The fifty-second 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 12:01, Swamiji discusses devotion, as taught by Krishna, whether it is better to approach God as the Unmanifest or as Personal (Saguna). He also discusses the use of the mantra Soham.
Here are the Gita verses (12:01–12:10) covered in this talk:
Arjuna said:
The constantly steadfast who worship you with devotion, and those who worship the eternal Unmanifest–which of them has the better understanding of yoga? (12:1)
The Holy Lord said:
Those who are ever steadfast, who worship me, fixing their minds on me, endowed with supreme faith, I consider them to be the best versed in yoga. (12:2)
But those who worship the Imperishable, the Undefinable, the Unmanifested, the All-pervading, Inconceivable, Unchanging, Unmoving, the Constant– (12:3)
Controlling all the senses, even-minded everywhere, happy in the welfare of all beings–they attain to me also. (12:4)
Greater is the effort of those whose minds are set on the Unmanifest, for the Unmanifest as a goal is truly difficult for the embodied ones to reach. (12:5)
But those who, renouncing all actions in me, intent on me as the highest goal worship me, meditating on me with single-minded Yoga– (12:6)
Of those whose consciousness has entered into me, I am soon the deliverer from the ocean of mortal samsara. (12:7)
Keep your mind on me alone, causing your intellect to enter into me. Thenceforward, without doubt, you shall dwell in me. (12:8)
If you are unable to fix your mind on me steadily, then seek to attain me by the constant practice of yoga. (12:9)
If you are unable to practice yoga, be intent on acting for my sake. Even by performing actions for my sake, you shall attain perfection. (12:10)
Here’s a summary of Swamiji’s talk on The Yoga of Devotion:
- Introduction to Devotion: The talk begins with an introduction to the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on Bhakti Yoga (the Yoga of Devotion).
- Previous Chapters Recap:Before diving into the Yoga of Devotion, Swamiji briefly recaps the previous chapter, “The Yoga of Divine Glories,” where Krishna lists manifestations of His divine power, which Swamiji notes might be less relevant philosophically but signifies His presence in all glories.
- Cosmic Vision Context: The chapter following divine glories deals with the vision of Krishna’s cosmic form, which is both dramatic and overwhelming, illustrating God’s vastness and the cycle of creation and dissolution.
- Question on Devotion vs. Non-Duality: Arjuna’s query in this chapter is about understanding yoga better: whether those who worship God with form and qualities or those who meditate on the unmanifest, formless Brahman have a superior understanding of yoga.
- Krishna’s Response: Krishna explains that those steadfast in devotion, with their minds fixed on Him with supreme faith, are considered more versed in yoga. This approach is seen as more practical for the embodied soul in the material world.
- Challenges of Meditating on the Unmanifest: Meditating on the unmanifest Brahman is described as more challenging for those in physical bodies because it’s difficult to grasp something so abstract while in the world of forms and qualities.
- Practical Path of Devotion: Krishna advocates for a yoga where actions are performed for Him, with the mind directed towards Him. This path is practical and leads to spiritual growth, even if one cannot achieve perfect meditation.
- The Role of Mantra and Meditation: The use of the mantra “Soham” (I am That) is highlighted as a method to merge consciousness with the divine, reflecting the eternal process of breathing and the connection of the individual soul with the absolute.
- Levels of Practice: Krishna outlines different levels of practice: fixing the mind on Him, constant practice of yoga, or even performing actions with the intent of devotion if direct meditation is challenging.
- Ultimate Goal – Becoming a Yogi: The overarching advice is to become a Yogi, emphasizing that through devotion and action for God’s sake, one can attain spiritual perfection and ultimately merge with the divine.
- Encouragement for Spiritual Practice: The talk concludes by encouraging persistence in spiritual practice, acknowledging that everyone starts at different levels but can progress through dedicated effort.
This talk contrasts the paths of devotion to a personal form of God versus the impersonal, formless Brahman, highlighting practical devotion as a more accessible and effective path for spiritual seekers in this world.
