VB: UB, I will not even attempt to summarize Chapter 4. I have read entire chapter 4 many times and I still find it very abstract. In the sense, it does not help me too much in how to apply it in practical life. I liked the simplistic summary of 4.11/12 given by PK. And … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 5
श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_Full Summary
UB: ॐ तत्सदिति श्री मद्भगवद्गीतासु उपनिषद्सु ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे ज्ञानकर्मसंयासयोग नाम चतुर्थोध्याय: । This is the line narrated at the end of 4th chapter by the अद्वैत संप्रदाय UB: 1) ॐ तत्सदिति - Significant words the meaning of which will come in Chapter 17 2) श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासु उपनिषद्सु - these verses are from the text श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_Full Summary
श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_22 to 42
UB: यदृच्छालभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः । समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापिन निबध्यते ॥४.२२॥ The one who is happy with whatever comes by chance (यदृच्छालभसन्तुष्टः), who is unaffected by the opposites (द्वन्द्वातीतः), free from jealousy (विमत्सरः), and even-minded (समः) with reference to success (सिद्धौ) and (च) failure (असिद्धौ), is not (न) bound (निबध्यते) even though (अपि) performing action (कृत्वा). गतसङ्गस्य मुक्तस्य ज्ञानावस्थितचेतसः । यज्ञायाचरतः कर्म समग्रंप्रविलीयते ॥४.२३॥ The … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_22 to 42
श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_Summary_11 to 21
SUMMARY PREPARED BY PA USING COMMENTARY BY SWAMI YOGANANDA IN 'GOD TALKS WITH ARJUNA' Verses 11/12: The Lord points out that in whatever way one tries to reach out to Him, The Lord fulfills the persons desires and bestows those specific fruits for which the person yearns. The yearning or the reason why one reaches … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_Summary_11 to 21
Understanding the Devatas / देव व्यवस्था – a basic level overview
The numerous ancient Indian texts – वेद, पुराण, etc refer to देव. In today’s world, the first source a young Indian is exposed to which is the अमर चित्र कथा where one does come across the images of देव who seem like human beings only except that they seem to possess certain supernatural powers. So … Continue reading Understanding the Devatas / देव व्यवस्था – a basic level overview
श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_1 to 21
UB: श्रीभगवान् उवाच । इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवान् अहमव्ययम् । विवस्वान् मनवे प्राहमनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत्॥४.१॥ श्रीभगवान् उवाच: I (अहम्) taught (प्रोक्तवान्) this (इमम्) imperishable (अव्ययम्) yoga (योगम्) to विवस्वान् (विवस्वते), विवस्वान् taught (प्राह) it to मनु (मनवे) and मनु taught (अब्रवीत्) it to इक्ष्वाकु (इक्ष्वाकवे). UB: अध्याय name is ज्ञानकर्मसंयास योग विवस्वान् means the Sun and श्रीकृष्ण says that he taught the original कर्मयोग to the Sun itself. For someone wanting … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 4_1 to 21
Understanding वर्ण संस्कार (Varna Samskara)
वर्ण संस्कार is a four-fold spiritual categorization of universe as per the वेद. As is commonly understood, there are four वर्ण specified ब्राह्मण, क्षत्रिय, वैश्य & शूद्र. Following paper attempts to throw some light on this topic for a better understanding of these terms. At the start however, I will admit that this topic is … Continue reading Understanding वर्ण संस्कार (Varna Samskara)
श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 3_22 to 43
UB: न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषुकिञ्चन । नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि॥३.२२॥ O! पार्थ, for me (मे ), there is (अस्ति) nothing (न) to be done (कर्तव्यम्). In the three (त्रिषु) worlds (लोकेषु), there is nothing (किञ्चन न) to be accomplished by me (अवाप्तव्यम्), which is not yet accomplished (अनवाप्तम्). Yet (च), I am engaged (वर्ते) in action (कर्मणि एव). यदि ह्यहं न वर्तेयं जातु कर्मण्यतन्द्रितः। मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः॥३.२३॥ Because (हि), should I (यदि … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 3_22 to 43
श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 3_1 to 21
UB: अर्जुन उवाच । ज्यायसी चेत् कर्मणस्ते मताबुद्धिर्जनार्दन । तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसिकेशव ॥३.१॥ अर्जुनः said: If (चेत्), O! जनार्दन, your (ते) contention (मता) is that knowledge (बुद्धिः) is better (ज्यायसी) than action (कर्मणः), why (किम्) then (तत्) do you impel (नियोजयसि) me (माम्) into this gruesome (घोरे) action(कर्मणि), O! केशव. व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीवमे । तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येनश्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम् ॥३.२॥ With words (वाक्येन) that are seemingly (इव) contradictory (व्यामिश्रेण), you appear to be (इव) confusing (मोहयसि) my (मे) mind (बुद्धिम्). Having decided (निश्चित्य) which is better (तत्), tell me (वद) the … Continue reading श्रीमदभगवद्गीता – Discussion among novices_Chapter 3_1 to 21
श्रीमद भगवद गीता – Discussions post Chapter II
PK: Interesting VN ... I wonder though if it is possible to live a life where one is aware and still engaged in pleasures of life offered by senses or is that by definition mutually exclusive ?i am still unclear as to what being aware means .,, when one is conscious of one's decisions /actions … Continue reading श्रीमद भगवद गीता – Discussions post Chapter II
Bhagavadgita_Discussions among novices_Chapter 2_31 to 72
UB: स्वधर्ममपि चावेक्ष्य न विकम्पितुमर्हसि। धर्म्याद्धि युद्धाछ्रेयोऽन्यत्क्षत्रियस्य नविद्यते।।2.31।। 2.31 Further, considering also your स्वधर्म, it does not befit you to waver. For, to a क्षत्रिय, there is no greater good than a धर्मयुद्ध. यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम्। सुखिनः क्षत्रियाः पार्थ लभन्तेयुद्धमीदृशम्।।2.32।। 2.32 Happy are the क्षत्रिय, O अर्जुन, to whom a war like this comes of its own accord; it opens the gate to स्वर्ग. अथ चैत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि। … Continue reading Bhagavadgita_Discussions among novices_Chapter 2_31 to 72
Bhagavadgita_Discussions among novices_Chapter 2_1 to 30
UB: सञ्जय उवाच तं तथा कृपयाऽविष्टमश्रुपूर्णाकुलेक्षणम्।विषीदन्तमिदं वाक्यमुवाचमधुसूदनः।।2.1।। 2.1 सञ्जय said - To him, who was thus overcome with pity, whose eyes were wet with tears, who was sorrow-stricken and who bore a bewildered look, श्रीकृष्ण spoke as follows: श्री भगवानुवाच कुतस्त्वा कश्मलमिदं विषमे समुपस्थितम्। अनार्यजुष्टमस्वर्ग्यमकीर्तिकरमर्जुन।।2.2।। 2.2 भगवान said - Where from comes on you this despondency, O अर्जुन, in this crisis? It is … Continue reading Bhagavadgita_Discussions among novices_Chapter 2_1 to 30
Bhagavadgita_Dialogue among Novices_Chapter I
UB: धृतराष्ट्र उवाच धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः। मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वतसञ्जय।।1.1।। 1.1 धृतराष्ट्र said On the holy field of कुरुक्षेत्र, gathered together eager for battle, what did my people and the Pandavas do, O Sanjaya? UB: Either in the title or the first word or a group of words, most Indian texts convey the intent of the book. Use of the word धर्म … Continue reading Bhagavadgita_Dialogue among Novices_Chapter I
Hinduism’s Tree of Unity in Diversity – the Core of Sanatana Dharma
How should a 20 year old Hindu understand Hinduism? Inspired by the idea of Unity in Hinduism triggered by Rajiv Malhotra 1 Background As a 20 year old, many questions on Hinduism end up coming into the mind of a boy/ girl brought up in a Hindu household. If brought up in a good Hindu environment, … Continue reading Hinduism’s Tree of Unity in Diversity – the Core of Sanatana Dharma
Itihasa versus History
(Paper is fully inspired by the book authored by Swami Krishnananda from the Divine Life society; namely "Short History of Religious and Philosophical Thought in India". I have made some squirrel-buddhi additions here and there to convey the ideas with simple examples). One of the usual topics that comes up for debate is the historicity … Continue reading Itihasa versus History
The Battle for Sanskrit – A Book Review
Following Breaking India, Being Different and Indra’s Net, Rajiv Malhotra has come out with a new book titled “Battle for Sanskrit”. This book is written primarily for practicing Hindus as well as those Hindus who though ignorant believe that there is some value in their traditions that is worth preserving. Through this book, Rajiv attempts … Continue reading The Battle for Sanskrit – A Book Review
Knowing रावण
Why bother about characters from an ancient myth that is fictional in nature? People who approach रामायण as a fictional fairly-tale story like Harry Potter – to such "wise" people, I will merely say नमो नमः!!!!! My only request to them is to refrain from sharing their "wise" opinion about the "fictional" characters of राम … Continue reading Knowing रावण
तत्वबोध (Tattvabodha) by Adi Shankaracharya
The blog provides a translation of the Tattwabodha that is ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. What is provided below is a basic translation of each and every line in the text followed by a basic commentary to enable readers to appreciate the intent behind every line of the book. I have used the translation provided by … Continue reading तत्वबोध (Tattvabodha) by Adi Shankaracharya
Source of India’s pride – Adhyatmic Seeking
Inspired by the talks of Sri Sri Sri Samaveda Shanmuka Sharma & Swami Nityananda as well as writings of Sri Rajiv Malhotra, Swami Krishnananda and Swami Ranganathananda (and many others) This article is a long and a serious journey for the readers. People steeped in the world-view acquired from the modern education of our country … Continue reading Source of India’s pride – Adhyatmic Seeking
गजेन्द्र मोक्षणम् (Gajendra Mokshanam)
The Ancient Hindu scriptures are filled with numerous gems. Gajendra Mokshanam is one such jewel that comes in various scriptures and acquires a prominent place in Srimad Bhagavatam. The episode occurs in the Taamasa Manvantara (while our current Manvantara is called as Vaiwasvata). Just like Adi Shankara took out the gem of the Gita from … Continue reading गजेन्द्र मोक्षणम् (Gajendra Mokshanam)
२४ (24) गुरू (Gurus) of दत्तात्रेय (Dattatreya)
Fed up with life, यदु (ancestor of श्रीकृष्ण) walked away from the palace & entered a forest to seek a गुरू who would initiate him into the mysteries of परम ज्ञान. One day, he came across a naked साधु, smeared with ash, radiant with bliss. यदु felt drawn to him & asked, 'who are you?' … Continue reading २४ (24) गुरू (Gurus) of दत्तात्रेय (Dattatreya)
Mantra Pushpam – the hidden meaning
Mantra पुष्पं comes under the Taittiriya Aranyaka part of the Krishna Yajurveda. This is recited in temples towards the end of Puja ritual and also chanted in pious Hindu homes either daily or on special Puja occasions. A direct translation is un-intelligible but thanks to the power of the internet, I found a deeper meaning … Continue reading Mantra Pushpam – the hidden meaning
Kamasutra (कामसूत्र) – 64 Arts
कामसूत्र is a fascinating book that must be read by as many people as possible. People generally have a certain impression about the book without reading it. While the topic of physical intimacy is a key part of this book taking about 30% of the space, there are many other aspects hidden there that are … Continue reading Kamasutra (कामसूत्र) – 64 Arts
आदित्य ह्रिदयम्
Chanted daily in pious Hindu homes, आदित्य ह्रिदयम् is stated as powerful to enable the chanter to achieve benefits. While आदित्य means the Sun and we will see various names of the Sun described here, a closer look makes it obvious that this Stotram is actually directed to Narayana who powers the physical Sun. The … Continue reading आदित्य ह्रिदयम्
IS GOD GOOD?
One of the questions that one comes across often from kids is – If God exists, how come there is so much bad in this world? One can understand kids asking this question since kids are usually told by parents that if they behave well, God will reward them and if they behave badly, God is … Continue reading IS GOD GOOD?
Dialogue between an Adhyatmic and a Sceptic
I do not believe in God. Good for you Do you believe in God? What do you mean by God? God is someone who creates the world, is it not? If this is the definition of God, then I also am not inclined towards such a God But you call yourself a religious person? Yes … Continue reading Dialogue between an Adhyatmic and a Sceptic
New Ideas on Governance
Since independence, our country may have done well on various aspects but somehow these achievements do not elate us. To give an extreme view, there is no “our” left in the country – our education, our society, our ideals, our goals, our consumer products, our lifestyle, etc has become the “other” especially in a rapid … Continue reading New Ideas on Governance
Dharma – the Golden Mean
Recently, a close friend came to me expressing surprise that one of this acquaintances who has been categorized as “bad and unfriendly” went out of his way to help my friend in a certain difficult situation. This event put doubts in the mind of my friend – whether this acquaintance was really a good guy … Continue reading Dharma – the Golden Mean
Ajanabhavarsha, Aryavarta, Bharatavarsha….Hindustan… India…Bharata…
Our idea of anything is shaped by the influence of some narrative that has entered our minds and stabilized itself. If our parents emphasized hard work and were hard working themselves, we will also make this narrative our own, live life on this narrative and pass this on to kids. Same goes for narratives like … Continue reading Ajanabhavarsha, Aryavarta, Bharatavarsha….Hindustan… India…Bharata…
What does Adhyatma Mindset mean?
A chance exchange of words recently with a friend of mine gave me an interesting glimpse into the suspicion that the word “spirituality” brings into the minds of a few people. My friend asked me views on whether commercial success has made him arrogant and dismissive of “lesser” people. My response was that his character … Continue reading What does Adhyatma Mindset mean?
Social Segregation – A possible solution to some of the current debates?
All of you would be aware of the raging debate in India in Dec 2013 about the recent Supreme Court judgement in relation to Section 377. This forum had also debated on the topic of homosexuality but I do not recollect this reaching to any firm conclusion. There are numerous articles being written almost daily … Continue reading Social Segregation – A possible solution to some of the current debates?
Enveloping All
It is Deepawali time now and most of the Indians are surrounded by bright lights and cacophony of sound in the form of crackers filling our neighbourhoods. As usual, media is littered with articles on the relevance of crackers with arguments of the resultant noise and air pollution causing inconvenience to many (if not all). … Continue reading Enveloping All
Q&A on Ancient Indian World View – A Primer
At the outset, let me state that I am myself of student of ancient Indian spiritual thought. Any views given below which may be erroneous/ misleading are therefore fully mine and not that of the ancient Indian thought. The paper is presented in a Q&A form and is meant as a primer for someone who … Continue reading Q&A on Ancient Indian World View – A Primer
Purpose of Life – An Exploration
All of us desire to reach and/ or remain in a state of perfect happiness or bliss. What does this state of bliss look and feel like? All of us desire to be perfectly happy (in a state of Ananda) when our body & mind feels perfectly at ease with itself (contended). How does one … Continue reading Purpose of Life – An Exploration
Adhyatma Writings 