Here are the Gita verses (8:01–8:10) covered in this talk:
Arjuna said:
O Supreme Spirit: What is Brahman? What is the Primal Self? What is action? What is the Primal Being? What is the Primal God? (8:1)
What, and in what way, is the Primal Sacrifice here in this body? And how are you to be known at the time of death by the self-controlled ones? (8:2)
The Holy Lord said:
The Imperishable is the Supreme Brahman. Its dwelling in each individual body is called the Primal Self; the offering in sacrifice which causes the genesis and support of beings is called Karma. (8:3)
Primal Being is perishable existence; the Primal God is the Supreme Divine Being; and I myself am the Primal Sacrifice. (8:4)
At the time of death he who remembers me while giving up the body attains my Being–of this there is no doubt. (8:5)
Moreover, whatever he fixes his mind on when he gives up the body at the end, to that he goes. Always he becomes that. (8:6)
Therefore at all times remember me, and fight with your mind and intellect fixed on me. Thus without doubt you shall come to me. (8:7)
With mind made steadfast by yoga, which turns not to anything else, to the Divine Supreme Spirit he goes, meditating on him. (8:8)
He who meditates on the Seer, the Ancient, the Ruler, subtler than the atom, Support of all, whose form is inconceivable and radiant like the sun and beyond darkness, (8:9)
At the time of death with mind unmoving, endowed with devotion and yoga power, having made the prana enter between the eyebrows, he goes to the Divine Supreme Spirit. (8:10)
Here’s a summary of Swamiji’s talk on Arjuna’s Cosmic Questions:
- Arjuna’s Inquiry: Arjuna asks Krishna about the nature of Brahman, the primal self, action, the primal being, and the primal God, seeking to understand the cosmic and spiritual dimensions.
- Brahman and the Primal Self: Brahman is described as the imperishable absolute, while the primal self is the aspect of Brahman dwelling within each individual, highlighting the non-dual nature of existence.
- Action (Karma): Action is linked to the divine; all actions are ultimately God’s actions because God is the power behind everything.
- Primal Being and God: The primal being refers to perishable existence, while the primal God is the supreme divine being. Krishna identifies himself as the primal sacrifice, indicating his role in the cosmic order.
- Sacrifice and Consciousness: All existence is seen as a form of sacrifice to God, where every action is an offering. This underscores the spiritual significance of life’s actions.
- Death and Consciousness: The state of consciousness at the time of death determines one’s next state of being. Those who remember and unite with God in consciousness at death attain God’s being, emphasizing the importance of spiritual practice and control over one’s mind.
- Yoga and Devotion: The practice of yoga (spiritual discipline resulting in Divine Union) is crucial for maintaining a steadfast mind focused on God. True devotion is not emotional but involves merging one’s will with the divine.
- Meditation and the Self: Meditation should be on the ‘Seer’ or the divine within, which is beyond conception, subtler than the atom, and radiant like the sun. This focus leads one to transcend duality and achieve a state of pure consciousness.
- The Path of the Ascetic: The path to the eternal, as described in Vedic knowledge, involves living a life of discipline (brahmacharya), free from passion, aiming for the highest spiritual realization.
- Practice Over Grace: While grace is acknowledged, the talk stresses the need for personal effort in spiritual practice (sadhana) to achieve yoga power and divine realization.
This discussion essentially revolves around understanding the metaphysical and spiritual aspects of existence, the role of consciousness in one’s spiritual journey, and the practice of yoga as a means to transcend the material world.
