the best teacher

Verse 2.23: The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind.

Knowledge of both the material and spiritual are given in different ways throughout the Gita. Knowledge is given in a way direct way (i.e. we are not this body but the spirit soul), it is given in extremely detailed ways (as we will come to see) and here we are seeing knowledge given to us in another way - through negation.

As spiritual beings who have undergone lifetimes of experiences, it can be very difficult to understand subject matters that cannot be explained through the material senses. So what does Krsna do? In order to help us understand what the soul is, Krsna is putting it in context of the material senses. That is, he is describing the existence of the spiritual by explaining what it is not.

We all have experience of this. Sometimes when we are trying to explain a concept or object to someone, we define it by "what it is not." That is, if we cannot express what it is, then we express it in a way that describes what it isn't.

Since the spirit soul is not material, but due to the fact we can only relate with what is material, this explanation through negation is being utilized. That's not to say that Krsna hasn't tried to explain what the soul is in a detailed way. As a reminder, in previous verses, Krsna explained that the soul (by the symptom of consciousness) pervades the entire body, is eternal and is infinitesimally small.

Here, however, more detail is being given. The soul cannot be cut to pieces, be burned, be moistened by water nor withered by the wind. All the material elements cannot effect the soul. That's how powerful and protected the spirit soul is.

God is the perfect teacher. He knows the advancement and level of his students and thus teaches accordingly. We are so lucky to have a Lord who loves us so much!

shopping around

Verse 2.22: As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.

Do you like shopping? I do. I especially like shopping for new clothes. There's something about purchasing a new garment because of the way it feels, the way it hangs, the colour, style and/or design. I think one of the ideas that marketers promote is the notion that new clothes represent the "new" you. Since you are constantly changing, your clothes should reflect that as well.

Similarly, that's what happens when we give up one body and take on another one. One could say that as you're going through this lifetime in your current body, you are (for most) unconsciously shopping around for your next body. How so? All the desires that one accumulates have an impact on the thoughts that circulate throughout one's mind. Ever notice that? At least that's the case for me. As soon as I want something, really want something, I can't think of anything else. It totally occupies my thoughts and think of ways to satisfy my desire to acquire it.

So all the thoughts and desires that one cultivates throughout one's lifetime sets the stage to "purchase" the next body once this one has run it's course. In shopping for material clothes, we go through the same process. Although the time frame for choosing an item maybe mere seconds, there are certain motivations or inclinations that push us to purchase the item.

This means that we need to become more aware! If we can actually have an impact on the type of body we can receive in our next life, we need to become aware of our desires. As aspiring bhakti yogis, however, the goal is different. The bhakti yogi would prefer to make this life, in this body, their last. Why so? Because the soul is eternal. Continuing the cycle of taking on different temporary bodies will never give the soul satisfaction irregardless of how strong, beautiful or intelligent that body maybe.

The goal of the bhakti yogi is to quit shopping! Just like the time may come when you look at your closet and feel, "This is ridiculous. I have way too many clothes!" Similarly, the bhakti yogi thinks "Doesn't matter if I get another body if I'm still going to be subject birth, disease, old age and death. I want out!"

That's what the Bhagavad-gita is all about. It's for those who may have never considered, are curious about or have decided - enough shopping!

utility is the principle

Verse 2.21: O Pārtha, how can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn and immutable kill anyone or cause anyone to kill?

The principle of utility is being highlighted in today's verse. If someone fully understands something, it is only then that they can utilize it to it's full extent.

In this case, when one fully understands that the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn, and immutable, it is then that spiritual life can begin. It's as though everything falls into place for the bhakti practitioner and all the questions and confusions that may arise due to misidentification with the body just washes away.

Everything has a purpose and whether an aspiring spiritualist or not, we all experience it in our lives. Why else do people feel like they are "meant to do" something? The bhakti texts speak about this in fact. They state that one contributes effectively to society when one works according to their nature and inclinations. The sad truth remains, however, that nowadays very few are encouraged to actually contribute to the world by honing and utilizing their talents and skills. Instead, security and money are the goal. So even if one is operating in the consciousness that "I am this body", they cannot be satisfied by trying to do something that we are not inclined towards. It's like fitting a square peg in a round hole.

Interesting, isn't it? This is the depth of the bhakti texts. Although ultimately they are there to help us develop our dormant love for God, they simultaneously provides us with information on how to function effectively in the material world. They tell us how to usefully engage our given body and mind. If you think about it, it makes perfects sense. Although we are not of this world, we are currently residing here. If we are not guided as to how to operate in the material world properly, then we will not only be unsuccessful materially but also spiritually!

For those who want to take it a step further, the bhakti texts then introduce the fundamental truth that we are not this body but actually the spirit soul. That knowledge is one of the keys to advancement in spiritual life. From there, one can now utilize the body in a way that serves the soul's actual purpose. So one has choices. One can learn how to utilize the body effectively for the sake of the body (which is temporary and subject to birth, disease, old age and death) or one can learn how to utilize it for the sake of the soul (which is eternal).

So in this way the body can be utilized either to gratify the senses or in devotion. So what does that mean? This is where bhakti is so practical. The practice of bhakti is not about negation but one of proper engagement. Those very senses which we use as a means to satisfy ourselves can instead be used in service of God. By our hands we can offer items in gratitude, by our lips and tongue we can glorify him, by our legs we can visit places of pilgrimage and so on and so forth.

It's our choice. We can continue in our vain attempts to satisfy the body through the senses or use our body in the service of satisfying God, which will naturally make us happy. This goes to show, that despite the fact the body is temporary, it is so useful! It is the vehicle by which we can show our devotion to Krsna.

guru

Verse 2.7: Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

I've been waiting for this verse for over a month now! This is one of the most important verses in the Gita and signifies a major turning point not only in the conversation but in Krsna and Arjuna's relationship.

All this time, Arjuna has been venting to Krsna about his confusion as a friend. He hasn't asked for answers or reached out for guidance. Now, Arjuna is asking for guidance. He is submitting himself to Krsna as his student.

Let's explore that word submit. One definition of the word means to yield oneself to the authority or will of another. That's pretty strong, stuff. This is what a real guru (spiritual teacher) and student relationship looks like. This type of relationship can only exist when there is strong faith and trust, on both sides. The student has faith and trust that this person can help them re-awaken their relationship with God and the guru has faith and trust that their student is genuine and sincere in his/her inquiry. How and why else would anyone want to "submit" oneself to another person? Essential to submitting oneself to a spiritual teacher is also the acknowledgement that "We don't know it all."

Our material conditioning has brainwashed us into thinking that we can figure everything out. This is the influence of the ego. However, to be an authentic student, we need to push that big, fat ego out of the way and face reality. The reality is when it comes to spiritual life, we don't know much. Why? Because real spiritual knowledge is not book learned. Yes, understanding philosophical concepts is important, but more important is to realize that knowledge. We need someone who has faced the trials and tribulations that one will undoubtedly encounter on the path of bhakti, who hasn't given up and has (as the Gita will describe in Chapter 4) seen the truth. One who has realized knowledge.

On the path of bhakti yoga, there are principles and details. Realized knowledge means being able to apply these principles and details according to time, place and circumstance. For example, one who is just learning how to cook is on the theoretical platform. Such a novice may think that certain spices are only used for certain dishes. But for one who has realized knowledge, they understand that spices not only accentuate dishes, they can be combined and even be used medicinally.

Arjuna is realizing that he is a novice. He knows a lot of theory but he is having trouble applying it practically. He has also realized that is leading him to only think in the short-term. Being intelligent, he understands that what is best may not be what feels good right away. So what does he say? He tells Krsna, "I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me." He is asking his guru, Krsna, for help.

The word guru is tossed around so flippantly these days. It's become like the word mantra and has entered mainstream vernacular. The downside to this is the fact that many people don't have a clue what guru means. Guru in sanskrit translates not only to mean teacher but to mean "heavy". See, having a guru is not a fad and the guru is not there to make you feel better materially. A true guru, a genuine bhakti yogi, is there to help you on your spiritual journey to reconnect with Krsna.

I remember when I was searching for my Guru in 2004-2005. I had met several authentic, powerful and realized bhakti yogis but I kept coming back to one person. I remember revealing my heart to this bhakti yogi and asking hims "What should I look for in a guru?" I'll never forget what he told me. He said, "You don't need someone who'll pat you on the back and say 'Good job!' all the time. You need someone who will ground you." Eventually that is the person who so kindly agreed to guide me on the path of bhakti yoga and I'm still in the process of learning how to submit myself to his spiritual guidance. Being a student is just a great responsibility as being a guru.

This is a very important point. Not only is it important to realize the need to have a bona fide spiritual teacher to guide one in their life, it's also essential to understand what having a guru means. It is a great gift and one that should not be taken lightly. In fact it is said: From Krsna we are given Guru, and it is Guru who can give us Krsna.

real value

Verse 2.5: It would be better to live in this world by begging than to live at the cost of the lives of great souls who are my teachers. Even though desiring worldly gain, they are superiors. If they are killed, everything we enjoy will be tainted with blood.

Arjuna's words really hit me hard today, "Better to live in this world by begging..." This is not just anyone, but a person of kingly descent who is stating this.! It reveals to us what real detachment looks like and what true duty. Arjuna is on the battlefield only out of a sense of duty - to regain the kingdom that is rightly his (and his brothers) so that they can properly take care of the inhabitants. Arjuna has no attachment to wealth, as we can see by his words here.

So the question can be posed then, why are we running after wealth when Arjuna, who is actually royalty, is more than willing to give it up for the sake of morality? Why are so many people here in the material world more than willing to give up morality to make a few bucks?

The reason is we are empty and we don't realize it. We are beggars who think that a large bank account can fill the void that is growing larger in hearts. Name, fame, profit, adoration - everything that the material world promises can be likened to Monopoly money. It's fake and you can't actually do anything with it in terms of actual reality.

Gone are the days when children and adults alike are encouraged to question, "Why are we here? Who are we? What are we meant to do?" Instead those questions have been replaced with, "How much do you make?" and "How much influence do you actually have (i.e. what is your Klout score on Twitter?)".

I can't claim to not want name, fame, adoration, prestige and wealth. Wish I could, be that wouldn't be honest. However, the little I can claim to know is that it won't make me happy. I know this because I've experienced happiness. It's been when I've been singing my heart out in a kirtan. It's when I've been fortunate to get a few precious moments hearing directly from my spiritual mentor. It's when I've felt Krsna's direct reciprocation and grace in my life.

None of those moments involved any great wealth, but they left an indelible impression in my heart. The realization that despite still being attracted to the externals of the material world that it's only my relationship with Krsna and those who are dear to him that really fulfill me.

Arjuna can easily turn his back on wealth because he has the greatest wealth sitting beside him on his chariot and he knows it! He has has Krsna. In relation to this, there is a beautiful story of how much Arjuna values his relationship with Krsna that I would like to share.

Before the battle began, both Arjuna and Duryodhana came to see Krsna. Duryodhana arrived first and immediately sat at the head of the bed where Krsna was resting. Arjuna came sometime later and immediately went to Krsna's feet where he folded his palms and offered prayers. When Krsna awoke, he saw Arjuna first and a moment after twisted his body around to see Duryodhana. Duryodhana immediately spoke up and said, "Krsna, I came first and so according to etiquette, you must give me preference." To this Krsna replied saying, "What you say is true, but when I woke up the first person I saw was Arjuna. Besides, he is also younger and so we must give him preference." Duryodhana agreed and so Krsna continued saying that, "I know you have both come to me to help you out in the battle. However, I must tell you that I have taken a vow not to fight. So you may choose. You my have the large powerful army which I have at my disposal, or you can have weaponless me." Arjuna immediately chose Krsna and Duryodhana walked away happy with Krsna's army, not realizing that without Krsna on his side victory, morality, opulence and power could never be within his grasp.

This pastime illustrates Arjuna's love and faith in Krsna. He didn't care if he wins or loses as long as he had Krsna on his side. This is what true happiness is about - the realization that our relationship with Krsna is the most important thing. All the happiness, satisfaction and knowledge that come along with it are merely side benefits.

balance.

Verse 2.4: Arjuna said: O killer of enemies, O killer of Madhu, how can I counterattack with arrows in battle men like Bhīṣma and Droṇa, who are worthy of my worship?

I find it interesting how Arjuna speaks of counteracting those who are worthy of worship with arrows. Again, this is very relatable even in our own lives. Just replace actual arrows with the arrow-like words that we sometimes use to pierce people's hearts.

Ever speak harsh words to someone worthy of worship? Shamefully, I have to admit I do. All the time. They are called my parents! Mercifully they still love me and tolerate me but sometimes my temper gets the better of me and I say something that is just mean-spirited.

It's often hard to think of those who are nearest and dearest to us as those worthy of our worship. My parents are not only worthy of such respect because they are my parents, but they are also great bhakti yogis. I think that's where the problem lies. When we have a particular relationship with someone, it colours our perception. And it works both ways. We either become too familiar and forget to see whatever greatness that lies there or conversely we only see the good and then we are not able to recognize short-comings which we possibly might try to emulate.

In my own personal instance, I definitely fall into the "too familiar category." Interestingly though, Arjuna is falling into the "rose-coloured glasses category." As we'll hear about tomorrow, Bhīṣma and Droṇa are not conducting themselves in a way that is worthy of respect.

It's a balancing act. Whether it be regular life, or even more importantly, spiritual life, balance is required. If we are unable to see things "as they are" then our judgement and perception can be easily clouded. Hence, the importance of once again having a spiritual mentor. Such a person, who is balanced themselves, or as the Gita describes, is equipoised, can help sort us out. They can tell us when we are veering too far to the left or to the right and help ground us in the middle.

You know, today I really didn't know what to write about. There are days when I really feel that I haven't written anything and instead I've just been there watching as words appear on the page. Today was such a day. I think Krsna knew that I needed to be reminded of these two points. Firstly, there are several persons worthy of our respect/worship that surround us and it's important to recognize them and be aware of how we treat them. Secondly, being balanced in how we not only view others but in everything that we do is extremely necessary in the practice of bhakti; the only way we can learn to become equipoised is from those who already live it.

weakness

Verse 2.3: O son of Pṛthā, do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not become you. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise, O chastiser of the enemy.

Weakness of heart tends to get in the way of doing our duty. I recognize this everyday. The moment you commit to something, immediately you are tested. To give a small but illustrative example, my intention and personal promise has been to write something on a verse of the Gita everyday (notwithstanding severe illness). However, almost everyday I have to fight to keep this mini-vow. Sure, there are days when I'm actually "itching to read and write" but normally, not so much.

Similarly, we have a duty to respect each and every living entity, but sometimes it can be difficult. Although we may not like it, a spider or ant has just as much a right to inhabit the space we occupy as we do. But we don't recognize this very often. The reason for that is weakness of heart.

Weakness of heart is a very broad subject, but here I'd like to focus on lack of determination and proper guidance. If one is not guided properly, it is very easy to be swayed. I see this all the time in the practice of bhakti yoga. My spiritual mentors and role models have all been guided so expertly in their own cultivation of bhakti that nothing can stray them from the path. Hence, when I interact with them, I constantly feel inspired and enthused. I also feel my own faith grow tremendously. However, those who like to "do what the spirit moves them" are often easily won over by different philosophies, ideas and honeyed words. That is why I always try to remind myself of one of my favourite phrases from the Gita speaks on this point directly, "One's associations and ambitions develop according to the company one keeps."

With that guidance automatically comes focus. If cannot stand up for and believe in our convictions then its is very easy to be unfocused. Conviction brings about focus because it allows the path to become clear.

In this material world we live in, the two prevalent things we encounter is a lack of proper guidance and a lack of proper focus. Here we see Arjuna undergoing the same confusion we experience (often daily!). Arjuna is not sure what the proper path is to take and hence he doesn't know what to do.

So, we can all learn from Arjuna how to defeat these petty weaknesses of heart. We too can ask for guidance from a bona fide and authoritative source (i.e. the bhakti yogi who walks the talk) and ask for encouragement and support so that we too may become convinced and focused to do the right thing.

help!

Verse 2.1: Sañjaya said: Seeing Arjuna full of compassion, his mind depressed, his eyes full of tears, Madhusūdana, Kṛṣṇa, spoke the following words.

I think most of us have had this experience. It's when you've completely given up, thrown your hands in the air and with all sincerity say to God, "HELP!" that helps comes. Arjuna is in that position right now. He's said his piece and feels he's at a complete loss. Now he is quietly sitting and waiting for Krsna to speak.

We too like to think to that we can solve it all and Krsna is so kind that he doesn't interfere with our free will. So he watches. Make no mistake, it's not that Krsna is ignoring you, he's actually paying very close attention. Krsna is not only paying attention to our actions but our mentality as well.

And that's what we forget to recognize. The question often comes up, "Why isn't God helping me? I need help but he's not providing it! Why?" See, intellectually we may realize that we need help but if deep within our heart we still are not 100% convinced, help may not necessarily come. Many of us, in our low moments, blame God already so he doesn't want to give us another reason! Krsna doesn't want to be in the position that he sees we need help, although we are not totally convinced, and he comes and helps and then instead of thanking him, we blame him! Sound familiar?

Krsna is really intelligent. Instead he gives us all the time we need. He allows us to go through all the stages from "I don't need help," to "Maybe I need help," to "I need help but I'm not sure I want it" to "Ok. Enough of this. Please help!"

It's not so much the cry for help that is of value as the emotion and intensity behind it. Just as a Mother knows when a child really needs her attention and when he/she is just calling out for Mom for the sake of it, Krsna knows. When we genuinely feel that there is no where else to turn and Krsna is the only person we can seek refuge in, you think he's going to abandon you?

There is a beautiful story in the Mahabharat that illustrates this point. At one point in time, Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandavas was being publicly humiliated in an assembly. Her husbands were incapable of doing anything to prevent this dishonour and so Draupadi, a great bhakti yogini in her own right, started appealing to the numerous personalities present. She appealed to the elders, to her equals and finally she realized that no one could help her but Krsna. At that moment, she threw her hands in the air and started praying to Krsna who immediately provided her with help. Later on Draupadi asked Krsna, "Why didn't you come sooner? You knew I was in trouble!" Krsna responded by saying, "You were turning to so many other people that I thought you didn't need my help. But as soon as you called out to me, I came right away."

This beautiful pastime illustrates an important message. As long as we think that our shelter, protection or refuge is anywhere else but in Krsna, Krsna may not come. But the instant we too put all our faith in Krsna and ask him to be our protection, without a doubt we can count on him to come.

soft heart

Verse 1.46: Sañjaya said: Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield, cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief.

Today we reach the last verse of Chapter 1! As we end this Chapter, we are subjected to a moving scene. Arjuna, our valiant warrior has been speaking up to this point, and now due to mental turmoil he is setting aside his weapons and sitting down. This mental turmoil is a result of his soft-hearted nature. Soft-hardheartedness is a beautiful quality. Unfortunately though, this quality, like humility, is considered weak or useless nowadays. When expressing compassion for others, people will actually ask me sometimes, "Why do you feel sorry for them? They deserve whatever they get." Pretty callus, huh?

The heart of a bhakti yogi is naturally soft because such a person doesn't want to see anyone in distress. However, that doesn't mean that the bhakti yogi is naive or has blinders on to the world. Oh no. The bhakti yogi fully realizes that this material world is not a place of happiness. They understand that identification with the body, mind and ego is the cause of so many problems and challenges.

One could question, "How can one be soft-hearted if they know the reason for others' suffering? Wouldn't that actually make one's heart hard?" A soft-hearted person is not characterized by just feeling a certain way; they are considered compassionate if they actually do something about it. A truly soft-hearted person seeks to help others who are suffering.

My spiritual mentor is such a person. He travels all over the world, and not only presents bhakti yoga to hundreds of thousands of people yearly but cares for them. He listens to them. See bhakti yoga is not just about helping others through philosophy, its about being an instrument of God. That means that we are willing to be tested and molded into the very best that we can be.

Krsna has all this time been listening patiently to Arjuna. He has just been hearing. How amazing is that? What a good friend God is! He never interrupted, questioned, prodded or spoke up. He just quietly listened to everything Arjuna had to say. This is one of my favorite quality's of Krsna. It's something I too strive to become - a patient and empathic listener.

But soon, Krsna will be putting Arjuna in the hot seat. Arjuna is the perfect student and so Krsna will go about testing and molding Arjuna into the perfect bhakti yogi. If we hear Krsna's words as Arjuna does with an open mind and faith in our hearts, we too will uncover the mysteries of bhakti.

friendships

Verse 1.45: Better for me if the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, weapons in hand, were to kill me unarmed and unresisting on the battlefield.

Sometimes when things are tough, we too say things like this. Things that we don't necessarily stand for but in the moment, we truly and genuinely believe in what we are saying. It symbolizes that we've reached the end of our tether and are crying out in need.

These times of crises are actually the times we need help the most. Sharing one's thoughts in confidence is essential to the bhakti practitioner. Just like Arjuna is doing now, we too should seek shelter in those who are more advanced and learned. That is why close friendships are encouraged within the practice of bhakti.

The difference between spiritual friendships and those in the material world is the focus upon which the relationship is based on. Bhakti-centered friendships are based on helping one another come closer to God, which naturally brings individuals closer together as well. It's an amazing phenomenon. Sometimes people become afraid when they hear that someone wants to become more God-conscious. They think, "If my husband/wife/friend/son/daughter becomes more God-conscious, then they will have no time for me!" Interestingly, one who becomes more Krsna conscious actually becomes more conscious in all spheres of their personality.

Material friendships, no matter how deep or sweet they may be are still prone to the "what's in it for me" mentality. Just ask anyone who has been friends with someone over a span of a few years. Both persons will say that there have been ups and downs in the relationship just because sometimes one person's needs have taken over the relationship. When the focus isn't on something outside of the individuals and when there isn't a common goal, then inevitably the focus tends to turn to oneself. It's not anyone's fault, it's just the nature of the material world.

The ways of the material world can easily get one down and that's why having those friends you can rely on in is so important. They help you get you out of your mental head space. I know that I have my handful of friends that I can always turn to when I'm starting to "mental out" (i.e. get wrapped up in my head). They'll commiserate with me for awhile and then bring me back to a Krsna-centric reality. They won't allow me to wallow and for that I am grateful.

So to all of my old friends and new friends out there - Thank you! Thank you for encouraging me and keeping me sane in my practice of bhakti.

a reflection

Verse 1.44: Alas, how strange it is that we are preparing to commit greatly sinful acts. Driven by the desire to enjoy royal happiness, we are intent on killing our own kinsmen.

Currently I am in a state of being where even thinking simple thoughts is quite difficult, what to speak of enjoying! I'm totally congested, can't smell anything, can't taste anything and it takes me a long time to even express simple thoughts This is what happens when the body is unwell. So I would like to apologize for the brevity of my post today and just share something that struck me quite powerfully today.

Typically, most of us enjoy through our senses and when the use of those senses is hindered (i.e. nasal congestion) it prevents us from enjoying. However, the true bhakti yogi's sense of happiness and satisfaction is never altered simply because their happiness lies within. It lies in the knowledge that God is within their heart, guiding them, helping them and always wishing well for them.

I too strive for the day that my happiness comes from within. Wishing you all a wonderful Tuesday!

responsibility

Verse 1.41: An increase of unwanted population certainly causes hellish life both for the family and for those who destroy the family tradition. The ancestors of such corrupt families fall down, because the performances for offering them food and water are entirely stopped.

It's something that we've all been told throughout our lives, "Look ahead. Plan for the future." However, when it comes to the most important things in our lives, all this planning and foresight seem to fly right out the window.

I think one of the biggest reasons why this happens is the fact that most people want to live "spontaneously." We want to live in the moment and experience the now. However, the funny thing is often the choices we make "spontaneously" lead us to living in the past wondering why we ever made them once we are faced with living with the consequences that have arisen from them.

This type of thinking is largely due to a lack of education. This whole, "You only live once" philosophy is greatly to blame for this type of whimsical attitude. As aspiring bhakti yogis it is important to take into consideration what the Gita says. Our actions and consciousness in doing things have an effect not only in this lifetime but in lifetimes to come. This effectively nixes the whole concept of "You only live once" and more importantly forces one to take responsibility for their actions.

See it's much easier not to take responsibility for your actions if you genuinely believe that after this life, it's not only all over but you don't need to be held accountable.

That's one of the responsibilities of human life; we are held accountable. Just something to think about as you go through your day today. Whether you believe in future lives or not, do you feel you're taking responsibility for all the choices you make and actions you perform?

imagine this

Verse 1.28: Arjuna said: My dear Kṛṣṇa, seeing my friends and relatives present before me in such a fighting spirit, I feel the limbs of my body quivering and my mouth drying up.

Imagine that someone had wronged you your entire life. They always laughed when you fell, insulted you behind your back, went out of their way to make your life miserable and tried to harm those you cared about and were responsible for. Finally, imagine that although they were totally unqualified to be a leader, they assumed such a position through cheating and trickery.

Imagine that despite all your efforts to make peace, they rebuff you again and again. They want a fight and will stand for nothing less. Now the kicker - think about how you would feel if that person was a close family member.

This is the position Arjuna is finding himself in. As a leader and administrator he needs to protect those who are being exploited and that has led him here; to this moment.

As an advanced bhakti yogi who is naturally soft-hearted, what does he think of at this moment? He's not thinking about all the abominable and cruel things that have been done to his loved ones and dependents. No. Instead he is overcome with compassion for those who have wronged him.

This is the great quality of an advanced bhakti practitioner. Such a person can see all perspectives, not only his/her personal one.

Try remembering Arjuna expressing his compassion the next time you feel insulted or wronged by someone. You might find yourself reacting differently than you normally would.

the five brothers

Verses 1.16-18: King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, blew his conchshell, the Ananta-vijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughoṣa and Maṇipuṣpaka. That great archer the King of Kāśī, the great fighter Śikhaṇḍī, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Virāṭa, the unconquerable Sātyaki, Drupada, the sons of Draupadī, and the others, O King, such as the mighty-armed son of Subhadrā, all blew their respective conchshells.

Here we get to meet the rest of the five brothers. In the previous verse we met Arjuna and Bhima and now we are introduced to Yudhishthira, Nakula and Sahadeva.

The Gita is not only about the great knowledge of bhakti and its practical application, but about personalism. It teaches us that God is not only supreme, but that He is a person. We get our innate need for creating lasting relationships and meaningful interactions from someone, and that someone is God. Similarly, just like we have different names and titles, so to does God and one of his most beautiful names is Krsna which means the all-attractive.

So when we are introduced to other great persons here in the introduction of the Gita, I feel it is only fitting we honour them and get to know them. I especially feel this way about the five brothers known as the Pandavas who all were famous for not only being great bhakti yogis but for the special talents and characteristics that defined them.

Yudhisthira, the oldest was known to be righteous and truthful. He never spoke a lie and had a very beautiful quality of never harming anyone with his words, be they a friend or enemy. Yudhisthira was known to be extremely patient and well-wishing to all. Once when he was insulted by a King and was injured, he calmly accepted the rebuke with grace and ensured later on that the King was not taken to task for his insult.

Bhima, the second oldest, was as we heard in the precious verse, a voracious eater. However, he was also known to be the strongest and the performer of herculean tasks. At a very young age he was blessed to have the strength of thousands of elephants and was expert at wielding the mace. Once when he was escaping a burning building he carried not only his brothers but also his mother showcasing how strong he was.

Arjuna was the greatest archer. He was so determined to be the best that when he was young he would practice in the dark so that he would be as comfortable shooting irregardless of darkness or light. Once when he was in a class with his brothers and cousins, his military arts teacher, Drona, asked them all to shoot a wooden bird that was placed on a tree. When Drona asked each of his students what they saw while they targeted the bird with their arrow, they replied with different answers like, "the bird, the tree, the branch, the wing." Drona would not let anyone release the arrow at the bird. When he finally got to Arjuna and asked him, Arjuna replied, "I see the eye and only the eye," and was allowed to shoot it. Drona was so pleased as it demonstrated to him how focused and serious his student was.

Nakula and Sahadava were the youngest of the five and were twin brothers. Nakula was known for his great beauty and Sahadeva was known for his wisdom. Nakula was also expert in horse-keeping and once when the Pandavas had to go in hiding, he took on the role of taking care of horses. Sahadeva was also known to be a great swordsman.

Each of these brothers had great talents and strengths. Hopefully, the next time you hear one of their names you'll remember some of their unique characteristics and think of them as the great persons they were and not just names in a book.

senses

Verse 1.15: Lord Kṛṣṇa blew His conchshell, called Pāñcajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta; and Bhīma, the voracious eater and performer of herculean tasks, blew his terrific conchshell, called Pauṇḍra.

The name of Krsna in this verse is very significant - Hṛṣīkeśa. Hrsikesa means He who is the owner of all senses. As I read the verse today, I discovered something very wonderful. This quality of Krsna is the first of many we will learn about in the Gita. In our own lives when we are introduced to a person we often hear about their accomplishments, personality and character. As we're now being introduced to Krsna the first thing we here is that He is the owner of all senses. Really serves to put in perspective all those other things we get easily impressed about!

This quality of Krsna is an important one to remember. As I mentioned before, the Gita is very practical. One of the things it will teach us is what constitutes our true selves; how we are actually not anything that we identify ourselves with. Our mind, intelligence, and even our senses are on loan to us. This name of Krsna confirms that. It's not our senses, they are being given to us to use for right now.

But what does that practically mean? If it's not my sense of sight, my sense of smell, my hearing...what does that mean in everyday life?

The aspiring bhakti yogi tries to spiritualize their senses by using them in bhakti (devotional service). See, even though the senses are not ours per say, we control the consciousness with which we utilize them. You may have practical experience of this. Think back to a time you cooked something (i.e. you were utilizing your senses) and you did so in a mood of wanting to bring joy to someone else. Now think back when you cooked something and you were anxious, upset or angry. Those who are sensitive can taste the difference.

Similarly we can use our senses for spiritual activities or material activities. What makes something spiritual or material? It's consciousness or attitude that goes into it.

recognize compassion

Verse 1.12: Then Bhīṣma, the great valiant grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, the grandfather of the fighters, blew his conchshell very loudly, making a sound like the roar of a lion, giving Duryodhana joy.

The hearts of those who are filled with compassion always want to bring joy to others. As aspiring bhakti yogis, it is not only important to be compassionate to others but to recognize compassion in our own lives.

Oftentimes we get so caught up in our troubles and thoughts that we fail to recognize when we are are the recipient of compassion. This can pose a challenge since often it is only when we feel the compassion of others on us that it inspires us to become compassionate towards others. In this way we can ultimately "pay it forward."

I was a recipient of compassion today and it gladdened my heart. It was a cold day and after a tiring day of work I was walking to the bus stop. As I walked the stretch, I could see in the distance the bus I hoped to get on. The challenge I faced was that my stop was not only across the street but also on the opposite side which meant I was at the mercy of two traffic lights and the bus driver!

Luckily the light was in my favour and as I walked across the street and looked at the opposite corner where the bus was waiting, I kept wondering, "Will the bus driver wait for me?" As soon as the light turned, I hurried across and to my surprise the bus driver just waited patiently with the door open until I got on. "Thank you so much," I said with great gratitude as I plonked down on the nearest seat, after nearly wiping out on the slippery floor.

The greatest compassion we can give is to help others revive their dormant bhakti. However recognizing the little things, like the kindness and compassion of a stranger, will ensure that we always feel that too are the recipient of the Lord's grace.

So take up the challenge! Everyday reflect on a moment when you were the recipient of compassion. You'll find that the Lord is always sending some your way; you just need to wake up and see it!