fight!

Verse 2.33: If, however, you do not perform your religious duty of fighting, then you will certainly incur sins for neglecting your duties and thus lose your reputation as a fighter.

Krsna is encouraging Arjuna to fight. Growing up with the culture of bhakti being practiced by my parents, I have to admit that this always confused the heck out of me! The path of bhakti is all about compassion, love, tolerance, humility and respect. Krsna encouraging Arjuna to fight seems completely contradictory to the essence of bhakti. So what gives?

It was only when I studied the Gita under the guidance of extremely advanced and qualified bhakti practitioners that I began to understand something crucial. There is a time and place for everything. Nothing is good or bad. Take for example a knife. In an expert surgeon's hand, it's an instrument of healing and help whereas in the hands of a criminal it can be used to inflict harm.

In this case, Arjuna is a leader, an administrator and a protector. Therefore it is his duty to take care of those who depend on him. Duryodhana, who wrongfully usurped the kingdom, is not a qualified leader due to the fact that he took power through trickery and force. We forget that the consciousness of anyone in a position of power has a direct impact on others. In this case, since Duryodhana is the epitome of selfishness, deceit and unlawfulness, this is what would get propagated within the kingdom.

Krsna is not asking to Arjuna to fight for himself, but on behalf of his subjects who need to be saved from this type of rule. Imagine a parallel situation. A thug is harassing someone on the road. A policeman is witnessing the situation and realizes that to help the victim, he might need to inflict some force on the thug. Thinking that utilizing force is always bad, he simply walks away. Do you think the policeman did the right thing?

Most people would probably agree that the policeman's inaction could be considered even worse than what the thug was doing! It is the policeman's duty to help those who are in need. The application of force and fighting is sometimes necessary to help those who are dependent and helpless.

Consciousness is also extremely important. Krsna is not encouraging Arjuna to fight so that he can enjoy the kingdom. Similarly, the policeman or law enforcement officer should not be motivated to help others just for recognition. It is a duty, a responsibility.

In today's day and age, the concept of acting in the right consciousness and out of duty are foreign concepts, what to speak of the fact that we don't have very qualified leaders and protectors. But that doesn't mean that the aspiring bhakti yogi doesn't fight. Oh no, we do. Our fight though is against our mind that compels us to remain complacent and lazy when actually we should endeavour to be spiritually active. Reading bhakti texts, hearing inspiring talks and engaging in mantra meditation all take effort.

It's about time, place, circumstance and above all motivation. Everything can be utilized in bhakti, even applying a little force.

embracing opportunities

Verse 2.32: O Pārtha, happy are the kṣatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planets.

Are you one to shy away from opportunities? The adventurous and free-spirited part of me screams "Of course not! Bring them on!" It's shameful to admit, but in actuality I know that I have oftentimes turned a blind eye to said opportunities, given numerous excuses as to why I won't advantage of them to appease myself and promptly gone and tried to forget about them. Of course, what happens next is inevitable...someone else (who might have been just as fearful as you) takes advantage of that opportunity and great things come from it. Once hearing about it you feel a myriad of emotions - a little envy with "I could have totally done that better" thrown in for good measure, disappointment in yourself and a general feeling of dissatisfaction.

Sound familiar? I think it's common, especially when it comes to those opportunities that are in line with your nature. As mentioned yesterday, your nature consists of your proclivities and qualities and act as a roadmap to figuring out what you are meant to do with your life. The challenge, however, often lies in - 1) figuring out our nature and 2) embracing opportunities to engage that nature in effective, influential ways. Think of a super talented singer whose nature it is to be artistic and creative through singing. She gets an audition and instead of getting the support that she needs to overcome her fear and wow the record label, she doesn't show up and instead continues to work at the corner store. Drastic example, but I'm sure it happens everyday. You might be wondering though, how in the world does this tie in with bhakti?

You see, Krsna is starting with the basics in explaining the intricacies of bhakti. Krsna first taught lesson 1 - we misidentify ourselves with the body which covers who we really are - eternal souls. Krsna then goes on to explain in great detail the nature and characteristics of the soul, educating all of us since we have forgotten and ignored it for so long.

Now, Krsna is further explaining that even though in reality we are the soul, if we don't actually understand this on a practical level, then we need to use our body, mind and intelligence to help us get us to the soul platform. How do you do that? Krsna gives the formula - you work with what you have. Just like you have a particular body, you also have a certain mind and intelligence that has been given to you. Literally, no two living entities are alike. Everything has been tailor made just for you (the soul).

In this basic program, which acts as a brilliant foundation to build upon spiritually, the key requirement is acting according to your nature. That means if you are a person who loves to learn and teach and guide others, then you act in that capacity. It doesn't mean that you slave away and try to become a businessmen just because it may be more lucrative financially. No. Be true to the nature you have been given.

After having done so, the next step is to embrace opportunities that arise so that those gifts and skills (which ultimately are given to us by the Supreme) can be properly utilized. In doing so, this program actually helps one progress in the bhakti path when one works in the consciousness that all this is possible due to the gifts bestowed upon us by Krsna. It opens up our eyes to recognizing that we can be empowered to become instrument of greatness. The take away message being we are empowered by God. The greatness doesn't originate from us. When we understand this, we naturally feel grateful to Krsna for choosing us to be instruments of inspiration and talent.

That's what Krsna is telling Arjuna here. He's saying, "You have been empowered to be a great leader and administrator for millions of people who count on you for your protection. It is your nature to lead them and care for them. Are you going to turn a blind eye when the moment of truth comes to stick up for them?"

In our own day to day lives, we may face these defining moments on a smaller scale, but they are nonetheless important. Even if our circumstances don't allow us to engage in activities that are in line with our nature, the goal should be to move in that direction. Why? Because it's easier and will make us happy.

So the next time an opportunity arises for you to engage in your nature, take it! It's not only an opportunity to develop your skills and talents and contribute something to the world, it's also an opportunity to realize that everything is only possible by blessings and grace.

career advice - part 1

Verse 2.31: Considering your specific duty as a kṣatriya, you should know that there is no better engagement for you than fighting on religious principles; and so there is no need for hesitation.

Did you know that we all have two occupations in life? One is the occupation of the soul and the other is the occupation of the body based on your psycho-physical nature.

Let's focus on the latter first, as it seems that most of us have a hard enough time figuring that one out. The word occupation is not being used in reference to a job that you are applying for or are currently working in. It refers to your raison d'être. That activity, that call to action which you are meant to do based on your nature.

The Gita is so incredible. It not only presents the highest truth and objectives but also gives us insights into how we can function more effectively and successfully even in the material world. Case in point, Krsna is here (and will expand further later on) presenting the message that every single life coach/job councilor is propounding out there today - you need to find what you love to do.

How many of you out there have heard that advice before? In fact, how many of you out there have struggled to figure out what you want to do? As someone who has been there and struggled personally with this maddening question, let me tell you - just hearing this one phrase ain't enough. I mean, it's a solace to the heart to hear what you know to be true confirmed by others, but it doesn't practically guide you to figure out what you want to do, especially if you like to do a lot of things!

Enter the Gita and Krsna. The way in which you figure out what it is that you are meant to do is by understanding the qualities and proclivities that you have.

Krsna describes how society naturally falls into four categories according to these qualities and proclivities - the educators/academics, the protectors/administrators, the businessmen/agriculturalists and finally the artists/workers. It's further interesting to note, persons can be a mix of each of these (i.e. educator/protector).

It's noteworthy that society today encourages most of us to fall into the worker category. Go to school, get a job and work for a company. That's the line that most of us have been fed. The thing is that society cannot function on workers alone. It is a noble and honourable position, just like the others, but it only represents one piece of the whole. In order for society to function properly, we need qualified individuals who are encouraged and guided to understand where they fit and not just shoved into a round peg if they obviously don't belong there.

Here, Krsna is speaking to Arjuna who is a protector/administrator (the sanskirt word being ksatriya). The main quality of one who is a ksatriya is that of being a protector. The nature of such an individual is to take care of all persons/living entities who are under their leadership and ensure their safety and well-being. Krsna encourages Arjuna to not run away from his qualities and proclivities that make him a ksatriya.

This is a valuable lesson. Many of us also try to run away from our psycho-physical tendencies. Instead, we try to take on roles that we've been told will give us stability and money. As most of us who have tried this, it doesn't make you happy. In speaking with numerous individuals who were brave enough to throw away their careers to pursue what is in line with their nature, I heard one thing over and over again - it may be hard and it may be challenging, but be true to yourself. Find out how you can contribute to the world, instead of trying to take from it.

That in itself is a bhakti principle. Bhakti is about selflessness and giving. It's not about being miserly and hard-hearted. So go on and take part 1 of Krsna's career advice - be true to your nature and work according to it. You'll be amazed by the results.

concise.

A couple of months ago I joined a group where the participants are not only exceptional writers but take the time to visit and comment on each others writing. The group, Blogplicity, is a beautiful community and I am honoured to be a member. Recently, one of the members proposed a group of us take on a writing challenge called six-word memoirs. For the past month individuals have been writing such deep and insightful memoirs. Yesterday, it was Cairn's turn who courageously opened her heart and summed it up in six words.

One could ask why I'm choosing to post this here, as this blog is dedicated to delving into the practical applications of the Gita. There are two reasons. Firstly, the Gita is all about the essentials and gets right down to the heart of the matter. Nothing superfluous or dressy about it. It's concise. Similarly, this exercise forces me to think carefully about my life so far and boil it down to six words. Secondly, the Gita has shaped my life in such incredible and tangible ways. These six words below not only represent me, but more importantly, how the Gita has impacted me.

GRATEFUL FOR UNDESERVING BLESSINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES.

I now pass along the torch to Sulekha who will be writing her six-word memoir tomorrow on her blog!

observation: one of the keys to having succesful relationships

Verse 2.30: O descendant of Bharata, he who dwells in the body can never be slain. Therefore you need not grieve for any living being.

Do you think that you are a keen observer? Being a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, I always marveled as to how Holmes seemed to notice all the little things. In fact, in one story Holmes asks Watson the question, "How many times have you gone up the stairs to this apartment?." Watson replies, "Hundreds of times" and then Holmes poses a seemingly simplistic question, "How many stairs are there?" Watson can't answer and Holmes enlightens him.

The aforementioned conversation highlights an important truth that we often forget - observation is based on being intentionally attentive and conscious. It's not something that just "happens" with our eyes and ears. Only when one is focused and alert can one even hope to observe anything. In the explanation to today's verse, our exalted Gita guide and teacher, Swami Prabhupada, makes note that "The Lord now concludes the chapter of instruction on the immutable spirit soul." An excellent teacher, Prabhupada reminds the reader (who many have forgotten or gotten distracted) that for the past little while Krsna has been talking about the soul and he is now concluding his discussion on it.

This prompted me to do a little experiment of my own. For those who have read, are reading or (I hope!) will one day read the Gita, I counted how many verses Krsna has now spoken on the soul. If one counts from the first time Krsna mentions the word "soul", there are 18 including today's (starting from 2.13 and ending at 2.30). In fact, this is the first topic that Krsna talks about as soon as Arjuna asks Krsna to be his bhakti teacher.

It was an exercise that took me a grand total of 30 seconds to count how many verses there were and by doing so I learned something valuable. It's not difficult to be observant, but it takes active effort. It's a skill, which like any other, needs to be developed.

Bhakti is all about being observant. Why? Because bhakti is about relationships. In order to have successful relationships with each other, what to speak of having one with the Supreme Person, it requires that we become actively observant. Not only should we become observant of our own thoughts and actions which indirectly or directly have effects on others, but we also need to be observant of the words and actions of others. This will allow us to become more attentive to each others needs, interests and concerns.

People often helplessly say, "I don't know what you want or need!" I think that we unreasonably expect one another to communicate effectively through words. Although it would be ideal, it's hard for many persons. Living in a world that has now become saturated by communication via text, email and messaging doesn't necessarily help the matter either. We forget that non-verbal communication is just as informative. Sometimes, all we need to do is literally just look at the person really closely and observe their facial expressions, their eyes and their body posture.

The basic desire for each and every one of us is to love and be loved. So why not learn from this ancient bhakti text? The answer is simple and just requires some practice. Invest in your relationships with the Supreme and one another - strive to actively and intentionally observe. It shows that you care.

the amazing soul

Verse 2.29: Some look on the soul as amazing, some describe him as amazing, and some hear of him as amazing, while others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all.

Good morning from Kolkata! It's been a few days since I've had a chance to write and I think I'm experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Such is the power and beauty of the Gita - you become addicted!

There are numerous things in this material world that amaze us. Skyscrapers, intelligence, relationships, underwater sea life...well those are some of the things that never cease to amaze me! Here, Krsna is telling Arjuna that of things that are amazing, the soul is the most amazing.

Amazing things tend to bewilder us. Ever notice that? In fact, I think the reason why we label them as such, is due to the fact that we don't understand them. Most of the time, however, they can be understood. It just takes great effort on our part and the willingness to invest the time and energy.

To understand the soul, one must invest that time and energy and most importantly, follow the process that is outlined. No one can just learn the intricacies of and how to build a skyscraper on their own. They must understand the principles of engineering, architecture and so many other fields to comprehend how they fit together.

Similarly, to understand the soul properly, one must follow the path of the bhakti yoga. Bhakti yoga explains the interconnections of karma, reincarnation, the material world, the body, God and so many other aspects which will help the skeptical side of us understand the place, importance and existence of the soul.

I'll conclude by saying this. I've added another item to the list of things that amaze me and that is driving in India. For those who have never had the experience...you haven't seen amazing or mystical until you've seen this. For the past two days, my friend Divya and I have been visiting various places in Kolkata, and although this isn't our first to India, we can't help but be amazed. Horns blaring, dust engulfing us, scooters, motorcycles, auto-rikshaws, cars, pedestrians, and animals are all competing for the same space. There are so many near misses, that one loses count of how many potential crashes, scraps and bruises should have happened, but didn't, after the first five minutes.

In fact I think that understanding the soul is actually much easier than trying to wrap one's mind around how traffic moves in India! It's enough to convince anyone that Krsna (God) does exist!

note to all gitaasitis readers

Dear gitaasitis readers,

First of all, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read this blog and for all your continued support and encouragement.

I wanted to let you know that for the next two weeks I'll be travelling and may not be able to post anything regularly. I'll definitely try my best if there is an internet connection, but if not, please know that I will be back to my daily exploration of the Gita once I return!!!

All the best and may your hearts be filled with bhakti!