, this has nothing to do with bhakti.
00:13:36.464 --> 00:13:39.923
Sri Krishna does not consider this to be bhakti, to be devotion.
00:13:41.683 --> 00:13:43.663
In fact he'll probably say it's foolishness.
00:13:45.464 --> 00:13:47.214
If somebody eats meat but in...
00:13:47.870 --> 00:13:52.201
the full awareness of Sri Krishna, will he condemn that person?
00:13:52.211 --> 00:13:52.530
No.
00:13:54.410 --> 00:14:01.071
If they let go of their action of eating meat, let go of the fruits of that, then what can you say?
00:14:01.260 --> 00:14:02.780
Same thing with intoxicants.
00:14:09.150 --> 00:14:21.711
Sri Krishna is very smart and you can see he's not your typical person that you can just fly anything by.
00:14:26.556 --> 00:14:28.125
And what is clean and pure?
00:14:28.485 --> 00:14:37.806
This Atman, this Brahman, this isht-devta, because nothing can be mixed in it, and that's why it's clean and pure.
00:14:39.076 --> 00:14:45.216
So understand, for most of what it means in character, they're honest, sincere, and you can always trust them.
00:14:47.615 --> 00:14:49.145
Who is skillful and dexterous.
00:14:50.346 --> 00:15:02.186
They are skillful in their discernment, and they are talented in remaining in awareness of formless awareness, they fully utilize their skills and their talents.
00:15:03.706 --> 00:15:08.495
They help others due to their skills and talents, especially on the spiritual journey.
00:15:09.436 --> 00:15:12.355
This is what they love to do and love to practice.
00:15:13.495 --> 00:15:18.035
And the person who is detached from all material objects, why are they dear to Sri Krishna?
00:15:18.225 --> 00:15:18.666
Why?
00:15:18.995 --> 00:15:20.806
Why are they dear to Brahman?
00:15:21.615 --> 00:15:42.426
Because they are not attached to any material object, because all these objects are merely material, they are changing And they are free from the hold of their desires and they understand that these objects that are being seen and experienced here, they are just reflections of Brahman.
00:15:44.615 --> 00:15:50.946
But they are not Brahman itself, hence no devotee thinks they own anything, that's why they are detached.
00:15:51.701 --> 00:15:56.041
Everything is the Lord, nothing belongs to this body and mind.
00:15:57.201 --> 00:15:58.051
Very simple.
00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:01.740
And that person is free of anxiety.
00:16:02.638 --> 00:16:04.427
Nothing worries the devotee.
00:16:04.831 --> 00:16:06.941
Nothing can stress out the devotee.
00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:13.480
What worry can they have if they remain in the awareness of formless awareness?
00:16:16.681 --> 00:16:19.870
And who is unattached to the result of all actions.
00:16:22.775 --> 00:16:25.176
The devotee doesn't think about the results of any action.
00:16:26.395 --> 00:16:29.365
This is the practice that they keep in mind at all times.
00:16:29.365 --> 00:16:32.586
Whatever the fruits are, they devote it to the Lord.
00:16:33.225 --> 00:16:39.456
Any result is seen as a gift from the Lord, and it belongs to Sri Krishna, to the isht-devta, to Brahman.
00:16:39.785 --> 00:16:41.096
It doesn't belong to them.
00:16:42.005 --> 00:16:43.446
It doesn't belong to me or you.
00:16:45.235 --> 00:16:45.946
Simple as that.
00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:56.571
And Sri Krishna says, whoever does all these things, they are a mad-bhakta and priya.
00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:59.130
Deeply devoted and very dear to me.
00:16:59.701 --> 00:17:01.380
I adore such beings.
00:17:02.551 --> 00:17:04.921
Sri Krishna is saying he adores such people.
00:17:05.730 --> 00:17:07.800
If you have these things, He adores you.
00:17:10.631 --> 00:17:15.560
So the devotee obviously is madly in love with thye isht-devta, with Brahman.
00:17:16.691 --> 00:17:19.810
They have given up their life for the isht-devta, for Brahman.
00:17:20.361 --> 00:17:23.181
They want to remain in their company.
00:17:25.010 --> 00:17:29.010
There is not a single atom of individual identity within them.
00:17:30.381 --> 00:17:36.101
They say, fill my whole being with your presence.
00:17:36.611 --> 00:17:39.770
That's what they say to the isht-devta, that's what they say to Brahman.
00:17:41.151 --> 00:17:45.441
So these devotees will forever remain very dear to the isht-devta.
00:17:47.070 --> 00:17:55.631
And if the Isht-devta, if Brahman adores such beings, loves such beings, what more can someone want?
00:17:56.371 --> 00:17:57.641
What more do we require?
00:17:57.661 --> 00:18:00.141
That is devotion, that is the path of bhakti.
00:18:04.020 --> 00:18:05.391
Then verse 17.
00:18:06.351 --> 00:18:32.250
One who is not bound by attraction or repulsion to matter, who does not imagine the future nor dwell in the past, who is neither attached to, nor repulsed by circumstances, who is beyond the duality of material opposites and who is loyal and bhaktiman'deeply devoted to serving Me', I feel priya'a deep loving connection' with such a person.
00:18:32.911 --> 00:18:37.411
So again, Sri Krishna is defining what to expect in a devotee.
00:18:38.490 --> 00:18:43.260
So that devotee is not bound by attraction or repulsion to matter.
00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:50.000
You know, some people can say, Ah, because I have to be free from material desires, I don't want to be near matter.
00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:54.141
That devotee has no raga or dvesha.
00:18:55.080 --> 00:19:00.070
They are not attracted to anything material, nor do they have any aversion to anything material.
00:19:01.050 --> 00:19:02.431
It appears, it appears.
00:19:03.280 --> 00:19:04.911
Why make it such a big deal?
00:19:07.060 --> 00:19:09.500
They keep a steady mind and they accept everything.
00:19:10.601 --> 00:19:11.520
They accept it all.
00:19:14.671 --> 00:19:16.260
And obviously, within reason.
00:19:17.526 --> 00:19:20.455
One should stay away from things that give you an allergic reaction.
00:19:20.455 --> 00:19:29.736
When I say this, I'm not saying that if you cannot, if you cannot eat shellfish like me, that I shouldn't be repulsed by it.
00:19:29.965 --> 00:19:31.726
I don't have to be repulsed by it.
00:19:31.945 --> 00:19:33.715
I can say I simply cannot eat it.
00:19:34.226 --> 00:19:34.756
Simple.
00:19:35.855 --> 00:19:43.586
But if you have a repulsion towards anything, like even if it's a repulsion towards people who eat meat or even beef, that's...
00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:46.540
You're not following what Sri Krishna is saying.
00:19:51.911 --> 00:20:08.211
So being allergic to something and then responding and refusing to take something with respect and kindness, that is using your discernment, not being repulsed or having aversion towards something.
00:20:09.171 --> 00:20:13.945
Again, very nuanced points here, but we have to understand them.