Our Gita Study group E Mail – Vagetarian in West !!! March 26, 2009

Pranam Group,

I am a vegetarian and most of my friends are non-vegetarian.

They would like to know why they should be vegetarian. Could anybody please advise me or tell me where in “Bhagvad Gitaji” we can find where Bhagvan Shri Krishna has mentioned about not to eat meat?

Moreover, I told them we cannot kill an animal and eat their meat. Their response was that even Plants have “Jeev” in them but Vegetarian people still eat Fruits and Vegetables?

Could you please help gain the knowledge on what is a difference here?

Thank you
Kaushal Patel
Ram Ram
———————————————–

Shree Hari
Ram Ram
Kaushalji, you have rasied a similar question before, attached are few of the responses from the last question. We strongly recommend you read and forward to your friends the article – Vegetarianism: Recommended in Vedic Scripture by Stephen Knapp posted at the link below:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gita-talk/message/627

Thank you for bringing this topic up again and helping share this knowledge with all new sadhaks. From Gita Talk Moderators,
Ram Ram

—————————————————

Dear friends,
Jai Shri Ramji,
Vegetarianism is “non-voilence” or ahimsa, it is “satvik”.
Well, many persons say that plants also have life, so why not kill
animals & eat them.
When we eat fruits , vegetables etc, then we are hurting a living
organism to very little extent as plants have only two sense organs,
so they feel lesser pain than animals.
For instance, when your hairs or nails are cut then u do not have any
pain , so is the case of eating fruits & vegetables.
However, when u kill an animal, then you can yourself see the animal
in pain, crying & shouting in distress and helplessness.
In fact I have seen that many non-vegetarians do not ever watch the
slaughtering of animals, because if they were to see this act, they
would not be able to eat it anymore.

Many intelligent non-veg people says that if this is the explanation,
then will u consider it correct to kill a blind or deaf person as he
also have less sense organs???
The answer to this is that a blind or a deaf & dumb person though
physically can’t see or hear respectively, but as they are human
beings- their level of growth and senses allow them to psychologically
see or hear.
The physical sense organs are of importance but the psychic organs are
more imp. Therefore, when u kill an animal it cries & shouts while a
plant does not.
Again, since the plants have life , we should cut or pluck as minimum
as possible (i.e. to fulfill only our genuine needs).
This will also be helpful for our earth’s ecology & also our
spirituality- as it is said that “jaisa khaogey ann vaisa hoga mann”-
means your mind will be in accordance to the food you eat.

Dr. Amit Prakash Jain
———————————————————-

Kabeer Das says
Hindi:Bakari paati khat hai, taakii khineenche khaal;jo jan bakari khaat hain taaki kaun havaal
English:Goat that eats leaves is stripped of her skin, what should happen to those eating goat?

As per Bhagwat Gita, ’sva bhaav’ (independent nature) is altered by interaction, learning, work and consumption. The ‘bhaav’ is dependent nature and thus, poses limitation to sva bhaav. If interaction is by prem (love), the product carries sat gun and svabhaav is united (bhakti) and improved. If it is by material
nature, product is with raj guna and it does not improve the svabhaav but provides satisfaction temporarily. And if the relationship is of enemy, the product will never be able to satisfy, and consumers will only increase business. Sat guna satisfies more with less consumption, Raj guna satisfies less with more consumption; and Tam guna does not satisfy at all, and consumption rises exponentially.

regards
K G Misra
———————————————————-
Hari Om,
Plants do have soul (Jeeva). Human superficial senses cannot realise
the killing of plants. ONLY after science developed or knowing from
hindu scripts, we come to know that there is jeeva in plants. As long
as one can see physically through eyes that there is suffering in a
killing, then it has to be avoided. To the extent GOD has given brain
and heart to feel and recognize the endured suffering. A lion killing
a deer, no one can file a criminal case, as it has only 5 senses. Man
has 6th sense to understand things around him and can feel that a
animal suffers when being slaughtered. A man can know that he is being attacked or killed. Killing a human is known in our sastras as “Brahma Hati”. One raises above normal man, when he thinks killing animals is sin.

In Srimath Bagavath, Bharatha yogiswar (who was born as a deer due to
attachment in previous birth) used to eat only dry grass or leaves
where there were no ants or insects to avoid harming insects and
plants. Human birth is Dullabom (Rare and Precious) therefore one
must use there discrimination at all times in everything thing
including food habits. How to live a divine life, is to be known from
scripts.
B.Sathyanarayan

— In gita-talk@yahoogroups.com, “sadhak_insight”
sadhak_insight@…> wrote:

Shree Hari
Ram Ram

Thank you for bringing this point in the forefront. A similar
question was asked in the past and great information was shared.

Yes ! Vegeterianism is important and essential for those on the
spiritual path. Detailed answered are provided in the links below -

Particularly read the following links -

Vegetarianism: Recommended in Vedic Scripture
By Stephen Knapp (Shri Srinanandanji)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gita-talk/message/627

Vegeterianism supported even in Bible – by Stephen Knapp
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gita-talk/message/626

Vegeterianism – Scientific Evidence
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gita-talk/message/632

Please search gita talk group by entering “Vegeterianism” in the
search window for additional discussions.

Ram Ram

Powerful Thoughts….. Auther ” Unknown* March 26, 2009

Powerful Thoughts…

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life.

What you speak about, you can bring about.

If you keep saying you can’t stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can’t stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can’t stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you’re broke, guess what? You’ll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can’t trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can’t find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can’t find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don’t be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your Thoughts, they become words.
Watch your Words, they become actions.
Watch your Actions, they become habits.
Watch your Habits, they become character.
Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.

Few More Thoughts:

In the search for Me, I discovered Truth.
In the search for Truth, I discovered Love.
In the search for Love, I discovered GOD.
And in God, I have found Everything.

Be Blessed
_____________________________________

From: “The Autobiography of a Yogi” by Swami Sri Paramhans Yoganana. This book is a must for
someone who wants to go on the path of spirituality, and devotion.

In this book Swamiji talks of power of thoughts and how positive
thoughts heal people. I am sure all of us need it to re-assure ourselves that
we have the power to change a lot in our lives by positive thoughts.

“Jin Khoja Tin Paayiyaa” in Hindi pg 64 by Swami Ramsukhdasji. March 26, 2009

26th March, 2009, Thursday
Chaitra Krishna Amaavasya, Vikram Samvat 2065, Guruvar

:Shree Hari:
Ram Ram

Question: What is the main reason for doing things against one’s spiritual progress ?
Answer: The main reason of doing things against once spiritual progress is desire and attachment / attraction for enjoyment and pleasure. Desire and Attachment / attraction for enjoyments is the greatest obstacle in Self / God Realization. When there is intense desire for enjoyment of pleasures, then giving it up appears to be very difficult, rather impossible. A spiritual aspirant is totally independent in giving up desire and attachment to enjoyment of pleasures.
He can give this desire and attachment up through thought, inquiry and reflection. By thinking / inquirying, he can come to the understanding that he wants happiness that has no shortage or limitation, and that never ends.

“Yam labdhvaa chaaparam laabham manyate naadhikam tatah;
yaasminnisthato na dukhen gurnaapi vichaalyate
tam vidhyaadukhsam yog viyogam yogasanjitam.” (Gita 6:22-23)

“Having gained which state, he does not reckon any other gain greater than that, and wherein established, he is not shaken even by the greatest affliction. This separation from the assumed union with pain, is called Yoga.”

Human beings are blessed with immense ability to think, reflect and discriminate between truth and untruth. If he chooses to not think, then it is his mistake and error. It is his lack of prudence and attention to what is important.

It is a rule that through the enjoyment of pleasures, the object enjoyed is destroyed and at the same time it leads to the enjoyer’s downfall and decline. Just like with passion and desire when one indulges in wealth and material goods then that money is destroyed (used up) and one falls down. When importance of wealth, desire, greed, attachment, inertness, slavery etc. comes in him, then it leads to his downfall. When one indulges in enjoyment of food and eating, not only is food consumed and destroyed, but one takes a fall. The increased desire for enjoying foods and increased attachment to food is a sure downfall.

From “Jin Khoja Tin Paayiyaa” in Hindi pg 64 by Swami Ramsukhdasji.

Ram Ram

For ENGLISH WEBSITE please visit: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.net
For full online discourses in Hindi: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.org

Gita 2 -50 : Equanimity of mind – Swamiji March 26, 2009

|| Shree Hari ||
Ram Ram
|| 2-50 ||
Link: — In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the result of equanimity of mind.

buddhiyukto jahatiha ubhe sukrtaduskrte
tasmaadyogaya yujyasva yogah karmasu kausalam

Endowed with equanimity, one frees the self in this life from good (virtue) and evil (vice) alike; therefore, devote yourself to this Yoga of equanimity; skill in action lies in (the practice of this) Yoga. || 50 ||

Comment —
‘Buddhiyukto jahatiha ubhe sukrtaduskrte’ — A person, endowed with equanimity, becomes free of sins and virtue. Just like many sins and virtues are taking place in the world, but the Omnipresent Paramatma is unaffected by them, similarly one who is ever established in equanimity, the sins and virtues do not affect him (Gita 2/38).

Equanimity is such an artful skill whereby while living in the world man can become entirely untainted and detached, just as a lotus leaf comes from the water, grows and lives in water, yet remains untainted by the water. Similarly, a man established in equanimity, lives in this world yet remains untainted.
Sins and virtues do not touch him, in other words, he becomes detached from sins and virtues. In reality, he the Self, (being Consciousness itself) is free from sins and virtue. It is only due to affinity with perishable objects – body, that sins and virtues accrue. If he does not identify himself with the unreal, he will remain untouched by sins and virtues, and unconnected with them like the sky.

‘Tasmaadhyogaaya yujyasva’—Therefore, devote your self to the Yoga, i.e. remain established in equanimity at all times. In reality, equanimity is your very nature (swaroop). You already remain at all times, established in equanimity. It is only due to attachment and aversion that you are unable to experience this equanimity. If you were not already established in equanimity, then how would you have the knowledge of pain and pleasure? The two are different. You are the knower of both pleasure and pain and aware of their coming and going. You are the one that remains even-minded in their coming and going. Realize this equanimity.

‘Yogah karmasu kausalam’—Skill in action lies in the practice of this Yoga. In other words, equanimity in success and failure, or remaining even-minded in attainment or non-attainment of fruit of action is skill in action. There is nothing of significance in that action which has a beginning and an end, besides Yoga.
In this verse, Lord Krsna has not defined Yoga, but He has explained the glories of Yoga (equanimity). If we interpret it as, ’skill in action is Yoga’, then what is the objection? If it is understood to be such then the act of robbing, undertaken by a thief that is carried out skillfully and very cautiously, that very act in the form of stealing will also be considered as Yoga. Such an interpretation is not proper. Some may say that we only consider ’skill in action approved by the scriptures,’ as yoga. But, by this belief, he will be bound by the fruits of action and will not be able to attain equanimity. Therefore over here, it is better to interpret, “equanimity in action as skill”. Because he who remains even-minded within, while performing actions is not bound by such actions and their fruit. Therefore remaining even-minded while performing actions that have a beginning and an end is skill in action; it is wisdom.
Secondly, in the first part of this verse, as well as in the previous two verses there is the reference of Yoga (Equanimity). Skill is not referred at all. Therefore in accordance to the topic being discussed as well, the interpretation that “equanimity in action is skill” seems more reasonable.

(Addendum “Parishishth bhaav” not included.)

From “The Bhagavadgita – Sadhak Sanjivani” in English, page 189-190 by Swami
Ramsukhdasji

Give UP! – Renunciation : Swami Ramsukhdasji March 25, 2009

24th March, 2009, Tuesday
Chaitra Krishna Trayodashi, Vikram Samvat 2065, Mangalvar
:Shree Hari:
Ram Ram
In the book “God Realization through Renunciation” Shri Sethji (Shri Jayadayal Goenka) has written that the first thing to give up (renounce) is forbidden actions such as lies, deceit, cheating, dishonesty, eating forbidden foods, etc. Such forbidden conduct must not be done with either the body or the mind. They are blemish and an obstacle to the spiritual path. Therefore can’t you renounce even the blemishes? Give then up from your heart. Renunciation from one’s heart is most important. In spite of this if at sometime a sin or mistake is committed by error, sign of spiritual progress is that it will create a burning distress within. It will result in lack of peace. That burning distress has the power by which it will not enable one to commit a sin again. Have a firm determination that from henceforth we will not engage in forbidden actions. Hey Naath ! (O Father! ) give me such strength whereby I do not do any actions against Your will. Then Bhagwaan helps, Dharma supports, scriptures provide guidance, saints and great souls come to your help. If a person has a true and sincere desire to walk the path towards Paramatma (God) then the entire world comes to aid and helps him.
I met a blind saint who said that he developed dispassion and began to live in a forest. Winter approached and a devotee gave him a high quality blanket. That blanket was the only good possession he had. There was nothing else that was that good with him. At night he heard the sound of a few people. He thought that they might be robbers or thieves and that they may take away his blanket. He thought that it is better he initiate conversation with them, so he started talking to them. They saw that he was a Babaji, so they spoke the truth to him, and said – Maharaj ! we were going to rob you, even though our intention was not to take up stealing, but due to the the heavy taxation imposed by the government, and our incapability to pay these, we are turning towards stealing. The saint said that it was not proper on their part to steal. They too agreed that it was not the right thing to do, but there was no way out to pay for the tax levies, with money they did not have. In the end however, they did not take away his blanket. A man commits sins out of greed, covetousness, giving misery to others, and take their wealth. It is so sinful, so unjust. But an extraordinary and uncommon point is not to commit any sin, inspite of having no wealth, inspite of facing financial hardship.

The kings Sibi, Dadhichi and Harishcandra suffered lots of hardships for holding on to righteousness (Dharma)
“Sibi, Dadheech, Harichand naresaa
sahe dharam hit koti kalesaa (Manasa 2:94:2)
But they did not give up righteousness and duty, even though facing many hardships.

Patience, righteousness, friend and wife are tested in the face of adversity as mentioned by Goswami Tulasidasa
“Dheeraj, dharma, mitre aru naari
Aapad kaal parikhiahin chaari (Manasa 3:4:4)
A man is tested during hardships. Therefore it essential for a man to not loose patience. When a thunder-storm blows high winds sometimes the big trees are rooted our. But if a tree remains agile and safe then there is no danger to it. In the same way the wind of lust, anger and greed etc. come and go away, thereafter all is OK. Simply be patient for sometime, and their momentum comes to an end and everything is set right. You may face the worst of adversity, even die of starvation but have a firm determination not to do forbidden actions, injustice and sins. If you have nothing to eat, the severest punishment you may get is to die of starvation. But if you commit sins, it will pave the way to 84 lakh forms of lives and hell and there is no more severe punishment than hell. But if you are once determined not to commit a sin, no power can force you to do so.
From “Jivan Upyogi Pravchan” pg 27-28 in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji

Ram Ram
For ENGLISH WEBSITE please visit: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.net
For full online discourses in Hindi: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.org

“Krishna” – Narinder Bhandari March 24, 2009

HARE KRISHNA
Krishna, in the joy of Loving,
Showered His Blessings
On Himself
Bestowed on Himself the gift of Self- remembrance
And, narinder was no more
Only he was- – - – -
Krishna – - – - Hare Krishna ….
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna , Hare Hare
In the newly awakened Krishna consciousness
Where-ever there was witnessing, seeing …..
Seeing through
The mind’s eye
Or
The Eye of the eye
The Ear of the ear
The Tongue of the tongue
The Mind of the mind,
Where so ever was the witnessing
There was only Krishna everywhere
In manifold manifestation !
In manifold manifestation
Himself the witness
Himself the winessing
Himself the witnessed.
Himself the rejoicing
In Self – remembrance
In the Self.
Krishna – - – Hare Krishna !
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna , Hare Hare
AUM

narinder bhandari

Root Cause of quarrels,fights – lake of peace and Harmony? March 23, 2009

23rd March, 2009, Monday
Chaitra Krishna Dvaadashi, Vikram Samvat 2065, Somvar
:Shree Hari:
Ram Ram

Question: What is the root cause of quarrels, fights, lack of peace and lack of harmony in the family?
Swamiji: Every human being wishes that things happen according to his wishes. Each one is seeking favorable circumstances for himself. Each one wants to fulfill his own desires. He wants to lead a relaxing, comfortable and luxurious life. And he longs for his own glory. All in all, he is seeking his own self interest and selfishness. Such individuals due to their selfishness, are the cause of most quarrels, fights, disquietude in the family. Even dogs play well together, until the time food is served, at which time they begin to fight for food. The cause of these fights in not the food, but the selfish nature.
In a household, those who only desire their own happiness and comfort are not true family members, rather they are self-centered individuals. A member of a family is he who wishes and works towards the welfare of all the members, young, old, and all. Those who desire peace in the family and do not wish any quarrels, they must see towards performing their alloted duties, and at the same time protecting the rights of others. They must do his assigned duties in life and engage in welfare of others. They must honor and respect all members and provide happiness and comfort to them all.
Questions: How to maintain love, happiness and peace in the family?
Swamiji: When a man forgets his main purpose and aim in life, then all obstacles and calamities take place in the family. If his goal is firm and alive that under all conditions he will be elevated spiritually and otherwise. Then he does not concern himself with happiness or adversity. Also he finds no difficulty in renouncing his selfishness and pride. When one renounces selfishness and pride, then there is no obstacles or disharmony in the relationship. The main impediments in any relationship is when a person wants things to happen his way. He wants his words to hold weight, his desires to be fulfilled or all are for his own self interest.
On the other hand, when one thinks about how to do good for other members, how to lead them to benediction, how to honor and provide comfort for them, and he lives by imbibing these thoughts, then all members of the family become happy. Even if sometimes a member becomes displeased, his displeasure will not persist, becauses after giving some thought he will realize that whatever has been done is only for their own welfare. As a boy having an inclination to sports and games dislikes studies, but overall understands that studying will do him good, similarly even if the person may not initially understand, but he will certainly
understand this in due course. Even if later he does not understand, there is an inner satisfaction that the intention and conduct was good and that he thought of his welfare. Moreover we will have an inner strength that the point we expressed is true and solid.
If members live lovingly with one another, the atmosphere will be full of peace and happiness and love manifests and evolves automatically by renunciation of selfishness and pride.
From “How to lead a Householder Life” in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram
For ENGLISH WEBSITE please visit: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.net
For full online discourses in Hindi: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.org

Gita 2 Gita: 2 -49 – Shrikant Joshi. March 23, 2009

|| Shree Hari ||
Ram Ram

|| 2-49 ||

doorena hy avaram karma, buddhi-yogaad dhananjaya
buddhau saranam anviccha, kripanaah phala-hetavah || 49 ||

“O Dhanamjaya (Arjuna), action performed with a selfish motive is far inferior to that performed with equanimity of mind (Budhi-Yoga). Seek refuge in this evenness of mind (Samtaa), wretched are those who crave for the fruits of action.”

Comment:

The ordinary action motivated by result is far inferior to the one performed with the equanimity of mind, the two states cannot be compared. The reason for that is that the action has a beginning and an end (perishable) while Yoga stays the same at all times (imperishable). Therefore, one should take refuge in Karma Yoga only and not in the ordinary action. Yoga cannot be attained through actions rather it can be attained through performing actions while servering all relationship with the action and the fruits of actions. Performing actions ordinarily gives rise to birth and death and performing action with the attitude of Yoga is liberating.

From “Gita Prabodhani” in Hindi, page 50-51 by Swami
Ramsukhdasji
——————————————————-

Chapter 2, Verse 49 is as follows;

DooreNa = by far
Hi = indeed
Avaram = inferior
Karma = action
Buddhi – Yogaat = in comparison with wisdom
Dhananjaya = O Winner of wealth! / O Arjuna!
Buddhau = in wisdom
SharaNam = refuge
Anvichchha = seek
KrupaNaaH = wretched
Phala – hetavaaH = seekers after fruits

English translation:-

O Arjuna, mere action is far inferior to the one performed with the equanimity of mind, therefore take refuge in the evenness of the mind i.e. the intelligence. Indeed pitiful or wretched are those, who seek for the fruits of their action.

The entire world is involved in a day to day transaction of `Lena Aur Dena’ i.e. to initiate an action provided there are either tangible or intangible returns. It is treated as if an unbreakable pair of action and reaction.

What is expected from a Yogi is very nicely illustrated in a doha / verse of Santa Kabir which is, “Hame Na Kucha Lenaa Na Denaa, Hame Sirf Magan Rahenaa” i.e. I am not involved in any transaction of `give and take’ as I am already engrossed in the Self.

The majority performs any action as wage-earners and as a result makes themselves wretched ones. There are very few who initiate action with the sense of service as a bounden duty and sacrifice, while expecting nothing in return. They assume the role of a giver and do not participate in `the operation grab’ that goes on unabated otherwise.

There are many examples of such relentless givers in the nature. The Sun offers light and heat that is crucial to the very survival and maintenance of the entire living beings on the Earth. Rivers like Ganges and Nile offer water and in turn convert their banks into fertile fields where three crops can be drawn in a year. All such actions are without expectations of any returns in cash or kind.

In essence, as the more water is drawn from a well, more fresh water is supplied by underground water currents; similarly the more a Sadhak acts with the unwavering faith in one’s obligatory duties, the more he grows in the establishment of Yoga i.e. one-ness with the Self.

Though the word `BuddhiH’ means intellect, `Buddhi-Yoga’ in this verse refers to the Nishkaama Karma-Yoga i.e. the self-less action. It is the novel concept of practice of action in conjunction with the guidance of the intellect. The idea is that the intellect always raises the bar of excellence and therefore `Chanchala Mana’ i.e. fickle mind becomes `Chala’ i.e. the mind surrenders to the increasing higher goals and accelerates all self-less actions towards the ultimate goal of the Self-realisation.

Self-centered and desire-ridden actions drive people to mental agony and misery. Therefore, wretched are those who merely seek sensual pleasures, acquisition of objects of endless desires and enjoyment of the fruits of actions. However, this is equivalent to the insatiable fire, which consumes everything and the end result is destruction everywhere.

Unselfish work that is performed in the spirit of dedication and devoid of ego is the secret recipe of exhausting all individual unfulfilled residual desires, which are stumbling blocks in the ascent of a man to a Yogi.

Therefore, Lord Krishna’s advice to Arjuna is, “Let your mind be perfectly under the control and direction of the intellect and instead of seeking `Sukha and Shaantee’ i.e. satisfaction and peace in the external world; try to turn inwards and take refuge in the knowledge of the Self, which already resides within your own heart.”

Shrikant Joshi.

Bhogi ,Rogi and Yogi! March 22, 2009

22nd March, 2009, Sunday
Chaitra Krishna Ekadashi, Vikram Samvat 2065, Ravivar

:Shree Hari:

Ram Ram

When faced with pleasant (favorable) situations he becomes an enjoyer and when faced with unpleasant situations he becomes a sufferer (sad) such a man is a Bhogi (enjoyer or sufferer of sense pleasures) and not a Yogi (a spiritual aspirant seeking Union with Divine). A Yogi maintains equanimity in both favorable and unfavorable situations. || 551 ||
A Bhogi (indulger of sense pleasures) is a sick man (Rogi), he is an unhappy man and goes towards misfortune (takes a down fall). || 552 ||
Any man who becomes an enjoyer in happy and favorable situations (Bhogi) can never be a Yogi || 553 ||
A Bhogi (indulger of sense pleasures) is not a Yogi, rather he is a “Rogi” (sick person) -
(Bhoge roga-bhayam) || 554 ||
Union of two things, leads to enjoyment (bhog) whereas Yoga (eternal union with God) happens singly and naturally. So long as pleasure is sought, till then “Yog” (Union) is not perceived. Only on complete renunciation of pleasure, “Yog” (union) is experienced, after that desire for pleasure is wiped out completely and entirely. || 555 ||
Association with Paramatma (God, Supreme Consciousness) leads to Yog, and association with the world leads to Bhog. || 556 ||
Pleasure gained from solitude, enjoyment gained from engaging mind is also Bhog (seeking pleasure) and not Yog (union with divine) || 557 ||
Establishing a relationship with the world is “Bhog” and servering the affinity (breaking off the relationship) with the world is “Yog”. || 558 ||
In any state when one becomes pleased, it is Bhog. With Bhog one’s individuality cannot be wiped out. Therefore a sadhak (spiritual aspirant) must not become pleased in any state, condition, or circumstance. || 559 ||
Both separation from this world is innate and natural and union with Paramatma is innate and natural. || 560 ||
From “The Drops of Nectar” or “Amrut Bindu” in Hindi page 76 by Swami Ramsukhdasji.

Ram Ram

For ENGLISH WEBSITE please visit: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.net
For full online discourses in Hindi: http://www.swamiramsukhdasji.org

Gita 2:47 – Sadhak Sanjivani – Swami Ramsukhdasji March 20, 2009

|| Shree Hari ||
Ram Ram

|| 2-47 ||

karmanyevaadhikaraas te, maa phaleshu kadaachanaa
maa karma-phala-hetur bhoor, maa te sango ’stv akarmani

“Your right is only to perform your duty, but never to claim its fruits. Therefore let neither the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.”

FROM “BHAGAVADGITA – SADHAK SANJIVANI” (Selected points only)

‘Karmanyevadhikaraste’ — Your right is only to fulfill your acquired duty, you are independent in it. This is because besides humans, no other life forms (animals; birds; insects, plants etc), are for performing new actions. Only human beings are eligible to perform new actions. God has bestowed this human birth, the very last of all births so that by performing new actions in the form of selfless service to others, a person may achieve salvation and be freed from the bondage of the birth and death cycle. If he remains engaged in selfish actions, these will result in bondage and if he does not do his duty and remains lazy and negligent, he will follow prey to repeated birth and death cycle. Therefore, Bhagwaan says that your rights are only to render selfless services for common good.

An important fact, which needs attention, is that favourable or unfavourable situations cannot make a man happy or sad. It is merely his ignorance, which makes him happy or sad as he identifies himself with those circumstances and becomes happy or sad. If he gives a serious thought, he will come to know that the external circumstances cannot make him either happy or sad. He should make proper use of the favourable circumstances by serving others and unfavorable circumstances, by renouncing the desire to enjoy pleasure.

‘Ma phalesu kadacana’—You cannot claim the least bit of rights over the fruit of action, in other words, for attaining the fruit you are not independent, because Bhagwaan is the dispenser of the fruit. Therefore not desiring the fruit, simply do your duty. If you perform actions with a desire for fruits, you will be bound “Phale sakto nibadhyate” (GIta 5/12). It is the desire for fruit that makes a person an agent for actions. When the desire for fruit is entirely wiped out, a sense of doer-ship also gets wiped away. When doer-ship is wiped out, a man in spite of doing things, is not bonded. Obliteration of the sense of doer-ship, does not lead a man to bondage as much as desire for fruit binds a man. *

Ways to be free from the desire for fruits of actions are as follows—

Desire causes a feeling of lacking something. Its fulfillment makes one a slave. Its non-fulfillment causes suffering. The pleasure derived out of fulfillment of desire, gives birth to new desires and a man in order to reap their fruit goes on getting interested in performing new actions. By understanding this point in the right perspective, a man automatically becomes free from the desire for the fruit of action.

Actions are not eternal as they have a beginning and an end. The fruits of action are also not eternal, as these too are received and later parted. But the self is eternal. How can the eternal get any benefit from the perishable? By understanding this point clearly, one becomes detached from the world and attains God-realization.

‘Ma karmaphalaheturbhuh’—Don’t become the cause for the fruits of action. It means, that you should not have the least attachment for the body, senses, mind and intellect etc., because attachment for these will make you responsible for the fruit of action.

‘Ma te sango’stvakarmani’—Let your attachment not be to inaction, because by leaning towards inaction, you will become lazy and idle, and like the desire for fruit it will also mislead you to bondage. The reason is that, indolence and prolonged sleep are also a form of enjoyment of pleasures.

Even a little equanimity protects one from the great danger of birth and death viz., it results in salvation. As actions done with an interested motive perish after bearing fruit, in that way even a little equanimity does not perish after bearing fruit but it only leads to salvation.

From “The Bhagavadgita – Sadhak Sanjivani” in Hindi, page 103-104 by Swami Ramsukhdasji|| Shree Hari ||
Ram Ram