The sixty-ninth 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 15:06, Swamiji examines becoming “swayamprakash,” self-illumined, and what it means to be undeluded. These spiritual teachings will help in your spiritual growth and your practice of yoga and meditation.
For those wishing to make a deeper study of the Gita, Swamiji’s commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life can be found at Amazon.com.
Here are the Gita verses (15:06–15:10) covered in this talk:
That the sun illuminates not,
There shines neither the moon nor fire;
For that is My Supreme Abode,
Going whither they return not. (6)
An eternal part of Myself,
Becoming a soul in this world,
Takes on the senses and the mind
And abides within Prakriti. (7)
When the Lord obtains a body
And when He leaves it, He takes these
And goes, as the wind takes the scents
From their seats: the flowers and herbs. (8)
Thus presiding over the ear,
The eye, the touch, the taste, the smell–
As also the “sense” of the mind–
He experiences objects. (9)
When He departs, remains, enjoys,
Accompanied by the gunas,
The deluded do not see Him–
Those with the eye of knowledge see. (10)
Here are the main points from this talk on Become Self-Illumined:
Swami Nirmalananda reflects on the profound teaching that the liberated soul becomes swayam prakasha—self-illumined—requiring no external source of light or truth. He emphasizes the transformation of consciousness through sadhana (spiritual practice), the journey to the supreme abode (param dhama), and the subtle mystery of the Atman’s departure from the body. Drawing from personal experience, poetic metaphor, and deep scriptural insight, he urges the listener to awaken the eye of knowledge, engage in daily study, and strive ceaselessly for Self-realization.
- Self-illumination as the Goal: The liberated soul becomes swayam prakasha—self-illuminating—no longer dependent on external light such as sun, moon, or fire.
- The Supreme Abode: The “place” to which the yogi goes and does not return is the supreme abode, the true home of the Self, identical with the Lord’s own.
- Mind and Senses Survive Death: Upon leaving the body, the Atman carries the mind and senses with it, just as wind carries fragrance—making cultivation of the mind essential.
- The Divine Indweller (Ishwara): The Lord presides over the senses and mind even during embodiment, and those with the eye of knowledge (jnana chakshu) can perceive Him.
- Delusion at Death: The deluded fail to perceive God at death; they remain unconscious, returning to rebirth, often unaware even at the moment of transition.
- True Seeing is Knowing: Real vision is direct knowing—when the eye of knowledge opens, understanding arises spontaneously without external confirmation.
- Mythic Metaphor—Kali and Buddha: Through the example of Sri Ramakrishna and Zen teachings, Swami illustrates the necessity of cutting through all appearances, even divine ones, to reach the ultimate.
- The Meaning of Striving (Yatate): Sadhana must be active and energetic. True spiritual effort is exertive and expansive, stretching the soul toward realization.
- The Importance of Sacred Study: Constant study of scriptures like the Gita—especially interpretive and literal versions—purifies and deepens understanding. He recommends daily reading.
- Personal Testimony and Liberation: Swami shares a powerful moment of realization from his own life—the joy, tears, and liberation he experienced upon finishing the Gita and seeing clearly the reality of karma, reincarnation, and divine nature.
Below is an audio version of this talk from our Gita Talks Podcast
Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)
Swami Nirmalananda Giri, founder of Light of the Spirit Monastery, has spent over six decades immersed in the study and practice of Yoga and and the spiritual traditions of East and West. He is the author of more than 30 books on meditation, practical spiritual life and Sanatana Dharma. Learn more »