Hari OM
From Monday April 8th to Friday
April 12th 2019, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda-ji presented evening discourses to
the public at the Merrylands Civic Centre, NSW Australia. The focus of his
talks this year was Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, and more specifically,
shlokas 1-32. Some of the learning and insights will be shared over a number of
posts.
The question which often comes up in satsang when these early verses
of the Gita are addressed, is, "how exactly does this relate to my/our
life? We are not fighting a war."
This is an example of the listener not having heard that the
'battlefield' is within. The history given in the Mahaabharata and Raamaayana
may appear mythical, but that is not the relevant thing to the individual
hearing them. What is important to understand are the examples and lessons
contained deep in their words and scenarios.
When Arjuna bowed to Krishna who, until then, he knew only as a
friend, confidant and fellow soldier, he placed himself in a virtual satsang.
He was at the feet of a Master, a wise and beloved helper. In this fast and
furious world of the 21st century, to have such a constant and compassionate
friend might seem almost foreign. Friendship itself has become something of a
tradable commodity. Many may go through life without ever truly knowing the
depth of this kind of connection. This entire society now has set itself upon
whether one is 'liked' or 'unliked'. Words such as love and hate have become
cheapened in value also, and are bandied about with no real significance, yet causing
every bit the costly damage that they can when treated carelessly.
Not in a war, you say? Of course we are! Every day, in every way, we
must battle the lowering of values. Firstly within ourselves, then as an
example for others.
This is what Krishna seeks to convey to Arjuna as he points out The
Awareness which watches all this happening is unable to be harmed, indeed is
indifferent to the play. It is just there. Being. We Are That Awareness. The
'we' who think individually are doing so purely because we are trapped in the
delusion that the flesh and bone, the circulation, the seeing, smelling,
touching, tasting and hearing, the thinking and the 'feeling' are what we are.
None of these things is us. They are merely augmentations through which the
Aatmaa can experience and play.
Therefore, if we have any wisdom at all, we will seek to quell our
desires and tastes, flatten our likes and dislikes, decide not to suffer with
heat or cold, ignore the barbs of others… but if, on occasion, it becomes
necessary to react, let it be so with the understanding that whatever comes
about, in terms of the Aatmaa, nothing matters, nothing is permanent but that
Aatmaa itself and even death is an illusion.
These are big concepts. They are repeated throughout Sanskrit
literature, but nowhere are they more delightfully conveyed than in the Gita
through the exchange between Shri Krishna and Prince Arjuna.
Esoteric? Yes. Impractical? No! At all times we must find the
example which points to the action we can take to bring philosophy to life.
