UDDHAVA GITA CHAPTER VI

Lord Krishna has pointed out to Uddhava in verse 25 (Ch VI) that Satsangha or Company of Satpurushas are very essential for spiritual growth. When we have the company of noble people, dharmic people, people of devotion to God and people who are Satpurusha this association will be very useful and unknowingly we will imbibe all their virtues.

Thereafter Uddhava asks Krishna the definition of a satpurusha. Krishna answers in verses 29 to 33. Lord Krishna mentions 30 virtues that can be found in a satpurusha. In the 29^th verse 7 virtues are enumerated. They are do not pain others (ahimsa). Be compassionate to others. Restrain violent impulsive responses. Be honest, speak truth and have integrity. Avoid unhealthy tendencies (jealousy). Have a mental balance (samatvam). They have freedom from stress, anxiety. In verse 30 Krishna enumerates 11 virtues. In our early part of life we can give importance to Artha (material desire), Kama (sense pleasures, worldly entertainment). This should get shifted to Dharma pradana (a life of contribution and service) says scriptures. Then only we can go to Moksha pradana way of life. We have to shift gradually to moksha pradana before we die. If worldly desires over-power me then it becomes impossible for Moksha. A Satpurusha spends time for Dharma and Moksha. Sensory addiction can be disastrous. Karma yoga is defined as keeping the mind equanimous. Freedom from stress is possible and is important for spiritual growth. Be calm always under any situation. Surrender to the lord and give all your responsibilities and worries to God. Then God will give you the strength to face every situation in life which is experienceable here and now.

Ananyāśh chintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣhāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣhemaṁ vahāmyaham (BG Ch9 Verse 22)

There are those who always think of Me and engage in exclusive devotion to Me. To them, whose minds are always absorbed in Me, I provide what they lack and preserve what they already possess. when we offer ourselves exclusively to Him, māmekaṁ śharaṇaṁ vraja, God bestows His complete grace and takes full responsibility, by preserving what we have and providing what we lack.

We should have shreddha in Bhagavan’s promise. We should gradually get exposed to scriptural teachings and scriptural study which is compulsory. All other sadanas will not give me a clear direction. Scriptural study is like a GPS. Scriptural study will tell me where I stand and will show me where I have to Go. I should have a scriptural Road Map.

Self confidence is the most important virtue. Never ever look down upon yourself.

In the 6^th chapter of Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna talks about 4 types of Grace. First is Atma Kripa. I should have my own grace in the form of Self confidence. Then the other three will follow. 2^nd is Eswara kripa, God’s grace will follow. Next is Guru Kripa. Bhagavan will send a guru to guide me as I don’t know any guru. Eswara kripa will lead to Guru kripa. Next is Sastra kripa. Scriptures should come to my mind. Guru will introduce, interpret and transfer the scriptural message to me. It will become a Sastra kripa. Without Atma kripa the other three is not possible. You should never lose your heart. Never use the word it is difficult, it is tough, it is impossible. Remove these from your dictionary.

At Karma yoga level the 6 enemies are Kama (worldly desires), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed or miserliness), Moga (delusion, depening on finite world, finite possession and finite relationship for my peace, security and happiness), Madha (arrogance, superiority complex) and Matsarya (Jealousy, envy).

Regarding Gnana yoga the 5 enemies are enumerated in Brigadharanya Upanishads. The 5 problems are because of our identification with various layers of our body. Annamaya kosha has the problem of death. Pranamaya kosha has the problem of hunger and thirst. Manomaya kosha has got the problem of Soga (grief). Vignanamaya kosha has got the problem of delusion. Anandamaya kosha has the problem of desire. A gnani transcends all of these by learning to identify all the Kosas. A Gnani will say “I am not the pancha kosas. I am the transcendental Atma”.

Every one of us is the creation of God. God resides in every one. You should see divine in every one. After studying the scriptures, you have to share, interact, and discuss with likeminded people what you have understood. Then you will get more clarity of what you have studied. We have to maintain good relationship with everyone. Show compassion to others. Your prayer should be “Sarve Bhavanthu Sukinaga” (let all people in the world be happy). You have to pray for the humanity to be happy.

Mental purity will make you get a desire for scriptural study. Spend more time in Shravanam, Mananam and Nidhithyasanam. You will get more time for Vedanta Vichara. If your children are grown up, take Vanaprasta ashrama. Remain in home and not do any household activity. Children are there to take care of household activity. From Grihashramam to Vanaprasthashramam to Sanyasa ashramam; then take Gurukulam (find a competent Guru) and study there.

Be blissful.

S.Sekar

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