Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita. The podcast explores the path of devotion versus the path of knowledge, the importance of Shraddha, finding inner peace, the consequences of pursuing pleasure, spiritual maturity, and the concept of Akshara.
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Quick takeaways
Devotion to God is declared as superior to the path of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of faith, control of senses, and working for the welfare of all beings.
The path of knowledge entails profound inquiry and realization of the unmanifest and imperishable Aksharam, leading to liberation and the realization of one's true nature.
Deep dives
The Path of Devotion is Superior
Krishna declares that the path of devotion, or Bhakti Yoga, is superior to the path of knowledge or Gyan Yoga. Arjuna asks which is the better path, and Krishna responds that devotion to God is superior. He explains that those who are devoted to the imperishable, unmanifest, all-pervading, changeless, and eternal attain liberation. These spiritual seekers control their senses, are even-minded, and work for the welfare of all beings. Krishna emphasizes that faith or Shraddha is crucial in this path, as it provides stability, focus, and energy. He further highlights that those who are fulfilled by spiritual practices and realization are the most centered among spiritual seekers.
The Concept of Aksharam
Krishna describes the Aksharam, the ultimate reality, as that which is imperishable, unmanifest, and inconceivable. It cannot be known by the senses, language, or thoughts. The Aksharam is neither an object of observation nor an object of designation. It is the underlying basis of the ever-changing world, existing unshakably amidst the transient phenomena. Krishna uses the term Kuta-stham to refer to this stability, Achalam to denote its unchanging nature, and Dhruvam to convey its inherent existence. These concepts highlight the unbounded, timeless, and independent nature of the Aksharam.
The Difficulty of Attaining the Aksharam
Krishna explains that the path of knowledge requires profound inquiry, realization, and contemplation of the Aksharam. This path is difficult because it entails transcending the limitations of language, sense perception, and conventional understanding. The Aksharam cannot be comprehended through the usual categories of class, quality, action, or relation. However, those who successfully tread this path attain liberation and realize their true nature as the Aksharam itself. Krishna thus emphasizes the challenge and the ultimate rewards of the path of knowledge.
Transition to Bhakti Yoga
After discussing the path of knowledge, Krishna transitions to the topic of Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion. He will delve deeper into the practices, attainments, and challenges associated with this path in the upcoming verses. By highlighting the superiority of devotion and its connection to ultimate liberation, Krishna sets the stage for a thorough exploration of Bhakti Yoga and its transformative power.
Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Chapter 12 (Verse 3-4) of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".
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