The twenty-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 5:10, Swamiji discusses the two types of “I”ness and the “nine gates” of yoga–the nine chakras of the Nath Yoga Tradition.
Here are the Gita verses (5:10-5:16) covered in this talk:
Offering actions to Brahman, having abandoned attachment, he acts untainted by evil as a lotus leaf is not wetted by water. (5:10)
Karma yogis perform action only with the body, mind, intellect, or the senses, forsaking attachment, performing action for self-purification. (5:11)
He who is steadfast, having abandoned action’s fruit, attains lasting peace. He who is not steadfast, attached to action based on desire, is bound. (5:12)
Renouncing all actions with the mind, the embodied one sits happily as the ruler of the city of nine gates, not acting at all, nor causing action. (5:13)
The Lord does not create either means of action or action itself in this world, nor the union of action with its fruit. On the other hand, the swabhava impels one to action. (5:14)
The Omnipresent takes note of neither demerit nor merit. Knowledge is enveloped by ignorance; as a result of that people are deluded. (5:15)
But those in whom this ignorance of the Self has been destroyed by knowledge–that knowledge of theirs, like the sun, reveals the Supreme Brahman. (5:16)
Here’s a summary of this talk on the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the nine chakras:
- Introduction: The talk is part of a series called Gita Talks, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, specifically chapter five, verse ten. The chapter discusses the Yoga of Renunciation of Actions.
- Action and Karma: Actions performed by a Yogi are meant for spiritual evolution, not for personal gain or recognition. The Yogi acts by offering actions to Brahman, free from attachment, akin to how water does not wet a lotus leaf.
- Dual Sense of Self: There exists a lower sense of self (Ahamkara) associated with ego and material desires, and a higher sense of self (Asmita) which is more aligned with unity and spiritual identity. Actions driven by the lower self bind one with karma, whereas actions from the higher self liberate.
- Karma Yoga: Karma Yogis perform actions with the body, mind, and intellect without attachment, aiming for self-purification. Positive karma helps dissolve negative karma.
- Steadfastness and Peace: A person who renounces actions mentally achieves peace by not being swayed by personal likes, dislikes, or desires, focusing instead on spiritual goals.
- The Nine Chakras: Beyond the commonly known seven chakras, there are two additional chakras in yogic practice:
- Talu Chakra: Located at the soft part of the palate, it is crucial for the upward flow of energy.
- Nirvana/Jalandhar Chakra: Facilitates the complete and orderly operation of subtle energy systems, controlling the flow and directing it upward.
- Spiritual Energy Flow: Energy should flow up through the chakras without getting stuck, particularly at the Vishuddhi Chakra (throat). The awakening of these chakras, especially the Talu and Nirvana, ensures the energies are directed towards higher consciousness.
- Role of Knowledge and Ignorance: Spiritual knowledge (Jnana) liberates from the illusion caused by ignorance. Ignorance leads to delusion, where one is led blindly by external influences or personal desires.
- Self-Knowledge and Divine Presence: True knowledge comes from within, revealing the presence of Brahman. This inner knowledge, not external divine intervention, is what frees one from illusion.
- Conclusion: The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding the nine chakras for spiritual growth and the significance of internal spiritual knowledge over external guidance or divine intervention for true awakening.
