The fifty-sixth 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 12:19, Swamiji discusses seeing the world with equal vision, the qualities of devotion, contentment and silence.
Here are the Gita verses (12:19–12:20) covered in this talk:
The same in blame and praise, silent, content with anything whatever, not identifying with any place or abode, steady-minded, full of devotion–this man is dear to me. (12:19)
Those who honor this immortal dharma just described, endued with faith, deeming me the Goal Supreme, devoted–they are exceedingly dear to me. (12:20)
Here’s a summary of Swamiji’s talk on Qualities of Devotion:
- Equanimity of the Yogi: The talk discusses verses from Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing that a worthy yogi remains equanimous—treating friends and enemies, honor and disgrace, pleasure and pain alike—seeing the underlying unity in all experiences and maintaining objectivity.
- Karma of Praise and Blame: Praise and blame are viewed as reflections of one’s past actions. The yogi understands that these are not necessarily true or accurate but are consequences of previous judgments made in past lives, encouraging detachment from external opinions.
- Silence as a Virtue: True yogis practice silence, not as a mere act (like some “phony yogis” who advertise their silence), but as a natural state of inner stillness. The talk critiques those who use silence to gain attention rather than for genuine spiritual growth.
- Non-Reactivity: A yogi knows when to remain silent and not react, even to provocative or foolish statements (e.g., denying God or criticizing yoga). The metaphor of an elephant ignoring yapping dogs illustrates this calm, unreactive nature.
- Detachment from the World: The yogi avoids entanglement in worldly affairs, living quietly without disturbing or being disturbed by the world. This detachment extends to not over-identifying with material places or roles, aspiring instead to a higher consciousness.
- Contentment with What Is: The yogi is content with whatever comes, not resisting uncontrollable circumstances (e.g., weather) or unnecessarily intervening in others’ self-destructive choices, recognizing that true compassion doesn’t force wisdom on the unwilling.
- Avoiding Egoic Attachment: The talk highlights the importance of not clinging to ego-driven identities (e.g., nationality, personal history) that limit spiritual growth. Examples include the story of Kathleen, who died of homesickness, and Swamiji’s acquaintance who defined herself by her mother’s death.
- Steady Mind and Devotion: A yogi maintains a steady mind focused on the spiritual goal, moving through life like a “woman of mystery” who comes and goes without attachment. This steadiness is fueled by devotion and gratitude for spiritual teachings like karma and rebirth.
- Mutual Dearness with God: Krishna states that those who embody these qualities are dear to him, reflecting a reciprocal relationship: devotion to God makes one dear to God, while indifference yields indifference.
- Warning Against Falling: The talk concludes with a cautionary tale of a yogi who abandoned a great master over fear of ridicule, illustrating the difficulty and importance of perseverance in the spiritual path. This ties into the chapter’s theme, “The Yoga of Devotion,” urging steadfastness toward the ultimate goal.
