New Study Of Gita Nov 10 Dr. Shriniwas J. Kashalikar

NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA

DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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STUDY OF

GITA

Dr. Shriniwas KashalikarDR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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Nov 10, 2009, 11:15 am

Why has not this been written sequentially translating verse by verse?

I decided to write on day to day basis; rather than sticking serially and sequentially to chapters and verses. This has the advantages of being natural in expression rather than formal. It is also beneficial because of repetition and/additional emphasis on more important points; which reverberate in my mind with reference to some verses.

Sometimes it also happens; that I skip many verses, at a given point in time because I have nothing to say about them at that time, but latter additional perspective and insights develop in the flow of writing; and deserve expression latter; even if it appears out of context.

Moreover the Gita and her translations are available world over. Anyone interested can refer the original text of Gita as and when he or she wishes.

Is it true that acquiring skill is the same as YOGA?

In the 2nd chapter YOGA is defined (….Yogah karmasu kaushalam) as (ultimate) elegance or perfection in skill; but other way round; it also implies that the greatest skill or perfection in life is to realize YOGA!


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In my opinion, the latter is true. Because, the skill of an individual per se; does not impart global dimension to the individual’s consciousness, which is inevitable and inseparable aspect of YOGA. In fact, the word kaushala, refers not merely to the physical skill of an action, but more importantly it refers to the perspective, plans, intentions, involvement and feelings embodied in that action. What is the perspective in Gita with respect to suppression and indulgence?

There is elaborate discussion in 2nd chapter; on how physical senses should be controlled. But if one takes into account the reference in 3rd chapter, then it becomes clear that the human life and experiences there in; have (and must be appreciated by us that they have) one goal or destination; and that is SELF REALIZATION and there is one way to achieve it i.e. SWADHARMA, rather than getting trapped in arbitrary suppression or unabated, mindless indulgence.

Gita is unique in the sense that she shows your ultimate goal, shows you the path and guides you in the method to tread it.

Gita therefore does not advocate suppression or indulgence in an arbitrary manner, but inspires SWADHARMA; in which while enjoying the core or essence of all material pleasures you channellize them to blossoming of yourself


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and others! This is really universal thought; in view of the difference in the physiological and other needs of people in the world from different regions and cultures. Once the goal of individual and global blossoming and the way of SWADHARMA is identified and adhered to; rest of the dos and don’ts (which need not be regimentalized) follow the suit, in appropriate manner.

In this context, one can appreciate the perspective born out of studying Gita about sex education.

In light of Gita; we should learn and teach the father and mother principles and parental care; so that we don’t develop disgust for sex and succumb to sexual aberrations or perversions through arbitrary suppression on the one hand; and don’t commit crimes, don’t get diseased through getting trapped in carnal sexual obsession and unending, unsatisfactory and obnoxious indulgence in sex. Such holistic corrections can be made in all walks education.

How do the experiences of the study of Gita differ from the experiences of the study of other books?

It is nice to share here that I found the study of Gita different from the study of many other books. The study of Gita coupled with NAMASMARAN elevates you from subjectivity to objectivity, i.e. getting in alignment with the nature. Gita gradually but surely changes your status of being effectual to being causative! What I mean is; you


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rise from being helplessly vulnerable victim or play in the hands of the inner and outer environments, but assume the status of governing them. This is certainly difficult to agree intellectually, but can only be experienced. Hence one can verify if one wishes.

Another point that struck me is: Gita teaches and trains us to enter the center of universe! Thus; from being part of the world of visible appearances and interactions thereof; Gita trains us to see and merge with the core. She enables us to penetrate the shackling traps of indulgence, aversion, escapism, suppression or perversions, in the superficial and aspects of our life.

Thus Gita does not advocate renunciation of the world on the one hand and does not justify or glorify the unending and unsatisfactory retrogressive shackling in petty pursuits on the other!

This is very useful in day to day life.

If you experience the core of your spouse’s heart, then the fear of loss of your spouse (or any loved one) gradually disappears to a large extent and the romance becomes super romance and love becomes super love! Thus Gita trains you in super romance and super love. You learn to live every moment in super romance and super love; rather than getting worried about past and future and subjective considerations.


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How to reconcile the statements endorsing; “freedom from cycle of birth and rebirth” and “the phenomenon of reincarnation”? Aren’t they contradictory?

In 5th chapter; Lord Krishna assures that you would not be born again (Abrahma bhuvana loka punravartino janah Mamupetya tu kaunteya punarjanma na vidyate) if you realize the self. But in 4th chapter; he also assures that he would manifest or reincarnate as and when appropriate/necessary (Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha….)

The explanations to these contradictory statements are: 1. Lord Krishna’s reincarnation is represented by the awakening of consciousness in every individual from time to time.2. The reincarnation is progressive sojourn of life of an individual (who is either already enlightened or gets enlightened) and is different from rebirth, which is full of shackles of ignorance.

Hence reincarnation and freedom from rebirth are not incompatible!

What is the necessity to read Gita repeatedly?

Gita enables us to develop the conceptual framework of our life i.e. road map to cosmic consciousness and NAMSMARAN rejuvenates us from moment to moment to


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proceed. The other way round also may be true! It is like anatomy and physiology. Anatomical structure is essential and complementary to physiological function and vice versa. But when you go deeper; both seem to be indistinguishable!

One of the most important things I learnt; probably as a by product of studying Gita; is; practice of the essence of Gita is immensely important. Repeated reading or recitation of Gita consolidates the convictions about the essence of Gita and thereby rejuvenates the enthusiasm to practice that essence (NAMASMARAN). The practice of NAMASMARAN in turn; endorses and reinforces the conviction about the essence of Gita and makes the repeated recitation of Gita a sublimely empowering experience!

It is like reading about bath, which develops conviction about the advantages of bath and actual practice of bath that endorses the convictions about bath. Thus both are perfectly complementary. One can compare it also; with the reading about the advantages of exercise and actual practice of exercise. I also learnt in the course of time that we come across a number of situations in life, (due to internal and external environment) which shroud our consciousness, from time to time; and we tend to forget our true self i.e. the essence of Gita and this is really a shattering and weakening experience. In such situation, recitation as repeatedly as possible or plausible; of Gita and NAMASMARAN helps tremendously.


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Gita is a window to sky of cosmic consciousness and hence this window to the cosmic consciousness if closed, we get cut off from that sky of cosmic consciousness. Or repeatedly reading Gita is like breathing repeatedly, which is essential for life. Repeated reading or reciting of Gita is like lighting (to dispel the darkness of ignorance, illusion and slumber) the lamps every night, which are essential to dispel the darkness. Repeated recitation of Gita is essential for purification of mind, which tends to get clouded from time to time; like taking bath every day repeatedly for rejuvenation and cleaning. Gita recitation is like taking the hypoglycemic drugs by a diabetic patient, in the sipping of which there is risk of increase in blood sugar to toxic levels.Gita is like oxygen of our soul. Jut as continuous supply of oxygen is essential for the life, maintenance of the supply of Gita through recitation is essential for sustenance of and blossoming of consciousness! Hence in 6th chapter; the importance of consistent practice is emphasized. In my view, even somewhat arbitrary and formal recitation, reading or chanting of Gita; proves very useful (by acting at subconscious and conscious levels); in strengthening and expediting the process of blossoming.

The repetition is important for another reason also, which has physiological basis. Thus repetition of Gita or NAMASMARAN is a central nervous system activity and


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probably leads to development of stronger connections between cerebral cortex and the limbic system, (which are otherwise very weak). This underlines the difference between a well read individual and an individual involved in practice of NAMASMARAN and/or self realized individual.

Gita recitation leads to paradigm shift. Individual becomes cosmic. Reading of Gita casually once in a while may at best serve to feel the elation of having read her or quote references and criticizing or praising. But for getting the sublime experience of going beyond subjectivity, the essence that has to be imbibed and assimilated, which is impossible by reading it once. (This is my experience and hence I don’t rule out the possibility of someone exceptional getting the sublime experience in one reading or even without reading!)

There is one more reason why repetition of Gita makes sense.

Ordinarily one’s happiness or sadness depends on the involuntary interactions amongst the cerebral cortical, limbic, autonomic, neuroendocrine, endocrine and other systems of the body. The perceptions, feelings and actions are usually impulsive (and hence chaotic, conflicting and counter posed) because of weak input to; and weak output from cerebral cortex to the remaining systems. Repeated study and practice of Gita and NAMASMARAN probably


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enhance the integration of all systems, bringing them under higher controls such as cerebral cortex, conscience and cosmic consciousness and effectively lead to harmonious behavior; blossoming; one and all.

One can study the changes in the brain from this point of view, in a control group; and a group involved inNAMASMARAN; to verify; the anatomical and physiological substrates; of the essence of global culture which may not be accessible to crude technology. One of the greatest lessons (one appreciates after repetition of Gita over a period of time is) of Gita to the world is; whatever we eat, drink, see, listen, talk, write, learn, perform, use, relish and so on; should get culminated into the goal of individual and global blossoming. This makes our life itself the most meritorious activity i.e. YAJNA! This is a true and qualitative revolution in individual and global life.

It is imperative to state that for a person who does not have the capacity to learn Gita for one reason or another; the doors to cosmic consciousness are opened by NAMASMARAN. NAMASMARAN is a express highway to cosmic consciusness.


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New Study Of Gita Nov 10 Dr. Shriniwas J. Kashalikar

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Transcript of New Study Of Gita Nov 10 Dr. Shriniwas J. Kashalikar