The thirteenth 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 3:31, Swamiji discusses how to be released from the bondage of karma, the necessity for discernment in spiritual life, and how attraction and aversion are obstacles in spiritual life, plus other aspects of Krishna’a teachings in the Gita.
Here are the Gita verses (3:31–3:35) covered in this talk:
Those who constantly follow this teaching of mine, full of faith, not opposing it, they are released from the bondage of their actions. (3:31)
But those opposing and not practicing my teaching, confusing all knowledge, know them to be lost and mindless. (3:32)
One acts according to one’s own prakriti–even the wise man does so. Beings follow their own prakriti; what will restraint accomplish? (3:33)
Attraction and aversion are inherent in the contact of the senses with sense-objects. One should not come under the power of these two–they are indeed his enemies. (3:34)
Better is one’s swadharma, though deficient, than the swadharma of another well performed. Better is death in one’s own swadharma. The swadharma of another brings danger. (3:35)
Here is a summary of the Gita Talk on Release from theBondage of Karma
- Faith and Assurance: Krishna emphasizes that following his teachings with faith will lead to liberation from karma. This faith is described in two forms: one based on belief without full understanding, and another based on personal experience, leading to assurance.
- Mental Reservations: One must follow the teachings without making mental reservations or procrastinating. The path requires immediate action and commitment, not deferred intentions.
- Nature of Human Tendencies: People naturally follow their inherent tendencies or ‘prakriti’. Krishna advises against trying to change others who do not show interest in spiritual practices, as they will only follow their nature, potentially leading them astray if forced into practices they’re not ready for.
- Discrimination (Viveka): The importance of spiritual discrimination is highlighted. One must discern what is beneficial or harmful for spiritual growth, avoiding actions that lead to delusion or confusion.
- Attraction and Aversion: Natural human tendencies include attraction and aversion, which can be obstacles if not managed with wisdom. Krishna suggests not being swayed by these feelings but to act based on what supports spiritual development.
- Duty and Dharma: It’s better to perform one’s own duty (dharma) poorly than to excel in someone else’s duty. This underscores the importance of living according to one’s inherent nature and purpose rather than societal or familial expectations.
- Spiritual Danger: Adopting duties not aligned with one’s true nature or dharma can lead to spiritual peril. Krishna warns against conforming to external pressures or expectations that do not align with one’s spiritual path.
- Example of Misguided Ambition: A story is shared about a man who pursued fame in Hollywood to escape being mocked for his intellect, neglecting his true calling in physics, leading to a life of misery and unfulfillment.
- Conclusion: The talk concludes with the idea that one must find and follow their true spiritual path, emphasizing the personal and often solitary journey in spiritual growth, which might not be understood or appreciated by others.
Swami Nirmalananda Giri’s discourse encourages a reflective and introspective approach to spiritual life, advocating for adherence to one’s dharma with full commitment and without compromise, for true liberation from karma.
