Ignorance

 Many religions regard the evils of human condition as a result of ignorance. Being ignorant of the truth about ultimate reality and the purpose of life, people’s values become confused and consequently they act wrongly. This even binds people to the wheel of birth and death. The veil of illusion obscures the faculty of insight.

Svetasvatara upanishad 1.6-8

The universe is a wheel, the wheel of Brahman.upon it are all creatures that are subject to birth death and rebirth. It goes on and on in circle and never stops. As long as the individual self thinks it is separate from the lord, it revolves upon the wheel in bondage to the laws of birth death and rebirth.

The lord supports this universe, which is made up of the perishable and the imperishable, the manifest and unmanliest. The individual soul, forgetful of the lord attaches itself to pleasure and thus is bound.

Maitre upanishad4.2

Also Bhagvat Gita 7.25

Few see through the veil of maya.

Katha upanishad 1.2.5

Fools dwelling in darkness, but thinking themselves wise and erudite, go round and round, by various tortuous paths, like the blind led by the blind.

Idolarity allegiance to the false values that substitute for god.

Basavanagudi vacant. 615-16

Bhagvan Gita 9.11-12

Fools misjudge me when I take a human form, because they do not know my supreme state as lord of beings. Unconscious they fall prey to beguiling nature. For there hopes are vain and so are their rituals and their search for wisdom. 

Conflicting

 

The war within.

Chandogya Upanishad. 8.12.1

The body mortal always gripped by death, within dwells the immortal self. This self when associated is our consciousness with our body, is subject to pleasure and pain. And so long as this association continues, freedom from pleasure and pain can no man find. 

Mandaka upanishad. 3.1.1_3.

Two birds, united always and known by the same name, closely cling to the same tree. One of them eats the sweet fruit, the other looks on without eating.

Seated on the same tree, the jiva moans, bewildered by his impotence. But when he beholds the other, the lord worshipped by all, and his glory, he becomes free from grief.

When the seer beholds the self luminous creator, the lord, the purusha  the progenitor of Brahma. Then he the wise seer shakes off good and evil, becomes stainless, and reaches the supreme unity.

Bhagvad Gita 16.6

There are two orders of creation . One divine the other demonic.

Mahabharata

I know what is good but I am not inclined to do it.

I know also what is bad but I do not refrain from doing it.

 I just do as I am prompted to do by some divine spirit standing in my heart.

Bhagvad Gita 6.5_6

Man should discover his own reality and not thwart himself.

For he has the selfas his only friend, or as his only enemy.

A person has the self as a friend when he has conquered himself, but if he rejects his own reality, the self will war against him.

Impinge.

 The growing convergence and complementary types around faith large and small of our shrinking planet calls for a comparison along religious traditions. This can be easily done through scriptures and the quotes in them.

The goals of spiritual practice for each religion, while not identical have much in common. Since the ideals imbued in human nature are universal. The people who have reached the goal be it enlightenment, salvation, sanctification, self realisation or liberation, manifest the highest human quality like love, compassion, wisdom, purity, courage, patience, righteousness, strength of character, calmness of mind and inner joy. regardless of religious beliefs such people  have impressed others by their virtue. These hence converge and become one and become the best of humanity. There is no place for egoism and enmity.

Though this can lead to a vast analysis I here propose to quote only quotes mentioned under different heads followed by Hindus. It will give us a good reference in our study.

Invocation. 

Rig veda 3.62.10.

We meditate upon the form splendor 

Of the vilifier divine

May He himself illumine our minds.

The truth in many paths. B G chapter 4. 11.

As men approach me so I receive them.

All paths Arjuna lead to me. 

Bhagvatham. 11.3.

Like the bee gathering honey from various flowers, the wise accept the essence of  different scriptures to see only the good in all.

Traces of the lords existences. Rigveda 3.54.5

Who knows this truly.

Eye cannot see him nor words reveal him

By the senses austerity or works he is not known

When the mind is cleansed by the grace of wisdom

He is seen by contemplation the one without parts.

The ONE.

Svetasvatra upanishad 6.11

He is one god hidden in all beings, all pervading, the self within all beings, watching over all works, dwelling in all beings, the witness, the perceived, the only one free from qualities.

Vishnu puran 1.22

Just as light is diffused from the fire which is confined to one spot, so is the whole universe the diffused energy of the supreme Brahman.

Transcendent Isha upanishad 4.8

The self is one ever still, the self is

Swifter than thought, swifter than the senses

Though motionless, he outruns all pursuit.

Without the self never could life exist.

The self seems to move, but is ever still.

He seems faraway but is ever near. 

He is within all and he transcends all.

The self is everywhere, bright is the self, 

Indivisible, untouched by sin, wise, imminent and transcendent.

He it is who holds the cosmos together.

Refer chandogya upanishad 7,23,25 and katha upanishad 2.3.7.8.

Bhagvan Gita chapter 11.3-25

Arjuna

O highest lord I wish I could see you your form as lord. Just as you yourself say you are, supreme divine being.

O lord if you think it is possible that I might see you then Lord of mystic power show me your changeless self.

The Lord.

Open your eyes and see my hundreds, my thousands of forms, in all their variety, heavenly splendour, in all their colours and semblances.

Look upon the gods of heaven , the radiant gods the terrifying gods the kind celestial twins see, Arjuna countless marvels never seen before.

Here is my body in one place, now the whole world… all that moves and does not move  and whatever else you want to see

Of course with the ordinary eye you cannot see me. 

I give you divine vision.

Behold my absolute power.

Sanjay a. With these words Vishnu the great lord of mystic power, gave Arjuna the vision of his highest absolute form…

His form with many mouths and eyes, appearing in many miraculous ways, with many divine ornaments and divine unsheathed weapons. He wore garlands and robes and ointments of divine fragrance. He was a wholly wonderful God, infinite facing in every direction.

If the light of a thousand suns should effulgence all at once, it would resemble the radiance of that god of overpowering reality.

Then and there Arjuna saw the entire world unified ,yet divided manifold embodied in the god of gods.

Bewildered and enraptured, Arjuna the pursuer of wealth bowed his head to the god, joined his palms and said,

Arjuna

Master within you I see the gods, and all classes of beings

The creator on his lotus seat and all seers and divine serpents.

Far and near I see you without limit reaching containing everything and with innumerable mouths and eyes.

I see no end to you no middle and no beginning.. o universal lord and form of all!

You wearer of crown, mace and discus, you are a deluge of brilliant light all around I see you who can hardly be seen, with the splendour of radiant fires and suns immeasurable. You are the one imperishable. Paramount necessary core of knowledge, the worlds ultimate foundation.

You never cease to guard the eternal tradition. You are the everlasting divine being. 

There is no telling what is beginning middle or end in you. Your power is infinite, your arms reach infinitely far. Sun and moon are your eyes. This is how I see you. Your mouth is a flaming sacrificial fire. You burn up the world with your radiance.

For you alone fill the quarters of heaven and the space between heaven and earth. The world above, man,s world and the world in between are frightened at the awesome sight of you o mighty being.

There I see throngs of gods entering you, some are afraid, they join their palms and call upon your name. Throngs of great seers and perfect sages hail you with magnificent hymns.

The terrifying gods, the gods of heaven the radiant gods also the celestial spirits, the all gods, the celestial twins the storm gods and the ancestors, multitudes of heavenly musicians, good spirits, demons and perfect sages all look upon you in wonder.

When the worlds see your form of many mouths and eyes and many arms legs feet  many torsos and many terrible tusks they tremble as do I.

For seeing you ablaze with all the colours of the rainbow touching the sky, with gaping mouths and wide flaming eyes my heart in me is shaken. O god 

I have lost all certainty, all peace, your mouths and their terrible tusks evoke the world in conflagration. Looking at them I can no longer orient myself. There is no refuge.

O lord of gods dwelling place of the world, give me your grace.

Omniscient.

Atharva Veda 4.16.1-8

Immanent

Bhagvan Gita 13.32

Mundaka upanishad 2.2.10-11.

The living presence.

Bhagvan Gita 18.65.66

Be aware of me always, adore me, make every act an offering to me and you shall come to me. And you shall come to me, this I  promise for you are dear to me. Abandon all supports and look to me for protection. I shall purify you from the sins of the past. Do not grieve.

To be  

Normal.

 As we enter different stages of the aging process, we will often need to find a new normal. It's not what people around us usually do but we all have our unique normal. Things we did at one phase in life may be unwise to do or even impossible to do now. Egyptian climbing on a high bench.

Having a proper mindset can make all the difference in how easy or difficult it is to change. Our prospective about things has the power to help us to enjoy the change than resenting it. 

Any change makes us abnormal at first given time it adjusts beautifully.

To take hold of something new we have to let go of the old. This is good.when we give us the something in obedience to God  he gives us back something better. Learn to let go and let God take the lead in your life.listen to your heart than your brain. 

Getting older means dealing with limitations. The best way to deal is not to resist but accept them. Embrace them as opportunities to be creative.

Youth is a beautiful time, but our later years are just as beautiful. It's really amazing how God created the body and our lives around it.  If one carefully watches. The mystery reveals and the blossoming can be seen each as a unique being leaving their mark on time. 

How great is God's creation in everything great and small.

Our values is not in what we do, but in who we are as individuals. 

It is who you become.

leaving a legacy behind.

one must live one's life as a godly person teach the world the word of God accurately in a practical way. Complete the assignment that God has given us. We need to be patient and steadfast, committed and determined. Make everyday count.

The beauty of trust.

When we trust God we realize that things don't usually go exactly as we want it to but with the trust you realize that God does work out all things for good. 

our value is not in what we do but in what we are as individuals. 

To becontinued.

Joy

 NO JOY IS COMPARABLE TO THE FEELING OF THE ETERNALS PRESENCE IN ONES HEART AT EVERY MOMENT.

Make time with God a daily priority. 

Take good care of yourself and love your body the way God made you.

Try to keep up with technology and use it to your advantage.

The power of choice. The benefit of a positive attitude in each situation one faces, making the right decision and setting your mind in the right direction. 

A story to help remember.

A 92 year old lady, petite well poised. She usually fully dressed by 8 with her hair styled up and makeup perfectly applied in spite of the fact that she is legally blind. Today she has moved to a nursing home  her husband who she spent 70 years with has just passed away making her move a necessary. After many hours of waiting in the lobby of the nursing home she is informed that her room is ready. She smiles sweetly and  maneuvers her walker to the elevator she is accompanied by a staff person who is providing her with the visual description of her room etc she immediately says I love it, to which the staff person says you haven't seen the room just wait.

The old lady says that does not matter. Happiness is something you decide ahead of time. Whether I like the room or not does not depend on how the furniture is arranged.it is how I arrange my mind that matters. I have already decided to love it. It is the decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting all the problems my body has that no longer work or I can get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do work.each day is a gift focus on the new day and the happy memories stored away. 

She has made up her mind to like the room even before she sees it. 

It is important to focus on what one can do  than to worry of what one can't do. A healthy mind set allows one to be happy at any state one has to face.

Feed your mind and body that will strengthen and nourish them and they will continue to serve you well even as they age.

Samples

1. Interpretation 1 (Swami Vivekananda):

Verse: "You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." (Chapter 2, Verse 47)

Explanation: According to Swami Vivekananda, this verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment and performing our duties without attachment to the outcomes. He encourages individuals to detach themselves from the desire for personal gains and instead focus on the journey and the selfless execution of their responsibilities.

2. Interpretation 2 (Sri Aurobindo):

Verse: "The embodied soul is eternal, indestructible, and immeasurable." (Chapter 2, Verse 17)

Explanation: Sri Aurobindo's interpretation suggests that this verse highlights the eternal nature of the soul and its connection to the divine. He explains that the soul cannot be destroyed, as it exists beyond the physical realm, and its true essence remains constant throughout various lifetimes. It emphasizes the idea of transcending the temporary material world and seeking a deeper understanding of one's eternal existence.

3. Interpretation 3 (Swami Sivananda):

Verse: "Those who are free from anger and all material desires, who are self-realized, self-disciplined, and constantly strive for perfection, are assured of liberation in the Supreme." (Chapter 5, Verse 26)

Explanation: Swami Sivananda's interpretation emphasizes the qualities required for spiritual growth and attainment of liberation. According to him, being free from anger, material desires, and practicing self-discipline are essential for realizing one's true self and attaining spiritual liberation. He emphasizes the significance of constant self-improvement and the pursuit of perfection as a means to reach a state of higher consciousness.

4. Interpretation 4 (Paramahansa Yogananda):

Verse: "When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place." (Chapter 6, Verse 19)

Explanation: Paramahansa Yogananda's interpretation highlights the importance of meditation in attaining mental stability and focus. He explains that through consistent meditation practice, the mind becomes unwavering and unaffected by external disturbances, similar to the steady flame of a lamp. This verse inspires individuals to cultivate a disciplined meditation practice to attain a state of inner tranquility and clarity.

5. Interpretation 5 (Mahatma Gandhi):

Verse: "You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." (Chapter 2, Verse 47)

Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi's interpretation emphasizes the idea of selfless service and non-attachment to outcomes. He interprets this verse as a reminder that individuals have a responsibility to fulfill their duties, but they should not be motivated by personal gain. Gandhi believed in the concept of detached action, where one focuses on doing what is right and fulfilling their duties without clinging to the expectations of rewards or results.

M BG.

 The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It consists of a conversation between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna, taking place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra before a great war. The Gita encompasses various themes and philosophical concepts. Here is a chapter-wise summary of the Bhagavad Gita:

1. Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection):

Arjuna is overwhelmed with compassion and loses his will to fight. He sees his kinsmen and loved ones on both sides of the war and is filled with grief. Arjuna seeks guidance from Lord Krishna.

2. Sankhya Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge):

Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to rise above his emotions and fulfill his duty as a warrior. Krishna explains the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) and the concept of rebirth, emphasizing the importance of self-realization.

3. Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action):

Krishna teaches Arjuna about the path of selfless action, emphasizing the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the results. He explains the principles of karma and the need for proper action in society.

4. Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action):

Krishna reveals the secret of his divine incarnation and the importance of acquiring knowledge from a realized guru. He explains the concepts of sacrifice and renunciation, emphasizing that both knowledge and action are essential for spiritual progress.

5. Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Renunciation of Action):

Krishna explains the paths of selfless action and renunciation, emphasizing that one can attain liberation through either path. He highlights the importance of performing prescribed duties without selfish attachment.

6. Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation):

Krishna teaches Arjuna the practice of meditation and the importance of self-discipline. He explains that a focused and controlled mind is essential for spiritual progress and self-realization.

7. Gyaan Vigyana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom):

Krishna reveals his divine glories, explaining the various manifestations of the Supreme Being. He emphasizes that those who have attained knowledge of his divine nature can transcend worldly illusions.

8. Akshara Brahma Yoga (The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman):

Krishna discusses the eternal nature of the Supreme Being, the process of death, and the journey of the soul after death. He emphasizes that those who remember the Supreme at the time of death attain liberation.

9. Raja Vidya Yoga (The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret):

Krishna explains the most confidential knowledge of devotion and surrender to the Supreme. He emphasizes the greatness of devotion, pure love, and the divine qualities of God.

10. Vibhooti Yoga (The Yoga of Divine Glories):

Krishna reveals his divine manifestations in the universe, indicating that all glorious and powerful aspects of creation are expressions of his divine energy.

11. Vishwaroopa Darshana Yoga (The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form):

Krishna reveals his universal form, showcasing his cosmic manifestation and divine nature to Arjuna. This vision represents the grandeur and all-encompassing nature of the Supreme Being.

12. Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion):

Krishna describes the qualities of true devotees and their path of devotion, emphasizing that surrendering with love and devotion leads to close proximity with the divine.

13. Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaaga Yoga (The Yoga of Distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field):

Krishna explains the difference between the physical body (kshetra) and the eternal soul (kshetrajna). He describes the nature of the physical body, the senses, and the soul, emphasizing the importance of self-realization.

14. Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of Division of the Three Gunas):

Krishna explains the three gunas (modes of material nature): sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). He describes their manifestations, influences, and how one can transcend their influence.

15. Purushottama Yoga (The Yoga of the Supreme Divine Personality):

Krishna describes the eternal nature of the Supreme Being, the individual soul, and the relationship between the two. He elucidates that those who understand his divine nature and surrender to him attain liberation.

16. Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Division between the Divine and the Non-Divine):

Krishna describes the divine and demonic qualities present in individuals and their consequences. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating divine qualities and rejecting negative traits.

17. Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Threefold Division of Faith):

Krishna explains the nature of faith and its impact on human actions. He describes the three types of faith based on the three gunas and reveals the types of food, sacrifice, penance, and charity corresponding to each faith.

18. Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation):

Krishna concludes the Gita by summarizing and integrating the previous teachings. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating selflessness, performing actions as dedicated service, and surrendering to the Supreme with full faith, leading to liberation.

Please note that this is just a brief summary of each chapter, and the Bhagavad Gita is a profound scripture with multiple layers of teachings and interpretations. Exploring the detailed verses and commentaries by various scholars can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Gita.