Thoughts on The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 8: Verse 8

Transcript

WEBVTT

00:00:02.028 --> 00:00:05.358
Hello, and welcome to another episode of The Bearded.

00:00:05.358 --> 00:00:08.509
Mystic Podcast and I'm your host, Rahul N.

00:00:08.513 --> 00:00:08.958
Singh.

00:00:09.288 --> 00:00:14.208
Thank you for taking out the time today to either watch or listen to this podcast episode.

00:00:14.689 --> 00:00:18.829
Today we will be continuing on with my thoughts on the Bhagavad Gita.

00:00:18.829 --> 00:00:22.638
But before we start, there's a few announcements I would like to make.

00:00:22.722 --> 00:00:32.988
Please support the Bearded Mystic Podcast by signing up to the podcast Patreon page for ad-free and bonus episodes and other benefits depending on the tier that you select.

00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:36.348
Details are in the show notes and video description below.

00:00:36.939 --> 00:00:48.682
00 AM Eastern Standard Time, there is a free virtual meditation session along with discussion and Q and A, and that is open for everybody regardless of where you live in the world.

00:00:49.042 --> 00:00:55.779
Please find the details in the show notes and video description below, if you are interested in meditating with the community.

00:00:55.959 --> 00:01:02.231
If you have any questions, you can ask them with the new series that we have, direct and unfiltered with the Bearded Mystic.

00:01:02.502 --> 00:01:06.102
More information is in the show notes and video description below.

00:01:06.182 --> 00:01:09.962
Please like, comment, and subscribe if you're watching this on YouTube.

00:01:10.292 --> 00:01:21.331
If you're listening to this on your favorite podcast streaming app, please give this podcast a five star rating and review the podcast and do follow or subscribe to get future episodes.

00:01:21.399 --> 00:01:27.093
Today we are going to be looking at Chapter Eight: Verse 8 to verse 13.

00:01:27.424 --> 00:01:30.224
And let's begin with verse 8.

00:01:31.703 --> 00:01:47.275
One who is constantly disciplined in yogic practices, meditating upon Me as the Parama Purusha ‘ Supreme and Ultimate Person’ whose thoughts do not wander to anything else comes directly to Me.

00:01:47.352 --> 00:01:51.596
Let's first of all establish what are these yogic practices?

00:01:51.835 --> 00:02:02.396
So these yogic practices is having the discernment of the Real and unreal, having a steady mind stabilized in wisdom and more or less established in Brahman.

00:02:02.936 --> 00:02:09.543
Letting go of the fruits of one's actions and doing everything as a Yajna, a sacred offering to the Divine.

00:02:09.752 --> 00:02:15.930
So these are the yogi practices that help us to unite with that supreme ultimate person.

00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:23.913
Now, that means really, if we understand what's being read between the lines, is we're talking about Nirguna Brahman here.

00:02:24.348 --> 00:02:33.346
Although if people find it easier to associate with a a personality, then you can utilize your Guru or you can utilize Sri Krishna.

00:02:33.728 --> 00:02:37.687
Those are the elements that you can use as a yogic practice.

00:02:38.168 --> 00:02:43.448
But the main thing to emphasize here is that one has to be constantly disciplined.

00:02:43.448 --> 00:02:45.997
So this has to be a continuous practice.

00:02:46.117 --> 00:02:48.788
This has to be a continuous effort.

00:02:49.027 --> 00:02:59.818
One should not just believe that just because you come across, a great sage or you come across a great Guru or you come across a great scripture that you will get there.

00:03:00.057 --> 00:03:02.487
No, it requires a lot of practice.

00:03:02.698 --> 00:03:12.823
So do not fall under the illusion that just because you are able to be in the company of some great teacher that you will get there.

00:03:13.152 --> 00:03:14.832
Everybody has to put efforts in.

00:03:15.133 --> 00:03:16.603
Everybody has to study.

00:03:16.872 --> 00:03:20.772
Everybody has to work with their intellect and make that stronger.

00:03:21.043 --> 00:03:27.163
So these are the simple things, but not everyone does them, and that's the challenge.

00:03:27.908 --> 00:03:32.013
Then Sri Krishna says that meditating upon Me as the Param Purusha.

00:03:32.173 --> 00:03:36.229
Sometimes the Param Purusha means the Absolute Brahman.

00:03:36.280 --> 00:03:50.080
We know that it's an Absolute Non-dual Self, but let's also just say that people may find it difficult to meditate upon something Formless, something attribute-less, something they cannot define in any way.

00:03:50.080 --> 00:03:51.759
Something they cannot grasp in any way.

00:03:51.759 --> 00:04:06.110
Something that does not like to be grasped that just is absolutely free and is, and you know completely dissolves any concessions that can be made about It.

00:04:06.496 --> 00:04:13.006
Now with that understood, we can utilize, like I said, the image of the Guru.

00:04:13.006 --> 00:04:17.386
We can use the sacred image, we can use the isht-devta.

00:04:17.505 --> 00:04:23.295
We can use anything that will help us establish ourselves in that meditation.

00:04:23.505 --> 00:04:35.490
So meditation simply here means remembrance, being aware of the Parama Purusha, the Nirguna Brahman so what happens is we go from Saguna Brahman to Nirguna Brahman.

00:04:35.880 --> 00:04:39.120
That's the path that we will take when we do this.

00:04:40.708 --> 00:04:43.887
The nature of thoughts is obviously to go here and there.

00:04:43.887 --> 00:04:46.237
We know this, whose thoughts do not wander.

00:04:46.711 --> 00:04:51.810
Now, the whole aspect of thoughts is to keep wandering from one place to another.

00:04:53.175 --> 00:04:59.826
Even sometimes counteracting itself or defeating its own self by having another thought.

00:05:00.156 --> 00:05:03.903
It that is the nature of the mind and the nature of thinking.

00:05:04.142 --> 00:05:17.867
So here, when we meditate upon that Formless and maybe by integrating a form of the isht-devta or Guru or, or a deva or anything.

00:05:18.302 --> 00:05:26.343
. What we need to understand is that our thoughts will start to slow down and they will stop going here and there.

00:05:26.523 --> 00:05:31.773
And this is what meditation really is, is to remain fixed in the awareness of Nirguna Brahman.

00:05:32.043 --> 00:05:35.642
So you remain in complete awareness of Formless Awareness.

00:05:36.170 --> 00:05:40.995
Now thoughts do move according to the vrittis that we have, the movements.

00:05:41.009 --> 00:05:48.654
So wherever our tendencies are, so maybe our tendencies that we love to eat food, so our thoughts will go towards food.

00:05:49.038 --> 00:05:53.511
Maybe we love to go to the gym, so our thoughts will be like, let's go to the gym.

00:05:53.810 --> 00:05:56.810
Anything that will stop it from, because what?

00:05:56.971 --> 00:06:04.581
What thoughts know is there's a center, there's a, an intelligence, even within thoughts to know that this is about to destroy me.

00:06:04.971 --> 00:06:09.471
If I continue to meditate in this manner, I will have no relevance.

00:06:09.771 --> 00:06:19.391
When really after enlightenment, thoughts still exist, but thoughts become a lot more potent, a lot more concentrated on the Divine.

00:06:19.831 --> 00:06:20.451
That's all.

00:06:20.815 --> 00:06:24.716
And actually we have to tell our mind, we are not looking to defeat you.

00:06:25.136 --> 00:06:32.875
We are looking to just take back control and we want you to function as you were functioning before, but without the power.

00:06:33.355 --> 00:06:33.956
That's all.

00:06:34.555 --> 00:06:40.745
We are putting the power where it rightfully is, and that is with Consciousness, with Awareness.

00:06:40.891 --> 00:06:42.586
So that's how simple it is.

00:06:43.516 --> 00:06:47.800
Now our vrittis, as we know, come from previous karmas habits and tendencies.

00:06:47.800 --> 00:07:05.050
So our karmas may cause it, you know, for example, one day say for a certain period of time we've been meditating for so many years and we've been doing so well, and then suddenly, something happens in life where we suddenly lose focus.

00:07:05.358 --> 00:07:07.952
Once we lose that focus, we don't know what's happened.

00:07:08.156 --> 00:07:14.892
That's kind of what happens with previous karmas, they are catching up and they may have an effect.

00:07:15.072 --> 00:07:20.523
And that's why what we need to understand is it is the Atman that meditates.

00:07:20.622 --> 00:07:32.182
If we think the body and mind does it, that's when we come under these delusions of, oh, I am bounded by my karmas, by these vrittis, by these habits and my tendencies.

00:07:32.483 --> 00:07:40.048
That's, that's what happens but the one who knows Brahman, every thought is Brahman centered.

00:07:40.798 --> 00:07:42.418
Every thought is Brahman centered.

00:07:42.778 --> 00:07:44.427
Nothing more needs to be added there.

00:07:44.697 --> 00:07:52.324
We are constantly centered, firm, stabilized, in stillness, in Brahman.

00:07:52.925 --> 00:07:53.194
That's all.

00:07:53.745 --> 00:08:03.404
So the context of the whole verse is that Sri Krishna wants us to be Brahman centered and allow Bryman to enter every single thought that we have.

00:08:04.761 --> 00:08:05.571
Verse nine.

00:08:06.557 --> 00:08:12.608
One should meditate upon the Parama Purusha as Kavi—the original poet seer.

00:08:14.119 --> 00:08:19.492
Purana—the most ancient Anushasitara—the controller of all.

00:08:20.014 --> 00:08:23.367
Anor Aniyamsa—more minute than the atom.

00:08:24.526 --> 00:08:27.696
Sarvasya Dhatara—the supporter of all.

00:08:28.170 --> 00:08:36.336
Achintya Rupa—one whose form is inconceivable Aditya Varna—one who is golden and luminous like the Sun.

00:08:36.475 --> 00:08:42.043
Tamasah Parastat—one who is beyond the darkness of matter.

00:08:42.423 --> 00:08:47.106
So these are eight qualities that we've just seen of the Param Purusha.

00:08:47.576 --> 00:08:53.736
So first of all, one should meditate upon the Param Purusha as the Kavi, the original poet Seer.

00:08:54.206 --> 00:08:59.846
So one, it's the origin of the Vedas have come from these Kavis or Rishis so.

00:08:59.897 --> 00:09:01.947
Another name for Rishi is Kavi.

00:09:02.307 --> 00:09:05.706
The one that receives the insights from Brahm Gyana that is the Kavi.

00:09:05.726 --> 00:09:11.419
So they are the ones that truly understand this Brahm Gyana all knowledge and wisdom is from the Kavi.

00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:21.807
They're the ones through poetic compositions highlight to us what this Brahman is, what this Nirguna is, and the Guru is Kavi.

00:09:21.831 --> 00:09:26.736
So also the Guru is the one that helps us become the Seer and not the Seen.

00:09:26.919 --> 00:09:33.719
Purana - so the most ancient, it has no beginning and no end, and it is eternal and it is everlasting.

00:09:34.109 --> 00:09:37.932
So it is not constrained by time, not limited by time.

00:09:38.201 --> 00:09:40.422
Therefore, it's not limited by space.

00:09:40.427 --> 00:09:45.851
Therefore, it is beyond the three modes of time, of past, present, and future.

00:09:46.188 --> 00:09:49.370
Then, Anushasitara - the controller of all.

00:09:49.971 --> 00:09:53.541
The whole universe is controlled by the laws of nature.

00:09:53.990 --> 00:10:01.071
The laws of nature as pure existence controls all, and there is no difference between Brahman and existence.

00:10:01.250 --> 00:10:03.630
Again, just highlighting Sat-Chit-Ananda.

00:10:03.650 --> 00:10:06.740
So it controls everything because it is everything.

00:10:08.370 --> 00:10:12.566
And then Anor Aniyamsa - more minute than the atom.

00:10:12.836 --> 00:10:15.206
So it is the tiniest of the tiny.

00:10:15.505 --> 00:10:16.765
It cannot be seen.

00:10:16.916 --> 00:10:21.211
It cannot be detected, and it is our very own reality.

00:10:21.481 --> 00:10:22.741
That's how minute it is.

00:10:22.741 --> 00:10:35.615
So basically, by doing this, it's allowing us to understand that it is Formless and Shapeless and therefore it is not solid in any way, nor is it liquid in any way, nor is it gas in anyway.

00:10:35.807 --> 00:10:39.976
Then the fifth one is Sarvasya Dhatara so the supporter of all.

00:10:40.490 --> 00:10:48.616
This as Ishvara, this Brahman as Ishvara, supports us all in the form of existence, in the form of the shared being.

00:10:48.647 --> 00:10:49.876
It supports all.

00:10:50.413 --> 00:10:52.423
We can feel lonely, but never alone.

00:10:53.323 --> 00:10:57.974
As we are, as we always have Brahman with us, while we are in duality as well.

00:10:58.024 --> 00:11:07.346
Even though we may feel there's a duality, a difference between us and God or us and the isht-devta, but eventually what we'll find is there's actually a oneness.

00:11:07.496 --> 00:11:09.476
Therefore, we can never be lonely.

00:11:09.756 --> 00:11:11.956
In fact, there's only one alone.

00:11:12.644 --> 00:11:13.833
Brahman is with us.

00:11:14.073 --> 00:11:24.356
Even when we have that duality and even when we function in that duality and Brahman is Us when we are completely in non-duality.

00:11:24.547 --> 00:11:25.866
That's something to understand.

00:11:25.866 --> 00:11:27.246
Now, I'll repeat it again.

00:11:27.563 --> 00:11:29.744
Brahman is with us when we have duality.

00:11:29.984 --> 00:11:33.918
Brahman is us when we are completely in non-duality.

00:11:34.601 --> 00:11:38.076
Achintya Rupa so one whose form is inconceivable.

00:11:38.256 --> 00:11:39.846
It is absolutely Formless.

00:11:39.846 --> 00:11:46.270
Therefore, one cannot bring a form to it, an image to it, a color to it, nor can anything put a boundary to it.

00:11:46.451 --> 00:11:49.750
So it's very, very hard to conceive what it is.

00:11:49.780 --> 00:11:53.860
It's not made of concepts, and it's beyond imagination.

00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:57.341
So we cannot conceive a form because there isn't one.

00:11:57.520 --> 00:11:59.171
It's Nirguna completely.

00:11:59.350 --> 00:12:00.951
Without any attributes.

00:12:01.176 --> 00:12:03.816
So that's an important thing we need to understand.

00:12:04.001 --> 00:12:08.192
And then Aditya Varna, which is one who is golden and luminous, like the sun.

00:12:08.461 --> 00:12:09.932
It is bright and luminous.

00:12:09.937 --> 00:12:14.349
It is magnificent and beautiful, and there is no darkness of ignorance here.

00:12:14.528 --> 00:12:15.969
It shines by itself.

00:12:16.149 --> 00:12:18.158
It doesn't need anything else to shine.

00:12:18.489 --> 00:12:20.678
It is the complete light in itself.

00:12:20.918 --> 00:12:22.599
That's how wonderful it is.

00:12:22.841 --> 00:12:28.339
And then you've got Tamasah Parastat - one who is beyond the darkness of matter.

00:12:28.719 --> 00:12:32.548
So the Purusha, the Witness Consciousness, is beyond the material.

00:12:32.818 --> 00:12:35.849
It does not belong to material at all.

00:12:36.186 --> 00:12:38.346
And the material covers this awareness.

00:12:38.999 --> 00:12:40.798
And we are beyond this covering.

00:12:40.942 --> 00:12:43.101
We are the awareness itself.

00:12:43.341 --> 00:12:50.649
And in fact, the way to see this is that when we think the material is the only thing, it is darkness.

00:12:50.948 --> 00:12:58.479
When we understand that the material is an appearance, and Brahman is the only thing, that is when we go beyond the darkness of matter.

00:12:58.719 --> 00:13:01.298
That means we see matter for what it is.

00:13:01.298 --> 00:13:02.828
So it's no longer darkness.

00:13:02.859 --> 00:13:12.038
No longer does it represent ignorance, but in fact, we understand it to being Sat-Chit-Ananda, Existence-Consciousness-Bliss.

00:13:12.489 --> 00:13:24.711
The context of the whole verse is that Sri Krishna gives a guideline to Arjuna and us on how to perceive the Param Purusha, and these are the qualities that we also possess.

00:13:25.011 --> 00:13:27.621
We just have to find them within ourselves.

00:13:28.192 --> 00:13:28.971
Verse 10.

00:13:29.542 --> 00:13:39.931
At the exact moment of leaving the body, the yogi should steady their manas, holding an unwavering focus and united in deep devotional connection with Me.

00:13:40.376 --> 00:13:49.136
Held steady by the power of yoga, one should direct their focus between the eyebrows leading the Prana, 'the life force' in that direction.

00:13:49.496 --> 00:13:54.951
In this way, they are certain to ascend to the supreme realm of the Param Purusha.

00:13:55.302 --> 00:14:02.922
So we're gonna break this verse down a little, but it's a very important verse and a practice that is given that we can do right now.

00:14:03.221 --> 00:14:05.172
It's not something we have to practice later.

00:14:05.177 --> 00:14:08.581
So let's break this up a little and get to understand it more.

00:14:09.389 --> 00:14:19.798
At the exact moment of leaving the body, the yogi should steady their manas, holding an unwavering focus and united in deep devotional connection with Me.

00:14:20.057 --> 00:14:24.035
So we can do two things depending on where we are spiritually.

00:14:24.099 --> 00:14:32.316
Either we can connect with the form of the Guru or the isht-devta or we can fully enter into Nirguna Brahman, Formless, Awareness.

00:14:32.381 --> 00:14:36.188
We remain aware of this awareness even when we leave this body.

00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:53.033
So these are two things we can do at the time of death, and that should be able to steady our manas, our mind, heart, our emotions, our attachments, so steadying our thoughts and emotions, which represents the manas by focusing on a mantra or a form.

00:14:53.214 --> 00:14:54.984
So the form can be the isht-devta.

00:14:55.206 --> 00:14:58.937
Or if we are more advanced, we go for Brahman.

00:14:59.397 --> 00:15:02.037
Now our focus should be unbreakable.

00:15:02.106 --> 00:15:05.586
Nothing can change it, and nothing can take us away from it.

00:15:05.616 --> 00:15:09.787
So that focus has to be real, like really there.

00:15:09.792 --> 00:15:14.346
It has to be really focused, really centered, really firm.

00:15:14.368 --> 00:15:17.952
It should be like superglue has sticked it together.

00:15:17.952 --> 00:15:20.802
Like it's really hard to break it apart.

00:15:21.072 --> 00:15:22.753
That's how fixed it has to be.

00:15:23.052 --> 00:15:30.168
Now, one thing I'm going to say is that steadying one's manas also means that we have gone into vairagya.

00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:32.349
So we have that detachment.

00:15:32.958 --> 00:15:45.274
And also, not only detachment, but we are willing to give up any of the fruits of our actions, we are no longer attached to anything material.

00:15:45.604 --> 00:15:47.884
So that includes family and friends.

00:15:48.244 --> 00:16:01.734
Now it's very hard to say, very hard to practice, but we must understand that they do not belong to us and neither do we belong to them.

00:16:02.004 --> 00:16:12.219
Yes, we must function as society has established, but in the real spiritual sense, we cannot stop them from going, nor can they stop us from going.

00:16:12.729 --> 00:16:14.318
This body will eventually go.

00:16:14.753 --> 00:16:22.852
So Sri Krishna wants us to understand that we need to steady our manas and the only way to do that is through detachment.

00:16:23.513 --> 00:16:23.842
Yeah.

00:16:24.232 --> 00:16:29.225
And detachment is made stronger by discernment.

00:16:29.556 --> 00:16:31.525
So we have to utilize our viveka.

00:16:31.655 --> 00:16:32.855
Very important.

00:16:33.448 --> 00:16:35.149
Viveka and vairagya.

00:16:35.979 --> 00:16:40.448
Viveka is discernment and vairagya is detachment.

00:16:40.928 --> 00:16:52.013
So we have to be completely strong in our discernment and completely in the practice of vairagya of detachment.

00:16:52.190 --> 00:16:55.548
We are to be one in this deep devotional connection with Brahman.

00:16:55.753 --> 00:16:59.707
So we have to be completely in deep devotional connection with Brahman.

00:17:00.177 --> 00:17:02.998
Now, how can we be devoted to something Formless?

00:17:03.788 --> 00:17:08.288
Now, the way to do this is to just be in awareness.

00:17:08.587 --> 00:17:09.188
That's all.

00:17:09.577 --> 00:17:23.482
And there is incredible love that is there when one is in that deep immersing into awareness.

00:17:24.259 --> 00:17:29.269
When that is happening, there is an overwhelming sense of love that arises.

00:17:29.538 --> 00:17:40.042
Compassion, mercy, forgiveness, or acceptance, gratitude and one feels all that, that's that deep devotional connection with Brahman.

00:17:40.363 --> 00:17:45.163
We may sing bhajans, we may be happy, we may dance, and there's no music.

00:17:45.377 --> 00:17:48.468
That is the way of the devotee.

00:17:48.468 --> 00:17:50.117
So that's what happens.

00:17:50.298 --> 00:17:52.607
But at the time of death, you may not be dancing.

00:17:52.667 --> 00:17:58.758
You may, I dunno, but say you are in that last moment and you are drawing out your breaths.

00:17:59.268 --> 00:18:04.307
Even then you can do it with absolute peacefulness, with absolute calm.

00:18:04.817 --> 00:18:11.837
And not only are you centered, but your energy is centering those around you.

00:18:12.407 --> 00:18:15.887
Where other people will be thinking they're losing someone.

00:18:16.667 --> 00:18:27.284
They will find that in their hearts, you are still present regardless of the departure of the body, and that's how we should be preparing our loved ones.

00:18:27.493 --> 00:18:28.634
See, we don't do this.

00:18:28.723 --> 00:18:32.167
One death is normally a taboo topic in the house.

00:18:32.758 --> 00:18:34.258
Nobody likes to talk about death.

00:18:34.498 --> 00:18:36.049
They think it's a bad omen.

00:18:36.268 --> 00:18:39.268
If I talk about death, I, I dunno, I might, I might die.

00:18:39.538 --> 00:18:44.577
And this happens because of these silly things where we say, we attract what we think.

00:18:45.417 --> 00:18:47.548
No, you don't necessarily.

00:18:48.730 --> 00:18:56.830
If you attract what you think alone, if that was the only thing that determined it, then there's no point of Karma.

00:18:57.584 --> 00:19:07.868
So we have to understand these very little points here that you know, one should understand that we have to strengthen those around us.

00:19:07.929 --> 00:19:14.348
But first, be composed, be content, be stabilized within our own selves.

00:19:14.557 --> 00:19:16.747
Held steady by the power of yoga.

00:19:17.353 --> 00:19:23.653
One should direct their focus between the eyebrows leading the Prana 'the life force' in that direction.

00:19:23.996 --> 00:19:35.834
So here this sadhana of being in awareness of Formless Awareness, we can hold steady, it'll be very easy with this power of yoga, with this power of union.

00:19:36.607 --> 00:19:40.478
So now we have to direct our focus between the eyebrows.

00:19:40.718 --> 00:19:50.963
So we close our eyes and we just literally point our eyes towards the center here, and then we breathe deeply in that direction.

00:19:50.969 --> 00:19:57.848
So it's very deep breath and then one should feel the life force entering into that direction.

00:19:58.479 --> 00:20:03.459
Now what that's doing is actually taking us away from the connection of the body.

00:20:04.071 --> 00:20:08.482
So, and connecting us to the mind, and then stabilizing the mind.

00:20:08.752 --> 00:20:10.163
So that's what that is doing.

00:20:11.147 --> 00:20:14.165
Now our meditation should also be like this.

00:20:14.286 --> 00:20:20.398
I think it's someone like Osho or J Krishnamurti that said that meditation is death.

00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:21.993
It's simply death.

00:20:22.114 --> 00:20:22.923
You're dying.

00:20:23.374 --> 00:20:31.411
And we seem to associate death with just a body, but actually you are dying in every moment.

00:20:31.770 --> 00:20:32.971
You're never the same.

00:20:34.201 --> 00:20:38.611
And therefore, one should really understand that meditation should be as deep as that.

00:20:38.611 --> 00:20:45.239
So remember to rise above the body, enter into the third eye or the center between the eyebrows.

00:20:45.598 --> 00:20:56.009
Concentrate the Prana there, so actually feel the Prana go there and you may even, if you're lucky, feel it go over the head as well towards the crown chakra that's at the top here.

00:20:56.526 --> 00:21:00.306
And you may feel that subtle vibration that happens there too.

00:21:01.826 --> 00:21:08.163
Then Sri Krishna says in this way, they are certain to ascend to the supreme realm of the Param Purusha.

00:21:08.452 --> 00:21:13.732
So it is guaranteed that such a person will enter the supreme realm of Brahman.

00:21:14.093 --> 00:21:18.502
That person is given moksh liberated while alive.

00:21:19.103 --> 00:21:29.010
That is the ultimate goal - jivanmukti A lot of people think that after death, this will happen.

00:21:29.166 --> 00:21:30.131
You can do it now.

00:21:31.181 --> 00:21:31.990
This is the key.

00:21:32.907 --> 00:21:40.917
Context of the whole verse is that Sri Krishna offers us a guideline on how to die in full awareness of Formless Awareness.

00:21:42.663 --> 00:21:43.713
Then verse 11.

00:21:44.796 --> 00:22:06.461
I will now briefly explain the path and process that is followed by those who know the conclusion of the Vedic knowledge, who have withdrawn from sensual pleasures, who no longer have material attachments and who are constantly performing tapasya in order to return to the ultimate realm of Akshara Brahman- the Imperishable Abode.

00:22:06.983 --> 00:22:09.740
So we're gonna look at the whole verse together.

00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:22.470
Sri Krishna here is explaining what the process is, and this is to help us understand what the Gita is about, first of all, and what happens to those who follow it and who know this Ultimate Truth?

00:22:22.807 --> 00:22:24.968
What, what happens to those people?

00:22:25.298 --> 00:22:28.718
So first of all, it's the conclusion of Vedic Knowledge.

00:22:28.958 --> 00:22:34.258
They must be well versed in the Upanishads at the very least, this has to be understood.

00:22:34.817 --> 00:22:38.268
Now, I don't care if you've read the English translation.

00:22:38.448 --> 00:22:45.730
For me, it's very important that you read the Upanishads because the Bhagavad Gita is a cream of the Upanishads.

00:22:46.059 --> 00:23:03.380
So to understand the Bhagavad Gita, you need the context of the Upanishads, which is why a lot of these so-called groups like ISKCON do not understand the Bhagavad Gita because they have a crooked understanding, because they don't look at the complete Upanishads.

00:23:03.786 --> 00:23:06.756
They look at whatever suits their philosophy.

00:23:07.806 --> 00:23:11.615
Now, if they read the Mandukya Upanishad, they may have a whole different perspective.

00:23:13.575 --> 00:23:20.414
The only way to know is by reading the Upanishads, that gives us the context, very important to have.

00:23:21.590 --> 00:23:23.840
They should not be attached to sensual pleasures.

00:23:23.990 --> 00:23:28.740
They may partake in it, but they, they should be equipoised, centered in awareness.

00:23:28.746 --> 00:23:32.010
So if you have delicious food in front of you, eat it.

00:23:32.431 --> 00:23:35.637
Don't stop yourself, eat it.

00:23:35.728 --> 00:23:38.924
But remember, that you are beyond this.

00:23:39.075 --> 00:23:40.944
You are aware of the sensual pleasure.

00:23:41.144 --> 00:23:45.365
Sensual pleasure is happening to you, but is not you.

00:23:45.634 --> 00:23:52.384
Do not make it an identity and do not get so absorbed in it that you keep chasing it now.

00:23:52.865 --> 00:23:55.984
That it creates a memory, creates a desire, and then you keep chasing.

00:23:56.494 --> 00:24:00.434
So one should just partake, but then move on.

00:24:01.817 --> 00:24:03.478
They have no material attachment.

00:24:03.508 --> 00:24:07.790
Like I mentioned before, they should not be attached to any name and form.

00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:09.020
Simple as that.

00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:11.030
Nothing more needs to be said there.

00:24:11.721 --> 00:24:17.976
They're constantly in spiritual practice, meditating, serving others, being in Satsang, reading the scriptures.

00:24:18.336 --> 00:24:25.965
They may do rituals, chanting mantras, naam japa, so they can reach the imperishable abode of Brahman.

00:24:25.996 --> 00:24:33.442
That's the way, but also, as I say, all this remember that you must have the qualities of a decent human being.

00:24:33.923 --> 00:24:36.353
So you should be kind to others.

00:24:36.682 --> 00:24:38.333
You should be loving to others.

00:24:38.603 --> 00:24:40.103
You should be compassionate.

00:24:41.093 --> 00:24:44.089
If you live at home, be nice to your parents.

00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:48.066
If you are a parent, be nice to your kids.

00:24:48.736 --> 00:24:50.566
Give everyone the benefit of doubt.

00:24:50.655 --> 00:24:53.803
Sometimes we like to condemn another person.

00:24:54.673 --> 00:24:58.022
First look at the facts and then take the right action.

00:24:59.073 --> 00:25:06.125
And also, if you know somebody is taking advantage of your good nature, then you should put a stop to that too.

00:25:06.516 --> 00:25:16.492
But again, with decency and calmness with serenity, because these are the attributes of a stable mind.

00:25:16.923 --> 00:25:22.759
So one does not lose their temper all the time, one does not get moody.

00:25:23.128 --> 00:25:26.788
One does not think unjust of others.

00:25:27.808 --> 00:25:29.729
One is always broad minded.

00:25:30.179 --> 00:25:34.088
One is just full of love, one is always immersed in bliss.

00:25:34.094 --> 00:25:38.378
So how can someone who's immersed in bliss be angry with others?

00:25:38.409 --> 00:25:39.568
Be disturbed by others.

00:25:39.788 --> 00:25:43.298
In fact, we are not there to disturb others in that sense.

00:25:43.868 --> 00:25:54.722
We may disturb them with our knowledge, but we can't disturb them in terms of their life or disturb them in terms of disturbing their peace of mind.

00:25:55.189 --> 00:25:58.909
We are to make sure people find that peace of mind.

00:25:59.808 --> 00:26:06.659
So that's the responsibility that each person has when it comes to practicing the Bhagavad Gita.

00:26:07.743 --> 00:26:13.768
The context of the whole verse is that Sri Krishna is going to give us the target to reach and then what does it look like?

00:26:13.768 --> 00:26:15.327
So he gave us a bit of a hint.

00:26:16.590 --> 00:26:17.394
Verse 12.

00:26:17.693 --> 00:26:26.728
Having withdrawn their awareness from all sources of external sensory experience, the yogi controls and closes the nine gates of the body.

00:26:27.478 --> 00:26:33.238
This confines the faculties of manas entirely within the hridaya ‘heart’.

00:26:33.553 --> 00:26:40.227
Next, the yogi focuses their atma prana ‘life force of the atma’ on the topmost point of the head.

00:26:40.527 --> 00:26:45.896
And this becomes completely established in dharana‘the yogic process of one-pointed focus’.

00:26:46.676 --> 00:26:47.997
Kind like what I said earlier.

00:26:48.007 --> 00:26:53.227
I totally forgot that this was coming up, but let me go more in depth with it.

00:26:53.227 --> 00:26:54.846
So let's break this verse up.

00:26:56.842 --> 00:27:06.172
Having withdrawn their awareness from all sources of external sensory experience, the yogi controls and closes the nine gates of the body.

00:27:06.382 --> 00:27:12.321
So awareness goes from the body, mind, and senses, from everything Asat and enters into Formless Awareness.

00:27:12.321 --> 00:27:17.094
So whatever is changing, awareness goes beyond it.

00:27:17.334 --> 00:27:23.064
Awareness transcends it, and awareness discards it and says, that is not the complete truth.

00:27:23.304 --> 00:27:25.614
The only thing Real is this awareness itself.

00:27:25.614 --> 00:27:31.307
This 'I am.' The body is described metaphysically as the city of nine gates.

00:27:31.517 --> 00:27:39.317
So the two eyes, two ears, the two nasal passages, the mouth, urethra, and anus, those are the nine gates.

00:27:39.656 --> 00:27:43.497
Basically anything where things can enter or exit the body.

00:27:44.300 --> 00:27:49.451
So what it means by the yogi controls and closes, meaning they are detached from the body.

00:27:49.567 --> 00:27:50.817
That's what it simply means.

00:27:50.881 --> 00:27:52.351
Then the next part of the verse.

00:27:52.630 --> 00:28:04.762
This confines the faculties of manas entirely within the heart or the hridaya . So this then means that all of our emotions, our thoughts, our intentions, are totally within the heart.

00:28:05.173 --> 00:28:10.123
All emotional intelligence is in the deepest core of the mind referred to as the heart.

00:28:10.313 --> 00:28:26.619
Like I mentioned, there is going to be compassion, peacefulness, modesty, decency, love, all those positive emotions, qualities are going to be presented.

00:28:26.619 --> 00:28:29.769
They're going to be what people see when they look at us.

00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:34.309
When someone sees us, they say, I want to be calm like that person.

00:28:34.643 --> 00:28:36.746
I want to be loving as that person.

00:28:37.526 --> 00:28:39.596
Look how that person is so graceful.

00:28:39.655 --> 00:28:40.885
I want to be like them.

00:28:41.276 --> 00:28:48.776
Look how even in the most disturbing of circumstances they remain calm and composed.

00:28:49.256 --> 00:29:00.556
That is the expectation of everybody that takes the refuge of this type of knowledge.

00:29:01.353 --> 00:29:01.682
Yeah.

00:29:02.262 --> 00:29:03.522
Very important to understand.

00:29:03.553 --> 00:29:09.109
Anyone that has Brahm Gyana that is like the basic thing you need.

00:29:09.289 --> 00:29:11.509
This is not, that's not even the advanced thing.

00:29:12.550 --> 00:29:14.175
Those are the basic things.

00:29:14.536 --> 00:29:20.865
So if you haven't got that right yet, forget Jivan mukti, then you're a long way away.

00:29:21.645 --> 00:29:23.175
So this needs to be understood.

00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:41.718
The next part of the verse is Next, the yogi focuses their atma prana ‘life force of the atma’ or the mind on the topmost point of the head and thus becomes completely established in dharana ‘the yogic process of one-pointed focus’.

00:29:42.055 --> 00:29:51.705
So at the very back of the head, like I said at the, the core here, in the absolute top center is where the Prana is also sustained, especially for the Atman.

00:29:51.756 --> 00:30:05.442
So even for the Jiva, even for the mind, when we go from the center between the eyebrows and allow it to expand into the, the whole brain basically that's what we need to do.

00:30:05.742 --> 00:30:10.589
So we may feel this when we are in meditation, and it's also known as the crown chakra.

00:30:10.680 --> 00:30:14.329
Then our dharana, our complete, one pointed focus is on Brahman.

00:30:14.380 --> 00:30:20.630
That's the whole yogic process is to be connected, in one pointed focus on Brahman.

00:30:21.384 --> 00:30:24.384
There is nothing but the atman, meaning nothing but Brahman.

00:30:24.738 --> 00:30:28.307
And we live our life, but our focus is on the Formless Awareness.

00:30:28.307 --> 00:30:29.298
So we live normally.

00:30:29.397 --> 00:30:31.107
We live like decent human beings.

00:30:31.438 --> 00:30:35.998
We are decent people of society, decent members of society.

00:30:36.417 --> 00:30:39.657
We serve others, we are kind to others.

00:30:39.887 --> 00:30:41.298
We are compassionate.

00:30:41.525 --> 00:30:46.077
You know, we are a source of inspiration without even seeking to inspire.

00:30:46.587 --> 00:30:48.073
That's how it should be.

00:30:48.736 --> 00:30:59.766
The context of the whole verse is that Sri Krishna gives us a technique of how to connect with the Atman through Prana, and then establish a one pointed focus with Formless Awareness.

00:31:00.190 --> 00:31:01.282
Then verse 13.

00:31:01.715 --> 00:31:12.955
In order to re-enter into Akshara Brahman, the yogi constantly chants the sacred one-syllabled mantra aum and remembers Me in every moment.

00:31:13.190 --> 00:31:24.472
Removing any sense of identification with the five element body the yogi at last reaches param gati ‘the final and ultimate destination’.

00:31:25.472 --> 00:31:38.263
First part of the verse is, In order to re-enter into Akshara Brahman, the yogi constantly chants the sacred one-syllabled mantra aum and remembers Me in every moment.

00:31:39.338 --> 00:31:41.969
Sri Krishna understands that we are householders.

00:31:41.989 --> 00:31:44.148
So what do we need to do?

00:31:44.275 --> 00:31:45.709
What do we need to establish here?

00:31:46.249 --> 00:31:51.138
To enter the ultimate and everlasting abode of Brahman, how do we reenter this?

00:31:51.144 --> 00:31:59.365
Because we've been in this before, and we may already be in it, but how do we consciously reenter?

00:32:00.372 --> 00:32:04.233
So Sri, Krishna tells us we need to constantly meditate upon Aum.

00:32:04.634 --> 00:32:05.773
This is a must.

00:32:06.044 --> 00:32:11.634
And actually when you do meditate on Aum, you do feel that pranic energy.

00:32:11.926 --> 00:32:13.987
So that's an interesting thing to note.

00:32:15.088 --> 00:32:21.269
Then we have two options, which is to either remain in Formless Awareness or think of the isht-devta.

00:32:21.449 --> 00:32:25.919
So that's completely up to us on where we are and what we feel comfortable with.

00:32:26.734 --> 00:32:31.076
However, the isht-devta will take us and should take us to Nirguna Brahman.

00:32:31.281 --> 00:32:34.946
So eventually we will go to Nirguna Brahman or Formless Awareness.

00:32:35.037 --> 00:32:39.866
So remember that Aum is Brahman and that they are not two exclusive things.

00:32:40.017 --> 00:32:41.576
So this needs to be understood.

00:32:41.576 --> 00:32:43.916
They are integrated oneness.

00:32:44.916 --> 00:32:51.547
Then in the next part it is removing any sense of identification with the five element body.

00:32:51.576 --> 00:32:56.317
The Yogi at last reaches Param Gati 'the final and ultimate destination'.

00:32:56.676 --> 00:33:07.237
So this is very clear, now and again that this is based on chapter two of the Bhagavad Gita, that you have to keep going back to that to understand what this means.

00:33:07.686 --> 00:33:16.596
So remove all sense of identification with that, which is Asat, which is unreal, which is constantly changing or modifying in some way.

00:33:17.717 --> 00:33:20.126
So that is ultimately unreal.

00:33:20.973 --> 00:33:23.015
Our body changes, hence, it is Asat.

00:33:23.192 --> 00:33:27.142
We must remove all sense of identification with the body.

00:33:27.912 --> 00:33:32.412
We must become detached from this identification and remain as our true nature.

00:33:32.711 --> 00:33:33.582
Formless Awareness.

00:33:33.582 --> 00:33:47.082
So even transcending the name, because remember the name is given and the mind captures the name, the ego, the ahamkara captures the name, and we constantly think that we are this name and form.

00:33:47.412 --> 00:34:03.071
Together body and mind, but with understanding in chapter two, what is Sat and Asat, we understand that this body and mind is not true because I am aware of the thoughts, I am aware of the the images.

00:34:03.281 --> 00:34:04.932
I am aware of the body.

00:34:05.142 --> 00:34:06.612
I'm aware of my hand.

00:34:07.211 --> 00:34:10.192
So that means this 'I am' is prior to everything.

00:34:11.121 --> 00:34:15.402
Then we go to jivan mukti, which is to be liberated while we are alive.

00:34:15.791 --> 00:34:24.943
And being liberated, being free is the ultimate destination and most of all, the final one, the final destination, nothing is beyond this.

00:34:25.244 --> 00:34:31.184
This is where you go and this is where you stay and this is the only thing that does exist.

00:34:31.969 --> 00:34:37.110
We will not reincarnate, we will not go back into the cycle of birth and death again.

00:34:37.500 --> 00:34:39.514
That cycle is completely ended.

00:34:40.338 --> 00:34:43.731
That cycle comes to complete stop, to a complete end.

00:34:44.722 --> 00:34:57.592
So the context of the whole verse is that Sri Krishna instructs us to remove all identification with the body and remove ourselves from reincarnation and enter Formless Awareness as the final destination.

00:34:57.831 --> 00:34:59.871
That is the end of the episode.

00:35:00.719 --> 00:35:04.889
Please share this podcast with your friends and family who may enjoy this content.

00:35:05.248 --> 00:35:08.278
Do follow me on social media to keep getting updates.

00:35:08.429 --> 00:35:13.739
Join the Bearded Mystic Podcast WhatsApp community group to continue the podcast discussion.

00:35:14.128 --> 00:35:16.949
Details are in the show notes and video description below.

00:35:17.175 --> 00:35:25.309
If you would like to support the Bearded Mystic podcast, check out the podcast Patreon page, details are in the show notes and video description below.

00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:30.780
Please do rate and review the podcast on the website, or on your favorite podcast streaming app.

00:35:31.289 --> 00:35:35.730
Please like and comment on this video and subscribe to this YouTube channel.

00:35:35.927 --> 00:35:42.737
Please follow or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast streaming app, and do not forget to give it a five star rating.

00:35:43.204 --> 00:35:44.673
Thank you very much for listening.

00:35:44.943 --> 00:35:47.463
Let's end with the Soham and Shanti mantra.

00:35:48.050 --> 00:35:49.780
Soham Soham.

00:35:50.070 --> 00:35:50.873
I am That.

00:35:51.123 --> 00:36:00.356
I am That Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti Aum Peace Peace Peace.

00:36:01.407 --> 00:36:01.918
Namaste

Thoughts on The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 8: Verse 8 - Verse 13)

Follow:

Featured Episodes

Thoughts on The Bhagavad Gita Episodes

Recent Episodes

Thoughts on The Bhagavad Gita Episodes

Wisdom of the Mystics Episodes

General Spirituality Episodes

Advaita Vedanta Episodes

Guided Meditation Episodes

Conversations with The Bearded Mystic Episodes

Thoughts on The Upanishads Episodes

Direct and Unfiltered Episodes

Oneness Conversations Episodes

Bearded Mystic Reacts Episodes

Browse episodes by category

New to The Bearded Mystic Podcast?