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 15th 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 13th and 14th. 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 15th 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
1st verse of 15th 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
