The fourth 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, beginning with chapter 2:39, Swamiji discusses Krishna’s statements about who we are and aren’t, and then begins the subject of Karma Yoga, the Yoga of Action. He also discusses how our spiritual efforts gather interest.
Here are the Gita verses (2:39–2:44) covered in this talk:
This buddhi yoga taught by Sankhya is now declared to you, so heed. Yoked to this buddhi yoga, you shall avoid the bonds of karma. (2:39)
In this no effort is lost, nor are adverse results produced. Even a little of this dharma protects from great fear. (2:40)
In this matter there is a single, resolute understanding. The thoughts of the irresolute are many-branched, truly endless. (2:41)
The ignorant, delighting in the word of the Veda, proclaim this flowery speech: “There is nothing else.” (2:42)
Those of desire-filled natures, intent on heaven, offering rebirth as actions’ fruit, performing many and various rites, are aimed at the goal of enjoyment and power. (2:43)
To those attached to enjoyment and power, their minds drawn away by this speech, is not granted steady insight in meditation. (2:44)
Here is a summary of the key points from the talk on Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action):
- Nature of the Self (Atman): The Self or Atman is Divine Consciousness, part of the infinite Brahman. It’s not something that comes into existence or ceases to be; rather, it’s eternal.
- Karma Yoga: This is the yoga of action, where every action (physical, mental, emotional) has consequences due to the divine energy field we exist in. Karma means these actions return to us like echoes.
- Control Over Karma: While there are aspects of life beyond our control, Krishna emphasizes that one can take charge of their karma through conscious action. The idea is to act in a way that doesn’t bind one to further desires or negative outcomes but leads towards liberation.
- Importance of Spiritual Practice: Even small efforts in spiritual practice are beneficial. They accumulate over lifetimes, leading one closer to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Desire and Liberation: The ultimate goal isn’t just freedom from action (karma) but enlightenment. The desire for liberation is encouraged over mundane or heavenly desires.
- Discrimination and Will: One must focus their will on the singular goal of liberation rather than scattering it across various worldly desires or even the desire for heavenly pleasures.
- Misguided Teachings: Some teachings or practices might mislead by focusing on rituals for material gains or heavenly rewards, which Krishna says are distractions from true spiritual growth.
- Overcoming Dualities: One must rise above dualities like pleasure-pain, heat-cold, which typically bind humans due to attachments or aversions. Overcoming these helps in achieving tranquility.
- The Gunas: The qualities or modes of nature (sattva, rajas, tamas) condition human behavior. Liberation involves transcending these gunas, which will be discussed further in later talks.
- Future Discussions: The next talks will focus more on in-depth discussions on the gunas, further aspects of karma yoga, and how to maintain tranquility in life.
The essence of the message is about guiding Arjuna (and by extension, the listener or reader) towards understanding the true nature of existence, the power of one’s actions, and the path towards genuine spiritual liberation rather than temporary or illusory gains.
