The ninety-first 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, continuing with Chapter 18:59, Swamiji discusses the battle for higher consciousness. He shares stories about Mirabai and Yogananda. These spiritual teachings will help in your spiritual growth and your practice of yoga and meditation.
For those wishing to make a deeper study of the Gita, Swamiji’s commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life can be found at Amazon.com.
Here are the Gita verses (18:59–18:63) covered in this talk:
If, filled with egotism, you think: “I will not fight,” this your resolve shall be in vain, for your nature will compel you. (18:59)
What you do not wish to do, through delusion, you shall do against your will, bound by your karma born of your own nature. (18:60)
The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings, causing them by his maya to revolve as if mounted on a machine. (18:61)
Fly unto him alone for refuge with your whole being. By that grace you shall attain supreme peace and the eternal abode. (18:62)
Thus has the knowledge that is more secret than all that is secret been expounded to you by me. Having reflected on this fully, act in the way you wish. (18:63)
Here are the main points from this talk The Battle for Higher Consciousness:
🔱 Context and Setup
- Krishna has just finished his sweeping teachings in the Gita and now addresses Arjuna’s inner resistance to fighting.
- The “battle” is symbolic for spiritual aspirants—it represents the struggle for higher consciousness against inner negativity.
🧠 Inner Conflict & Dharma
- If Arjuna (or anyone) refuses their duty (dharma) due to egotism, they will still be compelled to act according to their innate nature (svabhava).
- Karma will drive action—if not consciously chosen, it may manifest compulsively, even unwillingly.
- We are “bound by our karma born of our own nature,” and eventually, divine nature pushes us onward—even if through many lives.
🔄 The Mechanism of Evolution
- Krishna uses a powerful image: the Lord dwells in the heart and causes all beings to revolve “as if mounted on a machine” (like a spiritual gear system).
- We cycle through countless lives, from simple organisms to self-aware human beings, on a long evolutionary journey toward self-realization.
🕊️ The Call to Liberation
- True liberation only comes by making the conscious choice to unite with the Supreme.
- “Fly unto Him alone” means to rush—not hesitate—to seek refuge in the Divine with one’s whole being.
🛑 False Paths & Fake Yoga
- Mere philosophy, metaphysical tricks, or superficial spiritual gimmicks (e.g., fake pranayama, gimmicky mantras) will not lead to liberation.
- Only sincere effort, rooted in dharma, devotion (bhakti), and inner purification, brings lasting change.
💔 Real Renunciation
- Real letting go is mental and emotional—not just physical.
- The yogi must abandon attachment, aversion, and egotistical resistance, and conform the life to the higher path.
💡 Grace and Inner Drive
- We already have divine grace—but it is our own grace (our own will and discipline) that is usually lacking.
- Grace meets us when we align ourselves completely with Truth.
🎯 Ultimate Instruction
- Krishna emphasizes personal responsibility: “Having reflected on this fully, act as you wish.”
- No coercion—only the deep invitation to self-reflection and free will.
🎶 Mirabai’s Insight
The talk closes with Mirabai’s beautiful line:
“I have sold everything in the marketplace of the world to buy my Beloved.”
Whether the price seems too high or too low to others—it must be everything you have.
Below is an audio version of this talk from our Gita Talks Podcast
Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)
Swami Nirmalananda Giri, founder of Light of the Spirit Monastery, has spent over six decades immersed in the study and practice of Yoga and and the spiritual traditions of East and West. He is the author of more than 30 books on meditation, practical spiritual life and Sanatana Dharma. Learn more »