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Bhagavad Gita

An ardent devotee

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Arjuna asked: My Lord! Which are the better devotees who worship you, those who try to know you as a Personal God, or those who worship you as Impersonal and Indestructible?

Lord Shri Krishna replied: Those who keep their minds fixed on Me, who worship Me always with unwavering faith and concentration; these are the very best.

Those who worship Me as the Indestructible, the Undefinable, the Omnipresent, the Unthinkable, the Primeval, the Immutable and the Eternal, Subduing their senses, viewing all conditions of life with the same eye, and working for the welfare of all beings, assuredly they come to Me.

But they who thus fix their attention on the Absolute and Impersonal encounter greater hardships, for it is difficult for those who possess a body to realise Me as without one. Verily, those who surrender their actions to Me, who muses on Me, worship Me and meditate on Me alone, with no thought save of Me, O Arjuna! I rescue them from the ocean of life and death, for their minds are fixed on Me.

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Despair and self-pity is unworthy of you (Bhagavad Gita Ch.2.1-2)

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Arjuna tells his confusions, doubts, and despondency to Krishna. Seeing Arjuna overwhelmed with pity, grief-stricken, and eyes full of tears, Shree Krishna displayed his discomfort saying, “On the path of liberation how have you fallen to despair and self-pity which is not a worthy of you?”

God Krishna uses the word anarya (unworthy). It’s a common find these days to see people boast of their profit, pleasure, and prestige at all times.

However, when the same person is approached for any social or economical favor, they will start cribbing about their inability citing many excuses.

We have stopped looking inward and instead of focusing on our inner qualities, we signify ourselves with the two legs, colored hair, and expensive attire. For all such pretenders of wealthy possession,

God Krishna wants to tell, “Don’t lock the door of the heavenly kingdom by refusing to eliminate your ego, self-will, and separateness. Get rid of these as they have no place when I live in your hearts.”

Despair and self-pity is unworthy of you (Bhagavad Gita Ch.2.1-2) Read More »

How can one get rid of external and sensory disruptions? How can one enhance the intuition to do more of the righteous things?

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Meditating regularly and constantly is the most powerful ammunition in the hands of humanity to discover life’s meanings and attain salvation.

Meditation is a mental process that will help you eliminate disturbing and distracting thoughts and focus on specifics, whatever you want to dwell on – matter, material or mindfulness.

Meditation attracts divinity when experienced – you will start seeing a much more beautiful world.

Meditation washes away your sin and devious motives, like the rainwater flowing the mud and garbage from the sewer.

So, what is the right way to meditate?

There are many ways to do the meditation. Choose the meditation style you are comfortable with; you can easily perform and suit your intellectual pursuit.

Meditation should be done in peaceful settings, sitting with folded legs and eyes closed unless you are afraid of sleeping. Keep your eyes on God’s idol, or focus on the place between your eyes.

During the meditation, keep your head, body, and neck straight. Your both hands should rest on your knees.

Meditation done in such settings and manner brings optimum results. It is like when you crop the seed on fertile land; it gives you a better output.

Starting from 15 minutes, you can meditate as long as you wish. Refrain from any form of noise, disruption, disturbance, ego, and selfish motive. You are assured of attracting the positivity and goodness in your life by performing the meditation.

How can one get rid of external and sensory disruptions? How can one enhance the intuition to do more of the righteous things? Read More »

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यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः ।
तत्र श्रीविजयो भूतिध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ।। 


Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.

Luck + Action = Success
Dream + Action = Success
Vision + Action = Success
Purpose + Action = Success
Mission + Action = Success
Knowledge + Action = Success
Value + Action = Success
Passion + Action = Success

Now you decide what is your route to success?

In the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18.78 verse it is clearly said that for assured success you need Krishna (Luck, dream, vision, purpose, mission, knowledge, value, passion) and you (action) together.

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Desire is of yours, but Destiny is of God

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You are constantly creating desires, both good ones and bad ones. Your mind is always busy making all sorts of desires. The creation of desire is the mind’s sole prerogative. 

Do they all get fulfilled? In the world, you’ll never find even one person who can claim that all his desires were fulfilled. 

After the war of Mahabharat, Shri Krishna and Pandava visit their grandfather Bhishma, who is sleeping on his deathbed and can depart for the heavenly pastures anytime.

Seeing Shri Krishna, Bhishma requests him to answer his question. He asked, “Hey Govinda when Narayani Sena and I were selected to fight with Duryodhana, a tiny smile appeared on your face. Since then, I have been curious to know why you smiled at that moment.”

God Krishna answered, “Pitamah, you are granted the wish to die on your own desire, and you have full right to desire whatever you want to. But, I have total control over creating the situation around you through which you will start wishing for whatever I want. Like your current status, even if you desire to live, laden with the wounds and pains, you are not in a livable condition.”

Exercise: Stop creating excessive and unwanted desires in your mind. Shri Krishna is the sole creator, keeper, and destroyer of your desires. Oh man, don’t live in a depression just because your desires are not getting fulfilled. Drop everything and take solace in his supreme feet.

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Life is what you make of it

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“Life is not about hard things and soft things; not about good or bad; or evil or gentle. Both has to coexist like two legs. It’s about what you make of it.

As soon as I was conceived in the womb of my mother, I was put behind the prison. My parents were extremely worried about my safe birth and saving my life from the curse of Kansa. I planned and prepared to handle life difficulties while I was being nursed inside the womb of my mother.

You’d have heard that I was born wearing smile. I am a rare child who’s born smiling. It was because I was fully aware of my difficulties and I was prepared to face it.

I was born inside the prison but didn’t live there even for a minute. It was raining when my father took me to Nandgaav, but I asked Sheshnag to protect me. River Narmada was overflowing with flood, but I asked her to give pathway.

I gave you option to choose whatever you want. I gave you energy and capacity to pursue whatever you wish. I tell you to live a life that is closer to your feelings and desires. I tell you not to worry about the outcome. Your life is not a destination, it’s journey. Make yourself so hard that hardship shall hardly matter to you.”

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Way to achieve mindfulness

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“Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose—all these are declared as the austerity of the mind.” Bhagavad Gita Ch.17.16

Not to get affected by the worldly matters which arise due to situational, social, and economical events.

Selfish act with the motive of self-profits and fulfilment of ego.

Make compassion, forgiveness and kindness a permanent residence in your heart and mind.

Always think, decide and do things for the holistic welfare of all living being.

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बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति विषयों के संयोग से होने वाले सुख या दुख में मन नहीं रमाते

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श्रीकृष्ण कहते हैं: “इंद्रियों और विषयों के संयोग से पैदा होनेवाला सुख आदि अंत वाले और दुःखके कारण हैं। अत: बुद्धिमान पुरुष उनमें मन नहीं रमाते।”

आँख, कान, नाक, जिह्वा, त्वचा और मन ये छह इंद्रियाँ सतत ही विषयों का भोग मिले इसके लिए लालायित रहते हैं बिलकुल मोबाइल फ़ोन के अंटेना की तरह बल्कि उससे भी तीव्र। अगर विज्ञान की भाषा से देखें तो इनकी ग्रहण शक्ति बाक़ी सारे अंटेनाओं से काफ़ी ज़्यादा हैं। आँख देखने के लिए, कान मधुर वचन सुनने के लिए, नाक सुगंध के लिए, जिह्वा स्वादपूर्ण भोजन के लिए, त्वचा स्पर्श के लिए तो मन भोग विलास मय विचारों में  लीन रहने के लिए।

ज़रा सोचिए — आपको रसगुल्ला खाने की इच्छा है, सामने रसगुल्लों से भरा प्लेट आ जाए। आप को ५ १० रसगुल्ले तो बड़े अच्छे लगेंगे लेकिन आपसे १०० रसगुल्ले खाने को कहा जाए तो वह सुख देने वाला होगा या दुःख? इसी तरह, आपका प्रेमी आपसे एक दो बार “आई लव यू” कहने की जगह हार २ मिनट में “आई लव यू कहना शुरू करदे तो आप तो पागल ही जो जाओगे ना। 

इसीलिए श्रीकृष्ण यहाँ चेताते हैं की बुद्धिमान पुरुष इंद्रियों और विषयों के भोग से प्राप्त होने वाले स्थिति में मन नहीं रमाते। आप क्या कर रहे हैं? सोचिएगा।

बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति विषयों के संयोग से होने वाले सुख या दुख में मन नहीं रमाते Read More »

How cooperation makes wonderful things achievable

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In verse 3.12 of the Bhagavad Gita God Krishna says, “Even the blessed ones who receive various necessities of life from God enjoy these without sharing it with the other creatures are certainly a thief.”
 
You cannot achieve anything worthwhile without cooperation and help from others. It is the curbed and selfish passion that stops you from cooperating with people, organisations, and the nation. For the world to evolve, now is the time we pursue and push the agenda of “World’s One Family.”
 
How do you define cooperation?
How do you see yourself, your family, society and your organisation becoming better with the cooperation?
How will you measure whether you are cooperating well with others who matter for your plan ahead?
How will you know when you’re not cooperating?
 
And while conducting yourself in daily life remember, you are here for a short visit, not knowing how you are going to sail through the uncertain yet tough terrain of life.
 
Whatever happiness, success or peace you have today is there because of the labour of other people, how earnestly you must exert yourself to give in return as much as you receive so that living becomes happier, fearless, free of suffering and there exists a mutual respect.

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It is a desire. Yes, it is desire, Arjuna

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Arjuna to Shri Krishna: “No man wants to commit sin. Even so, Krishna, he does evil again and again. What is it that drives him so? “.

“It is a desire. Yes, it is desire, Arjuna “. God Krishna replies.

“Born of the activating attribute of Nature, it is desire, it is anger—full of unappeasable craving and great evil: know this to be the foulest enemy here on earth.

As fire is obscured by smoke, as a looking glass by dust, as an embryo is enveloped by the womb, so wisdom is covered by this desire. “

— Bhagavad Gita Ch.2.37-38

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One habit of a true seeker

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Every seeker goes to the feet of their master to get rid of the confusion and attain clarity, how should they conduct during the conversation with their master?

God Krishna, “A good learner will first surrender himself and trust the wisdom of his master to bind the master for guiding him with the right guidance. Arjuna said to me:


कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभाव: पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेता: |
यच्छ्रेय: स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ||2.7||


I am confused, besieged with anxiety and faintheartedness and requests you to guide what is right for me. Ask is not a forceful request and it leaves the option to the master whether to provide the guidance or not.


Arjuna immediately corrects ‘guide me to the path of welfare.’ He binds me for guiding him towards the path right for him without having significant consideration of any outcome.


However, he immediately raises himself as my disciple ‘I am surrendering myself at your feet to seek your guidance to be righteously dutiful to what is right.’ Now, he surrenders himself to me with complete faith. I’d no option but to guide him in a way that assures the result which is righteous, favourable and right for him.


A true disciple and learner will be open, empty, interested, curious, and love being that way so that as stuff happens around him – and within him – he’s able to see it, take it in, and turn it into what it’s come forth to actually tell him.”

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The Joy Of Service

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In Conversation with God Krishna, I asked: “Why is that I am always in the want mode? When I don’t get what I want, I feel miserable and when I exactly get what I want, I still feel bad because I feel I limited my want so little.”


God Krishna said, “It’s because you are always in “I” mode. I want a house. I want a beautiful spouse. I want a car. I want success. You are no worth more than a beggar. Even you have enough, you always want, want and want. It’s because you have not experienced the joy of service. For all such want mode people, they suffer bigger hardship.”


I further asked, “Joy of Service? What can I serve when I myself don’t have enough?”


God said, “There are four ways that people feel the joy of service: Some give their work to the divine which is doing your work surrendering it to the feet of God, some give their life surrendering the body to the holy feet of the divine, some give their wealth for the purpose of serving the common good and the ultimate man give their soul to the service.

You look at nature; all of them are always offering their service without any want of their own. Just try to live like nature for a while to experience the joy of service.


March forward with a common goal. March forward with open-minded and work together in harmony. March forward sharing your thoughts for integrated wisdom. March forward following the example of our ancestors who achieved higher goals by virtue of being united.”
श्री कृष्ण अर्पणमस्तु।

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How Bhagavad Gita Spread Worldwide and Spread Hinduism Philosophy Globally

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Warren Hastings served as the first Governor General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785. The British rulers had a persistent interest in propagating Christianity among the Indian population, aiming to influence them through religious principles.

During his tenure in India, Warren Hastings encountered the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text written in Sanskrit.

Unfortunately, he could not comprehend its contents due to the language barrier.
In his quest to find someone capable of explaining the Bhagavad Gita, he came across Charles Wilkins, a resident of Benaras who possessed a deep understanding of the Gita, Veda, and Upanishads.

Warren Hastings approached Charles Wilkins with a request to translate the Bhagavad Gita into English. This translation was eventually published by a British Press in 1785, marking the first English rendition of the Bhagavad Gita. The book was titled “Bhagavat Gita: A Dialogue of Krishna and Arjuna.”

In the book’s preface, Warren Hastings expressed his admiration for the Bhagavad Gita, stating, “Long after the British flag no longer flies under the sun, the beauty of the Bhagavad Gita will continue to provide solace, compassion, and peace to all of humanity.”

The British queen, upon learning of Warren Hastings’ involvement with the Bhagavad Gita, reacted with anger and removed him from his duties in India, compelling his return to London.

The book rapidly gained fame and became a global bestseller. Within five years of its publication, the Bhagavad Gita was translated and published in various languages, including German, French, Italian, and many others.

Numerous Western and Central countries established centers for the study of Sanskrit to further translate, understand, and explore the wisdom concealed within Indian scriptures.

This is how the world came to learn about the invaluable treasures of the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, Upanishads, and other Indian scriptures, ultimately bestowing upon India global recognition as a land of wisdom and greatness.

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जो है उसकी रक्षा और जो नहीं है उसकी पूर्ति 

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अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्।।9.22।।
यह श्लोक भगवान् कृष्ण के तरफ़ से एक आश्वासन हैं कि यदि मनुष्य एकमात्र मेरा चिंतन कर ले तो उसके पास जो है उसका मैं रक्षा कर देता हूँ और जो नहीं है उसका उपाय भी।
मैं जब भी इस श्लोक को पढ़ता हूँ तो बचपन में सुनी हुई एक कहानी याद आ जाती है।
एक भागवत गीता में प्रकाण्ड पंडित लोगों को घूम घूम कर गीता प्रवचन करता रहता। एक दिन वो राजा के दरबार में इसी श्लोक पर प्रवचन कर रहा होता है और तरह तरह के उदाहरणों और व्याख्याओं से लोगों को इस श्लोक का अर्थ और भाव समझा रहा होता है। तभी राजा पंडित को टोक देता है, “ओ पंडित जी, मुझे लगता है आपको स्वयं ही इस श्लोक का अर्थ पता नहीं है, आप पहले खुद इसका अर्थ ठीक से समझिये और फिर कल आकर हमें ठीक तरह समझाइये। “
यह सुनकर पंडित व्यथित हो जाता है और उदास भी। वह अपने घर चला जाता है। पत्नी परेशानी समझ जाती है और पूछ बैठती है, “क्या बात है? आज आप ठीक नहीं लग रहे। क्या परेशानी है जो आप के मन को व्यथित कर रही है? “
पंडित सारी वृतांत पत्नी से बताता है। पत्नी भी राजा के विचार से सहमति जताती है और पूछती है, “राजा बिलकुल सही हैं, आप स्वयं तो इस श्लोक का परिचारण नहीं करते। आप बताइये, आप राज दरबार क्यों जाते हैं?”
पंडित, “ताकि मेरी कथा सुनके राजा और प्रजा प्रसन्न हों, मुझे दक्षिणा दें और मैं परिवार का सही संचालन कर सकूँ। “
पत्नी, “तो क्या आपने भगवान पर भरोसा किया?”
पंडित को बात समझ में आ जाती है, वह इस श्लोक पर मनन करने के पश्चात् निश्चय करता है की वो राजा के दरबार में कल नहीं जायेगा। सिर्फ श्रीकृष्ण आराधना ही करेगा ऐसा मन बना लेता है। अब कृष्ण की जैसे मर्जी वो वैसे ही रह लेगा।
अगले दिन राजा पंडित को दरबार में न पाकर अपने दूत को पंडित के घर भेजता है और पंडित दरबार में जाने से मन कर देता है, “राजा से कह देना मैंने श्लोक का अर्थ समझ लिया है और अब में खुद को श्रीकृष्ण पूजन मनन व चिंतन में समर्पित कर दिया है। “
राजा दूत की बात सुनते ही नंगे पाँव पंडित के पास पहुंचता है, उसके चरणों में गिर जाता है और उसे अपना गुरु बना लेता है।
आप भी स्वयं को भगवान् के चिंतन मनन में एक बार कुछ दिनों के लिए ही सही लगा के तो देखिये। कुछ समय श्रीकृष्ण भाव के साथ ज़िंदगी जी कर तो देखिये।
एक तू ही भरोसा, एक तू ही सहारा, अब तेरे सिबा कोई न दूजा हमारा। मैं बस तुम्हारा चिंतन करूँ फिर मुझे किस बात की चिंता – हे कृष्ण गोविंद हरे मुरारी हे नाथ नारायण वसुदेवाय।

जो है उसकी रक्षा और जो नहीं है उसकी पूर्ति  Read More »

Knowledge comes from learning wisdom is a lifelong attempt to experience it

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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2.29, “Some see the soul as amazing, and some describe the soul as amazing; similarly, some hear of the soul as amazing and some even after having heard still does not know of it.”
Poet Kabir explains the phenomena as “Reading the book millions have died but one who experienced the two and half letters of love has become the master.”
Studying is a sure-shot way to acquire knowledge. It helps us travel from unawareness to awareness.
But reading alone does not give the experience.
For a real marriage to happen, one must have a bride and go through the experience of wedding rituals. You cannot say I am married by just holding a photo of the bride, performing wedding rituals and garlanding the picture of a bride.

You need to go through four step process for converting knowledge to wisdom:

The first step is learning about the subject through listening and reading.
The second step is reflecting on the subject you have learned through concerted efforts and going deeper into the meaning and origin of the studied subject.
The third step is experimenting with the reflection in a lab-like setup to help garner confidence and authority in the studied subject.
And fourth is implementing and experiencing the subject in a real-world environment accepting and stabilizing the self in the subject.

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