The twenty-eighth 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 5:24, Swamiji discusses the happiness and illumination produced by yoga, what Nirvana really is, eye position in meditation, and the yogi’s real Kechari Mudra, as well as other useful topics. These spiritual teachings will affect your spiritual growth and your practice of yoga and meditation.
Here are the Gita verses (5:24-5:29) covered in this talk:
He whose happiness is within, whose delight is within, whose illumination is within: that yogi, identical in being with Brahman, attains Brahmanirvana. (5:24)
The seers whose evils have been annihilated, whose doubts have been dispelled, whose inner being is mastered, who rejoice in the welfare of all beings, attain Brahmanirvana. (5:25)
Released from desire and anger, with thoughts controlled, those ascetics who know the Self find very near to them the bliss of Brahmanirvana. (5:26)
Excluding outside contacts, turning up the eyes toward the two brows, equalizing the inhalation and exhalation moving within the nostrils, (5:27)
With his senses, mind and intellect controlled, with liberation as his highest aim, free from desire, fear, and anger: such a one is forever free. (5:28)
Having known me, the enjoyer of the tapasyas offered as sacrifice, the mighty Lord of all the world and the friend of all creatures, he attains peace. (5:29)
Here’s a summary of Swamiji’s talk on Happiness from Within:
- Internal Sources of Happiness: The talk emphasizes that true happiness (Sukha), delight, and illumination come from within. These internal sources contrast with external, fleeting pleasures like those from drugs, which lack true insight or illumination.
- Identity with Brahman: The Yogi who finds happiness, delight, and illumination within is said to be one with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This identity is not something newly acquired but remembered or realized, leading to a state of Nirvana, which means “no bondage.”
- Interior vs. Exterior Life: An evolved person’s life is primarily internal, where external experiences are assimilated to enhance inner growth and understanding, rather than being swayed by external conditions.
- Intellectual Pursuit and Meditation: Swamiji stresses the importance of intellectual pursuit alongside meditation. He criticizes the notion that yogis should avoid books or learning, advocating for an informed spiritual practice.
- Mastery Over Inner States: The talk highlights the necessity of mastering one’s inner being, not just physical postures. This involves controlling thoughts, transcending desires, and achieving a state where one is unaffected by external stimuli like desire or anger.
- Compassion and Universal Welfare: Yogis are described as caring deeply for all beings, not being self-involved as some critics might claim. Their concern for the world stems from an understanding of their interconnectedness with it.
- Meditation Practices: Techniques like specific eye positions (mudras) and breath control are discussed as methods to achieve inner focus and spiritual elevation, distinguishing genuine practices from misleading or harmful ones.
- Spiritual Goals: The ultimate aim is liberation, with the Yogi keeping this highest goal in sight while navigating through life’s smaller goals. This journey leads to peace, freedom from desire, fear, and anger, and a recognition of the divine both within oneself and across all creation.
- Offering to the Divine: The culmination of spiritual practice is seen as an offering or sacrifice where one’s consciousness merges with the divine, symbolizing unity with Brahman.
This talk encourages a deep, internal spiritual practice that leads to lasting peace and liberation, contrasting sharply with temporary or superficial forms of happiness.
