one of my favorite verses!

Verse 2.14: O son of Kuntī, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.

I'm so happy! Today I get to write about one of my top three ABSOLUTE favorite verses of the Gita. Verse 2.14. Why do I love this verse....oh probably for a million different reasons. I'll share the top five that came to mind today.

1. It's so beautiful. From a purely literary standpoint, this verse screams poetic. The imagery is just so vivid. Can you not just picture the melting of the snow, the warmth of the sun, the coldness of a windy, screaming blizzard and the scorching heat on a mid-summer's afternoon? These images mimic so beautifully our own experiences of feeling happiness and distress.

2. I love similes. For those of you who might have forgotten the rules of English (hehehe!) a simile is used when comparing two things using "like" or "as". In this case Krsna is comparing our experiences/feelings to seasons.

3. The reminder that happiness and distress are non-permanent is so expertly conveyed here. Everyone can relate to the winter and summer seasons having a definite beginning and an end, right? (Though that being said, sometimes Canadian winters do seem to drag on forever!) We often hear people say, "I can't wait for Spring," or conversely "I can't wait until Winter is over!" The thing is when it comes to experiencing feelings of happiness or sadness, we forget that the same temporariness applies during our actual experience of them. When someone is up they are really up and often feel like nothing can bring them down, but conversely the opposite is so true as well. Krsna is so sweetly and kindly reminding us of that fact and saying, "Hey! Don't get too caught up in those waves of highs and lows."

4. An extremely important truth is brought here. The idea that happiness and distress arise due to sense perception. What does that mean? One way of looking at is that one person's pleasure is another person's pain. Hence, there is no such thing (in the material world) of absolute happiness or absolute distress. As well, this reminds us that this happiness and distress we are experiencing is the interaction of the senses with the sense objects. It's not the soul that is actually taking pleasure or displeasure in these experiences, it is the body and mind that are decoding it as "good" or "bad".

5. So Krsna begins with a beautiful comparison that illustrates the temporariness of our enjoyment, then delves deeper by explaining exactly it arises from come from (sense perception) and then finally concludes powerfully by saying "one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed" Wow, personally, that's a pretty tall order. But before getting into that a bit deeper, let's first just rewind and unpack what "tolerate without being disturbed" actually means.

First of all, this does not propound that one shouldn't feel and/or repress one's emotions. Secondly, it is crucial to note that this phrase applies not just to our experiences of distress but ALSO those of happiness (and everything in between). That's right. One should "tolerate" happiness. So why does Krsna use the word tolerate here? He does so because he's trying to stress that these experiences actually have no impact on the soul and since we are the soul, we should tolerate them!.

The soul cannot be satisfied by anything material. Krsna is saying that everyone will have these experiences, since these experiences arise due to the bodily senses coming in contact with the sense objects. But remember! We are not our senses! So if we are not our senses, why are we investing so much time and energy and throwing ourselves into the experiences that arise due to them? Doesn't make a lot of sense does it? Instead Krsna is giving us a recommendation. Why not accept that these experiences come, but learn to be aloof. That way when these experiences come and emotions arise you can view them more objectively instead of becoming attached to them.

On the most practical level, when a bhakti yogi learns to tolerate happiness and distress, it allows him/her to become fixed in their practice of bhakti yoga. How often have we not accomplished or done something simply because we didn't "feel like it"? Furthermore, when one actually tolerates happiness and distress (go ahead and try it out for yourself!) one can see more clearly how often we attach importance to little things. This doesn't come easy and it take purification of heart, but next time you feel yourself feeling very distraught or supremely happy, take a step back. Analyze where those feelings are coming from. If you're happy, take the opportunity to thank God and if you're sad, remember that this too will pass.

the soul

Verse 2.13: As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.

Arjuna's misconceptions (and our own) are directly addressed in this verse: misidentification with the material body. Krsna clearly outlines here one of the fundamental tenets of the Gita - we have a material body (which is temporary) and a soul (which is eternal). Our true identification should be that "I am a soul" and not be bewildered by the body that is currently on loan to us.

One may question, "So what if I identify myself with the material body? What does it matter?" It matters because the body is temporary, limited and is often a cause of misery. The soul, on the other hand, is characterized by three intrinsic characteristics. It is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss.

A beautiful analogy is given with respect to this verse. Just as a person puts on cloths and discards them later, the material body can be viewed in a similar way. The only difference is we wear this body for a longer time than the pants or shirt we might have put on this morning.

The body we receive is a direct result of our karma and consciousness in our previous life. That determines the type of body and facility we receive now. Like this, the cycle continues and so the soul gets trapped in the cycle of repeated birth and death.

With respect to death, this verse can help ease our misconceptions and trepidations regarding death. This verse and those to come propound that the soul never dies. The body, any body will die, but the soul will live eternally. The loss of friends, family and loved ones is certainly painful and never easy. However, one can take comfort that the soul that we were lucky enough to come in contact with will live forever.

supreme comfort

Verse 2.12: Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

All of us want to be eternal. Some may not wish to actually live forever (often this thinking is associated with the body and relationships we currently have) but all of us crave it in some fashion or another. The concept of legacy is very much related to eternality. Even if this material body ceases to exist, we all want to leave something behind and be remembered. Whether it be children, accomplishing one's goals or somehow affecting other's lives in a meaningful way, this concept of eternality is within us because it is who we are.

The soul is eternal and we are the soul. Due to the fact that the soul is wearing a material body, we easily forget that we are actually eternal and identify ourselves with the body which undergoes birth, disease, old age and death and which grows from boyhood to youth to "distinguished (aka: old)." :D

In this verse, Krsna gives us supreme comfort. He comforts all of us by saying that we have always existed and need not fear death. This is really powerful. Modern society tends to ignore death and hides it behind lots of other things. It is interesting to note though that many religions and spiritual traditions, including that of bhakti, speak of death in a matter of fact way and address it head on. They do not bring in the negative aspects, but instead focus on the positive. Some may question, "Is there anything positive about death?" The bhakti texts loudly answer by saying "YES!"

By being aware of death we can reflect on how we utilize our time. Our time is spent in so many ways whether it be in performing our duty, honouring commitments, having fun or just plain wasting it. For how many is spiritual life an actual priority? Sadly to say, not that many. But this awareness can help shift one's priorities. This doesn't mean one should neglect one's duty, family, job etc.., it just means that spiritual life has it's rightful place in one's schedule.

As well, this verse speaks of how loving and compassionate God actually is. Here Krsna reassures Arjuna by saying there was never a time when both Krsna, Arjuna and everyone else didn't exist. Krsna is saying here that, "My relationship with you is also eternal." It's not that we are eternal and don't have a relationship with God. No! Our relationship is eternal too. This goes to show how much God loves us. He will never give up on us and our relationship with him (whether we acknowledge it's importance or not). How lucky are we to have such a Lord that loves us unconditionally?

Remember that next time you feel unloved and down in the dumps. The Lord loves you more than you can imagine and is just waiting for you to remember him.

don't try to pretend to be something that you are not

Verse 2.11: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: While speaking learned words, you are mourning for what is not worthy of grief. Those who are wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead.

As soon as Arjuna seeks shelter from Krsna as his student, the relationship changes. Although the love and affection is still there, Krsna immediately takes on the role of teacher and spiritual guide. And what is his first words? A chastisement.

Krsna immediately identifies the root of Arjuna's confusion and anxiety- his identification with the material body and not the eternal spirit soul. Note how Krsna does not waste any time. Interestingly, Krsna is also subtly scolding Arjuna. Arjuna is posing himself as a learned man spouting off all kinds of philosophy and Krsna is saying, "Why are you posing yourself as someone who is learned when you yourself are in anxiety? A learned person is one who knows the difference between matter and spirit."

This is actually a very important point, not just for anyone who wants to share spiritual knowledge but for one who is looking for guidance and a teacher to learn under. In this day and age it is very easy to propound oneself as an expert or guru. All you need to do is a little research, have some charisma and boom! You're revered.

Krsna is warning Arjuna of that here: don't try to pretend to be something that you are not. This requires some introspection and a warning that you may not like what you find. Most of us would like to think that we are honest and genuine. However, as aspiring bhakti yogis, it is not sufficient to just assume that we are filled with good qualities. The path of bhakti is one that actually reveals to us our shortcomings and gives us the process by which we can overcome them.

Upon introspection, one may find that sometimes the tendency does come up to embellish one's own qualities. I mean, who doesn't like to be asked for their opinion? There's nothing wrong with giving an opinion or advice in and of itself. It's the mood and consciousness that really matters. If anyone is in any position to give spiritual guidance, it is always the most important thing to give credit where it is due.

Although I try to write something on the Gita everyday, I always try to do so in the mood of an instrument. On my really good days, I'm overwhelmed with the feeling of feeling very tiny and incompetent. It's wonderful because I finally can realize the import of a beautiful prayer that is oftentimes spoken before a speaker gives a discourse on bhakti yoga:

mukam karoti vachalam
pangum langhayate girim
yat-kripa tam aham vande
shri-gurum dina-taranam

The translation to this verse is as follows: "I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual teacher, the deliverer of the fallen souls. His mercy turns the dumb into eloquent speakers and enables the lame to cross mountains."

This attitude helps to put one in their rightful place. That of an instrument. Any spiritual understanding or realization we may experience only comes from the blessings of one's spiritual teachers' and Krsna. We ourselves can't do anything, but with the power of blessings we can do anything.

Similarly, the sincere student should always look for the appropriate qualities in a teacher. Don't let yourself be fooled by a vibrant and eloquent speaker who glorifies their own self. A true lover of God will always look upon themselves as a recipient of God's grace and feel themselves to be very low. Despite their humility, their actions will always reflect their true dependence on God and his empowerment. Practically, the manifestation of that empowerment will be felt by how they inspire and empower you.

That is a real bhakti yogi and a true teacher who can help us to not only love God but teach others to love God as well.

why?

Verse 2.10: O descendant of Bharata, at that time Kṛṣṇa, smiling, in the midst of both the armies, spoke the following words to the grief-stricken Arjuna.

On the surface, this verse seems pretty astonishing. Krsna is smiling at Arjuna's grief? What kind of God is this? Someone who takes pleasure in others' suffering?

Firstly, let's clear one thing up. Krsna is not smiling at Arjuna's grief. Krsna is smiling because his dear friend has now taken shelter of him. He is smiling because Arjuna wants to let go of the material suffering he is experiencing, as a result of identifying with his body, and instead wants to understand what reality is all about. Now that puts things in a whole different perspective, doesn't it? Just like a parent who may smile with compassion and understanding when their child comes to them in a heartbroken state and asks for help, Krsna too is smiling because this dear soul is now turning to him.

Arjuna is putting all his faith and trust in Krsna, a lesson we can all take inspiration from. Oftentimes, when things don't go the way we want, when we lose loved ones and when we see someone else getting something we think we "deserve", we blame God. C'mon, if you are in any way religious, spiritual or just believe in a higher force or entity, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Our problem is that we have been burned by the material energy so often. Not just in this lifetime but in previous lifetimes. Although we may not remember those previous lifetimes, what we carry with us are the impressions from those lifetimes. Having been hurt, disappointed, misled, and betrayed, it is no wonder that we have such a hard time trusting one another, what to speak of God.

God doesn't work by "our rules", which by the way are often different for every single living entity. He gives us what we need. And what is that need? Normally it's not the red Porsche, million dollar book deal or perfect relationship. No, often those things will just drive us away from him since we will feel we don't need anything but material temporary pleasures. What we do need is a reminder that our trust and faith should be put in that person who will never let us down - God.

But we forget this and keep questioning "Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?" Thing is, we cannot remember everything we've done to deserve what we're receiving now, but Krsna does. The law of karma states that for every action, there is an equal reaction. Because we tend to live our lives thinking that nothing comes before or after this lifetime, this truth doesn't often bring solace to the heart. But, if we were to actually remember this, things won't affect us as strongly as they do.

Krsna only wants us to come back to him. So everything that happens to us, whether good or bad, is actually an opportunity to remember that. Anyone who is aspiring to reconnect with God will go through this. "But why?" we may ask and the answer is actually quite simple. To make us stronger. To deepen our faith.

Growth only occurs when there is some pressure. Whether it be a weight-lifter, academic or aspiring bhakti yogi, we grow the most in difficult conditions. Not conditions that will break us, but those that will stretch us. God loves us more than we can even fathom, so the next time you pose the question "Why?" remember that. The answer is because we need to grow and he's giving us the opportunity to come closer to him.

attitude and the senses

Verse 2.9: Sañjaya said: Having spoken thus, Arjuna, chastiser of enemies, told Kṛṣṇa, "Govinda, I shall not fight," and fell silent.

The sanskrit to today's verse includes one of numerous names of Krsna - Hrisikesa. Hrisikesa means he who is the master of all senses. Arjuna in saying that he will not fight is taking on the position of all of us. He is still putting his personal sense gratification first. He is thinking that performing his duty as a warrior will bring him pain and so is situated in the "I am this body, and everything, whatever we find in this world, belongs to me" mentality.

But, as most of us have already figured out, this doesn't work. We can of course adopt this mentality, but it doesn't take us very far. Instead it brings us frustration and anxiety. Like a small child who is throwing a tantrum, we refuse to accept that there may be another alternative.

As aspiring bhakti yogis, the knowledge that Krsna is the master of all senses can be an impetus for us to a run an experiment. As one of the greatest bhakti yogis, Srila Prabhupada, writes "Krsna is the mater of the sense, and therefore, whatever senses I have got, the master is Krsna, the proprietor is Krsna. So when our senses are engaged in the satisfaction of the master of the senses, that is called bhakti."

Our senses can ultimately only be utilized for one of two things: ourselves or in the service of pleasing God. What many don't realize is that pleasing God will always bring us happiness whereas selfishly trying to satisfy our own senses, without acknowledging God for everything that we receive, only serves to further inspire us to become more selfish and illusioned.

See, the senses are not the problem in and of themselves, they just act as a medium. It is the attitude in utilizing this medium. This is not to say that we should never try to take pleasure in our senses, it is just the way we go about it. Bhakti is so practical that it explains to us in great detail how all the senses can be used:

Once there was a great king called Ambarisa who was (and is still) famous amongst bhakti yogis. He is held as a role model because despite having all the luxuries associated with royalty, his only interest was the spiritual welfare of his people. He is known as one of the greatest practitioners of bhakti yoga since he used all of his senses to bring pleasure to Krsna.

With his words he would describe the glories of Krsna, with his ears he would hear the words spoken by or about Krsna and his eyes would be engaged in seeing Krsna's form, temples and holy places. His sense of smell would be engaged in smelling the fragrance of various scents offered to the Lord and his sense of touch would be used in serving great bhakti yogis.

Try it and see for yourself. A simple way to begin this experiment is to simply become more aware of everything that is being given to you and take the time to say "Thank you Krsna." You'll begin to see that your whole world will change for the positive.

blind leading the blind

Verse 2.8: I can find no means to drive away this grief which is drying up my senses. I will not be able to dispel it even if I win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty like the demigods in heaven.

The purport to this verse is very beautiful and so I'd like to include the beginning of it here since I feel it's extremely relevant:

"Although Arjuna was putting forward so many arguments based on knowledge of the principles of religion and moral codes, it appears that he was unable to solve his real problem without the help of the spiritual master, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. He could understand that his so-called knowledge was useless in driving away his problems, which were drying up his whole existence; and it was impossible for him to solve such perplexities without the help of a spiritual master like Lord Kṛṣṇa. Academic knowledge, scholarship, high position, etc., are all useless in solving the problems of life; help can be given only by a spiritual master like Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, the conclusion is that a spiritual master who is one hundred percent Kṛṣṇa conscious is the bona fide spiritual master, for he can solve the problems of life."

Wow. "Academic knowledge, scholarship, high position, etc., are all useless in solving the problems of life." How often have we been taught to go after these very things in order to solve our problems? If there was any doubt, it's being cleared up here. We are a completely backwards society.

As a society, we value external beauty rather than taking the time to appreciate the good qualities that are inside. We emphasize money and power over morality and truthfulness. We look for the short-cuts and easy fixes instead of taking pride in hard work and developing patience.

In short, we are a society where the blind are leading the blind. All the "role models" and celebrities of today that are being emulated do not have the answers. We are being fooled. We are easily duped and mislead by lots of gloss and shine.

Just like Arjuna however, we need to come to this realization. We need to realize that living in this material world is hard work and we actually need to come to the point of frustration. It is from these feelings that we can start to crave something more and finally start to question. "Why is everything so difficult? Why does nothing turn out the way I want it to? Even if my desires are granted, how come I'm not as happy as I thought I would be?"

See, material problems cannot be solved by material answers. The only answer to material problems is spiritual solutions. Once again, this brings us back to the concept of guru. Although we are spiritual beings, we have forgotten our true selves. In order to tap into that essence, we need someone who has realized that they are not actually the body, but the soul.

So the next time you feel that sense of frustration, don't look towards a material solution. Even if it works, it's just a temporary quick fix. Instead use this as impetus to realize that as spiritual beings, we'll never be satisfied with that which is not permanent.