Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 12
Discourse by Swami Paramarthananda
RV College, Bangalore
May 3 to May 9, 2015
Verse 1
Arjuna Uvaacha
1. Yevam Sathatha Yukthaa Ye' Bhakthaah-stvaam
Paryupaasate
Ye' Chaapya-ksharam Avyaktham Teshaam Ke' Yoga
Vittamaaha
Meaning: Arjuna said: Dear Lord, Who is better versed in
Yoga - the ones who worship You in constant devotion with
your form or the ones who worship You as the formless?
Swamijis Narration
Apara Prakruthi of the Lord ahs evolved into the Universe in the
form of Jagat. Dyana Sloka of Vishnu sahasranamam talks about this
a Vishwaroopa Upasana..
Para Prakruthi of the Lord is the Consciousness Principle that
which is without change, division or attributes. The all pervading
Space is like Consciousness. This gets enclosed the moment the
bodies are created. This is Jiva the experiencer. Body & Mind are a
part of Para Prakruthi. I the Consciousness principle is the Para
Prakruthi.
Aham Brahmasmi is the Para Prakruthi Dyanam.

Akshara Upasana- Para Prakruthi Upasana

Vishwaroopa Upasana Apara Prakruthi Upasana

So Arjuna asks Krishna which of the two is superior?

Upasana means meditation wherein only the mind is used; no body
is involved; it is purely a mental exercise.
Vishwaroopa Upasana should be practiced along with Karma Yoga.
Sarvam Vishnu Mayam Jagat They are meditating on Saguna
Ishwara.

Para Prakruthi Some Mediate on I as the Para Prakruthi or the

Nirguna Ishwara.
Who is superior Saguna Or Nirguna Ishwara?
Verse 2
Sri Bhagavaan Uvaacha
Mayyaa Veshya Mano Ye' Maam Nithya Yukthaa Upaasathe
Shraddha-yaa Parayopethaaha The' Me' Yuktha Thamaa-mathaaha

Meaning:Sri Bhagavan said: Those who fix their minds on me

and worship me (with form) ever with supreme faith, I
consider them as perfect in Yoga.(Yoga meaning-- Union with
God)
Swamijis Narration
Krishna does not want to give a direct answer to Arjunas Question
as he feels there is a problem with a direct answer.
Comparison is justified only when you want to choose between two
options. Saguna Ishwara or Nirguna Ishwara?
Krishna feels there is no option for the spiritual seeker, as he needs
both Saguna Ishwara and Nirguna Ishwara versions.
Ishwara is a mixture of both Saguna & Nirguna versions. Seeker has
to understand both the Para and Apara. Everyone has to practice
both Vishwaroopa Upasana & Akshara Upasana.
Without Saguna Upasana
Impossible
Without Nirguna Upsana
incomplete.

Nirguna

Upasana

is

Saguna

Upasana

is

Therefore Krishna gives an ingenious answer. He says Saguna

Upasana is Superior. Saguna Ishwara is very appealing to everyone.
Nirguna Ishwara is very bland, abstract and very difficult to grasp.
But Krishna also says that only by doing Akshara Upasana one can
attain Moksha.
Therefore Ishwara Jnanam is the knowledge of both Saguna and
Nirguna forms completely.
Saguna Upasana = Karma Yoga + Vishwaroopa Upasana

Krishna Says those who meditate endowed with intense

faith; they are the superior sadakas. From here a person has
to slowly grow into a Nirguna Upasana.

Verses 3 & 4
Ye' Tvakshram Anirdeshyam Avyaktham Paryu-paasathe
Sarvathra-gam Achintyam Cha Kootastham
Achalam Dhruvam
Meaning:But those who worship me as the formless, as the
unchanging, the imperishable and the Omnipresent ONE...
Samniyam-yendriya-graamam Sarvathra Sama Buddhayaha
Tey' Prapnu-vanthi Maame'va Sarva Bhootha-hite' Rathaha
Meaning:Those who have restrained their senses, who are
even minded everywhere, who are engaged in the welfare of
all the beings, verily, they also come to Me.
Krishna says Only Nirguna Upasakas can attain Me or
Moksha
Saguna Upasakas have to graduate into Nirguna Upasakas to get
Moksha or attain GOD.
Krishna then describes the Eight principles of Para Prakruthi:
1. Aksharam That which does not have degeneration
2. Avyaktam Indriya Agocharam- means not available for
Sensory Perception. Consciousness is the perceiver and
cannot be perceived. Matter alone can be perceived.
3. Acintyam- cannot conceive how it looks like. It is never like
anything that we know. Inconceivable or imperceptible.
4. Anirdesyam- Indescribable consciousness cannot be
described, as it is not matter.
5. Sarvatra-gam- It is all pervading. It is like space- Space is
like Consciousness.
6. Dhruvam It is eternal and not limited time-wise also.
7. Achalam Cannot move from one place to another. It is all
pervading and cannot travel form one place to another. It is
motionless.

8. Kuta-stham- Does
change.

not change. Consciousness does

not

Some Upasakas meditate on this Nirguna Brahman. It is very

difficult to do so and Upanishads prescribe some gradual
meditations to prepare for this Advaita Upasana eg:

Prithivi Upasana (Prithivi has all the 5 properties)

Jalam Upasana ( 4 properties no gandham)
Agni Upasana- ( 3 Properties- No taste)
Vayu Upasana ( 2 properties- no form or color)
Akasha Upasana similar to consciousness.

Krishna Says that these qualified people withdraw all the sensory
organs form the world of matter including thoughts. There is only
blankness or nothingness. The so called blankness is the I
consciousness. The awareness of absence of everything is
the Para Prakruthi
It cannot be seen as it is the perceiver.
Every experience is proof of the consciousness; but
consciousness itself cannot be perceived. It is nonexperinceable experiencer that is the consciousness
principle.
Krishna Says - Having the vision of Para Prakruthi, these
Sadakas meditate on Para Prakruthi being interested in the
welfare of all they will achieve Moksha and me.
Verse 3,4 & 5
In verses 3, 4 & 5 Lord Krishna talks about Akshara Upasana in
which the consciousness principle should be meditated upon and is
the most difficult to practice.
Consciousness does nt belong to the body and survives the death of
the body; eg; Moonlight is on the Moon; but not of the Moon.
Moonlight will continue even if the moon is destroyed. It is the
reflected sunlight and hence will continue.
The I Chaitnayam is the Para Prakruthi. It is also called as Advaita
Dyanam or Non-Duality as there is no duality involved. Nobody can
enter this meditation straightaway. One needs spiritual training
process Sravanam and Mananam with help from a Guru and the
Sastras.
With the aid of Panchkosa Viveka method and other methods the
seeker has to train to do Vedantic meditation to attain non-duality

meditation. We are spiritual beings temporarily having and

human experience.
Humanness is incidental because of the body. I continue to be the
spiritual being even without the body. Practicing this meditation is
Akshara Upasana which is the final stage before claiming Moksha.
Attaining GOD means dropping the misconception that GOD
is away from me.

Verse 5
Kleshodhi-katharah-stheshaam Avyakthaa-saktha
Chethasaam
Avyakthaa Hi Gathir Duhkham Deha Vadbhira-vaapyate
Meaning: But for human beings, it is more difficult to realize
the formless God than the One with form.
Swamijis Narration
This Akshara Upasana is very difficult as we meditate on the
abstract form. Akasha meditation makes the mind subtle to
meditate on the abstract form.
Difficulties are very high in this form of meditation. How to withdraw
the sensory organs and thoughts from the world ? Ashtanga Yoga.
Those who have strong identification of the body will face very great
difficulties in this meditation. The goal of formless GOD will be
extremely difficult.
Complete Ishwara Jnanam is the only
option for MOKSHA.
SO what is the solution?
The Vedas say that we should not skip this Upasana because
it is difficult. We need to make it easy. How?
How to make it Easy?
Anything in life is difficult for the Unprepared

So the solution is to prepare ourselves adequately. Lack of

preparation is the reason for the difficulty. Akshara Upasana will
become easy with adequate preparation. Eg: Tea Shop- Chaiwalla
while making tea; pours the tea from one cup to another without
even seeing the cups- sometimes the cups are almost horizontal to
ground and yet no tea is spilt on the ground. He can do it even with
his eyes closed.
Atma Jnanam is like a walking on a razors edge. For the prepared
ones this will be easiest.
What are the steps to Preparation Lord Krishna is going to present
four (4) steps for this. Verses 6, 7 & 8 talk about going from Para
Prakruthi Upasana to Apara Prakruthi Upasana.
Verse 6
Yethu Sarvaani Karmaani Mayi Sanyasya Math-paraa-ha
Ananye-naiva Yogena Maam Dhyaa-yantha Upaasathe'
Meaning:But those who worship me, renouncing all actions
in Me, regarding Me as the Supreme Goal, meditating on Me
with single minded devotion...
KRSIHNA Says if Nirguna Upasana is difficult, then come down to
Saguna Upasana, which is easier for the mind to conceive and
follow. Krishna is going to divide this into two steps.
Look upon the whole universe as the Vishwaroopa Ishwara Upasana.
What doe this mean?
Systematic dropping of ownership is necessary. Everything belongs
to Apara Prakruthi of the LORD. I am only a temporary user. GOD
owns everything and has total control also.
Bhagawan placed someone as our relative(Father, Mother, Son ,
Daughter, Wife etc..) and can take away anything at any time. We
try to control everything that we think we own. This is the cause of
our misery.
Vishwaroopa Upasana removes our anxiety of ownership and
control. I am willing to accept whatever your will is . Surrender
Ahamkara and Mama Kara to almighty GOD. Our worries come
down through Vishwaroopa Upasana. Daily spend time to remove
Ahamkara and Mamakara systematically without any distraction.

They will slowly get prepared for Sravanam and Mananam to

start Para Prakruthi Upasanam.
Whatever Karmas mundane or spiritual- all actions needs to be
dedicated to GOD. Dedication is mental process. Karma has to done
with the right attitude. His Law of Karma is supreme and controls
everything. Only GOD can determine the result.
Bhagawan
determines the result.
We should willfully receive whatever
deserving result given by GOD. We should say that I will face the
future as it results. Only give me the strength to face the life and
learn from the experiences.
Emotional dependence on things, relationship, events etc. will result
in Samsara. This is the lesson of Life.
Saranagathi is the only insurance or antidote against emotional risk.
Whatever needs to happen due to my past and present Karma let it
happen. We pray to you to give us immunity to face this. This is
Sanyasa. Vishwaroopa Upasana and Karma Yoga are complimentary.

Verse 7
Theshaa-maham Samud-dharthaa Mruthyu Samsaara
Saagaraath
Bhavaami Na Chiraath Paartha Mayya-veshitha Chetasaam
Meaning: For them whose thought is so set on Me, O Partha
(another name for Arjuna), I will become very soon, the One
to deliver them from this cycle of birth and death.
Swamijis Narration
Krishna says that those who surrender to me it is my duty to help
them. I will uplift them from the cycle of Samsara. Levels of the
seekers will vary. The benefit will also vary. Some may require a
short period and others long period to get out of Samsara.
I will lift them from Mrithyu Samsara ie; cycle of birth and death.
Sense of insecurity does not go away Samsara
Transcending the fear of birth and Death Moksha
From this Fourth (4Th) stage, Bhagawan will help to go to the 5th
stage, which is Para Prakruthi Upasana, and then attain Moksha.

Verse 8
Mayyeva Mana Aadhat-sva Mayi Buddhim Niveshaya
Nivasi-shyasi Mayyeva Atha Urdhvam Na Samsha-yaha
Meaning:Fix your mind on Me alone, Let your thoughts dwell
in Me. (By doing so) You will live in Me here after. Of this,
there is no doubt.
Swamijis Narration
Therefore Arjuna you can forget the 5th stage for now and practice
Vishwaroopa Upasana, which is the 4th stage.
You need to Handover everything to Bhagawan. I am only a medium
in his hands. Every Jiva belongs to Ishwara. Keep your mind on
Vishwaroopa Ishwara. Admire everything in creation as the glory of
the Lord. Vibuthi Yoga
Let your intellect admire the wonderful laws of the world as the
Glory of the GOD. You are never away from GOD. You feel GODs
presence everywhere. After Death also you will merge into GOD
only.

Verse 8- Continued
Swamijis Narration
Lord Krishna talked about Akshara Upasana as the only means of
liberation or Moksha. This is also called as Advaita Upasanam and
Krishna admits that it is very difficult. However one can gradually
progress through Sravanam and Mananam to Niditasanam.
So Krishna Recommends the Fourth Stage of Upasana, which is the
Vishwaroopa Upasana. This is extremely useful as it will expand the
mind and lower our Ahamkara and Mama Kara. When I meditate
on Vishwaroopa Ishwara there will be a gradual dilution of Aham
Kara and Mama Kara. Eg: adding more water can dilute Very salty
water.
Really speaking we want own or control everything. This is
the root cause of our misery. Samsara problem will be solved
95% by doing Vishwaroopa Upasana. Our attachment (Ownership)

and tendency to control will be diluted.

Everything is
Bhagawans property. Anxiety, worry, fear, tension etc. are all
repercussions of this Aham Kara and Mama Kara.
Eg: Monkey & Nuts Story Monkey tries to get the nuts (its favorite
food) from a tall jar with narrow neck or opening. As soon as it grabs
the nuts in its hand; it cannot remove it form the jar as it becomes
stuck. The only way for the Monkey to free itself is to open its hands
and drop its favorite nuts. Monkeys attachment to the nuts is the
cause of its misery.
Similarly we are also going through misery by holding onto
Bhagawans property. We need to drop our Ahamkara and
Mamakara to reduce our worries. Vishwaroopa Upasana can
therefore solve the Emotional Samsara. However we need Para
Prakruthi Upasana to Solve the Intellectual Upasana- e.g.: Why did
Bhagawan create the Universe/// What are the laws that govern the
same??/ Why are there so many miseries??? Etc. etc. If Samsara
has a beginning why did Bhagawan create it? If Samsara has no
beginning then there is no chance for Moksha??? This is
Intellectual Samsara and can be solved only through Para
Prakruthi Upasana Or Advaita Upasana.
Ramana Maharishi has described the same beautifully in a Sloka
that says the faith- free will debate will not go away until we find
the Advaita Upasana or Advaita Jnanam. Handover your family and
other attachments to Bhagawan, do your duty and let Bhagawan
take care of the future. Drop Aham Kara and Mama Kara.
Krishna Says if you do this you will live in me even after
your death.

Verse 9
Santushtah Sathatham Yogi Yathaa-thmaa Dhrida
Nischayaha
Mayyar-pitah Mano Buddhir Yo Madbhaktah Sa Me
Priyaha
Meaning: Ever content, steady in meditation, self
controlled and possessed of firm conviction, with mind
and intellect fixed on me, such a devotee is dear to me.
Swamijis Narration

So Krishna suggests to go from Para Prakruthi Upasana to Apara

Prakruthi Upasana. The fourth stage was divided by Krishna into two
steps. The first one is the Saguna Vishwaroopa Ishwara Upasana. If
you cannot drop attachment to family then Krishna says I will
replace it with Saguna Ishta Devata Upasana. Choose any form of
the deity that is appealing to you and treat the same representing
the entire Vishwaroopa.
Even Adi Sankara the primary proponent of Advaita philosophy ahs
written beautiful Slokas on various Ishta Devatas or deities (Devi,
Siva, Subramanya, Narayana.). The more you do the Ishta Devata
Upasana; the deity becomes more and more alive. This relationship
is nourished gradually and you draw more and more peace and
security from this relationship. This relationship with the Ishta
Devata is reliable and permanent as opposed to any human
relationship.
This way we will start relying on Ishta Devata who is
available all the time and whom we can install in our own
heart. My Rama or My Shiva is the my only support from me
till death. We should pray that the Lord should dance in my
heart along with his consort Uma when I die.
Therefore Krishna says if you are not able to meditate on
Vishwaroopa Ishwara then gradually start a relationship with your
Ishta Devata. When this relationship gets stronger our attachment
with the world will be slowly diluted and then dropped. This is
Abhyasya Yoga or Ishta Devata Upasanam. By practicing this Arjuna
you can gradually come to me.
Verse 10

Yasmaanno Dvijate Loko Lokaanno Dvijate Cha Yaha

Harshaa-marshah Bhayo-dvegair Muktho Yah Sa Cha
Me
Priyaha
Meaning: He by whom the world is not afflicted and
whom the world cannot afflict, he who is free from joy,
anger, fear and anxiety - he is dear to me.
Swamijis Narration
Krishna Says if you cannot do even Ishta Devata Upasana, he is
willing to come down to Stage 2. What is that? This is called Manasa
Upasana.

You do Manasa pooja or Manasa Parayana or Manasa Japa, which is

called Manasa Upasana. All this is good as stress busters. Allot 1015 minutes every day and do mental Pooja, which is good.
If you cannot do Saguna Ishta Devata Upasana then it means you
have a heavy Rajo guna (mind wanders) or Tamo guna (we doze off).
Krishna says that he has prescribed certain karmas for spiritual
growth. What are they?
Pancha Maha Yagnyas
1. Deva Yagnya Ishwara Aradhana will purify the mind. Offer
flowers, Deepa aradhana and pray for the welfare of the
entire universe and not for your family alone.
2. Pittru Yagnya Service to our parents and elders is extremely
important. It is also a form of pooja. Take care of their needs
when they are alive and do sradhham for them when they are
gone.
3. Manushya Yagnya Service to fellow human beings either
financially, physically or otherwise. All forms of social service
can be done according to your available resources.
4. Bhuta Yagnya Service to Plants and animals as they are also
part of the world infrastructure. E.g.: Tulasi pooja and Cow
(Go) Pooja.
5. Brahma Yagnya Perform ablutions to the Rishi parampara
These five Yagnyas are compulsory for spiritual growth.
Daily ask what have you contributed to this infrastructure.
Krishna Says- Worship me through these great Yagnyas.
You will be successful in your spiritual journey. Mind will
gradually calm down and you can graduate to the next step
which is Ishta Devata Upasana.
If you cannot do this Pancha Maha Yagnya because you have so
many worldly desires then Krishna Says - I will come down even
further to Stage 1. I will convert this also into a Spiritual Sadana.
Verse 11
Anapekshah Shuchir Daksha Udaaseeno Gata Vyathaha
Sarvaa-rambha Pari Thyaagi Yo Madbhakthah Sa Me
Priyaha
Meaning: He who has no wants, who is pure and
prompt, unconcerned, untroubled, and who is selfless

in all his undertakings, he who is thus devoted to Me,

is dear to Me.
Swamijis Narration
Krishna Says- If you cannot do the Pancha Maha Yagnyas then do
Sahama Karma i.e.; Earn and Enjoy ( now it has become borrow
and enjoy!!!). You can desire for the worldly result; but when you do
the karma dedicate it to me. When you get the Result before
enjoying the same keep it at the feet of the Lord. It is not to be
treated as Karma Phalam but as Ishwara Prasadam.
Learn to accept every experience as Ishwara Prasadam. This way
the reactive mind will slowly calm down. Emotional dependence
on the Unpredictable world is injurious to your emotional
health. We will slowly go towards Spiritual growth. Sorrow id the
dependence on the world. Happiness is not emotionally dependence
on the world. Non-reacting mind comes from Ishwara Prasada
Bhavana- I accept whatever may be the Prasada.
Verse 11 Continued
By way of answering Arjunas question; Krishna presents five steps
of discipline to attain Moksha- starting at the highest (Akshara
Upasana) he comes down in 5 steps to Sahakama Karma which is
the beginners level also known as Diluted Karma Yoga.
The five steps are the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Akshara Upasana
Vishwaroopa Upasana
Ishta Devata Upasana
Pancha Maha Yagna
Diluted Karma yoga

For the materialistic Bhakta who has not yet discovered the Spiritual
Goal; the spiritual Sadanas are not all relevant.
So Krishna
prescribes such a bhakta with Diluted Karma Yoga. Krishna wants to
guide the materialistic bhakti towards the spiritual goal through
Diluted Karma yoga. May you pursue material goals in a dharmic
way. However; you are going to get both success and failure.
Dedicate both of them at the feet of the Lord and enjoy the results
as Ishwara Prasada.
Then this success will not cause arrogance. When failures occur they
can cause a deep scar in the mind. By accepting the results as

Ishwara Prasada; emotional disturbances can be avoided. All

worldly accomplishments have limitations:
1. All worldly accomplishments are mixed with joy and pain also.
2. We never get satiated we crave for more. Therefore lack of
satisfaction ia deficiency or limitation.
3. As we become more and more dependent on the worldly
attachments; the depth of emotional dependencies will only
increase.
We need to realize these dependencies as limitations that will tie us
down to this Samsara time will come then the person will turn
words some other goal that is more worthy from materialism to
spirituality. Thus this diluted Karma Yoga is also a path to discover
the spiritual goal of Moksha.
Goal is to convert the materialistic bhakta into a spiritual bhakta;
only then the spiritual Sadanas become relevant and can be
practiced. I dedicate all experiences t the feet of the Lord and take
it as Ishwara Prasada. All the five levels of Upasanas are equally
important; and when they are all put together and practiced it is
called as Bhakti Yoga.
Verse 12
Yo Na Hrishyati Na Dveshti Na Shochati Na Kaankshati
Shubha-ashubha Pari-thyaagi Bhakti-maan Yah Sa Me'
Priyaha
Meaning: He who neither rejoices nor hates nor grieves
nor desires, renouncing good and evil (treating both as
the same), full of devotion, he is dear to Me.
Krishna wants everyone to decide where each one stands
Level 1 to 5? Most of us are eligible for Level 1 only. Krishna
senses a probable inferiority complex of these people and for their
sake he is giving a booster Sloka here. Krishna wants to encourage
the beginner also. Krishna praises a person who is at the lowest
rung of the process as the greatest Sadaka. This is a form Artha
Vada Sloka. i.e glorification of a material bhakta. He talks of four
kinds of Sadanas namely: Abhyasa, Jnanam, Dhyanam and Karma
Phala Tyagam.
1. Abhyasa a person who practices Ishwara Dhyanam without
understanding the knowledge of Ishwara. This is Materialistic
meditation.

2. Jnanam The next level wherein a person has knowledge of

God but does not practice meditation.
3. Dhyanam - the next higher level which is Jnanam plus
Meditation; one who practices meditation with Jnanam.
4. Karma Phala Tyaga Diluted Karma Yogi is considered as the
greatest sadaka.
This is Artha Vada which is an
exaggeration by Krishna for the sake of encouragement.;
when he says that this diluted karma yogi is dear to me.
Karma Yoga of a materialistic bhakta is the greatest- Krishna says so
for the purpose of encouragement. You need to feel bad as sooner
or later you will realize the futility of the material world and turn to
Vedanta or Spiritual practice.
Arjuna never asked what is Moksha even though he was Krishnas
friend all along and only in the battlefield he turns to Krishna for
knowledge.
Everybody requires certain experience(s) to turn
towards spirituality.
Verse 13
Samah Shatrau Cha Mitre Cha Thathaa Maanaapamaana-yoho
Sheetho-shna Sukha-duhkheshu Samah Sanga
Vivarjitaha
Meaning: He who is the same to foe and friend and also
in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and
heat, in pleasure and pain, who is free from
attachment...
The next question that may arise is are there people who have
gone through all the five stages of spiritual progression? How will
they confront the world? This may be the curiosity of Arjuna also?
Do we need to accomplish all the stages in one life?
Scriptures say that we need not go through all the five stages in one
life or Janma. The stages completed can be carried forward to the
next life and one may start at the next stage. You drop only the
physical body; the mind with the spiritual vasanas will be carried
forward in the next Janma. A person who has gone through all the
five stages is called a Jnani.
Aham Brahmasmi is the
culmination of Bhakti yoga.
Four types of Bhaktas:

1. Artha Bhakta Prays only to solve family problems

2. Arthathi Bhakta Prays for success of ventures/business
started by him
3. Jignashu Bhakta He has knowledge of Ishwara
4. Jnani Bhakta He is a aware that there is no division between
bhakta to Bhagawan. From Das bhakta to Soaham bhakta.
This Advaita Jnani is a Jivamukta. Liberation is something that
we can discover here and now while living in the body.
What type of mindset does a Jnani have? Krishna describes this in
Verses 13 to 20.
A JNANI Bhakta is one, who has learnt to handle both Raga and
Dvesha, which are the main internal enemies. Raga means likes;
and Dvesha means dislikes. These two together is referred to as
RD. This RD can become a very serious problem if left uncontrolled.
When we wear colored glasses we cannot access situations without
bias. When the situation is not complying with our RD it will
produce Emotional Disturbance. (ED). RD produces ED.
RD to NS to ED
Raga Dvesha to Non-Complying Situation to Emotional Disturbance.
We dwell on the situation and allow ED to continue and grow very
fast until it becomes uncontrollable. This will then lead to Emotional
Slavery (ES). ED to ES can happen only with my support. The mind
then produces anxiety, fear, stress etc. which is Samsara. RD to ED
happens on its own for everyone; but Ed to ES causes Samsara due
to our own state of the untrained mind. Then life itself becomes a
burden.
Jnani is one who has trained his mind at all levels, in such a way that
he does not allow Ed to become ES. He doesnt allow hatred to
takeover his mind and control him. Since everything is expression
of GOD; there is no question of justifiable or justified hatred. He
does not nourish hatred towards anybody.
Maitrah means one who is friendly to everyone according to his
available resources.
Karuna Evacha means capacity to consider emotions of the others.
Empathy towards others means ability to look at the situation form
anothers point of view. This embodiment of compassion is the
greatest virtue.
Nirmamao Nirhankarah: Nothing belongs to me and I do not control
anything and therefore he is free from Ahamkara and Mamakara.
Eg: There is a constant worry in my mind to repair an old house for

sometime when ever I see it. . I am not in position to repair the

house, hence I sell it to someone else. Once I have sold the house
and though I see it the same dilapidated condition, I no longer worry
about it as it is not mine anymore. Hence I am not affected as the
Ahamkara and Mamakara are dropped. The solution is to not
change the world but we need to change our mind to dilute the
Ahamkara and Mamakara and let GOD take care of the rest.
Sama Dukha Sukah: Karma affects the Jnani and Agjnani , but Jnani
maintains his equipoised state of mind and therefor does not allow
ED to become ES.
Kshama One who has the capacity to tolerate Pain. A Higher
threshold for pain will lead to lower ED.
In the first twelve verses of Chapter 12, Krishna presents the five
levels of Sadanas of Bhakti Yoga. Everyone has to go through all the
five levels to culminate in Jnanam through practice of Sravanam,
Mananam and Nidditasanam. The attainment of Jnanam is the goal.
As one progresses through the five levels; refinement of the mind
has to also happen parallely. Krishna often talks of this mental
refinement as essential along with the intellectual Jnana. Krishna
states a list of clear parameters to measure the state of this mental
refinement. These parameters are in the form of looking at the
pattern of our thoughts. This looking at our thoughts will indicate
whether the mind is gross or refined.
We have a list of Virtuous and Ignoble Or Asuri thought patterns.
Virtual thoughts need to be nourished and ignoble thoughts need to
weeded out. Just like doing your garden, the plants (virtuous
thoughts) need to be nourished and weeds (Asuri thoughts) need to
be weeded out; the mind also needs to be tended on a continuous
basis so that the mental gardening leads to mental refinement.
When I maintain a beautiful garden that is beautiful, joyous and
comfortable; this makes everyone happy to come near you and
interact with you. Not only are you happy; others also enjoy your
company. Therefore a healthy mind is essential for Spiritual growth.
In the Kato Upanishad there is a Sloka that encourages mental
nourishment and refinement as very important. Any amount of
Vedantic Knowledge and thoughts are not useful if the mind is not
refined. To maintain a mental garden the following five methods are
prescribed.
1. Viveka constantly reminding oneself that virtuous thoughts
are
advantageous for me and those around me also. Ignoble or
Asuri thoughts need to be weeded out.

2. Sankalpa Awareness all the time on the thought patterns

that happen throughout the day.
3. Satsang association with people who maintain a mental
garden. Through the process of Osmosis I will also develop
spiritually in their company.
4. Prarthana Daily prayer wherein you pray for Jnana
Vyragya Biksham Dehi may you give me refined mind
with Jnanam.
5. Prathipaksha Bhavana When ignoble or Asuri thoughts
arise; neutralize that with relevant virtuous thoughts. For e.g.:
Anger to be replaced by patience; Greed with contentment;
fear with confidence; hatred with love .
Deliberately inject a virtuous thought to eliminate the Asuri thought.
When you go through the five levels of spiritual growth make sure
that mental refinement happens by tending the mental garden
continuously.
Pursuit of the Knowledge is the medicine; and
maintenance of the mental garden is the Patyam. Medicine and
Patyam go hand in hand for spiritual growth. This needs to start at
Level 1 itself for us to have virtuous thoughts as second nature. A
Jnani is one who ha strained hs mind to have virtuous thoughts
deliberately or naturally. Jnanam is able to produce a total result,
which is Jivan Mukthi. Krishna thus describes the Glory of the Jnani
who enjoys all this effortlessly.
Thins to weed out
First things weed out are
1. Dvesha hatred There should be no single one on your hate
list. Even you should have hate for the person who tries to harm
you. You may disapprove his behavior but nobody in the creation
should be hated. Hate will disturb your peace of mind. Pray to GOD
for the person to change but do not hate anyone.
2. Ahamkara & Mamkara - Need to love and care for your people
without attachment. If there is attachment then it leads to
obsession. Any form of obsession is a weed and needs to be
removed.
What is Kshma?
Kshama is capacity to tolerate pain. It is a very important virtue
from two angles:
1. Life involves going through pleasures along with pain also. It
is better to be prepared as early as possible to withstand pain.
It is like developing immunity.
Practice austerities and

penances to build emotional immunity. Welcome adversities

so that your Tithiksha will increase.
2. Only if you have Kshama, you will have the tolerance to
prevent impulsive responses to life events and situations. We
do not have time to study the quality of our response. You
need Kshama to prevent impulsive responses, which may
harm you or others around you. You must stay clam even
under the most provoking situations.
3. Anger is the worst enemy of a human being. The only remedy
for anger is Kshama. Action or Inaction must be thoughtful.
Reaction is impulsive and must be avoided. Without Kshama
Moksha can never be attained.
Verse 14
Thulya Nindaa Sthuthir Mounee Santhushto Yena Kena
Chith
Aniketah Sthirah Mathir Bhakthi-maan Me Priyo Naraha
Meaning: To whom blame and praise are equal, who is
silent, content with anything, free of selfish
attachment, steady-minded and full of devotion-such a
one is dear to Me.
An Yogi means a person who has made sure that his mind is
available for serving him.
Mind is continuously entertaining
Involuntary thoughts (IT).
After some time these involuntary
thoughts (IT) begin to control and own the mind. It comes in as a
tenant and becomes the owner. Most of the time the involuntary
thoughts (IT) own the mind and the mind is not available for our
purposes. IT is the owner of the mind.
When IT is hovering in the mind (some of them are harmful such as
anxiety, worry, fear, hatred etc.) ; you are not bale to vacate them
and this immobilizes you permanently leading to Ed and then ES.
When the mind is becoming a problem where will you go? YOGA is
training the mind to remove IT at will.
You should practice Yoga daily and vacate the IT at will. One who
has done that is an YOGI. Asthanga Yoga has been prescribed to
remove IT.
Santhusta means contentment. It is a very important virtue of a
Jnani. This is in contrast to what drives the Modern world. Modern
thoughts say discontentment is the seed or driving force for
progress. How then to solve this contradiction. As discontentment
causes unhappiness this is not a virtue.

Vedanta says that you claim Apara Prakruthi while enjoying Para
Prakruthi i.e. use your Para Prakruthi to improve Apara Prakruthi and
Innovate Happily.
Yatatma means integrated personality
Druda Niscayah means he has firm knowledge of Apara and Para
Prakruthi.
Krishna says such a devotee is very dear to me.
Verse 15
Ye Tu Dharmyaam Amritam-idam Yathoktam
Paryupaasathey
Shraddha Daana Mat Parama Bhaktaastetiva Mey
Priyaaha
Meaning: Those, who follow this immortal dharma
described above with devotion and faith, looking upon
Me as the Supreme Goal, they are exceedingly dear to
Me.
Swamijis Narration
A Jnanis mind is tough and at the same time tender also. He always
treats everyone tenderly so that he does not hurt them in any way.
This is his empathy for others. At the same time when others
handle him roughly, he is perturbed by this situation. He can easily
change his quality of his mind that brings out his mental toughness.
He is not hurt by others actions or words. He has avoided all the
weeds such as over-elation- when things are going well. He is aware
that this is not permanent and will also go away, therefore he is not
carried away by the situation. Similarly he is not affected by
jealousy, fear, anxiety etc. Krishna says such a devotee is very dear
to me.
All our scriptures emphasize mental refinement through mental
gardening to constantly weed out non-spiritual or Asuri thoughts. At
the Sadana level this has to be practiced deliberately. This will
become spontaneous for a Jnani on continuous practice. The Jnani
has an unique mind which is both soft and tender towards others yet
at the same time tough when he faces harsh experiences from
others. His mind is harder than diamond yet softer than a flower.

Verse 16
Anapekshah Shuchir Daksha Udaaseeno Gata Vyathaha
Sarvaa-rambha Pari Thyaagi Yo Madbhakthah Sa Me
Priyaha
He who has no wants, who is pure and prompt,
unconcerned, untroubled, and who is selfless in all his
undertakings, he who is thus devoted to Me, is dear to
Me.
Swamijis Narration
Anapeksha means one who does not emotionally depend on the
world or the family. A Jnani does not depend on external objects,
people or the world. All the worldly objects are ephemeral in nature;
they are not predictable and if you depend on them it becomes
risky. Never use the world for emotional dependence; use them
only to serve you.
Sankaracharya says in his Bhaja Govindam to focus on the lord and
chant his glory. Learning to depend on that which is reliable and
permanent is essential. So you choose to take support of Bhagawan
in the form of your Ishta Devata and gain emotional succor from
Ishwara. He instills the Ishta Devata in his own heart. God
dependence will convert itself slowly into self-dependence. This is
called liberation or Moksha.
Shuchir means one who is clean at the physical level. A Jnani is
also clean in his speech; virtuous speech. A the mental level also he
is very clean. Purity of speech will be talked about further in
Chapter 17 of the Gita.
Daksha means one who is an expert or quick witted. There is no
subjectivity in his approach. Spiritual knowledge helps in handling
the world also.
Udaasenno A Jnani does not involve in any groupism at all levels
whether they be political, social or involving the family. Rumormongering is diligently avoided.
Gata Vyathaha a Jnani does not allow sadness to remain in the
mind in spite of any adverse situation also. He does not allow ED to
go to ES. Sadness comes from IT (involuntary Thoughts). Sadness is
an expression of Samsara.

Sarvaa-rambha Pari Thyaagi A Jnani is full within himself; he

does not need anything from the external world including Artha,
Kama and Moksha. He is Jiva Muktha Already. Krishna Says such a
Jnani Bhakta is very dear to me.
Verse 17
Yo Na Hrishyati Na Dveshti Na Shochati Na Kaankshati
Shubha-ashubha Pari-thyaagi Bhakti-maan Yah Sa Me'
Priyaha
Meaning:He who neither rejoices nor hates nor grieves
nor desires, renouncing good and evil (treating both as
the same), full of devotion, he is dear to Me.
Swamijis Narration
A Jnani is one who does not allow any emotion (both positive
and negative) to overwhelm his mind. The emotions are allpowerful and may cloud the mind to discriminate and affect the
intellect. Arjuna was clear that the Mahabharata War was a Dharma
Yudha; but once he entered the battlefield and saw his kith and kin
aligned against him his emotions overwhelmed him and clouded his
intellect.
A virus is called a Vital Information Resources Under Siege.
Similar to a virus affecting the body, the emotions can take over the
mind and disable the intellect. So do not nourish the emotions as
both the mind and intellect are affected. Do not nourish too much
elation or to much depression in the mind. Do not dwell on the
hatred also. Keep the mind clean and remove these Asuri thoughts
by mental gardening. Carry your Ishta Devata in the mind who is
reliable and permanent.
Shubha Ashubha Pari thyaagi An householder (Grihastha) can
study the Vedanta and practice the five levels of Sadanas as
prescribed for his spiritual progress. But there social, family and
religious responsibilities also that he has to perform. Do not neglect
them, take care of them up to certain level and then go from
Grihastha to Sanyasa at which point these duties and
responsibilities are dropped. Then as a Sanyasi you can spend time
on Sravanam, Mananam and Nidditasanam. Jnani as a Sanyasi can
drop all these duties; it is like a VRS option.
Verse 18 & 19

Samah Shatrau Cha Mitre Cha Thathaa Maanaapamaana-yoho

Sheetho-shna Sukha-duhkheshu Samah Sanga
Vivarjitaha
Meaning: He who is the same to foe and friend and also
in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and
heat, in pleasure and pain, who is free from
attachment...

Thulya Nindaa Sthuthir Mounee Santhushto Yena Kena

Chith
Aniketah Sthirah Mathir Bhakthi-maan Me Priyo Naraha
Meaning: To whom blame and praise are equal, who is
silent, content with anything, free of selfish
attachment, steady-minded and full of devotion-such a
one is dear to Me.

Swamijis Narration
Life involves continuous confrontation of opposite experiences. E.g.:
profit/Loss; togetherness/separation; birth/death; pairs of opposite
experiences many of which are determined by ones own karma.
These karmas need to fructify in this Janma and they gradually
unfold as we grow as Punyam and Papam. Nobody can avoid this.
We need to improve our emotional immunity. The best way is by
learning to look at the creation from the Vishwaroopa angle. All are
universal facts and they are to be accepted without any resistance.
Accepting facts without resistance will increase the Tithiksha.
We have both friends and enemies in the world; both within the
family and outside. So we need accept them as is and remain
equipoised. Similarly we face Mananam and apamanam ; honor and
dishonor at the action level. As long as we are a contributing
member of the family we have honor and respect; however on
retirement our own children may dishonor us.
Other pair of opposites like Heat and Cold, Sukah and Dukah;
Praise and Censures do affect us in the world. These are facts of
life; learn to withstand them and do not allow ED to go to ES. A Jnani
carefully avoids all these emotional disturbances.

Ninda and Sthuthir means honor and dishonor at the verbal

level. A Jnani does not depend on the events of the world for his
emotional well being and therefore remains equipoised always. Do
not have any rigid expectations or demands at any level.
Mauni does not necessarily mean silence; it means one who has
controlled speech. He will speak only when someone is interested in
listening to him.
Santhushto Yena Kena Chith means one who is happy with
whatever he has or whatever comes or is available in terms of food,
clothing and shelter.
Aniketah means one who does not have a residence. When he is
Sanyasi he moves from place to place. A Grihastha Jnani remembers
that he does not own any home; he is just a user and not an owner.
Sthirah Mathir He maintains his knowledge through all these
experiences.

Verse 20
Ye Tu Dharmyaam Amritam-idam Yathoktam
Paryupaasathey
Shraddha Daana Mat Parama Bhaktaastetiva Mey
Priyaaha
Meaning: Those, who follow this immortal dharma
described above with devotion and faith, looking upon
Me as the Supreme Goal, they are exceedingly dear to
Me.
Swamijis Narration
Krishna says - All the spiritual seekers who try to follow the five
levels of the Bhakti yoga sincerely including the virtues mentioned
here are very dear to me.
Paryupaasathey means tries to follow
Shraddha Daana means with sincerity
Mat Parama -Para Prakruthi
When you take a dip in the Ganges River at Haridwar; they fix a
chain on the bank for you to hold on and not get washed away.

Similarly hold on to Bhagawan as an anchor and practice the five

levels of bhakti Yoga to attain Moksha. So ends the twelfth chapter
of the Gita, wherein the first part Krishna outlines the Bhakti yoga
(Verses 1-12) and in the next 8 verses he talks talk about the
qualities of a Jnani Bhakta who is very dear to him.
Chapter 12 - Asheer Vachanam by Swamiji
Krishna says that the Bhakti Yoga is not a single Sadana and
consists of three stages namely: karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga and
Jnana Yoga. You need to go through all the three stages to attain
Moksha. It is not optional and everyone has to practice Karma Yoga,
Upasana Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
1. Karma Yoga Karma Yoga starts with dedicating all actions
(worldly & religious) as offering to the Lord. This is Ishwara Arpana
Bhavana (as a Kartha). I cannot do a shoddy job; excellence is
important, as what I give to God must be the best. I do the job well
and can pray for success to GOD, however he is the one who is
going to decide the result. Lord you alone can decide the result and I
accept the same whatever it may be. Please grant me the strength
to face and accept whatever may be the result. Even if the result is
unfavorable; I am prepared to accept it. This acceptance without
complaint is called Ishwara Prasada Bhavana (as a Boktha).
Kartha plus Boktha is a junior Karma Yogi. Krishna then talks
of the next step that pleases Bhagawan and hastens the spiritual
growth. This is called Pancha Maha Yagnya.
1. Deva Yagnya
2. Pittru Yagnya
3. Manushya Yagnya
4. Bhuta Yagnya
5. Brahma Yagnya
A Pancha Maha Upasaka then becomes a senior Karma Yogi.
2. Upasana Yoga
Spend sometime daily in meditation by invoking your Ishta Devata
in your mind. Pick up a Nama associated with the Ishta Devata and
chant that Bhagawan Nama sincerely. Unknowingly we will imbibe
all the virtues by chanting his Nama. This Is Ishta Devata
Upasana or the Junior level of Upasana Yoga.
We need to graduate to the next level slowly. Bhagawan is not
confined to a particular form. The form is only a representation of
the total. He represents the entire universe, which is the first
avatara of the Lord. Other avataras come and go (Rama, Krishna)

whereas the Universe the first avatara of the lord is always

available.
Learn to see the Universe as Bhagawan this is called the
Vishwaroopa Ishwara or Vishwaroopa Upasana or the Senior
level of Upasana Yoga.
3. Jnana Yoga
This is enquiry into the truth of everything i.e. Jiva, Jagat
and Ishwara. Truth is Advaitam or Aksharam. This truth appears
as Jiva, Jagat and Ishwara Sat Chit Anandam. The truth is also in
me. Thus practicing the Karma, Upasana and Jnana Yoga will lead to
Moksha. You can take as much time as you want to complete the
three levels; maybe in one Janma or in multiple Janmas.
This completes the first part of Chapter 12.
In the second Part of Chapter 12, Krishna describes the qualities of a
Jnani or Jivan Muktha.
All the plurality is Name and Form; Truth is Advaitam
A Jnani is never shaken by Dvaita Anubhava. (Sun goes around the
Earth-VS Earth going around the Sun). He has the right
understanding at the intellectual level and has a refined mind at the
mental level also. He does not allow the situation to lead to
emotional disturbances and is equipoised even in adverse
situations. Keep your mind refined through continuous mental
gardening and remove all Asuri thoughts. He also has several
virtuous qualities; to name a few such as Kshama ;
Nirmama/Nirhankara
Kshama means patience and tolerance. Practice self-restraint and
avoid impulsive responses (reaction). Choose action or inaction
after careful deliberation but avoid reaction.
Nirmama/Nirahamkara I am not the owner of anything nor do I
control anything. We are temporary users of Bhagawans property
on a transactional basis. I am a user and contributor; never an
owner or controller. Bhagawan is the ultimate owner and will take
care of the future. This is the path to liberation or Moksha.