Bhagavad GitaChapter 12Discourse by Swami Paramarthananda

RV College, BangaloreMay 3 to May 9, 2015

Verse 1

Arjuna Uvaacha1. Yevam Sathatha Yukthaa Ye'Bhakthaah-stvaam ParyupaasateYe' Chaapya-ksharam Avyaktham Teshaam Ke' Yoga VittamaahaMeaning: Arjuna said: Dear Lord, Who is better versed in Yoga - the ones who worship You in constant devotion with your form or the ones who worship You as the formless?

Swamijis Narration

Apara Prakruthi of the Lord ahs evolved into the Universe in the form of Jagat. Dyana Sloka of Vishnu sahasranamam talks about this a Vishwaroopa Upasana..

Para Prakruthi of the Lord is the Consciousness Principle that which is without change, division or attributes. The all pervading Space is like Consciousness. This gets enclosed the moment the bodies are created. This is Jiva the experiencer. Body & Mind are a part of Para Prakruthi. I the Consciousness principle is the Para Prakruthi.

Aham Brahmasmi is the Para Prakruthi Dyanam.

Akshara Upasana- Para Prakruthi Upasana Vishwaroopa Upasana Apara Prakruthi Upasana

So Arjuna asks Krishna which of the two is superior?

Upasana means meditation wherein only the mind is used; no body is involved; it is purely a mental exercise.

Vishwaroopa Upasana should be practiced along with Karma Yoga. Sarvam Vishnu Mayam Jagat They are meditating on Saguna Ishwara.

Para Prakruthi Some Mediate on I as the Para Prakruthi or the Nirguna Ishwara.

Who is superior Saguna Or Nirguna Ishwara?

Verse 2

SriBhagavaan UvaachaMayyaa Veshya Mano Ye' Maam Nithya Yukthaa UpaasatheShraddha-yaa Parayopethaaha The' Me' Yuktha Thamaa-mathaahaMeaning:Sri Bhagavan said: Those who fix their minds on me and worship me (with form) ever with supreme faith, I consider them as perfect in Yoga.(Yoga meaning-- Union with God)

Swamijis Narration

Krishna does not want to give a direct answer to Arjunas Question as he feels there is a problem with a direct answer.

Comparison is justified only when you want to choose between two options. Saguna Ishwara or Nirguna Ishwara?

Krishna feels there is no option for the spiritual seeker, as he needs both Saguna Ishwara and Nirguna Ishwara versions.

Ishwara is a mixture of both Saguna & Nirguna versions. Seeker has to understand both the Para and Apara. Everyone has to practice both Vishwaroopa Upasana & Akshara Upasana.

Without Saguna Upasana Nirguna Upasana is ImpossibleWithout Nirguna Upsana Saguna Upasana is incomplete.

Therefore Krishna gives an ingenious answer. He says Saguna Upasana is Superior. Saguna Ishwara is very appealing to everyone. Nirguna Ishwara is very bland, abstract and very difficult to grasp. But Krishna also says that only by doing Akshara Upasana one can attain Moksha.

Therefore Ishwara Jnanam is the knowledge of both Saguna and Nirguna forms completely.Saguna Upasana = Karma Yoga + Vishwaroopa Upasana

Krishna Says those who meditate endowed with intense faith; they are the superior sadakas. From here a person has to slowly grow into a Nirguna Upasana.

Verses 3 & 4

Ye' Tvakshram Anirdeshyam Avyaktham Paryu-paasatheSarvathra-gam Achintyam Cha Kootastham AchalamDhruvam

Meaning:But those who worship me as the formless, as the unchanging, the imperishable and the Omnipresent ONE...

Samniyam-yendriya-graamam Sarvathra Sama BuddhayahaTey' Prapnu-vanthi Maame'va SarvaBhootha-hite' Rathaha

Meaning:Those who have restrained their senses, who are even minded everywhere, who are engaged in the welfare of all the beings, verily, they also come to Me.

Krishna says Only Nirguna Upasakas can attain Me or Moksha

Saguna Upasakas have to graduate into Nirguna Upasakas to get Moksha or attain GOD.

Krishna then describes the Eight principles of Para Prakruthi:

1. Aksharam That which does not have degeneration2. Avyaktam Indriya Agocharam- means not available for Sensory Perception. Consciousness is the perceiver and cannot be perceived. Matter alone can be perceived.3. Acintyam- cannot conceive how it looks like. It is never like anything that we know. Inconceivable or imperceptible.4. Anirdesyam- Indescribable consciousness cannot be described, as it is not matter.5. Sarvatra-gam- It is all pervading. It is like space- Space is like Consciousness.6. Dhruvam It is eternal and not limited time-wise also.7. Achalam Cannot move from one place to another. It is all pervading and cannot travel form one place to another. It is motionless.8. Kuta-stham- Does not change. Consciousness does not change.

Some Upasakas meditate on this Nirguna Brahman. It is very difficult to do so and Upanishads prescribe some gradual meditations to prepare for this Advaita Upasana eg:

Prithivi Upasana (Prithivi has all the 5 properties) Jalam Upasana ( 4 properties no gandham) Agni Upasana- ( 3 Properties- No taste) Vayu Upasana ( 2 properties- no form or color) Akasha Upasana similar to consciousness.

Krishna Says that these qualified people withdraw all the sensory organs form the world of matter including thoughts. There is only blankness or nothingness. The so called blankness is the I consciousness. The awareness of absence of everything is the Para Prakruthi

It cannot be seen as it is the perceiver.Every experience is proof of the consciousness; but consciousness itself cannot be perceived. It is non-experinceable experiencer that is the consciousness principle.

Krishna Says - Having the vision of Para Prakruthi, these Sadakas meditate on Para Prakruthi being interested in the welfare of all they will achieve Moksha and me.

Verse 3,4 & 5

In verses 3, 4 & 5 Lord Krishna talks about Akshara Upasana in which the consciousness principle should be meditated upon and is the most difficult to practice.

Consciousness does nt belong to the body and survives the death of the body; eg; Moonlight is on the Moon; but not of the Moon. Moonlight will continue even if the moon is destroyed. It is the reflected sunlight and hence will continue.

The I Chaitnayam is the Para Prakruthi. It is also called as Advaita Dyanam or Non-Duality as there is no duality involved. Nobody can enter this meditation straightaway. One needs spiritual training process Sravanam and Mananam with help from a Guru and the Sastras.

With the aid of Panchkosa Viveka method and other methods the seeker has to train to do Vedantic meditation to attain non-duality meditation. We are spiritual beings temporarily having and human experience.

Humanness is incidental because of the body. I continue to be the spiritual being even without the body. Practicing this meditation is Akshara Upasana which is the final stage before claiming Moksha.

Attaining GOD means dropping the misconception that GOD is away from me.

Verse 5

Kleshodhi-katharah-stheshaam Avyakthaa-saktha ChethasaamAvyakthaa Hi Gathir Duhkham Deha Vadbhira-vaapyate

Meaning: But for human beings, it is more difficult to realize the formless God than the One with form.

Swamijis Narration

This Akshara Upasana is very difficult as we meditate on the abstract form. Akasha meditation makes the mind subtle to meditate on the abstract form.

Difficulties are very high in this form of meditation. How to withdraw the sensory organs and thoughts from the world ? Ashtanga Yoga.

Those who have strong identification of the body will face very great difficulties in this meditation. The goal of formless GOD will be extremely difficult. Complete Ishwara Jnanam is the only option for MOKSHA. SO what is the solution?The Vedas say that we should not skip this Upasana because it is difficult. We need to make it easy. How?

How to make it Easy?

Anything in life is difficult for the UnpreparedSo the solution is to prepare ourselves adequately. Lack of preparation is the reason for the difficulty. Akshara Upasana will become easy with adequate preparation. Eg: Tea Shop- Chaiwalla while making tea; pours the tea from one cup to another without even seeing the cups- sometimes the cups are almost horizontal to ground and yet no tea is spilt on the ground. He can do it even with his eyes closed.

Atma Jnanam is like a walking on a razors edge. For the prepared ones this will be easiest.

What are the steps to Preparation Lord Krishna is going to present four (4) steps for this. Verses 6, 7 & 8 talk about going from Para Prakruthi Upasana to Apara Prakruthi Upasana.

Verse 6

Yethu Sarvaani Karmaani Mayi Sanyasya Math-paraa-haAnanye-naiva Yogena MaamDhyaa-yantha Upaasathe'

Meaning:But those who worship me, renouncing all actions in Me, regarding Me as the Supreme Goal, meditating on Me with single minded devotion...

KRSIHNA Says if Nirguna Upasana is difficult, then come down to Saguna Upasana, which is easier for the mind to conceive and follow. Krishna is going to divide this into two steps.

Look upon the whole universe as the Vishwaroopa Ishwara Upasana. What doe this mean?

Systematic dropping of ownership is necessary. Everything belongs to Apara Prakruthi of the LORD. I am only a temporary user. GOD owns everything and has total control also.

Bhagawan placed someone as our relative(Father, Mother, Son , Daughter, Wife etc..) and can take away anything at any time. We try to control everything that we think we own. This is the cause of our misery.

Vishwaroopa Upasana removes our anxiety of ownership and control. I am willing to accept whatever your will is . Surrender Ahamkara and Mama Kara to almighty GOD. Our worries come down through Vishwaroopa Upasana. Daily spend time to remove Ahamkara and Mamakara systematically without any distraction.

They will slowly get prepared for Sravanam and Mananam to start Para Prakruthi Upasanam.

Whatever Karmas mundane or spiritual- all actions needs to be dedicated to GOD. Dedication is mental process. Karma has to done with the right attitude. His Law of Karma is supreme and controls everything. Only GOD can determine the result. Bhagawan determines the result. We should willfully receive whatever deserving result given by GOD. We should say that I will face the future as it results. Only give me the strength to face the life and learn from the experiences.

Emotional dependence on things, relationship, events etc. will result in Samsara. This is the lesson of Life.

Saranagathi is the only insurance or antidote against emotional risk. Whatever needs to happen due to my past and present Karma let it happen. We pray to you to give us immunity to face this. This is Sanyasa. Vishwaroopa Upasana and Karma Yoga are complimentary.

Verse 7

Theshaa-maham Samud-dharthaa Mruthyu Samsaara SaagaraathBhavaami Na Chiraath Paartha Mayya-veshitha Chetasaam

Meaning: For them whose thought is so set on Me, O Partha (another name for Arjuna), I will become very soon, the One to deliver them from this cycle of birth and death.

Swamijis Narration

Krishna says that those who surrender to me it is my duty to help them. I will uplift them from the cycle of Samsara. Levels of the seekers will vary. The benefit will also vary. Some may require a short period and others long period to get out of Samsara.I will lift them from Mrithyu Samsara ie; cycle of birth and death.

Sense of insecurity does not go away SamsaraTranscending the fear of birth and Death Moksha

From this Fourth (4Th) stage, Bhagawan will help to go to the 5th stage, which is Para Prakruthi Upasana, and then attain Moksha.

Verse 8

Mayyeva Mana Aadhat-sva Mayi Buddhim NiveshayaNivasi-shyasi Mayyeva Atha Urdhvam Na Samsha-yaha

Meaning:Fix your mind on Me alone, Let your thoughts dwell in Me. (By doing so) You will live in Me here after. Of this, there is no doubt.

Swamijis Narration

Therefore Arjuna you can forget the 5th stage for now and practice Vishwaroopa Upasana, which is the 4th stage.

You need to Handover everything to Bhagawan. I am only a medium in his hands. Every Jiva belongs to Ishwara. Keep your mind on Vishwaroopa Ishwara. Admire everything in creation as the glory of the Lord. Vibuthi Yoga

Let your intellect admire the wonderful laws of the world as the Glory of the GOD. You are never away from GOD. You feel GODs presence everywhere. After Death also you will merge into GOD only.

Verse 8- Continued

Swamijis Narration

Lord Krishna talked about Akshara Upasana as the only means of liberation or Moksha. This is also called as Advaita Upasanam and Krishna admits that it is very difficult. However one can gradually progress through Sravanam and Mananam to Niditasanam.

So Krishna Recommends the Fourth Stage of Upasana, which is the Vishwaroopa Upasana. This is extremely useful as it will expand the mind and lower our Ahamkara and Mama Kara. When I meditate on Vishwaroopa Ishwara there will be a gradual dilution of Aham Kara and Mama Kara. Eg: adding more water can dilute Very salty water.

Really speaking we want own or control everything. This is the root cause of our misery. Samsara problem will be solved 95% by doing Vishwaroopa Upasana. Our attachment (Ownership) and tendency to control will be diluted. Everything is Bhagawans property. Anxiety, worry, fear, tension etc. are all repercussions of this Aham Kara and Mama Kara.

Eg: Monkey & Nuts Story Monkey tries to get the nuts (its favorite food) from a tall jar with narrow neck or opening. As soon as it grabs the nuts in its hand; it cannot remove it form the jar as it becomes stuck. The only way for the Monkey to free itself is to open its hands and drop its favorite nuts. Monkeys attachment to the nuts is the cause of its misery.

Similarly we are also going through misery by holding onto Bhagawans property. We need to drop our Ahamkara and Mamakara to reduce our worries. Vishwaroopa Upasana can therefore solve the Emotional Samsara. However we need Para Prakruthi Upasana to Solve the Intellectual Upasana- e.g.: Why did Bhagawan create the Universe/// What are the laws that govern the same??/ Why are there so many miseries??? Etc. etc. If Samsara has a beginning why did Bhagawan create it? If Samsara has no beginning then there is no chance for Moksha??? This is Intellectual Samsara and can be solved only through Para Prakruthi Upasana Or Advaita Upasana.

Ramana Maharishi has described the same beautifully in a Sloka that says the faith- free will debate will not go away until we find the Advaita Upasana or Advaita Jnanam. Handover your family and other attachments to Bhagawan, do your duty and let Bhagawan take care of the future. Drop Aham Kara and Mama Kara. Krishna Says if you do this you will live in me even after your death.

Verse 9

Santushtah Sathatham Yogi Yathaa-thmaaDhrida NischayahaMayyar-pitah Mano Buddhir Yo Madbhaktah Sa Me Priyaha

Meaning: Ever content, steady in meditation, self controlled and possessed of firm conviction, with mind and intellect fixed on me, such a devotee is dear to me.Swamijis Narration

So Krishna suggests to go from Para Prakruthi Upasana to Apara Prakruthi Upasana. The fourth stage was divided by Krishna into two steps. The first one is the Saguna Vishwaroopa Ishwara Upasana. If you cannot drop attachment to family then Krishna says I will replace it with Saguna Ishta Devata Upasana. Choose any form of the deity that is appealing to you and treat the same representing the entire Vishwaroopa.

Even Adi Sankara the primary proponent of Advaita philosophy ahs written beautiful Slokas on various Ishta Devatas or deities (Devi, Siva, Subramanya, Narayana.). The more you do the Ishta Devata Upasana; the deity becomes more and more alive. This relationship is nourished gradually and you draw more and more peace and security from this relationship. This relationship with the Ishta Devata is reliable and permanent as opposed to any human relationship.

This way we will start relying on Ishta Devata who is available all the time and whom we can install in our own heart. My Rama or My Shiva is the my only support from me till death. We should pray that the Lord should dance in my heart along with his consort Uma when I die.

Therefore Krishna says if you are not able to meditate on Vishwaroopa Ishwara then gradually start a relationship with your Ishta Devata. When this relationship gets stronger our attachment with the world will be slowly diluted and then dropped. This is Abhyasya Yoga or Ishta Devata Upasanam. By practicing this Arjuna you can gradually come to me.

Verse 10

Yasmaanno Dvijate Loko Lokaanno Dvijate Cha YahaHarshaa-marshahBhayo-dvegair Muktho Yah Sa Cha Me Priyaha

Meaning: He by whom the world is not afflicted and whom the world cannot afflict, he who is free from joy, anger, fear and anxiety - he is dear to me.Swamijis Narration

Krishna Says if you cannot do even Ishta Devata Upasana, he is willing to come down to Stage 2. What is that? This is called Manasa Upasana.You do Manasa pooja or Manasa Parayana or Manasa Japa, which is called Manasa Upasana. All this is good as stress busters. Allot 10-15 minutes every day and do mental Pooja, which is good.

If you cannot do Saguna Ishta Devata Upasana then it means you have a heavy Rajo guna (mind wanders) or Tamo guna (we doze off). Krishna says that he has prescribed certain karmas for spiritual growth. What are they?

Pancha Maha Yagnyas

1. Deva Yagnya Ishwara Aradhana will purify the mind. Offer flowers, Deepa aradhana and pray for the welfare of the entire universe and not for your family alone.2. Pittru Yagnya Service to our parents and elders is extremely important. It is also a form of pooja. Take care of their needs when they are alive and do sradhham for them when they are gone.3. Manushya Yagnya Service to fellow human beings either financially, physically or otherwise. All forms of social service can be done according to your available resources.4. Bhuta Yagnya Service to Plants and animals as they are also part of the world infrastructure. E.g.: Tulasi pooja and Cow (Go) Pooja.5. Brahma Yagnya Perform ablutions to the Rishi parampara

These five Yagnyas are compulsory for spiritual growth. Daily ask what have you contributed to this infrastructure. Krishna Says- Worship me through these great Yagnyas. You will be successful in your spiritual journey. Mind will gradually calm down and you can graduate to the next step which is Ishta Devata Upasana.

If you cannot do this Pancha Maha Yagnya because you have so many worldly desires then Krishna Says - I will come down even further to Stage 1. I will convert this also into a Spiritual Sadana.

Verse 11

Anapekshah Shuchir Daksha Udaaseeno Gata VyathahaSarvaa-rambha Pari Thyaagi Yo Madbhakthah Sa Me Priyaha

Meaning: He who has no wants, who is pure and prompt, unconcerned, untroubled, and who is selfless in all his undertakings, he who is thus devoted to Me, is dear to Me.

Swamijis Narration

Krishna Says- If you cannot do the Pancha Maha Yagnyas then do Sahama Karma i.e.; Earn and Enjoy ( now it has become borrow and enjoy!!!). You can desire for the worldly result; but when you do the karma dedicate it to me. When you get the Result before enjoying the same keep it at the feet of the Lord. It is not to be treated as Karma Phalam but as Ishwara Prasadam.

Learn to accept every experience as Ishwara Prasadam. This way the reactive mind will slowly calm down. Emotional dependence on the Unpredictable world is injurious to your emotional health. We will slowly go towards Spiritual growth. Sorrow id the dependence on the world. Happiness is not emotionally dependence on the world. Non-reacting mind comes from Ishwara Prasada Bhavana- I accept whatever may be the Prasada.

Verse 11 Continued

By way of answering Arjunas question; Krishna presents five steps of discipline to attain Moksha- starting at the highest (Akshara Upasana) he comes down in 5 steps to Sahakama Karma which is the beginners level also known as Diluted Karma Yoga.

The five steps are the following:

1. Akshara Upasana2. Vishwaroopa Upasana3. Ishta Devata Upasana4. Pancha Maha Yagna5. Diluted Karma yoga

For the materialistic Bhakta who has not yet discovered the Spiritual Goal; the spiritual Sadanas are not all relevant. So Krishna prescribes such a bhakta with Diluted Karma Yoga. Krishna wants to guide the materialistic bhakti towards the spiritual goal through Diluted Karma yoga. May you pursue material goals in a dharmic way. However; you are going to get both success and failure. Dedicate both of them at the feet of the Lord and enjoy the results as Ishwara Prasada.

Then this success will not cause arrogance. When failures occur they can cause a deep scar in the mind. By accepting the results as Ishwara Prasada; emotional disturbances can be avoided. All worldly accomplishments have limitations:

1. All worldly accomplishments are mixed with joy and pain also.2. We never get satiated we crave for more. Therefore lack of satisfaction ia deficiency or limitation.3. As we become more and more dependent on the worldly attachments; the depth of emotional dependencies will only increase.

We need to realize these dependencies as limitations that will tie us down to this Samsara time will come then the person will turn words some other goal that is more worthy from materialism to spirituality. Thus this diluted Karma Yoga is also a path to discover the spiritual goal of Moksha.

Goal is to convert the materialistic bhakta into a spiritual bhakta; only then the spiritual Sadanas become relevant and can be practiced. I dedicate all experiences t the feet of the Lord and take it as Ishwara Prasada. All the five levels of Upasanas are equally important; and when they are all put together and practiced it is called as Bhakti Yoga.

Verse 12

Yo Na Hrishyati Na Dveshti Na Shochati Na KaankshatiShubha-ashubha Pari-thyaagiBhakti-maan Yah Sa Me' Priyaha

Meaning: He who neither rejoices nor hates nor grieves nor desires, renouncing good and evil (treating both as the same), full of devotion, he is dear to Me.Krishna wants everyone to decide where each one stands Level 1 to 5? Most of us are eligible for Level 1 only. Krishna senses a probable inferiority complex of these people and for their sake he is giving a booster Sloka here. Krishna wants to encourage the beginner also. Krishna praises a person who is at the lowest rung of the process as the greatest Sadaka. This is a form Artha Vada Sloka. i.e glorification of a material bhakta. He talks of four kinds of Sadanas namely: Abhyasa, Jnanam, Dhyanam and Karma Phala Tyagam.

1. Abhyasa a person who practices Ishwara Dhyanam without understanding the knowledge of Ishwara. This is Materialistic meditation.2. Jnanam The next level wherein a person has knowledge of God but does not practice meditation.3. Dhyanam - the next higher level which is Jnanam plus Meditation; one who practices meditation with Jnanam.4. Karma Phala Tyaga Diluted Karma Yogi is considered as the greatest sadaka. This is Artha Vada which is an exaggeration by Krishna for the sake of encouragement.; when he says that this diluted karma yogi is dear to me.

Karma Yoga of a materialistic bhakta is the greatest- Krishna says so for the purpose of encouragement. You need to feel bad as sooner or later you will realize the futility of the material world and turn to Vedanta or Spiritual practice.

Arjuna never asked what is Moksha even though he was Krishnas friend all along and only in the battlefield he turns to Krishna for knowledge. Everybody requires certain experience(s) to turn towards spirituality.

Verse 13

Samah Shatrau Cha Mitre Cha Thathaa Maanaapa-maana-yohoSheetho-shna Sukha-duhkheshu Samah Sanga Vivarjitaha

Meaning: He who is the same to foe and friend and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and heat, in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment...

The next question that may arise is are there people who have gone through all the five stages of spiritual progression? How will they confront the world? This may be the curiosity of Arjuna also? Do we need to accomplish all the stages in one life?

Scriptures say that we need not go through all the five stages in one life or Janma. The stages completed can be carried forward to the next life and one may start at the next stage. You drop only the physical body; the mind with the spiritual vasanas will be carried forward in the next Janma. A person who has gone through all the five stages is called a Jnani. Aham Brahmasmi is the culmination of Bhakti yoga.

Four types of Bhaktas:

1. Artha Bhakta Prays only to solve family problems2. Arthathi Bhakta Prays for success of ventures/business started by him 3. Jignashu Bhakta He has knowledge of Ishwara4. Jnani Bhakta He is a aware that there is no division between bhakta to Bhagawan. From Das bhakta to Soaham bhakta. This Advaita Jnani is a Jivamukta. Liberation is something that we can discover here and now while living in the body.

What type of mindset does a Jnani have? Krishna describes this in Verses 13 to 20.

A JNANI Bhakta is one, who has learnt to handle both Raga and Dvesha, which are the main internal enemies. Raga means likes; and Dvesha means dislikes. These two together is referred to as RD. This RD can become a very serious problem if left uncontrolled. When we wear colored glasses we cannot access situations without bias. When the situation is not complying with our RD it will produce Emotional Disturbance. (ED). RD produces ED.

RD to NS to ED

Raga Dvesha to Non-Complying Situation to Emotional Disturbance.

We dwell on the situation and allow ED to continue and grow very fast until it becomes uncontrollable. This will then lead to Emotional Slavery (ES). ED to ES can happen only with my support. The mind then produces anxiety, fear, stress etc. which is Samsara. RD to ED happens on its own for everyone; but Ed to ES causes Samsara due to our own state of the untrained mind. Then life itself becomes a burden.

Jnani is one who has trained his mind at all levels, in such a way that he does not allow Ed to become ES. He doesnt allow hatred to takeover his mind and control him. Since everything is expression of GOD; there is no question of justifiable or justified hatred. He does not nourish hatred towards anybody.

Maitrah means one who is friendly to everyone according to his available resources.

Karuna Evacha means capacity to consider emotions of the others. Empathy towards others means ability to look at the situation form anothers point of view. This embodiment of compassion is the greatest virtue.

Nirmamao Nirhankarah: Nothing belongs to me and I do not control anything and therefore he is free from Ahamkara and Mamakara. Eg: There is a constant worry in my mind to repair an old house for sometime when ever I see it. . I am not in position to repair the house, hence I sell it to someone else. Once I have sold the house and though I see it the same dilapidated condition, I no longer worry about it as it is not mine anymore. Hence I am not affected as the Ahamkara and Mamakara are dropped. The solution is to not change the world but we need to change our mind to dilute the Ahamkara and Mamakara and let GOD take care of the rest.

Sama Dukha Sukah: Karma affects the Jnani and Agjnani , but Jnani maintains his equipoised state of mind and therefor does not allow ED to become ES.

Kshama One who has the capacity to tolerate Pain. A Higher threshold for pain will lead to lower ED.

In the first twelve verses of Chapter 12, Krishna presents the five levels of Sadanas of Bhakti Yoga. Everyone has to go through all the five levels to culminate in Jnanam through practice of Sravanam, Mananam and Nidditasanam. The attainment of Jnanam is the goal. As one progresses through the five levels; refinement of the mind has to also happen parallely. Krishna often talks of this mental refinement as essential along with the intellectual Jnana. Krishna states a list of clear parameters to measure the state of this mental refinement. These parameters are in the form of looking at the pattern of our thoughts. This looking at our thoughts will indicate whether the mind is gross or refined.

We have a list of Virtuous and Ignoble Or Asuri thought patterns. Virtual thoughts need to be nourished and ignoble thoughts need to weeded out. Just like doing your garden, the plants (virtuous thoughts) need to be nourished and weeds (Asuri thoughts) need to be weeded out; the mind also needs to be tended on a continuous basis so that the mental gardening leads to mental refinement. When I maintain a beautiful garden that is beautiful, joyous and comfortable; this makes everyone happy to come near you and interact with you. Not only are you happy; others also enjoy your company. Therefore a healthy mind is essential for Spiritual growth.

In the Kato Upanishad there is a Sloka that encourages mental nourishment and refinement as very important. Any amount of Vedantic Knowledge and thoughts are not useful if the mind is not refined. To maintain a mental garden the following five methods are prescribed.

1. Viveka constantly reminding oneself that virtuous thoughts are advantageous for me and those around me also. Ignoble or Asuri thoughts need to be weeded out.2. Sankalpa Awareness all the time on the thought patterns that happen throughout the day. 3. Satsang association with people who maintain a mental garden. Through the process of Osmosis I will also develop spiritually in their company. 4. Prarthana Daily prayer wherein you pray for Jnana Vyragya Biksham Dehi may you give me refined mind with Jnanam. 5. Prathipaksha Bhavana When ignoble or Asuri thoughts arise; neutralize that with relevant virtuous thoughts. For e.g.: Anger to be replaced by patience; Greed with contentment; fear with confidence; hatred with love .

Deliberately inject a virtuous thought to eliminate the Asuri thought. When you go through the five levels of spiritual growth make sure that mental refinement happens by tending the mental garden continuously. Pursuit of the Knowledge is the medicine; and maintenance of the mental garden is the Patyam. Medicine and Patyam go hand in hand for spiritual growth. This needs to start at Level 1 itself for us to have virtuous thoughts as second nature. A Jnani is one who ha strained hs mind to have virtuous thoughts deliberately or naturally. Jnanam is able to produce a total result, which is Jivan Mukthi. Krishna thus describes the Glory of the Jnani who enjoys all this effortlessly.

Thins to weed out

First things weed out are1. Dvesha hatred There should be no single one on your hate list. Even you should have hate for the person who tries to harm you. You may disapprove his behavior but nobody in the creation should be hated. Hate will disturb your peace of mind. Pray to GOD for the person to change but do not hate anyone.

2. Ahamkara & Mamkara - Need to love and care for your people without attachment. If there is attachment then it leads to obsession. Any form of obsession is a weed and needs to be removed.

What is Kshma?

Kshama is capacity to tolerate pain. It is a very important virtue from two angles:

1. Life involves going through pleasures along with pain also. It is better to be prepared as early as possible to withstand pain. It is like developing immunity. Practice austerities and penances to build emotional immunity. Welcome adversities so that your Tithiksha will increase.2. Only if you have Kshama, you will have the tolerance to prevent impulsive responses to life events and situations. We do not have time to study the quality of our response. You need Kshama to prevent impulsive responses, which may harm you or others around you. You must stay clam even under the most provoking situations.3. Anger is the worst enemy of a human being. The only remedy for anger is Kshama. Action or Inaction must be thoughtful. Reaction is impulsive and must be avoided. Without Kshama Moksha can never be attained.

Verse 14

Thulya Nindaa Sthuthir Mounee Santhushto Yena Kena ChithAniketah Sthirah Mathir Bhakthi-maan Me Priyo Naraha

Meaning: To whom blame and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, free of selfish attachment, steady-minded and full of devotion-such a one is dear to Me.An Yogi means a person who has made sure that his mind is available for serving him. Mind is continuously entertaining Involuntary thoughts (IT). After some time these involuntary thoughts (IT) begin to control and own the mind. It comes in as a tenant and becomes the owner. Most of the time the involuntary thoughts (IT) own the mind and the mind is not available for our purposes. IT is the owner of the mind.

When IT is hovering in the mind (some of them are harmful such as anxiety, worry, fear, hatred etc.) ; you are not bale to vacate them and this immobilizes you permanently leading to Ed and then ES. When the mind is becoming a problem where will you go? YOGA is training the mind to remove IT at will.You should practice Yoga daily and vacate the IT at will. One who has done that is an YOGI. Asthanga Yoga has been prescribed to remove IT.

Santhusta means contentment. It is a very important virtue of a Jnani. This is in contrast to what drives the Modern world. Modern thoughts say discontentment is the seed or driving force for progress. How then to solve this contradiction. As discontentment causes unhappiness this is not a virtue.

Vedanta says that you claim Apara Prakruthi while enjoying Para Prakruthi i.e. use your Para Prakruthi to improve Apara Prakruthi and Innovate Happily.

Yatatma means integrated personality

Druda Niscayah means he has firm knowledge of Apara and Para Prakruthi.

Krishna says such a devotee is very dear to me.

Verse 15

Ye TuDharmyaam Amritam-idam Yathoktam ParyupaasatheyShraddha Daana Mat ParamaBhaktaastetiva Mey Priyaaha

Meaning: Those, who follow this immortal dharma described above with devotion and faith, looking upon Me as the Supreme Goal, they are exceedingly dear to Me.

Swamijis Narration

A Jnanis mind is tough and at the same time tender also. He always treats everyone tenderly so that he does not hurt them in any way. This is his empathy for others. At the same time when others handle him roughly, he is perturbed by this situation. He can easily change his quality of his mind that brings out his mental toughness. He is not hurt by others actions or words. He has avoided all the weeds such as over-elation- when things are going well. He is aware that this is not permanent and will also go away, therefore he is not carried away by the situation. Similarly he is not affected by jealousy, fear, anxiety etc. Krishna says such a devotee is very dear to me.

All our scriptures emphasize mental refinement through mental gardening to constantly weed out non-spiritual or Asuri thoughts. At the Sadana level this has to be practiced deliberately. This will become spontaneous for a Jnani on continuous practice. The Jnani has an unique mind which is both soft and tender towards others yet at the same time tough when he faces harsh experiences from others. His mind is harder than diamond yet softer than a flower.

Verse 16

Anapekshah Shuchir Daksha Udaaseeno Gata VyathahaSarvaa-rambha Pari Thyaagi Yo Madbhakthah Sa Me Priyaha

He who has no wants, who is pure and prompt, unconcerned, untroubled, and who is selfless in all his undertakings, he who is thus devoted to Me, is dear to Me.Swamijis Narration

Anapeksha means one who does not emotionally depend on the world or the family. A Jnani does not depend on external objects, people or the world. All the worldly objects are ephemeral in nature; they are not predictable and if you depend on them it becomes risky. Never use the world for emotional dependence; use them only to serve you.

Sankaracharya says in his Bhaja Govindam to focus on the lord and chant his glory. Learning to depend on that which is reliable and permanent is essential. So you choose to take support of Bhagawan in the form of your Ishta Devata and gain emotional succor from Ishwara. He instills the Ishta Devata in his own heart. God dependence will convert itself slowly into self-dependence. This is called liberation or Moksha.

Shuchir means one who is clean at the physical level. A Jnani is also clean in his speech; virtuous speech. A the mental level also he is very clean. Purity of speech will be talked about further in Chapter 17 of the Gita.

Daksha means one who is an expert or quick witted. There is no subjectivity in his approach. Spiritual knowledge helps in handling the world also.

Udaasenno A Jnani does not involve in any groupism at all levels whether they be political, social or involving the family. Rumor- mongering is diligently avoided.

Gata Vyathaha a Jnani does not allow sadness to remain in the mind in spite of any adverse situation also. He does not allow ED to go to ES. Sadness comes from IT (involuntary Thoughts). Sadness is an expression of Samsara.

Sarvaa-rambha Pari Thyaagi A Jnani is full within himself; he does not need anything from the external world including Artha, Kama and Moksha. He is Jiva Muktha Already. Krishna Says such a Jnani Bhakta is very dear to me.Verse 17

Yo Na Hrishyati Na Dveshti Na Shochati Na KaankshatiShubha-ashubha Pari-thyaagiBhakti-maan Yah Sa Me' Priyaha

Meaning:He who neither rejoices nor hates nor grieves nor desires, renouncing good and evil (treating both as the same), full of devotion, he is dear to Me.

Swamijis Narration

A Jnani is one who does not allow any emotion (both positive and negative) to overwhelm his mind. The emotions are all-powerful and may cloud the mind to discriminate and affect the intellect. Arjuna was clear that the Mahabharata War was a Dharma Yudha; but once he entered the battlefield and saw his kith and kin aligned against him his emotions overwhelmed him and clouded his intellect.

A virus is called a Vital Information Resources Under Siege. Similar to a virus affecting the body, the emotions can take over the mind and disable the intellect. So do not nourish the emotions as both the mind and intellect are affected. Do not nourish too much elation or to much depression in the mind. Do not dwell on the hatred also. Keep the mind clean and remove these Asuri thoughts by mental gardening. Carry your Ishta Devata in the mind who is reliable and permanent.

Shubha Ashubha Pari thyaagi An householder (Grihastha) can study the Vedanta and practice the five levels of Sadanas as prescribed for his spiritual progress. But there social, family and religious responsibilities also that he has to perform. Do not neglect them, take care of them up to certain level and then go from Grihastha to Sanyasa at which point these duties and responsibilities are dropped. Then as a Sanyasi you can spend time on Sravanam, Mananam and Nidditasanam. Jnani as a Sanyasi can drop all these duties; it is like a VRS option.

Verse 18 & 19

Samah Shatrau Cha Mitre Cha Thathaa Maanaapa-maana-yohoSheetho-shna Sukha-duhkheshu Samah Sanga Vivarjitaha

Meaning: He who is the same to foe and friend and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and heat, in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment...

Thulya Nindaa Sthuthir Mounee Santhushto Yena Kena ChithAniketah Sthirah Mathir Bhakthi-maan Me Priyo Naraha

Meaning: To whom blame and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, free of selfish attachment, steady-minded and full of devotion-such a one is dear to Me.

Swamijis Narration

Life involves continuous confrontation of opposite experiences. E.g.: profit/Loss; togetherness/separation; birth/death; pairs of opposite experiences many of which are determined by ones own karma. These karmas need to fructify in this Janma and they gradually unfold as we grow as Punyam and Papam. Nobody can avoid this. We need to improve our emotional immunity. The best way is by learning to look at the creation from the Vishwaroopa angle. All are universal facts and they are to be accepted without any resistance. Accepting facts without resistance will increase the Tithiksha.

We have both friends and enemies in the world; both within the family and outside. So we need accept them as is and remain equipoised. Similarly we face Mananam and apamanam ; honor and dishonor at the action level. As long as we are a contributing member of the family we have honor and respect; however on retirement our own children may dishonor us.

Other pair of opposites like Heat and Cold, Sukah and Dukah; Praise and Censures do affect us in the world. These are facts of life; learn to withstand them and do not allow ED to go to ES. A Jnani carefully avoids all these emotional disturbances.

Ninda and Sthuthir means honor and dishonor at the verbal level. A Jnani does not depend on the events of the world for his emotional well being and therefore remains equipoised always. Do not have any rigid expectations or demands at any level.

Mauni does not necessarily mean silence; it means one who has controlled speech. He will speak only when someone is interested in listening to him.

Santhushto Yena Kena Chith means one who is happy with whatever he has or whatever comes or is available in terms of food, clothing and shelter.

Aniketah means one who does not have a residence. When he is Sanyasi he moves from place to place. A Grihastha Jnani remembers that he does not own any home; he is just a user and not an owner.

Sthirah Mathir He maintains his knowledge through all these experiences.

Verse 20

Ye TuDharmyaam Amritam-idam Yathoktam ParyupaasatheyShraddha Daana Mat ParamaBhaktaastetiva Mey Priyaaha

Meaning: Those, who follow this immortal dharma described above with devotion and faith, looking upon Me as the Supreme Goal, they are exceedingly dear to Me.Swamijis Narration

Krishna says - All the spiritual seekers who try to follow the five levels of the Bhakti yoga sincerely including the virtues mentioned here are very dear to me.

Paryupaasathey means tries to followShraddha Daana means with sincerityMat Parama -Para Prakruthi

When you take a dip in the Ganges River at Haridwar; they fix a chain on the bank for you to hold on and not get washed away. Similarly hold on to Bhagawan as an anchor and practice the five levels of bhakti Yoga to attain Moksha. So ends the twelfth chapter of the Gita, wherein the first part Krishna outlines the Bhakti yoga (Verses 1-12) and in the next 8 verses he talks talk about the qualities of a Jnani Bhakta who is very dear to him.

Chapter 12 - Asheer Vachanam by Swamiji

Krishna says that the Bhakti Yoga is not a single Sadana and consists of three stages namely: karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga and Jnana Yoga. You need to go through all the three stages to attain Moksha. It is not optional and everyone has to practice Karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

1. Karma Yoga Karma Yoga starts with dedicating all actions (worldly & religious) as offering to the Lord. This is Ishwara Arpana Bhavana (as a Kartha). I cannot do a shoddy job; excellence is important, as what I give to God must be the best. I do the job well and can pray for success to GOD, however he is the one who is going to decide the result. Lord you alone can decide the result and I accept the same whatever it may be. Please grant me the strength to face and accept whatever may be the result. Even if the result is unfavorable; I am prepared to accept it. This acceptance without complaint is called Ishwara Prasada Bhavana (as a Boktha).

Kartha plus Boktha is a junior Karma Yogi. Krishna then talks of the next step that pleases Bhagawan and hastens the spiritual growth. This is called Pancha Maha Yagnya. 1. Deva Yagnya2. Pittru Yagnya3. Manushya Yagnya4. Bhuta Yagnya5. Brahma Yagnya

A Pancha Maha Upasaka then becomes a senior Karma Yogi.

2. Upasana Yoga

Spend sometime daily in meditation by invoking your Ishta Devata in your mind. Pick up a Nama associated with the Ishta Devata and chant that Bhagawan Nama sincerely. Unknowingly we will imbibe all the virtues by chanting his Nama. This Is Ishta Devata Upasana or the Junior level of Upasana Yoga.

We need to graduate to the next level slowly. Bhagawan is not confined to a particular form. The form is only a representation of the total. He represents the entire universe, which is the first avatara of the Lord. Other avataras come and go (Rama, Krishna) whereas the Universe the first avatara of the lord is always available. Learn to see the Universe as Bhagawan this is called the Vishwaroopa Ishwara or Vishwaroopa Upasana or the Senior level of Upasana Yoga.

3. Jnana Yoga

This is enquiry into the truth of everything i.e. Jiva, Jagat and Ishwara. Truth is Advaitam or Aksharam. This truth appears as Jiva, Jagat and Ishwara Sat Chit Anandam. The truth is also in me. Thus practicing the Karma, Upasana and Jnana Yoga will lead to Moksha. You can take as much time as you want to complete the three levels; maybe in one Janma or in multiple Janmas.

This completes the first part of Chapter 12.

In the second Part of Chapter 12, Krishna describes the qualities of a Jnani or Jivan Muktha.

All the plurality is Name and Form; Truth is Advaitam

A Jnani is never shaken by Dvaita Anubhava. (Sun goes around the Earth-VS Earth going around the Sun). He has the right understanding at the intellectual level and has a refined mind at the mental level also. He does not allow the situation to lead to emotional disturbances and is equipoised even in adverse situations. Keep your mind refined through continuous mental gardening and remove all Asuri thoughts. He also has several virtuous qualities; to name a few such as Kshama ; Nirmama/Nirhankara

Kshama means patience and tolerance. Practice self-restraint and avoid impulsive responses (reaction). Choose action or inaction after careful deliberation but avoid reaction.

Nirmama/Nirahamkara I am not the owner of anything nor do I control anything. We are temporary users of Bhagawans property on a transactional basis. I am a user and contributor; never an owner or controller. Bhagawan is the ultimate owner and will take care of the future. This is the path to liberation or Moksha.