INTRODUCTION TO THE FIFTEENTH CHAPTER OF BHAGAVAD GITA

While we study Bhagavad Gita chapter by chapter, the total vision of BG should never be forgotten. The role of every individual chapter will be clear. BG comes as a Moksha sastra meant to solve human problem called Samsara. All human problems put together are caused by ignorance. All psychological and intellectual problems put together are caused by Samsara called ignorance. Bhagavad Gita gives the primary solution for Samsara by attaining Self-knowledge.

We must remember Brahma Vidya at the end of each chapter as the primary message of BG, which is borrowed, from upanishads. This is the central theme of BG. The purpose is to remove Self-ignorance. All the problems are caused by Self-ignorance (caused by Samsara) and are to be eliminated for living a peaceful and a happy life.

So many other disciplines are prescribed for getting self-knowledge. Patyam does not directly solve the problem. It helps in primary solution to work effectively. Even the best seed can’t germinate if the land is not fertile. If mind is not conducive, self-knowledge can’t take place. None of these can solve the primary cause of ignorance. Karma yoga, Upasana yoga and Gnana yoga are supportive sadana. All sadana other than self-knowledge are only supportive. Therefore, at the end of every chapter Brahma Vidya, Yoga sastra are mentioned which is patyam. Every spiritual seeker should give importance to Aushadam, Patyam, Brahma Vidya and Yoga sastra also. Some chapters focus on Brahma Vidya, some chapters on Yoga sastra and some chapters on both. 13, 14 and 15^th chapters are Brahma Vidya pradhana which is a hard core Vedanta and talks about gaining Self knowledge. Here in these three chapters the discussion is very subtle. Third chapter is full and full Yoga sastra, which is only preparatory. Sixteenth and seventeenth chapters are also Yoga Sastra pradhana. Fifteenth chapter is the last chapter of Bhagavad Gita, which focuses on Brahma Vidya. Eighteenth chapter is a winding up chapter in which all ideas are consolidated. Fifteenth chapter is a significant like 13^th and 14^th. Purushartha is Nirguna Brahma or Nirguna Atma discussed in Mandukya Upanishads.  Supreme Brahman is without qualities (Nirguna Brahman). There are four Purusharthas or aims of life namely Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

In the 15^th chapter in the first three verses lord Krishna gives a comprehensive description of this vast universe. It is a study of Cosmology and gives the description of the cosmos. What perpetuates the Universe? Causes for the arrival of the universe and creation of the universe are discussed. Nature of the universe and purpose of the universe is also discussed. In addition, what is responsible for the human problem of Samsara and diagnosis of samsara is discussed. Krishna talks about the primary cause as well as the contributory cause of samsara. The 1^st verse of 15^th Ch is borrowed from Kathopanishad. Bhagavad Gita is milk extracted from Upanishadic Cow. Here a vast universe is compared to Asvattha tree. We don’t know the limits of the universe, which is expanding day by day as per scientists. Universe is compared to an Asvattha tree. When it dies, it produces seeds, which produces another Asvattha tree. It is permanent in the form of a seed. Every seed is preceded and followed by a tree and every tree is preceded and followed by a seed. It is permanent and impermanent.

Universe is also impermanent. It has got a beginning at the time of Big bang. The Universe will again get back to pre big bang condition called Pralaya, which is the seed condition. Universe is a Maya. In quantum physics, we study universe at a micro level. In cosmology, we study universe at a macro level. World can never be understood by anyone. Pralaya or dissolution follows every Srishti or creation. i.e., Tree > Seed > Tree > Seed. It does not have a beginning. You may ask how the current universe began. You cannot ask when universe began as a series. Creation is beginning less and an endless series. Universe is a series without beginning or end. It expands contracts like an Asvattha Vircha (tree). In Asvattha tree one portion is above the ground, which is the visible part of the tree, which is available for sensory perception. Another part roots are above the ground. This peepul (Asvattha) tree is said to be eternal because it cannot be cut except by the axe of knowledge.  All other trees have their roots below, but this peculiar, strange and most wonderful tree of Samsara (Maya) has its roots above, in Brahman. Brahman is the Supreme Being. Brahman is eternal. It is the source of everything. Therefore, it is said that it is the one above. This one above is the root of this tree of Samsara. Universe has a visible portion and an invisible portion. The root of a tree is under the ground and is not available for perception. Similarly, God is not available for the instruments of our knowledge. Above is beyond our perception is the real meaning. Visible portion is trunk, branches and leaves. Whoever understands both the universe Visible and Invisible part will be a wise person who will be liberated.    

Bagawan is the root of the universe. The Vedas talk about various things that we can accomplish in life. Punya Papa Karma is the seed for our next life. Clearly understanding the universe with its root will give Liberation from birth and death. Root is understood by reading and knowing the Upanishadic part of the Vedas.  

In verse two Krishna talks about the extent of the Universe. Modern science talks about visible part of the universe only, which is 4%. The balance 96% is dark matter (23%) and dark energy (73%). The visible 4% consists of millions of galaxies including Milky Way and Solar system. According to Vedas, all of these come under Bhu-Loka only. Like that, there are 14 Lokas. In the Puranas, and already in the Atharvaveda there are fourteen worlds (Lokas), seven higher ones (Vyahrtis) and seven lower ones (Patala), Viz. Bhu-loka, Bhuvar-Loka, Svar-Loka, Mahar-Loka, Jana-Loka, Tapa-Loka and Satya-Loka above and Atala-Loka, Vitala-Loka, Sutala-Loka, Talatala-Loka, Mahatala-Loka, Rasatala-Loka and Patala-Loka below. Bhu-Loka is roughly in the middle. Higher Lokas are not accessible to us. Higher Lokas refer to qualifications, superiority where celestial bodies will be there (Indira sariram, Varuna sariram). Higher and lower Lokas are like the branches of an Asvattha tree. Similarly, Cosmos (Universe) has Higher and Lower Lokas.

Fifteenth chapter contains the essence of Gnana yoga. Eswara supports the universe. By forgetting my real nature I convert my Life into a burden, struggle and by remembering my real nature, I convert my Life into an entertainment and get Liberation or Moksha. I have to change my attitude from ownership to user ship. I should have more of Vairagyam. If I have less of Vairagyam, there will be anxiety, worry, and fear about the future. I have to develop virtues. I have to undergo a spiritual education program and do a systematic study of scriptures (Baghavad Gita) for a length of time under a competent guru who has also practised the same. Nirguna Eswara will have to be known by me ultimately. For this, I have to start with Saguna Eswara.

World has beauty, variety and novelty. It is Maya. Maya is a big promise superficially. It does not have stability. World is Matter which changes continuously. Since it is not stable, it is also not reliable or secure. Never be emotionally dependent on people, world or relationship for security. Detachment from the world is the First lesson in spirituality. You continue to use and serve the world, serve your family, and give your time but never depend on the world or family for emotional security. Entire universe is a cardboard chair. Use the world for serving and getting the qualification for spiritual knowledge. Don’t depend upon the perishable part of the universe. Switch over from world dependence to God dependence (vairagyam). Vairagyam means detachment. Turn away from the world and turn towards God. “Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Govindam Bhaja Mudamathe”. Transcending attachment and hatred is detachment. Detachment will become strong by discrimination. World cannot give security. Bagawan alone can give security. This is called Viveka. More Viveka will give Vairagyam. With Viveka sharpened Vairagyam may you confront the problem.                       

Life involves challenges. We cannot avoid challenges. Dwelling up on them will never help avoiding the same. I can confront the future. Let me not spoil the present by worrying about the future. Through Bhakti yoga, reduce fear about the future. Do Tapas (austerity) to toughen the personality. Let my thought, word and deed be in harmony.

Be blissful

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

INSPIRED PUSH; we all needed it sometime or the other.

A man had one very beautiful daughter. When the daughter was ready for marriage, the father sent news around town that all the eligible young men should come to compete in a test which would determine who was fit to marry his daughter. 

On that day, all was set; all the able-bodied young men came out. Some came with paper, biro, and others with cutlasses and swords.

The rich man took them to his swimming pool and addressed the men: “Any of you who can swim from one end of this swimming pool to the other would marry my daughter.

In addition, I‘ll give him 15million dollars, a car and a house so they can start life well. I shall be waiting to meet my son-in-law at the other end. Good luck!”

As the young men, all very excited at the prospect of winning, started taking off their shirts, a helicopter came over the pool and dropped alligators and crocodiles into the pool. Immediately, all the men turned back and started wearing their shirts again.

Disappointed, some of them said, ‘‘that is crazy, let’s see who would marry that girl, no one will'.

All of a sudden, they heard a splash in the pool. Everybody watched in amazement as one person waddled across, expertly avoiding the alligators and crocodiles.

Finally, he made it to the other side. The rich man could not believe it. He asked the young man to name anything he wanted but the man was still panting uncontrollably.

Finally, he got back to his senses and made a request saying, ''SHOW ME THE PERSON WHO PUSHED ME INSIDE THIS POOL!''

Moral 1:
You don’t know what you are capable of doing, until you are PUSHED! 
Moral 2: 
Those seeking to push you into the jaws of alligators and crocodiles may have helped you to reach your promised land!

Sometimes it takes going through the bad moments to bring out the BEST in us.

Trials are raw materials for Triumphant Testimonies... The push might take different
dimensions: some people needed to be sacked before realizing their potentials and reaching their goals in life.

I PRAY THAT you will GET A DIVINELY INSPIRED PUSH IN YOUR LIFE!

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

Great Thought- Words create your world - Resolve for NEW YEAR

I am sure all of you had a great NEW YEAR celebrations, Wishing your near & dear – over phone, email, what’s app, SMS, in person… I am sure there were many exchanges of thoughts, ideas, resolutions, reaffirmations etc.

Words have the power to make or break you. Attitude is shaped by your thinking and your very thinking is shaped by your words. Your words create the fabric of your reality.

Utter the following words and observe the feelings they kindle in you

Flowers, Rainbow, Buddha, Darling, Baby, Excellence, Wonderful, love, friend, gift

Now utter the following words and watch your feelings change

Volcano, Osama, Testing times, Betrayal, Revenge, Failure, grave, war, thorn, graveyard, betrayal

• Replace “ Problems” with “Challenges” and watch the difference 
• Replace “ Failure” with “ Opportunities to learn” and watch the difference
• Replace “ Contentment” with “ Most and More” and see the difference 
• Replace “ Give up” with “Go up” and notice the difference 
• Replace “ Failure” with “ Lessons learnt” 
• Replace “ I spent time” with “ I invest time” 
• Replace “ okay with “ Fine”

Word has the power to make or break. Attitude is shaped by thinking and thinking is shaped by words. Words create the fabric of reality. They give voice to your thoughts.

Words are the flowering of your thoughts. The quality of vibrations is carried in your words. You will unlearn the words create guilt and learn the words that create celebrations. You will unlearn the words that limit me and learn the words that create you.

Create your own dictionary of words and expressions by replacing “Limiting Vocabulary” with “Resourceful Vocabulary”

The new year 2016- Our Resolve

Nothing but the words that create a flowering in my heart and in the hearts of those who hear my voice will come out of my tongue.

Also, remember everything that comes out of Human being stinks. From sweat, to blood to urination to… everything stinks. Only thing that comes out of a human that can be sweet are his or her words.

Your words create your world. So resolve to tongue the right words and your words will build your world.

Wishing you most and more

Have a wonderful day & great week

Your WORDS

Create

Your WORLD – Jeffrey Rachmat.

Be Blissful

S.Sekar

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

In Conclusion, there is no conclusion

We are all keen to reach conclusions and move on; but life is a continuous process that unravels itself layer by layer. 

We all come across people who are so rigid that their every thought and word is a conclusion. They leave no scope for discussion or differing viewpoints, so sure are they of the rightness of their decision, and the impossibility of another reality. For them, a conclusion isn't arrived at with due diligence - their conclusions are usually the same as the premise they started with.

Life isn't like a cardboard puzzle whose bits fit beautifully only when held together in one particular direction.

Problem is that we are all searching for conclusions, so that we can shut the lid on many of life's posers and move on. But life is a continuous process, which unravels itself layer by layer. Whatever we conclude from the outer layers can at best be guesses - some intelligent, some not. It is another matter that the reality may be worlds removed from our best conjectures. Most of the time our conclusions are sops to make us feel better. Yes, he does love me! My child is very honest! I am a huge success! My marriage is ideal!

I find it tough to reach any conclusion about most things, for the moment I feel I am approaching a conclusion; several more facts throw themselves up to rearrange life's beautiful kaleidoscope. In the end, all I can do is take a decision, rather than arrive at a conclusion. For decisions are in our hands, and can be several. We are responsible for their being good or bad. A conclusion on the other hand can only be one - right or wrong. It can be arrived at only by observing a particular set of data in a controlled environment.  

Let me end (not conclude) by quoting Robert Anton Wilson, "In conclusion, there is no conclusion. Things will go on as they always have, getting weirder all the time."

Wishing you most and more.

Have a Wonderful day.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

To see through other's eyes

We are all motivated by something in our life. Some are motivated by money, some by a sense of purpose, some by learning environment, some by cool environment, some need challenging environments so on… Nothing works for all. Something works for all. Everybody has a dominant need, which helps changing as they keep growing. In that sense we are all the same and we are all different. The key is to take other person’s perspective into consideration. Unless you see the world the way others sees it, you cannot empower the world to see it the way you see it.

Leadership is in the ability to step into other’s shoes and then empowering them to walk in the direction that is right for them and that is good for all. There is no one way for all the people. Leadership has to be customized because the persons in your team are different. Different in terms of skills, competence, background, aspirations etc.

People relate to you not for what you are with them, but for what they can be when they are with you. Deep relationships are not built by making you understand me but giving you the confidence that I have understood you.

Even with your children, they find you interesting only if you talk to them about what they are interested in. Once they develop interest in parental company, then you can empower them.

The secret is – To See through the other’s eyes.

Seek first to understand, then to be understood – Stephen Covey

Have a wonderful day! Be Happy. In Happiness lies our prosperity.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

THE ULTIMATE WINNER

In today’s fast moving world we can come across many successful people in their life who possess excellent interpersonal relationship skills. We also come across a wide cross section of people who have been at the top of the pyramid in their academic pursuits but vice versa in their professional life. The reason is that they all lack what is known as soft skills and Interpersonal skills.

The so called interpersonal skills are innate and come from within right from child birth. Of course parental guidance and their beliefs can influence a child in its formative years up to the age of five. Beyond this age the child carries its own in-built system that it has developed and carries it till death. On the other hand, with a great effort put in by an individual one can develop soft skills such as oral and written communication. There is an adage in Tamil language that says what you cannot develop when you are Five years cannot be developed when you are Fifty.

We will try to unfold what makes a winner tick by making a study of different people that we come across in our daily life. Is it the Educational qualifications and the knowledge developed through the years or the added interpersonal relationship skill which is the winning factor? 

Gone are the days when subject knowledge was given the maximum weightage by the interviewers. In today’s context people of the interview panel look for your interpersonal skills and soft skills (Which are given the maximum marks) in addition to your subject and general knowledge.

On a close review, we can come to a conclusion that the ultimate winning factor is your soft skill and interpersonal relationship that you maintain with others in the society as a whole.

If you realize that something is lacking in you, please take immediate action and develop the required skills in order to achieve Success. I can suggest that this can be developed by constant practice and by way of Auto suggestion. Practice makes a man tend to perfection.   

Be blissful.

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com

Great Thought-Success

Yesterday’s success does not deserve today’s applause. Today is a new day, and it deserves fresh success. In the journey of success, every finishing line is the new starting line. In your career, year after year, you have to prove once again. You have got to challenge yourself once again.

After every accomplishment, the heartbeat of success remains –

• What next?
• What else?
• What More?
• How else?

Success should feed your sense of responsibility and not your ego. Awards and rewards are mere milestones. They are not the destination. So many people in the world have perished unable to handle success. At best, success is a huge source of motivation and we need limit to that at best.

For a student being promoted in 4th standard or even coming first in the class in 4th standard means nothing in 5th. You have to reinvest your efforts once again. Once you step down from the winning podium, you are only a defending champion. The result of previous game gives you no advantage in the next game.

For example – it doesn’t matter how my previous writings or sharing over the last 4 years have been; this writing that you are reading now will be judged afresh.

Stop looking back. Start looking ahead. Raise the bar continuously. Set a new challenge for yourself. “Where to where “does not matter. “ From here to where” alone matters.

Keep going and keep accomplishing.

Keep growing and going up

Wishing you most & more

Have a wonderful day & great week

Be Blissful

S.SEKAR

Contact: sekrajc@yahoo.com