The seventh 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 6:21, Swamiji discusses priorities in spiritual life, and obstacles to those priorities. He shares a story about Lahiri Mahasaya, how to develop will-power, and clarifies the true meaning of “sin.”
Here are the Gita verses (6:21-6:29) covered in this talk:
He knows that endless joy which is apprehended by the buddhi beyond the senses; and established in that he does not deviate from the truth. (6:21)
Having attained this, he regards no other gain better than that, and established therein he is not moved by heaviest sorrow. (6:22)
Let this dissolution of union with pain be known as yoga. This yoga is to be practiced with determination, with an assured mind. (6:23)
Abandoning those desires whose origins lie in one’s intention–all of them without exception–also completely restraining the many senses by the mind, (6:24)
With the buddhi firmly controlled, with the mind fixed on the Self, he should gain quietude by degrees. Let him not think of any extraneous thing whatever. (6:25)
Whenever the unsteady mind, moving here and there, wanders off, he should subdue and hold it back and direct it to the Self’s control. (6:26)
The yogi whose mind is truly tranquil, with emotions calmed, free of evil, having become one with Brahman, attains the supreme happiness. (6:27)
Thus constantly engaging himself in the practice of yoga, that yogi, freed from evil, easily touching Brahman, attains boundless happiness. (6:28
He who is steadfast in yoga (yoga-yukta) at all times sees the Self present in all beings and all beings present in the Self. (6:29)
Here’s a summary of Swamiji’s talk on the “Priorities in Spiritual Life”:
- Prioritizing Self-Realization: The highest aim in life should be self-realization, and nothing should be considered a better gain than knowing the Self.
- Steadiness in Practice: One must be serious about their spiritual practice (yoga) and not excuse themselves for being beginners. Commitment to dharma (duty/righteousness) is crucial.
- Epictetus’s Wisdom: Reference to Epictetus’s idea of not selling one’s understanding or will for any gain, emphasizing the integrity of spiritual practice.
- Detachment from Worldly Gains: No material or worldly gain should be considered as valuable as spiritual progress. The story of Yogiraj illustrates maintaining composure even during personal tragedies.
- Overcoming Distractions: Spiritual practitioners should be wary of distractions or temptations that could derail their practice. Once compromised, returning to the path becomes challenging.
- Emotional and Sensory Control: The Yogi must abandon desires that stem from personal will or intention (sankalpa), restraining the senses through mind control. An anecdote about not being swayed by external stimuli like go-go dancers serves as an example.
- Mind’s Wandering: When the mind wanders, it should be gently brought back to focus on the self or meditation, understanding that this control comes with practice.
- Progressive Quietude: Attaining inner peace and tranquility is a step-by-step process, not immediate, but through consistent practice.
- Integration of Yoga: Yoga should be an integral part of daily life, not an occasional practice. This involves yoking or joining one’s life with spiritual discipline.
- Unity with Brahman: The ultimate goal is to see oneself in all beings and all beings in oneself, which signifies true spiritual unity and awareness, transcending personal gain or loss.
- Perseverance in Practice: Constant engagement in yoga practice is emphasized, with the reminder that any lapse or giving up equates to spiritual death or sin in the sense of falling short of one’s divine nature.
The talk underscores the importance of setting spiritual priorities, maintaining discipline, and seeing all aspects of life through the lens of spiritual unity and purpose.
