Newsletter February 01, 2012

Weekly Classes

(All classes given by Swami Yogatmananda, unless otherwise stated.)

Bhagavad Gita class – Jan. 27, Friday

Ch. 13 Verses 1-2: The thirteenth chapter of the Gita is essential for understanding the idea of non-duality and subject-object perception. According to subject-object perception, there exists a “perceiver” and a “perceived,”In Verse 1, Sri Krishna begins by declaring that the body is the ‘kshetra’ = known, not the knower. The knower is always distinct from the known, and since we know the body (its functions, anatomy, etc.), it can therefore not be the knower, or “I.” Although we identify ourselves with the body, the body is simply an object, just like other objects in the world. Understanding this is an important step in spiritual life.

Verse two contains what many consider to be one of the greatest lessons of non-dual Vedanta. This verse tells, “who is the ‘kshetrajna’ = knower ?” We wrongly assume that "I" is different from person to person. But Sri Krishna tells that the "I" or knower in every being is God. This truth is very difficult to grasp because it contradicts our ingrained sense of “I” and “the world;” However, Sri Krishna declares unequivocally that God is the self of all! The Self of each being is Divine, and there is no distinction between beings at that level. Knowing this about the Self, we should strive to “tap into” our intrinsic divinity. "Divinity" or "God" refers to that which is all-powerful, all-capable, full of bliss, knowledge, and peace. God realization must become the goal of our lives; if we attain God, we will attain all of these things (peace, bliss, knowledge, etc.). It is impossible for us to get joy from any object in the world. We can only find it when we realize God. God realization is not only possible; it is the ONLY possible way to make our lives happy, peaceful, and illumined.

In sum, here are the three main points which we should understand from our reading of this verse: 1) The knower or “I” is God; therefore, each soul is divine. 2) Because God is the Self of all, then all of existence is one. 3) Finally, to realize the inner divinity is the goal of life.

Knowledge and Wisdom - Jan. 29, Sunday
The Oxford English Dictionary offers multiple definitions of wisdom, including "exercising sound judgment" and "being able to see and adopt the best means and ends."  We build a huge edifice of knowledge, but we also need to have the wisdom to retrieve this knowledge when opportunities arise for its use.  Thus knowledge and wisdom need to work in the proper combination. In any given situation, making the best use of things is an indication of wisdom.  For example, a carpenter was teaching children how to make small toys out of wood.  He didn't have every specific tool required, but he showed the children how the available tools could be combined to do whatever was needed.  Wisdom is also expressed in assigning the right priorities to various things. In the Taittiriya Upanishad, a student, Bhrigu, approaches his father, Varuna, to ask him for knowledge of Brahman.  Varuna tells his son that he already has the necessary tools, but he must learn to these. Austerity is that. For example, using the eyes judiciously so that they will see only what is beneficial.  Even though the senses resist restriction, they must be disciplined for the priorities to be properly aligned. As Narada explained to the sage Sanat Kumar in the Chandogya Upanishad, he had studied so, so many texts, but had learned only words, just making clutter. Similarly, Sri Ramakrishna liked to tell a story in which two friends went to a mango grove.  While one friend busied himself counting leaves on the mango trees, the other saw some ripe mangoes on the trees, befriended the owner, and with his permission, started eating them.  We then must ask ourselves: Are we using knowledge to attain the bliss and peace we seek, or are we just counting leaves?  Thus the search for knowledge must be accompanied by efforts to become wiser.

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna class – Jan. 31, Tuesday

Master was asked about theosophy and spiritualism. He strongly discouraged such things as it is just waste of energy. There is no use of this information for a spiritual aspirant.. One should concentrate all the energy on what is most beneficial in life i.e. realizing one's true nature. Due to the delirium, we run after the less important things in life forgetting this most important thing. Sri Ramakrishna said that this delirium can be removed by fixing the mind on God. Initially it is difficult to fix the mind on God as it wanders everywhere and gets distracted by the worldly thoughts. Gradual, regular and steadfast efforts will help in achieving the goal. The most important thing is to get filled with the divine awareness. Once the mind is connected with the divine - our true nature - liberation is sure irrespective of the condition of one's body. Sri Ramakrishna gave examples of great devotees like Ahalya and Narada. Narada asked Rama to bless him with pure love to God alone and not to cast him under the spell of world-bewitching maya. All of us are under the spell of Maya. That obscures our perception. Everything impermanent is considered as permanent and the whole life is wasted in running after impermanent. It is difficult to develop love for God in such condition. Master said by sincere prayers one can fix his/her mind on God and develop true love for Him. Master advised not to think about ignorance and sins but to have intense faith in God and His name.