02/G.I.T.A

CONTENTS OF THE GITA SUMMARISED

Chapter Two is a succinct overview of the Gita’s philosophy. Arjuna approaches Krishna in humility and desperation, inviting Krishna to present the most fundamental truth of spiritual wisdom: the science of the soul. Krishna then explains the practical application of such wisdom, and concludes by describing the symptoms of one who has fully internalised such truths. Krishna thus summarises the spiritual journey from beginning to end. In actuality, there is no ‘end’ to the spiritual journey because it's from this point that real life begins.

G

Desiring not to fight, but simultaneously torn and confused, Arjuna approaches Krishna in desperation. “I am in dire need of guidance,” he humbly submits, “please enlighten me and mitigate my miserable misery.” Arjuna teaches us the first fundamental step in spirituality; seeking help from an authentic guru who has mastered the spiritual art and embodies what they teach. Most things in life require a qualified teacher and the spiritual path is no different. Some believe that everything they require for their spirituality is contained within, and while there may be truth to that, we still require help to reawaken that innate spiritual consciousness. As the saying goes, “One who accepts himself as a guru, accepts a fool for a disciple!”

I

In response to Arjuna’s confusion, Krishna reveals something simple but profound – “You are not this body” He says, “but an eternal, indestructible spirit soul.” We’re spiritual beings on a human journey! As the bird lives in a cage, and as the driver operates a car, we, the spirit soul, similarly inhabit, animate and utilise this body to and interact with the world. Yet we are different from this body. In ignorance of this, the soul is subjected to the process of reincarnation, accepting unnatural material bodies and the subsequent sufferings and distresses of life in this material world. This is the first teaching that the guru imparts; knowledge of who we really are. While it may seem elementary and basic, such wisdom has rarely been understood and applied. When our decisions factor in this crucial understanding, it re-routes our entire life trajectory, as Arjuna will himself experience.

T

Knowing our identity helps us clearly define our purpose in life. Dharma loosely translates as “duty” but in a deeper sense refers to intrinsic characteristics and qualities of something that cannot be avoided, neglected or negated under any circumstance. On one hand, the embodied soul has a sva-dharma, a worldly duty which consists of responsibilities towards family, and society. On the other hand, the soul has a sanatana-dharma, an eternal spiritual duty which comprises of one’s relationship with God, nature and all spirit souls. One must execute these two dimensions of dharma side-by-side, finding a life of integration. Krishna beautifully explains the activities and mindset of the spiritualist who is alert to both duties, and who thus leads a balanced and progressive material and spiritual life.

A

One who learns this art of living elevates their consciousness and becomes an atmarama - a spiritually realised soul who finds pleasure in the self. Arjuna is interested to know how he can identify such a unique soul. Krishna explains that the atmarama is unaffected by happiness or distress, gain or loss, honour or dishonour. Transcending the dualities of this world, such a spiritualist rids himself of qualities such as fear, attachment, and anger, and remains absorbed in spiritual joy and transcendental consciousness. The atmarama ultimately enters into eternity, freeing himself from the imprisonment of the material world.

“WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT HAPPINESS WAS THE KEY TO LIFE. WHEN I WENT TO SCHOOL, THEY ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED TO BE WHEN I GREW UP. I WROTE DOWN ‘HAPPY’. THEY TOLD ME I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND THE ASSIGNMENT, AND I TOLD THEM THEY DIDN’T UNDERSTAND LIFE.” ~ JOHN LENNON