The twenty-sixth 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 5:17, Swamiji discusses why the Gita and other scriptures of India use the word “Tat,” –That, for God, as well as having a universal vision: seeing God in all beings. He talks about Swami Sivananda and his poem “Only God I Saw.”
Here are the Gita verses (5:17-5:19) covered in this talk:
Those whose minds are absorbed in That, whose Selves are fixed on That, whose foundation is That, who hold That as the highest object, whose evils have been shaken off by knowledge, attain the ending of rebirth. (5:17)
The wise see the same Self in a wise and disciplined Brahmin, in a cow, in an elephant, in a dog, even in an eater of dogs. (5:18)
Even here on earth rebirth is conquered by those whose mind is established in evenness. Brahman is without fault and the same to all; therefore they are established in Brahman. (5:19)
Here’s a summary of Swamiji’s talk on the “Thatness” of God:
- Introduction to the Concept of “That” (Tat): The talk introduces the Sanskrit word “Tat” meaning “that”, referring to the ultimate, all-pervading consciousness beyond objectivity. This “thatness” is both within and transcends all relative existence.
- Levels of Spiritual Awareness:
- Absorption in That: Some individuals’ minds become so evolved that they are absorbed into this infinite being.
- Fixation on That: Others focus their consciousness on this concept through meditation.
- Foundation in That: Some have their very being rooted in the realization of this “thatness”.
- Highest Object: The ultimate spiritual goal where one sees God as the highest object of devotion.
- The Role of Knowledge in Spiritual Evolution: Knowledge is crucial for spiritual liberation, not just belief or faith. One must know God, not just love or follow rules.
- Ending of Rebirth: Those purified by knowledge achieve the cessation of rebirth, becoming one with the divine, like Krishna, who is seen as a wave of the ocean of absolute being.
- Unity in Diversity: The enlightened see the same divine essence in all beings, from the wise Brahman to animals like cows, elephants, and even dogs, recognizing that God is present in every form, advocating for non-violence (ahimsa) towards all life.
- Practical Application of Divine Perception: Swami Nirmalananda shares personal anecdotes illustrating the divine in everyday interactions, emphasizing that even in challenging or seemingly mundane situations, one should recognize the divine presence.
- Evenness of Brahman: Brahman, the ultimate reality, is described as without fault and the same to all. Those established in this evenness conquer rebirth, living with a constant awareness of divinity in all.
- Inspiration from Realized Souls: The talk concludes with the influence of realized souls like Swami Sivananda, who saw God in everyone, inspiring others to recognize their divine potential.
