Bhagavad Gita (BG) Class Minutes 21JUN2010 How others have perceived Gita?

a? Gita has inspired people from various backgrounds. Recommendations of Gita commentaries for this audience: Universal Message of the Bhagavad Gita : Swami Ranganathananda 3 part volume of RK Mutt Book by Swami Chinmayananda

Went through the last week slides quickly Most repeated and most important question that BG answers : How do you understand this world of dualities? How do you handle them when they happen? Concept of Yoga multifaceted gives the ability to handle dualities Sloka 2.14: Look inside manage yourself then one can manage anything History of BG: Earliest work by Shankaracharya Gita Rahasya LokManya Tilak o Those days our leaders were of that quality! o They practised the teachings of Gita in the thick of activities

It is a myth that reading philosophy will lead to withdrawal syndrome. In fact, Gita is about bringing vitality into whatever we do. Slide: Gita in the eyes of others Gita helps one engage in activity and at the same time experience peace and contemplation within. Slide: What is Gita? Not to have unilateral view leaders should go through all the views Gita never recommends not to set targets but teaches how to handle the outcomes Ideas are profound maybe difficult to implement Western or modern psychology is largely negative psychology o Our Indian philosophy takes root in positive psychology

Shakaracharyas introductory text to the commentary: Dharma deals with the equilibrium principle Addressed : o pravriththi (outward activity) and nivriththi (peace and fulfilment) o Abhyudhaya (material attainment) and nishreyas (fulfilment)

Slide: Abhyudaya vs Nishreyas Weekend getaways are necessary only when work is seen as drudgery

o A mother never feels drudgery when tending to her child why? Arthur Schopenhauers quote the world as will and representation At the end of the day the charm of living and fulfilment is about balance

Slide : Basic framework in Gita Degree of freedom and joy in work Ideas to unshackle yourself No world without work work is unavoidable Work is distasteful what to do? o Change your perspective broaden it Do not complain do soul searching Krishna It is very difficult to accept this paradigm Sense of equanimity is supremely important

Chapter 4 deals with our nature. 63 nayanmars, and azhwars 80% and above are non-brahmins! they attained godhood This heredity business is very recent some 300 years

Slide: My key take-aways Gita is not a work of fancy ideas

Next class start from Chapter 1.