The fifth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India’s most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.
In this talk, starting with chapter 2:45, Swamiji discusses Krishna’s teachings on the tranquility aimed for in yoga practice and meditation, and how to attain it, as well as the right perspective on possessions.
Here are the Gita verses (2:45–2:47) covered in this talk:
The three gunas are the domains of the Vedas. Be free from the triad of the gunas, indifferent to the pairs of opposites, eternally established in reality, free from thoughts of getting and keeping, and established in the Self. (2:45)
For the wise Brahmin with true knowledge, a great deal in all the Vedas are of as much value as a well when there is a flood all around. (2:46)
Your authority is for action alone, never to its fruits at any time. Never should the fruits of action be your motive; and never should there be attachment to inaction in you. (2:47)
Here is a summary of the key points from this talk The Tranquility of Yoga
- Tranquility of Mind: The idea of achieving true tranquility beyond the physical, mental, and emotional disturbances requires a deep understanding of yoga, which isn’t just about quieting the mind through temporary means but achieving a state beyond all change.
- Desire for Possessions: Krishna advises against the attachment to acquiring or hoarding material wealth or positions for their own sake. Instead, one should reflect on what is truly necessary or beneficial for spiritual growth.
- The Futility of Material Wealth: The story of Queen Elizabeth I highlights that material possessions, even in abundance, cannot buy time or true satisfaction. They are ultimately left behind.
- The Vedas and Enlightenment: For the enlightened, even sacred texts like the Vedas become superfluous because direct experience of the truth surpasses scriptural knowledge.
- Duty Without Attachment to Results: One should perform actions without being attached to their outcomes. The focus should be on doing what’s right according to cosmic laws, not on what one might gain from it.
- Avoiding Laziness: While detachment from outcomes is crucial, it shouldn’t lead to laziness or disengagement from life. Action is still necessary but should be performed with the right attitude.
- Fixing the Heart on the Supreme: Every action should be dedicated to the Supreme Lord, implying that actions should be done with a divine consciousness or with the awareness of unity with the Divine.
- The Path of Yoga: The only way to fix one’s consciousness on the Supreme is through yoga, which involves starting with the seed of consciousness and nurturing it through practices until it blossoms into full potential.
- Understanding of “Soham”: The mantra “Soham” is misunderstood as “I am He” but should be interpreted as “I am That,” indicating a state of unity with the divine essence rather than a separate entity.
Overall, the teachings emphasize moving beyond material and temporary goals towards spiritual enlightenment, performing actions with a divine focus, and understanding the deeper meanings of spiritual practices and teachings. This path leads to true tranquility and liberation from the cycle of desire and attachment.
