the art of work

Verse 2.50: A man engaged in devotional service rids himself of both good and bad actions even in this life. Therefore strive for yoga, which is the art of all work.

Have you ever admired someone for their ability to draw beautifully? I remember the last time I encountered the work of someone who was really gifted and I said something along the lines of,"You're so talented. I could never do something like that." In response to my personal assessment, this well-wishing individual said, "Anyone can draw. You just need to keep drawing and working on it." This response has stayed with me since that time and I find it applicable to almost everything.

Here the same answer is being given with respect to practicing yoga. We are being informed that yoga is the art of all work (i.e. it's a skill that needs to be developed.)

So how does one begin the practice of yoga?

By sincerely seeking out a guide or teacher who themselves have mastered the art of working in devotion. By genuinely inquiring from such persons, we open ourselves to being recipients of practical instruction and care. Finding such persons can be difficult as there are specific qualifications the interested student should look for in order to ensure they are not being lead down the wrong path. Characteristics of such a bhakti master include being fixed in devotional service to the Supreme, practically living the teachings given in the bhakti texts, and being tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living beings.

Such a student is in the best of positions. Not only do they have someone who is real-life role model but also someone to turn to to clarify doubts and concerns. By observing how their beloved guide is always engaged in devotional service and how everything can be transformed from material to spiritual, this serves as the greatest impetus to strive for yoga.

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.

mood of a student

Verse 1.1: dharma-ksetre kuru-ksetre samaveta yuyutsavah...

This verse holds a very special place in my heart because it once taught me how essential it is to approach the Gita in the mood of a student.

I had just moved to Toronto to begin my Masters and I was full of trepidation. I had spent a year and a half studying in a bhakti infused atmosphere in Radhadesh, Belgium and had capped it off by touring Europe for the summer going from festival to festival with friends.

I wasn't sure if I could maintain the level of enthusiasm and determination I had imbibed for bhakti in a city atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised however to learn that a bhakti yogi was going to be giving classes on the Gita at the Toronto Temple the very week after I had settled in.

As I sat there in the class with my Gita opened to Chapter 1, text 1, my ego got the better of me. I knew that despite the fact I had just completed reading the Gita in depth, my learning was just beginning. However, I didn't necessarily think I was going to learn anything new from Chapter 1, text 1.

My skepticism and ego was crushed in mere moments. Ever hear of the expression, "Come out swinging hard"? Well that's exactly what this bhakti yogi did. After reading the sanskrit and english translation of the text:

Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: O Sañjaya, after my sons and the sons of Pāṇḍu assembled in the place of pilgrimage at Kurukṣetra, desiring to fight, what did they do?

He said the following words which entered my heart never to leave again: "Just from this first verse we can see that Dhrtarastra is breaking etiquette. How? Because he first states "my sons" and only then speaks of the sons of Pandu. One who is following etiquette will always put others above their own personal interests first."

And that was it. The instant I realized I was put in my place very soundly. I hand't even opened my mouth and yet I was taught two lessons that day. One, the Gita should be read and understood under the guidance of one who is without motivated interpretation and steeped in devotion. And second, I will always learn something new about every single verse everytime I study it.