Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita

The Song of Lord (Bhagvan)

In the present Age of Kalyug, it is next to impossible for the people being absorbed in the mundane activities to read all Sanatana Dharma Vedic Literature. So by all the merciful Nature of Lord Shri Krishna, He Himself descended on the earth planet in His Divine form and gave His instructions in the form of one book which will be sufficient for, we the people of Kalyug, called Bhagavad Gita.

Bhagavad Gita is the transcendental literature, the essence of all Vedic Literature and theme of all the Divine philosophies. It is also called Gitopanishad, being essence of all the Upanishads. The proper conscientiously understanding and following the instructions of Bhagavad Gita will make one freed from all sorts of anxieties and miseries of this earthly life and the for the life here after. Srila Parbhupada summarizes that Bhagavad Gita is the Permanent Solution of All Problems of life, if one follows it whole heartedly.

Lord Shri Krishna Himself summarizes the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as:

 “O Arjuna! You are very dear to Me. So, for your own good, I am telling you the greatest secret of the Divine world. Listen carefully. If you or any soul of the world desires to come to Me and be with Me forever, the easiest path is that he should worship Me, love Me, remember Me all the time and dedicate his life for Me. Then surely he will come to Me. It’s My promise.”                                                                     (Chatper 18, Verses 64, 65)

Lord Shri Krishna takes all responsibility for one who surrenders unto Him.

“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver your from all the sinful reactions. Do not fear”.   (Chapter 18 Verse No. 66)

The Advent of Bhagavad Gita:

The Bhagavad Gita comes under the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata and comprises the 18 Chapters consisting of 700 verses. Its authorship is traditionally ascribed to Sage Vyasa, the compiler of the Mahabharata. The sacred text of Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Lord Shri Krishna and Arjuna (one of the Pandava) taking place at the mid of the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War. Arjuna although having divine weapons and master in Dhanur Vidya but was confused and went in moral dilemma about fighting with his own cousins, elders, teachers etc. on a disputed empire of Hastinapur and Indraprastha.

Lord Shri Krishna then pacify the desponded Arjuna and explain him, his duties as a warrior and being Khastriya; elaborates him on different Vedic  philosophies, and explains different ways in which the soul can reach the Supreme Being with examples and analogies. This has led to the advent of Bhagavad Gita, a concise guide to Sanatana Dharma; a practical, self-contained guide to life. During the discourse, Lord Shri Krishna reveals His identity as the Supreme Being Himself (Supreme Personality of Godhead, Swayam Bhagwan), blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring vision of His Divine Universal Form (Virat Swaroop). 

(Note: Shri Krishna reveals His Universal form in Chapter 11 of BhagavadGita).

The audience who somehow listen the conversation of Lord Shri Krishna with Arjuna on the battle field of Kurukshetra War included:

• Sanjaya using Divya Drishti gifted by the Sage Veda Vyasa so that he can watch the war and narrates the events to King Dhritarashtra.

• Lord Hanuman (in the flag of Arjuna’s chariot)

• Barbarika, son of Ghatotkacha, who also witnessed the complete 18 days of action at Kurukshetra

Contents of Bhagavad Gita (Some Brief Info):

The main philosophical subject matter of the Bhagavad Gita is the explanation of five basic “Truths”:

Ishwara	The Supreme Controller, Super-Soul
Jiva	Living Beings, Individual Soul
Prakarti	Nature, Matter
Kaal	The Time, Destroyer
Karma	Duty in Accordance with Divine Laws

The Four Yogas:

Karma Yoga	A process whereby one performs his work for God. (Selfless Action)
Jnana Yoga	A process of elevation to spiritual consciousness through cultivation of philosophical knowledge. (Self-Transcending Knowledge)
Astanga Yoga	Mechanical meditation practice meant to control the mind and the senses to help focus one’s  concentration on the supreme
Bhakti Yoga	The yoga of selfless, ecstatic, love of God through transcendental devotional service.

The Three Modes of Material Nature:

SATTVA GUNA  ( Goodness )	RAJO GUNA ( Passion )	TAMO GUNA (Ignorance )
·         Knowledge ·         Free from sins ·         Conditioned by sense of happiness	·         Unlimited desires ·         Fruitive activity ·         Attraction between  man and woman	·         Madness ·         Laziness ·         Sleep and   intoxication

The Four stages of Life ASHRAMS:                       

Brahamchari	Student life, Celibacy
Grihasta	Household life
Vanaprastha	Retired life
Sannyasa	Renounced Life

The Four Castes of Society VARNAS:

Brahmins	Teachers and Priests
Kshatriyas	Warriors and Kings
Vaishyas	Businessman, farmers, merchants etc
Shudras	Servants, Labours

The Three Types of Actions i.e. Karma:

Karma	As per Scriptural directions, Pious
Vikarma	As per Scriptural directions, Sinful
Akarma	For which one does not suffer any reaction

Natya Shastra - Gadharva UpaVeda

Natya Shastra 

(Gandharva UpaVeda)

Natyashastra is the most detail and elaborate of all treatises on drama and acting ever written in any language and is regarded as the oldest surviving text on stagecraft in the world. Natyashastra demonstrates every facet of drama covering areas like music, stage-design, make up, dance and virtually every aspect of stagecraft. Natyashastra was attributed to the Sage Bharata (No connection with Bharata of Ramayan or King Bharata of Mahabharta).

Background of Natyashastra:

Natyashastra composed of two words, Natya means Dramaic Art, and Shastra means holy writ dedicated to a particular field of knowledge. The Natyashastra consists of six thousands sutras and has been divided into some thirty six chapters. The background of Natyashastra is framed in a situation where a number of Munis approach Bharata to know about the secrets of NatyaVeda. The answer to this question comprises the rest of the Natyashastra book.

Lord Brahma created the fifth veda called Natyaveda (Natya = Drama, Veda = Knowledge, thus the art of drama), which can be studied and practiced by everybody. Natyaveda was handed over to Indra and Indra handed it over to Bharata.  While creating this Natyaveda, Brahma adopted its constituents from four Vedas, such as:         

•  Pathya (Text) including the art of Recitation and Execution in performance taken from the Rig Veda.
• Geet (Songs) including instrumental Music from the Sama Veda
• Abhinaya (Histrionics, Acting) the technique of expressing the poetic meaning of the text and communicating it to the spectator from the Yajur Veda,
• Rasa (Sentiments) or aesthetic experience from the Atharva Veda

Subordinate vedas called Upavedas were also connected with Natyaveda such as:  

• Ayur Veda was used to show expressions of diseases, their symptoms & certain mental moods
• Dhanur Veda (archery) was made use of in the representation of fights on the stage
• Gandharv Veda was used in the preliminaries and in the actual performance of drama
• Shilpa Veda (architectural science) was necessary for construction of the playhouse

Sage Bharata says that all the knowledge of Natyashastra is due to Lord Brahma. At one point he mentioned that he has a hundred "sons" who will spread this knowledge, which suggests that Bharata may have had a number of male disciples whom he trained in dramatic art. However to play the role of male counterpart female, Lord Brahma created Apsaras (celestial maidens), who were experts in dramatic art.

Chapters of Natyashastra:

Concisely, Natyashastra covers every aspect of art and drama. In its first chapter, Bharata gives account of Natyashastra’s creation. The natya was created by Brahma, the god of creation, to meet the demand of a plaything a source of pleasure to minds; tired of strife, wants and miseries of daily existence. An art form like a drama does it very easily because it has a visual and aural appeal. Any piece of advice communicated through a visual-aural form has more impact on human mind than any other form. A drama, besides offering entertainment, can also influence and uplift the minds of spectators. 

Artha Shastra - Chankaya's Science of Politics

ARTHA SHASTRA

The "Arthashastra" is an ancient book written by Chanakya around 4^th Century BCE on the art of politics, diplomacy, war, and national strategy. Chanakya (Kautilya, Vishnugupta) was scholar at Takshashila (Taxila). Later he became the Prime Minister of the Maurya Empire and was close associate and master of Chandragupta Maurya. Different scholars have translated the word "ArthaShastra" in different ways. Here are fews: "Science of Politics", a treatise to help a king in "the acquisition and protection of the earth"; "Science of Material Gain"; "Science of Political Economy" etc.

According to Chanakya, the primary duty of the king is to protect "Dharma" or righteousness in society. King who upholds righteousness and virtue will have happiness in this world. On the other side, king who uses his power improperly and unjustly deserves to be punished. The sacred task of a king is to strive for the welfare of his state’s people. The administration of the kingdom is his religious duty. His greatest gift would be to treat all as equals.

The Arthashastra is divided into fifteen separate books, each concerning a different aspect of statecraft.

According to Chanakaya:

"Sovereignty is possible only with assistance. A single wheel can never move, hence the king shall employ ministers and hear their opinion".

This bears a certain resemblance to modern business rules.

Two Great Devotees Of Supreme Personality of GodHead

Two Great Devotees Of Supreme Personality of GodHead

                Dhurava Maharaja Story        Prahlad Bhagat Story

RAMCHARITMANAS ~ Ramayana

RAMCHARITMANAS

(Ramayana)

Ramayan describes the Divine Lilas of Shri Ram who descended on the earth planet in Ayodhya from His Divine abode, Saket, along His brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugahn. The eternal consort of Ram, Goddess Sita, had descended in Mithila, the kingdom of King Janak, who was also called Videhi. Sage Valmiki wrote the Ramayan (called Valmiki Ramayan) in Sanskrit language, while living in his hut as he saw all the Lilas of Shri Ram from his Divine eyes. Ved Vyas, about 5,000 years ago, reproduced the Valmiki Ramayan.

The word Ramayana is composed of two words Rama (Lord Rama) and ayana ("going, advancing"), translating to "Rama's Journey". Ramayana explores human values and the concept of dharma.

The Ramayana takes place during a period of time known as Treta Yuga. Ramayana is not just a story: it presents the teachings of ancient Sanatana Dharma in narrative parable, combining both philosophical and devotional elements. The Ramayana has been a continuing source of spiritual, cultural and artistic inspiration. The famous versions of Ramayana include Shri RamCharitManas by Goswami Tulasidas and Kambar’s Kambaraamayanam.

Ramcharitmanas, means "The Lake of Life and Deeds of Lord Shri Rama". Sri Ramcharitmanas is a great scripture and poetic classic written by Tulsidas Goswami. This scripture elaborates the divine life and deeds of Lord Rama. Sri Ramcharitmanas bestows upon its readers the gifts of Devotion (Bhakti), Divine Knowledge (Gyan) and Salvation (Mukti). Originally it was written in "Awadhi" (An Indo-Aryan Language) around 16th century at Varanasi, where Tulsidas spent his later part of life.

 

Statistically Srimad Valmiki Ramayana is composed of 24,000 verses called Slokas. These verses are grouped into around 500 chapters called Sargas wherein a specific event is told. These Sargas are groupd into seven books called Kaandas where a particular phase of story or an event in the course of story narration is enlightened. The verses in the Ramayana are written in a 32-syllable meter called Anustubh.

Srimad Bhagavatam

Srimad Bhagavatam

(Bhagavata Purana)

The Bhagavata Purana, also known as Srimad Bhagavatam, is considered as “the ripe tree of Vedic Literature”. Srimad Bhagavatam conveys the selfless devotion to Lord Shri Krishna, which ensures liberation from all the pains and miseries of the world. The Bhagavatam is like a crown jewel among all Sanatana Dharma scriptures.

Srimad Bhagavatam is the most unique and transcendental literature containing many stories glorifying the pure devotional service “Bhakti” to Supreme Personality of GodHead and His all incarnations including Lord Rama (Canto 9) and Lord Shri Krishna (Canto 10). In Kali Yuga, devotional service and chanting the Lord’s name in love; is the only way to be freed from the clutches of the evil nature of Kali Yuga.

The Srimad Bhagavatam declares itself as the essence of Vedanta:

The Srimad Bhagavatam is the very essence of all the Vedanta Literature.

One who has enjoyed the nectar of its rasa never has any desire for anything else.

(Canto 12)

Srimad means “beautiful” (as Shrimati RadhaRani) and Bhagavatam means “related to Lord Hari”, thus Srimad Bhagavatam can be translated as “The Beautiful Story of Lord Hari”. The purest form of Bhakti described in the Bhagavatam is directed toward Shri Krishna as Supreme Personality of Godhead in human form. The 10^th Canto, which is dedicated to Shri Krishna, takes up about one quarter of the entire Bhagavatam, includes the most comprehensive collection of stories about the life of Shri Krishna and, His Lilas.

“From beginning to end, the Srimad Bhagavatam is full of narrations that encourage renunciation of material life, as well as nectarean accounts of Lord Hari's transcendental pastimes, which give ecstasy to the saintly devotees and demigods. This Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence of all Vedatna philosophy because its subject matter is the Absolute Truth, which, while non-different from the spirit soul, is the ultimate reality, one without a second. The goal of this literature is exclusive devotional service unto that Supreme Truth”.

                             (SB Canto 12 Chapter 13: Translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)

Statistically, Srimad Bhagavatam comprises Twelve Skandas (Cantos or Books), 335 Chapters and has some 18,000 verses; containing detailed account of Lord’s names, forms, nature, personality, devotees, activities, residences, and much more; all describing Supreme Personality of Godhead and our relation with Him. 

Srimad Bhagavatam credits to Sage Veda Vyasa with its authorship and was taught by his son Saint Shukdev Goswami, to King Parikshita. 

Shad Darshan - Darshan Shastra - Six School of Vedic Philosophy

Shad-Darshan (Darshan Shastras)

Six Schools of Vedic Philosophy

The Sanatana Dharma literature is so extensive that it is hard even for a Vedic genius to comprehend and remember the theme of all of entire literature related to Sanatana Dharma. So for the systematic process of understanding, the deep rooted philosophy of Santaana Dharma, the Great Sages wrote Darshan Shastras – defining six schools of Vedic Philosophy in the forms of Sutras.

These Shad-Darshans are the six instruments of true teaching or the six demonstrations of Truth. Each of these schools of philosophies differs in one way or the other in terms of its concepts, phenomena, laws and beliefs. Each philosophy has developed, systematized and correlated the various parts of the Vedas in its own way. Each system has its Sutrakara, i.e., the one great Rishi who systematized the doctrines of the school. It is important to know that the founders of each school of philosophy are sages of the highest order that have devoted their lives for the study and propagation of specify philosophy. Each system of is called a Darshana, thus the Sanskrit word ‘Shad-Darshan’ refers to ‘the six systems of philosophy’.

All six schools of Vedic philosophy aim to describe following three key features:

Nature of External World and its Relationship with Individual Soul

Relationship of World of Appearances to Ultimate Reality

Describing the Goal of Life and Means by which one can attain the Goal

Briefly outline of Shad-Darshan is given below: 

1. Nyaya - by Sage Gautam

Logical Quest of Supreme, Phases of Creation, Science of Logical Reasoning

It is a logical quest for God, the absolute Divinity. It tells that the material power “Maya”, with the help of God, becomes the universe. Nyaya Darshan is based on establishing the fact that only the Divinity (God) is desirable, knowable and attainable, and not this world. Nyaya philosophy is primarily concerned with the correct knowledge to be acquire in the human life and the means of receiving this knowledge.

2. Vaishesika – by Sage Kanad

Science of Logic, Futility of Maya, Vedic Atomic Theory

Its aim is to receive happiness in this life (by renouncing worldly desires) and finally to receive the ultimate liberation (through the attachment of the true knowledge of the Divine). According to this school of philosophy, there is no creation or annihilation but rather an orderly and morally systematized composition and decomposition of matter. Atoms (not we studied in our elementary science) are the smallest particle exists in the universe and are eternal in nature. 

3. Sankhya -  by Sage Kapil

Eliminate Physical and Mental Pains for receiving liberations, Nontheistic Dualism

The dualistic philosophy of Purusa and Prakrti; according to many followers of Sankhya philosophy, there is no such God exists. For them Purusa is sufficient to inspire the unconscious Prakrti to manifest herself in the form of universe. However, a section of Sankhya philosophers believed about the existence of Supreme Being who guides Prakrti independently accordingly to His will. The extent of mayic creation and Divinity beyond that; it tells that the entire mayic creation is worth discarding and only the Divinity is to be attained because that is the only source of Bliss.

Yoga Vasistha

Yoga Vasistha
Essence of Sanatana Dharma Sacred Texts- Bhagawd Geeta, Vedas & Upanishads

Yoga Vasistha, the spiritual teaching imparted by Spiritual Guru Vasistha to young Lord Shri Rama, has been dated between 11th and 14th century AD. Yoga Vasistha is regarded as one the longest texts after Mahabharta, containing 32,000 shlokas. Yoga Vasishta is also known as Maha Ramayana, Uttar Ramayana, Vasistha Ramayana etc. Yoga Vasishta in its original form written in Sanskrit language by Sage Valmiki (famous for writing Epic Ramayana).

Most of the scriptures in Sanatana Dharma were narrated by God to His devotees, but the Yoga Vasistha is one unique scripture that is narrated to God Himself, Lord Shri Rama.

Yoga Vasistha is a manual for the sincere spiritual seeker. Through the use of stories, parables and illustrations which hold many hidden depths within them, Guru Vasistha brings out the most subtle points, not for theorizing but for practice. The nature of the stories and their deep rooted philosophies are designed to open the levels of awareness.

Yoga Vasistha is in the form of replies given by Guru Vasishta, to young Lord Shri Rama’s queries regarding philosophical problems of life, death, human suffering etc. Guru Vasistha makes it very clear that, the problem is confusion of the real with the unreal, or change, due to the seeming reality of its appearance. Life is the field where this takes place and life must also be the field where this corrected.

The main theme of Yoga Vasistha:

The soul is undergoing a dream from which it must awake. This dream represents our association and identification with the world.

The sum total of pleasures of the whole world is a mere drop when compared to the bliss of Moksha.

Background of Yoga Vasistha:

During the period when young Lord Shri Rama returns from touring the country, and becomes disheartened after experiencing the apparent reality of the world. King Dasaratha, father of Lord Shri Rama, expresses his concern to Guru Vasistha upon Rama's dejection. Guru Vasistha consoles the king by telling him that Rama's dis-passion (viragya) is a sign that the prince is now ready for spiritual enlightenment. Further the sage said that, Rama has begun understanding profound spiritual truths, which is the cause of his confusion; he needs confirmation. Guru Vasistha asks the king to summon Prince Rama.

Then, in King Dasaratha's court, the Guru Vasistha begins his discourse to young prince Rama (which lasts several days). The answer to Lord Shri Rama's questions forms one of the entire sacred Sanatana Dharma scripture namely called as Yoga Vasistha.

    
The conversation between Guru Vasistha and young prince Rama is that between a great, enlightened sage and a seeker who is about to reach wholeness. The text of the book leads to spiritual liberation and is said to be among those rare conversations which directly leads to Truth. The scripture provides understanding, scientific ideas and philosophy; it explains consciousness, the creation of the world, the multiple universes in this world, our perception of the world, its ultimate dissolution, the liberation of the soul and the non-dual approach to creation.

Lord Dattatreya and His 24 Gurus

Lord Dattatreya and His 24 Gurus

Lord Dattatreya is considered as among one of the 24 Vishnu’s Incarnations. Lord Dattatreya was born of Rishi Atri and Anausya. The name Dattatreya can be divided into two words, Datta (means Giver) and Atri (Sage Atri). Lord Dattatreya considered as guru of environmental education, gained enlightenment by his observation from surrounding, which provided him 24 gurus. These gurus explain the problems of mundane attachments, and teach the path towards the spiritual self-realization of the Supreme.

The core message of Lord Dattatreya is:

“Never judge by surface appearances but always seek a deeper Truth”.

Lord Dattatreya is imaged with three faces, six hands and single body. The three faces represented the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). Each pair of hands carries two of the symbols of the three deities. The four dogs are shown with the image of Lord Dattatreya represents the Four Holy Vedas. A cow standing behind in the image represents the Mother Earth.

Narration of Story as in Srimad Bhagavatam

Shri Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead narrates the story of Lord Dattatreya and his 24 Gurus, in His final teaching to his dear friend Uddhava. This teaching is considered as second best teaching by Shri Krishna after Bhagavad Geeta, and is known as The Uddhava Geeta. 

Once King Yadu saw Lord Dattatreya (Avadhoot) wandering in a forest happily, free from worries. The king with humbleness asked the sage, about the secret of his happiness and the name of his Guru. Further said to sage, that despite you look capable and wise, why do you live in the forest. Even though you have no family, nor any loved one, how could you be so blissful and self-contented? 

To answer the Yadu’s enquired queries, the Lord Dattatreya (Avadhoot, one who have given up all worldly desires) replied:

"My bliss and contentment are the fruits of self-realization. Soul (Aatmaa) alone is my Guru, yet I have gained the necessary wisdom from the whole creation, via 24 individual who were therefore my Gurus. I shall elaborate the same for you". 

Further Lord Dattatreya said:

 (… I have taken shelter of twenty-four gurus, who are the following: the earth, air, sky, water, fire, moon, sun, pigeon and python; the sea, moth, honeybee, elephant and honey thief; the deer, the fish, the dancing girl Pingala, the kurari bird and the child; the young girl, arrow maker, serpent, spider and wasp…”.           

                                     (Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 11: Chapter 7: Slokas 33~35)

 The 24 Gurus of Lord Dattatreya 

1. Earth (Prithvi) (Along with Mountain & Trees)

The Earth teaches course of Dharma, art of Tolerance, art of Performing Duty. One can learn Patience and Forgiveness from Earth. Like mountains and trees, one should devotedly dedicate self to the welfare of other living beings.

2. Air (Vaayu)

The Air being pure and odorless in its characteristics, move freely among all objects and yet remain unaffected. The Air teaches the value of being free from all contamination, and of staying clear of material world’s disturbances.

When Air blows out of control, the atmosphere becomes agitated, similarly if the mind is constantly attracted and repelled by material objects, it will be next to impossible to think of the Absolute Truth, Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna.