Engage in action with equanimity amidst success and failure, embodying the essence of yoga as skill in action.
Realize the true self beyond conditioned motives, experiencing life from a perspective of unattached action.
Deep dives
Overview of the Bagavad Gita
The podcast delves into the essential teachings of the Bagavad Gita, emphasizing its relevance to daily life and personal growth. The Gita is presented as a dialogue between god and the seeker, symbolizing an inner battlefield reflective of individual evolution, with an invitation to introspect and contemplate one's purpose. The importance of multiple readings of the Gita from different perspectives is highlighted, encouraging listeners to engage with the text beyond its surface storyline.
Action and Duty in the Gita
The episode discusses the concept of action without attachment to outcomes as advocated in the Gita, emphasizing the significance of performing duties without being driven by fear or desire for rewards. The principle of 'Arise, resolved on battle, treating alike pleasure and pain, gain and loss' is highlighted as a call to engage in action with an even mind, embodying the essence of yoga as skill in action and maintaining equanimity amidst success and failure.
Interpretation of the Doctrine of Rebirth
The podcast elucidates the doctrine of rebirth or reincarnation as outlined in the Gita, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death and the eternal soul's journey through transmigration. The discussion unfolds the idea that the self is indestructible and eternal, transitioning between bodies like casting off worn-out garments, leading to contemplation on the transcendental nature of existence beyond birth and death.
Essence of Acting Without Motive
The episode explores the notion of acting without motive, drawing parallels between divine action and human conduct in the context of the Gita's teachings. Emphasizing the concept that free and moral actions arise from a state of being unmotivated, the podcast offers insights into realizing the true self beyond conditioned motives, highlighting the significance of experiencing life from a perspective of unattached action and aligning with the eternal now of the universe.
Ram Dass joins Alan for a look at the tools that the Bhagavad Gita offers us to face life's challenges head-on.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/alan
This series is made in partnership with the Alan Watts Organization. Discover the official Alan Watts archive at alanwatts.org
