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Bhagavad Gita Selection Number 56, for Thursday, September 2, 2010
From Chapter II: Sankhya Yoga
(Krishna speaking to Arjuna)
II.42. Flowery speech is uttered by the unwise, taking pleasure in
the eulogising words of the Vedas, O Arjuna, saying, "There is
nothing else."
COMMENTARY: Unwise people who are lacking in discrimination lay
great stress upon the Karma Kanda or the ritualistic portion of
the Vedas, which lay down specific rules for specific ations for
the attainment of specific fruits and extol these actions and
rewards unduly. They are highly enamoured of such Vedic passages
which prescribe ways for the attainment of heavenly enjoyments in
Svarga(heaven) which can be obtained by performing the rites of
the Karma Kanda of the Vedas.
There are two main divisions of the Vedas--Karma Kanda (the
section dealing with action) and Jnana Kanda (the section dealing
with knowledge). The Karma Kanda comprises the Brahmanas and the
Samhitas. This is the authority for the Purvamimamsa school
founded by Jaimini. The followers of this school deal with
rituals and prescribe many of them for attaining enjoyments and
power here and happiness in heaven. They regard this as the
ultimate object of human existence. Ordinary people are attracted
to their panegyrics. The Jnana Kanda comprises the Aranyakas and
the Upanishads which deal with the nature of Brahman or the
Supreme Self.
Life in heaven is also transitory. After the fruits of the
good actions are exhausted, one has to come back to this earth-
plane. Liberation or Moksha can only be attained by knowledge of
the Self but not by performing a thousand and one sacrifices.
Lord Krishna assigns a comparitively inferior position to the
doctrine of the Mimamsakas of performing Vedic sacrifices for
obtaining heaven, power and lordship in this world as they cannot
give us final liberation.
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Theory is one thing and life another. Become a practical man. Become a practical Vedantin.
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Raja Yoga Selection Number 46, for Thursday, September 2, 2010
[from Chapter I: "Samadhi Pada- On Contemplations"]
I.30. VYAADHI-STYAANA-SAMSHAYA-PRAMAADAALASYAA-VIRATI-BHRAANTI-
DARSHANAALABDHABHOOMI-KATVAANAVASTHITATVAANI CITTA-VIKSHEPAAS
TE 'NTARAAYAAH.
'The obstacles to Realization are disease, mental torpor, doubt,
indifference, laziness, craving for pleasure, delusion, inability to
practice and maintain concentration, and restlessness of mind due to
distraction'.
Commentary:
If the body is not healthy, cosmic consciousness cannot be reached.
The practice of 'asanas' and 'pranayama' wards off disease and helps to
maintain alertness. Doubt and the various mental obstacles can be
dispelled by the spiritual experiences that come through meditation.
Especially when progress seems to be at a standstill, it is essential to
plod on doggedly with the practice. Yoga, like any other kind of learning,
is never a straight ascent; there are ups and downs and plateaus. Bear
this in mind, do not become discouraged, and be aware that all seekers
encounter these same obstacles. They should be regarded as challenges
which introduce growth opportunities to develop strength. With regularity
in practice, the mind eventually rights itself.
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8. MY CREED
God is my creed.
osmic love is my creed.
Selfless service is my creed.
Brotherhood is my creed.
Sacrifice is my creed.
Renunciation is my creed.
Fellowship is my creed.
Unity is my creed.
Equal vision is my creed.
Equanimity is my creed.
Worship of Truth is my creed.
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