Pragmatic Bhagavad Gita: Unlocking the Practical Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Krsnadaasa

Success in Bhakti is based on atma-samarpan In the previous verses, Shri Krishna mentioned the various yogas, austerities, penances etc that spiritual aspirants practice, and how success in all of them was based on personal will power. And then Shri KRishna explained the difference between them and Bhakti Yoga where the success is based on surrender (atma-samarpan) and directing our senses towards Bhagavan.  Here, he describes the various pranayama practices done by yogis as a means to attain liberation.  Prana is often mistaken to be the same as breath, but this isn't accurate. Prana means ‘life force’. By learning to control our breathing, we can gain control over our life force and its activities within us. When we look closely, we see that the scriptures use Prana to describe different aspects of life within a living body. It's the energy that runs the different systems within us. Typically, there are five types of Pranas highlighted, which actually refer to five fundamental bodily functions. The Prana that controls perception and enables us to interact with the world around us is called "Prana" itself. It governs the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and allows for the intake of substances, such as food and air. The function of excretion is overseen by "Apana," which regulates the elimination of waste from our body. It's like the waste management system of the body, involved in processes like urination, defecation, and menstruation. The digestive function, responsible for breaking down food and assimilating nutrients, is governed by "Samana" It regulates the digestion and distribution of energy derived from the food we consume. The circulatory system, which carries nutrients throughout the body, is maintained by "Vyana". It's the force that facilitates the circulation of energies, ensuring that the nutrients from our food reach every corner of our body. Lastly, the Prana that oversees our ability to grow and enhance our mental and intellectual life is "Udana". This is the energy that moves upwards and aids in conscious actions such as speech. It is also said to play a role in the functioning of the memory, thought process, and emotions. Most people aren't consciously aware of these inner life activities. But through Pranayama, a breathing technique, we can gain control over these systems. This means that a seeker, or someone on a spiritual path, can use Pranayama to withdraw his senses and focus inward. This ability to focus inward is particularly helpful when meditating. Breathing consists of four parts: Pūrak — the process of drawing the breath into the lungs. Inhaling. Rechak — the process of emptying the lungs of breath. Exhaling.  Antar Kumbhak — holding the breath in the lungs after inhalation.  Sacrifice through PranayamaBāhya Kumbhak — keeping the lungs empty after exhalation.

Prerequisites for succeeding in Nishkama Karma Yoga In the last few verses, we learned the importance of nishkama karma as it was the only way to engage in inaction and avoid the karmic reactions of our actions. Shree Krishna explains a few key traits of pure devotees who have mastery over their minds and are capable of nishkama karma.  Nirashih - Free from expectations Yata Chittatma - Full control over their mind and intellect Tyakta Sarva Parigraha - Free from sense of ownership Krishna says that people with these traits, when they perform nishkama karma, they are not bound by their actions and they do not incur any sin. We have to realize that nobody can escape from the dual nature of this world. Wherever there is night, there is also day. Where there is happiness, there will also be sadness. Where there is abundance there will also be scarcity. Etc. These are called Dwandwas. They always go together. If you have one, you will have the other also. So if you can experience happiness today, you will be experiencing sadness (unhappiness) some other day. It is not a question of if but rather a question of when.  The concept of Dwandwa, or duality, is a fundamental principle in many philosophical and spiritual traditions. The dual nature of the world is described in many scriptures and philosophies, both Eastern and Western. Upanishads: In the Upanishads, which are ancient Indian scriptures, this dual nature is extensively discussed. For instance, the Isha Upanishad (verse 9) talks about those who engage in the dualities of the world, and contrasts them with those who seek the underlying unity. It is suggested that the wise should avoid the snare of duality which arises from ignorance and attachment. Buddhism: In Buddhism, the concept of "Samsara" refers to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, characterized by dukkha (suffering, anxiety, dissatisfaction). Buddha preached about transcending this duality of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, and so forth through the Eightfold Path, towards the state of Nirvana which is beyond all dualities. Taoism: In Taoism, the concept of Yin and Yang symbolizes the duality of the universe. Everything has both yin (dark, passive, downward, cold, contracting, and weak) and yang (light, active, upward, hot, expanding, and strong) aspects. Harmony of life lies in balancing these opposites. Christianity: Even in Christian thought, there are teachings which speak to the dual nature of the world. For example, in the Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, it is said that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, etc. The ninth verse from the Isha Upanishad is very interesting and insightful in this context: अन्धं तमः प्रविशन्ति येऽविद्यामुपासते । ततो भूय इव ते तमो य उ विद्यायां रताः ॥ 9॥ Andhaṃ tamaḥ praviśanti ye'vidyāmupāsate | Tato bhūya iva te tamo ya u vidyāyāṃ ratāḥ || 9 || Into blinding darkness enter those who worship ignorance (Avidya and rituals). Into greater darkness, as it were, enter those who blindly worship Vidya. This verse is a commentary on two groups of people. The first group is those who engage in rites and rituals without understanding the underlying principles of unity in the divine – these people, according to the verse, are entering into blinding darkness. The second group is those who are engrossed only in the intellectual understanding of divine knowledge, but do not have humility and compassion and do not practice devotional activities and other things that they learned. Such people, it says, enter into an even greater darkness. The Dualities of NatureKnowledge without action, and action without understanding, are both incomplete. It's a teaching about the importance of holistic spiritual development: understanding, acting on that understanding, and unifying oneself with the divine in all aspects of life.

The varnas created by Shri Krishna Shri Krishna says that he created the four categories of occupations according to people’s qualities and activities. What we need to understand is that Krishna, as he is saying, created these categories of occupations based on the people’s qualities or gunas, not based just on birth. In olden times, even the son’s of kings had to prove themselves and pass various tests before becoming eligible to rule. It was only corrupt and weak kings who eventually made it a hereditary affair. A great example is Chandragupta Maurya. One of the most successful kings and leaders of all time. He was born of low caste and adopted by the great Chanakya and groomed to become one of the best kings that India ever produced. That was the concept of caste system which Krishna had created. Where people became Kshatriyas or Brahmanas or Vaishyas or Shudras based on their gunas.  If you notice, most avatars of Krishna lived the lives of Vaishyas and Kshatriyas. Buddha was born a Kshatriya and eventually went on to become the most successful preacher of all times although preaching was the domain of Brahmins. Nobody should be proud simply because they were born Brahmins or feel inferior because they were born in lower castes. What is important is how we cultivate our gunas and how we conduct ourselves. Our ultimate success on the spiritual path and liberation is determined by our gunas and karmic activities along with faith and devotion and not based on our caste or race. As Krishna himself has said, he is the creator of Maya however he is not impacted by Maya. He is the creator of the caste system however he is above all castes. He is also a perfect soul who is above the laws of karma and not bound by the cycles of cause and effect. As we read in chapter 3, the sages and saints who are self realized are content in the Atman and are qualified to give up all action. Then, why do they still perform various activities like preaching, writing books, performing devotional service, etc.? The reason is that they wish to serve God, and are inspired to do works for his pleasure.  The other reason is that they feel compassion on seeing the sufferings of the materially bound souls who are lacking God consciousness, and they work for their spiritual elevation. That is the example set by Krishna where he performed various duties and actions with the intent of helping humanity find the path to liberation. Gautama Buddha once said, “After attaining enlightenment, you have two options—either you do nothing (Bhajananandi), or you help others attain enlightenment (Sevanandi).” As we read in earlier chapters, doing your duties without achment and working in devotion attracts the grace of God. Shree Krishna is advising Arjun to also do the same, to perform actions as a service to God, without any attachment. Maya is Shri Krishna’s own energy but He is not impacted by itAction and Inaction

Shri Krishna and His Yogamaya In 4.6 Shri Krishna says that “Although I am unborn, the Lord of all living entities, and have an imperishable nature, yet I appear in this world by virtue of Yogmaya, my divine power”. There are many people who believe that God is ‘only’ formless. So they doubt Krishna saying “He was born like a human and died like a human, so how can He be God”. Here Krishna is explaining his Leela. That He appears in this world and plays the role of a human for the sake of humankind.  There are three parts to this verse: “Although I am unborn, imperishable, and the Lord of all beings": Here, Krishna is referring to his divine nature. As a form of the Supreme Being, he is eternal (unborn and imperishable) and the ultimate controller of all beings. "controlling My own material nature": This refers to Krishna's supremacy over the material world and its nature. He is not subject to the laws of the material world but rather controls and governs them. "I come into being by My own magic potency": Here, Krishna is explaining the concept of his divine descents or "avataras." He descends into the material world by his own will and divine power, not by the laws of karma that govern the births and deaths of ordinary living entities. In essence, this verse underscores Krishna's divine and supreme nature. He is not bound by the material world and its laws, and his incarnations in the physical world are acts of his own divine will and potency, not due to karmic laws. This verse is part of a larger discourse where Krishna is explaining his divine nature and role in the cosmos to Arjuna. Krishna lived and performed all prescribed duties. He led by example and inspired humanity to follow the right path. That was one of the purposes of his incarnation as a human being.  When people insist that God is only formless, it is like saying that the sun is only light. However in reality, the sun is both, the source of light as well as the light itself. Just like that, God can be both formless as well as having various forms. Krishna says that he doesn’t have to be born in human form however he chooses to do so. Why does he choose to do so? Krishna will explain that in the next two verses. Before that, we should understand a subtle aspect, where Krishna says that he will ‘manifest’ or ‘appear’. Not ‘born’. As per the scriptures, Krishna was not technically born out of Devaki’s womb although he made it look like that based on his powers. It is said that before being born, he manifested himself in the form of Vishnu in front of Devaki and Vasudev.  And then Krishna speaks these two very prominent and popular verses: यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत | अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् || 4.7|| परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् | धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे || 4.8|| Whenever there is a decline in dharma and an increase in adharma, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth.  And what would be his goal for manifesting on earth? He says he will do three things: To protect the sadhus and the righteous He will destroy/ annihilate the wicked, and He will reestablish the principles of dharma  And Krishna says that he will continue doing this in every yuga as per the need. What a wonderful assurance! Krishna is saying that he will personally manifest on earth during such times. Some people have questioned in the past, why does Krishna have to descend Himself on earth for this? Why can’t he just send some of his assistants to do the job? There is a story of Akbar, the mughal ruler. It is said that he was a unique ruler who was wise and kind and not cruel like other mughal rulers. Akbar used to read the Bhagavad Gita and he even got it translated into Persian language. Shri Krishna’s warning and assuranceShri Krishna’s love for His devotees

Strengthening Arjuna’s faith in Shri Krishna’s teachings Shree Krishna is sharing profound wisdom with Arjuna to strengthen his faith in the teachings. He encourages Arjuna to eliminate any doubts in his mind using this enlightening knowledge. Krishna then urges Arjuna to rise and fulfill his duty as a warrior. In Chapter 4, Shri Krishna explains that the knowledge he is imparting is not something newly created for the purpose of motivating Arjuna into battle. It is the timeless science of Yoga that Krishna originally taught to Vivasvan, the Sun God. Vivasvan passed it on to Manu, the father of humankind, who then instructed it to Ikshvaku, the first king of the Solar dynasty and ruler of the entire planet. The Sun has a very special place and purpose for humanity and it is exalted in the vedas often. One of the most important mantras in the Rig Veda is: ॐ तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं, भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि, धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥ “Om tat savitur varenyam,  Bhargo devasya dhimahi, Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat” ॐ (Om) - Universal sound/Primal sound; तत् (tat) - that; सवितुर्वरेण्यं (savitur varenyam) - of the divine Sun, worthy of worship; भर्गो (bhargo) - radiant, effulgent; देवस्य (devasya) - of the deity; धीमहि (dhimahi) - we meditate upon; धियो (dhiyo) - intellects; यो (yo) - who; नः (nah) - our; प्रचोदयात् (pracodayat) - may inspire/enlighten; We meditate upon the divine Sun, the radiant source of light and life, who is worthy of worship. May He inspire our intellects. There are two ways of getting knowledge. One is called the descending process and the other is called the ascending process. What Krishna is explaining is the descending process of knowledge, where someone who is a perfect authority on the knowledge passes it down to another who wishes to know. The descending process of knowledge is the reception of knowledge or wisdom from a higher or divine source. It is the idea that true and profound knowledge can be revealed or transmitted from a higher spiritual realm, deity, guru, or through divine revelation. In the descending process, knowledge is considered to be timeless, eternal, and absolute. It is believed that this knowledge descends from a higher source to enlightened beings or directly to receptive individuals. The descending process involves a top-down approach, where knowledge is received as a revelation or divine grace. Whereas, the ascending process of knowledge refers to the human endeavor to understand and acquire knowledge through personal effort, observation, study, analysis, and logical reasoning. It is the process of gaining knowledge by using our senses, intellect, and faculties to explore the world around us. In this approach, knowledge is acquired through external sources such as books, teachers, and experiences. The ascending process involves a bottom-up approach, where we start from individual observations and build a broader understanding. Both the ascending and descending processes of knowledge are seen as complementary and interconnected. The ascending process enables us to explore and comprehend the material world, while the descending process provides us with deeper insights, spiritual truths, and higher wisdom that surpasses ordinary intellectual understanding. However, the ascending process of knowledge is error prone and tends to get outdated quickly. Whereas, descending knowledge is eternal and perfect. That is why the knowledge of Bhagavad gita is still relevant today even though it was originally passed on by Krishna to the Sun God millions of years ago. And it will stay relevant for eternity. The significance of Sun GodAscending and Descending process of knowledge

Revision of the 3rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita where student volunteers answer various questions pertaining to this chapter.

Step into an enlightening discussion centered onBhagavad Gita 3.36–3.43, where Arjuna asks Krishna the pivotal question: “What force compels us to act against our own better judgment?” Krishna’s response unveilslust, which when left unchecked evolves intoanger, as the “eternal enemy” that clouds spiritual understanding. In this podcast, we delve deep into the significance ofovercoming lust, a crucial step for anyone seeking genuine self-mastery and divine connection.We begin by unpacking Krishna’s profound explanation of how lust arises in the mind and intellect. By examining the root ofsinful desire, we uncover how unchecked passions become stumbling blocks on the path to spiritual growth. Discover why these verses emphasize the necessity ofcontrol over the senses and how such control paves the way for greater mental peace. Along the way, we explore the importance ofspiritual intelligence as a tool that helps us recognize and navigate the illusions of lust and anger.In practical terms, the guidance Krishna offers inBhagavad Gita 3.36–3.43 resonates with those of us confronting daily challenges. Listen in as we discuss effective ways tomaster the mind, transform destructive impulses, and align ourselves with a higher purpose. We highlight methods to apply this wisdom, including meditative focus, mindful action, and cultivating empathy. These powerful strategies can help redirect your energy away from fleeting desires toward spiritual clarity, setting a firm foundation forhigher self mastery.Our conversation also explores how understanding these verses helps us break the cycle of anger that often follows unfulfilled lust. When desires remain unsatisfied, frustration brews, creating internal and external tensions. Krishna’s message urges us to transcend this negative spiral by focusing on loving service, humility, and unwavering devotion. As you listen, you will learn why sincere devotion to a higher principle can gradually dissolve the very seed of lust within us, replacing it with a genuine longing for purity and connection.This podcast ultimately offers hope and inspiration for anyone battling inner conflicts. Instead of denying the presence of lust and anger, we learn to confront them head-on with steadfast determination and knowledge. Through Krishna’s timeless insights, we are reminded that real freedom arises when we recognize that our true enemy lies within, and the key to victory is a balanced blend of discipline and devotion.Join us on this journey of self-discovery, whereKrishna’s guidance lights the way towardrising above passion. Let these timeless verses encourage you to evolve, free from the clutches of anger and desire, and empowered by the promise of a more peaceful, spiritually enriched life.krsnadaasa(Servant of Krishna)

The chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom on fulfilling one’s duty with devotion, clarity, and detachment. In this episode, we explore Swadharma, the principle that every individual has a unique role in life, dictated by their nature, inclinations, and past karma. Krishna emphasizes that it is far better to perform one’s own duty, even imperfectly, than to succeed in another’s duty, for following someone else’s path leads to confusion and fear. Krishna explains that actions aligned with Swadharma bring growth, while those performed against one’s nature create bondage. He warns against forcing enlightenment upon those who are not ready, as wisdom must be shared gradually. This teaching aligns with Samatvam, the ability to act with mental equipoise, free from attachment to success or failure. Throughout the episode, we delve into Krishna’s advice on performing duties without attachment, understanding the law of karma, and how self-mastery leads to liberation. We also discuss the dangers of attachment and aversion, two forces that can hijack the mind if left unchecked. Join us as we uncover the deeper layers of Swadharma, Samatvam, and the path to true spiritual evolution. Krsnadaasa (Servant of Krishna)

In this episode, we explore Lokasangraha (Leadership by Example), as emphasized by Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Through timeless examples of great leaders like King Janaka and Harishchandra, Krishna highlights the power of selfless action to inspire others and uphold societal harmony. This teaching, rooted in Lokasangraha, underscores the responsibility of leaders to act not for personal gain but for the welfare of the world. Shri Krishna demonstrates how leaders must perform their duties with detachment, setting a standard for others to emulate. Even the enlightened, who are beyond worldly obligations, engage in rightful actions to guide and uplift society. Krishna’s own life exemplifies this principle—from his role as a student in the gurukul to his duties as a Kshatriya and a King. Each action, driven by Lokasangraha, serves as a beacon of inspiration for humanity. We also discuss the interplay of nature’s gunas and the importance of overcoming false ego, as highlighted in stories like Ashtavakra Muni’s lesson on attachment and the Isha Upanishad’s wisdom. These teachings illuminate how acting without attachment and with a sense of higher purpose leads to true self-realization and societal welfare. Drawing parallels to modern scenarios, we examine how Lokasangraha applies to contemporary leadership challenges, workplaces, and communities. Practical examples, like George Harrison’s spiritual journey under Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, illustrate how individuals can use their unique talents to inspire others and spread positivity. Join us to uncover the transformative power of Lokasangraha (Leadership by Example), and learn how embodying this principle can elevate your leadership, spiritual journey, and contributions to the world. kṛṣṇadaasa(Servant of Krishna)

The power of gratitude and selflessness In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on verses 3.13 to 3.19. These verses highlight the profound concepts of gratitude and selflessness, emphasizing how they form the foundation of spiritual growth and balanced living. Krishna teaches us that by offering everything we consume, from food to material objects, to the Divine, we elevate our consciousness and free ourselves from karmic reactions. This episode delves into the power of selfless action (Yajna) and how it sustains the cycle of nature, ensuring balance in the world. Through the practice of karma yoga—performing duties without attachment to the outcome—we contribute to the well-being of all beings and live in harmony with the universal laws of karma. Additionally, the concept of Atma-rati, or the joy of self-realization, is discussed, offering a deeper understanding of the path toward spiritual liberation. Join us as we reflect on Krishna’s timeless wisdom and explore how acts of gratitude and selflessness can bring about spiritual elevation while fostering a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Whether you're looking for ways to enhance your spiritual practice or seeking practical wisdom to navigate modern life, this episode will provide you with valuable insights on leading a life of selflessness and balance. Keywords: gratitude and selflessness, karma yoga, power of selfless action, spiritual growth, Yajna, self-realization, balance in nature, Krishna’s teachings, spiritual consciousness krsnadaasa (Servant of Krishna)