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.

good and bad

Verse 2.6: Nor do we know which is better — conquering them or being conquered by them. If we killed the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, we should not care to live. Yet they are now standing before us on the battlefield.

I always find it incredibly amazing when things just line up in place. Some may call it coincidence, serendipity or luck, but I am more convinced then ever that it is direct reciprocation from God. The only thing we need to do is wake up and pay attention! Something that I certainly need to work on. :)

I bring this up because today's verse talks about duality and wouldn't you know, I was just listening to a talk on duality this morning. For those who may not understand what the bhakti texts speak of when they refer to duality, it is the aspect of labelling things as good or bad, hot or cold, black or white etc... Duality is something that surrounds us and is a large part of the material experience we are undergoing. There is a beautiful verse in the Vedic text called Caitanya Caritamrita that speaks on duality which I'd like to refer to here. The text is spoken in Bengali and I'll include it since it's so beautiful:

'dvaite' bhadrābhadra-jñāna, saba — 'manodharma'
'ei bhāla, ei manda', — ei saba 'bhrama' (CC. Antya. 4.176)

The translation is as follows: "In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying 'This is good' and 'This is bad' is all a mistake."

What I've always found of interest in this verse is the translation to the word 'manodharma' which means "religion of the mind." Have you ever thought that of your mind as having its own religion? Well, it does! And that religion is to categorize things as good or bad. See when the mind is trapped in the illusory conception of life (i.e. seeing everything separate from God), then its only frame of reference is to see everything in relationship to the body. Hence, the religion of the mind is different for every living entity since its frame of reference is itself. "Itself" here being the material body and not the true self- the soul.

It's a valuable lesson to keep things in perspective. We all go through moments, minutes, months and even years of feeling confused, hurt, resentful and misunderstood. When we feel this way it's because we are seeing good and bad in relationship to something that is only temporary - i.e. our material body. We get so worked up, no? Then we feel justified to act in a way that is unbecoming of a true lady or gentlemen.

I've taken to running my own personal experiment. I've stopped trying to label things that are and aren't happening to me as good or bad. Instead, it's simply an "experience". Although I'm still in the initial stages of my research, I notice that my mind isn't as disturbed as it normally is. Instead of boiling up inside and feeling that/it/he/she is good or bad, I consciously try to simply observe the situation, note the feelings that come up (bhakti is not about becoming numb or emotionless!) and try to look for the root cause of my emotions. Every single time, I've come to the conclusion that when I start to label something as good/bad it's because I'm perceiving the situation a certain way in relation to my body. I'm either feeling that I don't get enough credit, honour, glory, am misunderstood....the list can go on forever.

If we could only look for the lesson, life really wouldn't be so complicated. I'll end today by relating a small story that my spiritual teacher shared in a class today.

Close to thirty years ago, my guru was living in an asrama and was heading up a project to distribute bhakti texts across North America. The asrama received a new leader in charge and for whatever reason he would take to putting down my spiritual teacher. My teacher related how much this hurt his heart. He never told anyone, but at a certain point in time it was starting to become unbearable (i.e. he felt the situation was really "bad"). However, he was praying to Krsna to please help him and it just so happened the person who was insulting him went away for a few days. During that time, my teacher was asked to give a series of classes on a beautiful bhakti text called the Srimad Bhagavatam.

The story and texts he was asked to speak on were in relation to a great bhakti yogi who was being insulted. There, that bhakti yogi responds to the insults by saying that he is not affected since all the insults are in relationship to his body and not his true self - the soul. So why should he feel hurt or disturbed, since it actually has no meaning! My spiritual teacher felt such relief in these words and in fact from that day forward started to feel grateful to the person who was insulting him!!! He felt that, "This person is helping me to realize that I am not this body." When this person came back to the asrama, my teacher started noticing that this person stopped insulting him after some time. In fact, years later, this person actually came and apologized profusely to my teacher.

I find this experience so inspiring. It goes to show that everything we undergo here in this material world is simply happening to teach us that we don't belong here. The body we are in right now is not our permanent residence and so everything that we undergo that is seemingly good/bad is simply a tool to help remind us of that.

So the next time you feel something is good/bad, try not to engage in the religion of the mind. Instead, look for the beautiful lesson that is actually of value - we are spiritual beings having a material experience.

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.

friend

Verse 2.2: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My dear Arjuna, how have these impurities come upon you? They are not at all befitting a man who knows the value of life. They lead not to higher planets but to infamy.

I've always felt that the Gita is all encompassing in its knowledge. Not only does it teach anyone who is interested the deeper aspects of who and why we are here in this material world, but it also teaches us very fundamental aspects of human interaction. Despite the fact that Krsna is God, he is also Arjuna's friend. Although we may not be able to relate to having a relationship with God, everyone can relate to having friends.

Krsna here is showing us how to be an exemplary friend. First he started off by simply listening to Arjuna and now he is posing questions to Arjuna. He doesn't call him a fool outright and put him down, but instead asks Arjuna to provide him with answers. As was mentioned in yesterday's post, God helps those who genuinely call out for help.

Arjuna hasn't still come out and asked for Krsna's help. He is still talking to Krsna as a friend and so Krsna is relating to Arjuna as a friend.

This is the beauty of having a relationship with Krsna. We can have whatever relationship we desire be it in friendship, servitude, parental, amorous or even neutrality. We don't even get to choose the type of relationships we get to have with people here in the material world, but with God, there's a choice!

That's why Krsna is following Arjuna's lead and speaking to him as a friend. And what a beautiful example of friendship this is! Krsna is treating Arjuna as an equal and therefore instead of providing him with answers, instead Krsna asks Arjuna to explain to him what's happening. The relationship dynamic will change soon, and so it's important to take note of the relationship now so that we'll be able to understand the difference once it changes to that of a teacher and student.

God is your friend, so take the time to reveal your heart to him today. He already know's what's inside, but the simple act of actually making the time to tell him will serve to help deepen your relationship with him!

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.