Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
TO
A C BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI
PRABHUPÄDA
Founder Äcärya
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Appendix THEMATIC STUDY OF
A BHAGAVAD GITA
SOUL & TRANSMIGRATION 645
CHARACTERISTICS OF
SELF-REALIZED SOUL 646
LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE 649
HOW TO RECEIVE KNOWLEDGE 652
LEVELS OF GOD REALISATION 653
MIND CONTROL 655
SENSE CONTROL 656
RELATIVE POSITIONS OF
VARIOUS PROCESSES IN “MIND
& SENSE CONTROL” 658
DEATH 659
UNIVERSAL FORM 660
THE MODES OF MATERIAL 663
NATURE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
ÉÇVARA, 664
JÉVA, & PRAKÅTI
RENUNCIATION OF WORK VS
WORK IN DEVOTION 665
BHAKTI-YOGA IN EVERY
CHAPTER OF BHAGAVAD GÉTÄ 666
ANANYA BHAKTI 670
BHAKTI AS THE TOPMOST
YOGA SYSTEM 670
AÑÖÄÌGA YOGA 673
VARËÄÇRAMA DHARMA 675
DEVOTEES & NON-DEVOTEES 676
DEMIGOD WORSHIP 676
APPENDIX
A
THEMATIC STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
646 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
Indifferent to material happiness, subtle or gross (Bg.2.56)
Equi-visioned towards all species and castes(Bg.5.18)
Immersed in internal happiness which has a specific nature
and unique characteristics (Bg.5.24,6.20-23)
Fully under the shelter of Kåñëa’s internal energy(for one on
devotional path) (Bg.9.13-14)
No hankering or lamentation (Bg.18.54)
C. Characteristics are based on different levels of realization –
Different chapters focus on different levels of realizations in the
following sections (Levels of realization are highlighted in
different sections below)
i) Chapter 2 – Texts 2.54 - 72 explain symptoms of one who is
Brahman realized. This explains the general symptoms, how
does he speak, how does he sit & how does he walk
Summary of these symptoms
o Gives up all desire for sense pleasure and feels
satisfaction in the self alone
o Equal in happiness and distress, and free from
attachment, fear & anger
o Controls his senses by following regulative
principles and using the senses in Kåñëa’s service
(principle of higher taste)
Analogy: Satisfied hunger(Bg. 2.60)
Analogy: Night for materialist is day for self-realized soul
(Bg. 2.69)
Analogy: Rivers entering the ocean ( Bg.2.70)
ii) Chapter 4 – Texts 4.19 -24 explain the symptoms of one working
in transcendence (akarma in karma)
Refer to the common theme of Texts 4.19 -24 in the main
section of this book for the list of symptoms
Most essential points are –
o Self-control and detachment are the 2 qualities
highlighted
o Text 4.24 recommends full absorption in Kåñëa consc-
iousness, as the process to attain spiritual kingdom
APPENDIX A 647
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
iii) Chapter 5 – Texts 5.17-26 explain characteristics of an
enlightened karma-yogi, who takes shelter of the supreme
within the heart (Karma-yoga – Action in Kåñëa consciousness)
Summary of these characteristics – One experiences spiritual
pleasure within and automatically achieves detachment
from material sense pleasure. He works for the real welfare
of all (3 points underlined)
Refer to summarised theme 5E given in Chapter 5 of this
book for further details of the qualities
iv) Chapter6 – Texts 6.20-23 explain symptoms of Paramätmä-
realised yogi (Añöäìga yoga)
Analogy: Lamp in a windless place (Bg.6.19)
Refer to summarized theme 6A and 6C for further details of
the qualities
v) Chapter 9, 12 & 18 explains symptoms of self-realized devotee
with Bhagavän realization in texts 9.13 – 9.14, 12.13 – 12.20,
18.54
Refer to 9.13 purport, summarized theme 12B, and 18.54
purport for details
vi) Chapter 14 – Texts 14.22 -25 explain symptoms of one who has
transcended the modes and is Brahman realized. They can be
summarized as follows –
No desire for or repulsion from manifestations of the modes
– Illumination, attachment, delusion
Equipoised, transcendental and detached, knowing that the
modes alone are active
Steady in all circumstances
Deals equally with everyone(friend or enemy) and
everything( earth, pebbles or gold)
vii) Chapter16 – Texts 16.1-3 explain divine qualities on the basis of
obedience to the regulative principles of scriptures, as against
the demoniac nature who are disobedient and whimsical
Çréla Prabhupäda defines how these qualities relate to the
different varëas and äçramas – Refer summarized theme 16A
given in Chapter 16 of this book
viii) Conclusion: In summary, both Kåñëa and Çréla Prabhupäda have
made it very clear that simply by sincerely and seriously
648 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
performing devotional service, the devotee will automatically
develop all transcendental qualities. Such service attracts the
mercy and personal attention of the Supreme Lord, and the
reciprocal exchanges which naturally evolve from this bless the
devotee not only with full self-realization but with complete
satisfaction in his loving relationship with Kåñëa
D. Bhakti-yoga gives everything – All these different qualities are
automatically achieved by one who is practicing Bhakti-yoga. This is
because -
• Bhakti-yoga gives the topmost realization of ‘Bhagavän’
feature of Absolute Truth
• Bhagavän feature includes the realization of the other two
features of the Absolute Truth i.e. Brahman and Paramätmä
realisation
• Therefore Srila Prabhupada, in every translation and
purport talks predominantly of devotional service
3 LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE
A. Definition of complete knowledge: Complete knowledge includes
knowledge of the phenomenal world (matter), the spirit behind it
(soul), and the source of both of them (Supreme Lord). This is
transcendental knowledge
APPENDIX A
Chapter 7 – Relationship between Lord and His energies,
the living entity and material nature, is revealed (Bg.7.4-
7.11)
o Analogy: Pearls on a thread (Bg.7.7)
o Conclusion – Conditioned soul struggles with
material nature, even though he belongs to the
superior spiritual nature (Bg.7.5, 7.12-13)
Chapter 9 – Describes the most confidential knowledge of
unalloyed devotional service (Bg.9.1-9.2, 9.13-9.14, 9.22,
9.26-9.34)
• Chapter 10 – Kåñëa advises how the living entity can see
Him in the material world
o Establishes Kåñëa as the source of all that exists
(Bg.10.8)
o States that only by devotional service can one know
Him, not by any mundane position of scholarship
(Bg.10.1-10.7)
o Summarizes the reciprocation between the Lord and
living entity, based on devotional service (Bg.10.9-
11)
• Chapter 12 – Lord describes how He swiftly delivers one
who surrenders and takes shelter in “full consciousness of
Me”(Bg.12.6-12.7)
• Chapter 13 – More thorough analysis of soul’s relationship
with Super soul and material nature is described
o Nature is the cause of all material causes and effects
while living entity is the cause of varieties of
enjoyments and sufferings in this world
(Ref.Bg.13.21)
o Living entity follows the ways of life according to
the three modes (Bg.13.22)
o Super soul is the transcendental enjoyer, supreme
proprietor, the overseer and permitter (Bg.13.23)
• Chapter 14 – Explains how the material nature controls the
living entity by the three modes
o Kåñëa’s hand in creation(Bg.14.3 -14.4)
APPENDIX A 651
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
o Kåñëa puts the living entity under the control of
material modes(14.5-14.18)
o Kåñëa as the basis of Brahman(14.26-14.27)
• Chapter 15 – Explains how entire material universe is a
perverted reflection of spiritual reality
o Analogy: Banyan tree
o Kåñëa advises Arjuna to detach himself from the
illusory existence and search out for the spiritual
world
o Chapter 15 deals with all three levels of
confidentiality, confidential knowledge of soul,
more confidential knowledge of super soul, most
confidential knowledge of Kåñëa as Bhagavän, thus
culminating in Bg.15.19-20
• Chapter 18 – Kåñëa advises Arjuna to give up all other
processes and just surrender unto Him (Bg.18.65-18.66)
o Confidential knowledge(Bg.18.49-55)
o More confidential knowledge of surrender unto
super soul(Bg.18.61-63)
o Most confidential knowledge of surrender unto
Kåñëa (Bg.18.64-66
APPENDIX A
D. Chapter 10 – Sincerity as the qualification ; Knowledge is revealed
in the heart of a sincere candidate (Bg. 10.10 -11)
E. Chapter 13 – Importance of 20 qualities, that forms the process of
knowledge( Bg.13.8-12)
• Especially humility and accepting shelter of a bona fide
spiritual master are two most important (Bg.13.8)
• Pure devotional service is the ultimate goal (Bg.13.11)
F. Chapter 18 – Non-enviousness as the qualification of the recipient
(Bg.18.67)
G. Condemned qualities – Texts 4.40 & 9.3 condemn faithlessness and
doubting mentality
APPENDIX A 653
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
Discussed mainly in chapter 6 as the goal of Añöäìga-
yogés/Dhyäna-yogi
o But perfection in yoga practice is only achieved
when one realizes Supersoul as a plenary portion of
Kåñëa, & thus develops a desire to perform
devotional service
This concept is also discussed in the following sections
o Qualities of Supersoul (Bg.13.14-18) – Refer
Summarized theme 13B in chapter 13
o Supersoul as the transcendental enjoyer, proprietor,
overseer, and permitter for the activities of living
entities (Bg.13.23)
o Supersoul as equally present in heart of all living
entities (Bg.9.29 & 13.28-29)
o Supersoul as cause of remembrance , knowledge
and forgetfulness ( Bg.15.15)
o Supersoul accompanies in all the bodies of living
entities (Bg.18.61-63)
o Supersoul accompanying as a friend – 2 birds on the
same tree (Bg.2.22 p)
o Supersoul enlightens the heart of a sincere devotee (
Bg.10.10 & 10.11)
c) Bhagavän realization
Bhagavän Sri Kåñëa is the highest truth. This is clearly told in
Bg.7.7
o Analogy : pearls on a thread
Kåñëa is the source of Brahman ( Bg.14.26-27)
Kåñëa is the source of Paramätmä (Bg.15.15,10.20-21 & 6.29-
32)
Kåñëa is the source of all material world and spiritual world (
Bg.10.8)
This is why Kåñëa says in Bg.15.19 that whoever knows Him
as the Supreme Lord is the knower of everything.
It is only by devotional service that one can realize Kåñëa
(Ref.Bg.18.55), the highest level of God realization, and it is
for this reason alone that Bhakti-yoga is stressed throughout
Bhagavad Gétä
654 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
6 MIND CONTROL
A. Introduction to Mind
Mind is one of the components of subtle body ( Bg.7.4 &
Bg.13.6-7)
Kåñëa says, “Of all the senses I am the mind” ( Bg.10.22)
Mind is the center of all sense activities and reservoir of all
ideas for sense gratification
(Bg.3.40purport & 15.8-9)
Hierarchy – Intelligence is higher than the mind which is
higher than the senses (Bg.3.42)
o Analogy : Mind as the reins of the chariot of body with
5 senses as the horses (Bg.6.34purport)
Functions of the mind – Thinking, feeling & willing
o Uncontrolled thinking or unchecked contemplations
within the mind can begin the process of fall
down(Bg.2.62)
B. Nature of the Mind
Very powerful – Restless, turbulent, obstinate & very strong
(Bg.6.34)
Best friend or worst enemy– Controlled mind is the best of
friends and uncontrolled mind is the worst of enemies (
Bg.6.5 & Bg.6.6)
Controlled mind is assured of self-realization – Without
mind control, there is no chance of self-realization (Bg.6.36)
Mind as Deliverer or Degrader – Whatever one thinks at
time of death one will attain that state in the next life (Bg.8.5)
C. Recommendations in different chapters on mind control
Chapter-2 Principle of higher taste (Bg.2.59)
o Engage the mind in Kåñëa’s service and experience
higher taste to get rid of lower engagement
Chapter -3 Principle of “Deliberate spiritual
intelligence[Kåñëa consciousness]” (Bg.3.43)
o Soul is higher than intelligence, intelligence is higher
than the mind, mind is higher than the senses (
Bg.3.42)
Chapter-6
APPENDIX A 655
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
o Steady the mind just like a lamp in a windless
place(Bg.6.19 )
o Withdraw the mind from wherever it wanders
(Bg.6.26 )
o Suitable practice & detachment is recommended
(Bg.6.35)
Chapter-8 Concept of doing one’s prescribed duty to engage
the mind according to one’s proclivities (Bg.8.7)
Chapter-9 Always think of ‘Me’ (Bg.9.34)
Chapter-10 Develop the power of thought by association of
Guru, Sädhu & çästra- (Bg.10.4-5 purport)
Chapter-17 Austerity of mind (Bg.17.16)
o “And satisfaction, simplicity, gravity, self-control and
purification of one's existence are the austerities of the
mind”
D. Results of mind control
One rises above the modes and is freed from all reactions to
past deeds
The yogi whose mind is fixed on Kåñëa verily attains the
highest perfection of transcendental happiness
Kåñëa’s promise: Always think of Me, become My devotee,
worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will
come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are
My very dear friend(Bg.18.65)
7 SENSE CONTROL
A. Introduction to the senses
Senses are the instruments for any action through which
mind functions (Bg.18.13-14)
B. Nature of the senses
Senses are very strong and impetuous (Bg.2.60 )
o They forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of
discrimination who is endeavoring to control them
Even one of the roaming senses on which the mind focuses
can carry away a man's intelligence (Bg.2.67) e.g. allowance
of sex enjoyment under marriage ties
656 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
o Analogy: As a strong wind sweeps away a boat on
the water
C. Why is sense control recommended – Proper use of senses can
decide elevation or degradation of the soul. (Most important reasons
are underlined below)
Chapter 2 – Uncontrolled senses is the cause of all fall down
(Bg.2.62-63)
Chapter 3 – Even in regulated sense enjoyment there is
every chance of fall down (Bg.3.34purport – e.g.,
allowance of sex enjoyment under marriage ties)
Chapter 5
o Sense enjoyment is temporary (Bg.5.22)
o Contact of senses with sense objects is a source of
misery (Bg.5.22)
o Tolerate urges of material senses & desires, till death
(Bg.5.23)
Conclusion
o Sense control is the first step in attaining the
supreme
o This is the only way to real & ever lasting peace
D. How to control senses
Not letting the senses to come in contact with sense objects,
like a tortoise withdraws the senses when not in use(Bg.2.58)
Doing our prescribed duties and dovetailing our
propensities in Kåñëa consciousness (Bg. 3.6-7)
Senses cannot be artificially controlled by other yogic
processes because the slightest agitation can cause fall down
(Bg.2.60)
Therefore only by engaging senses in Kåñëa consciousness
can one actually control them(Bg.2.61)
E. Result of controlling senses
One can obtain the complete mercy of the Lord (Bg.2.64)
One attains happiness within and becomes completely
peaceful. (Bg.2.65)
One is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains
the Supreme (Bg.2.72)
APPENDIX A 657
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
658 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
• Allows spiritual satisfaction, and it is not dry – Although
jïänés and yogis are fearful of the mind and the senses, the
devotees allow them spiritual satisfaction(e.g.Bg.2.59)
9 DEATH
A. What is death?
• Our identity – We are not this body but eternal individual
spirit souls (Bg.2.12)
• What is Death – It is simply change of bodies (Bg.2.13)
o Analogy – Change of body is like change of dress
(Bg.2.22)
• Soul is immutable and never dies – Only body goes through
6 changes. It is born, grows, stays for sometime, reproduces,
dwindles and dies.
• Death is inevitable – Certain references are as follows
o A sober person is not bewildered by such a change
(Bg.2.13)
o One who takes birth is sure to die (Bg.2.27)
o Death pervades the highest planet to the lowest
planet (Bg.8.16)
• Kåñëa is death personified
o I am immortality, and I am also death personified
(Bg.9.19)
o I am Yama, the lord of death(Bg.10.29)
o I am all-devouring death (Bg.10.34)
B. Different times of departure and destinations (Bg.8.23-27)
• Yogic process:
o Path of light – One attains the Supreme and does not
come back (Bg.8.24)
o Path of darkness – One reaches the moon planet but
again comes back.(Bg.8.25)
• Devotional process:
Since a devotee is completely dependent on the Lord, he is
beyond the considerations of auspicious and inauspicious
times. Kåñëa personally takes charge of him (Bg.8.27 & 12.7)
C. Death in different modes (Bg.14.14-15 & 14.18)
Death in mode of goodness – One goes to the higher planets
APPENDIX A 659
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
Death in mode of passion – One attains earthly planets
Death in mode of ignorance – One attains birth in lower
species or hellish planets
D. Consciousness at the time of death
Consciousness while dying determines the future birth
(Bg.8.6)
Remembrance of Kåñëa takes one to Kåñëa (Bg.8.5)
Remembrance of Kåñëa in full devotion is possible only by
proper training (Bg.8.10)
One can avoid the hellish planets by a process of atonement
called Präyaçcitta (Bg.1.43)
E. How to transcend death/ Death for a devotee
Buddhi-yoga – Process of Buddhi-yoga provides complete
freedom from fruitive bondage and cycle of birth and death.
( Bg.2.51)
Equanimity – By attaining equanimity of mind one can
conquer birth and death (Bg.5.19)
Kåñëa’s personal care – Kåñëa personally delivers those
engaged in pure devotional service (Bg.12.7)
Submissive hearing – Process of sincere hearing from the
authorities (Bg.13.26)
10 UNIVERSAL FORM
A. What is Universal form (Refer Text 11.5 in Main notes)
1. The Universal form is a transcendental but temporary form
manifested for the cosmic manifestation
2. This form is subject to the temporary time of this material
nature
3. It is not eternally situated in the spiritual sky like Krsna’s
other forms
4. It cannot be seen unless Krsna gives one the power to see it
B. Arjuna’s reasons to see Universal form (Bg.11.3 and 11.8 Purport)
1. Establish Kåñëa’s divinity – To establish Kåñëa’s supreme
position as the source of everything
2. Criteria for incarnation – To set a criterion to identify the
genuine incarnations and to avoid imposters
660 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
3. To prove Kåñëa’s statements – For the sake of others, he is
curious to establish how Kåñëa Himself pervades and
supports the entire universe, as He explained in statements
of chapter10 (Kåñëa “not only theoretically or
philosophically”, but ‘actually’ presented Himself as such to
Arjuna)
C. Description of Universal form (Bg.11.9-31)
1. Unlimited divine, wondrous and brilliant forms
2. Unlimited mouths, eyes, ornaments weapons and garlands
3. More radiant than 100’s and 1000’s of suns
4. Unlimited expansions of universe are seen sitting at one
place
5. All demigods and living entities were seen at one place, also
Brahma, Siva, all sages etc.
6. Sun and moon are the eyes
7. Blazing fire coming from the mouth
8. Spreading throughout the sky and planetary systems
9. Demigod and sages are surrendering and praying with
folded hands
10. All sons of Dhåtaräñöra and their allied kings, being seen
rushing into His fearful mouth, like moths rushing into fire
D. Arjuna’s prayers (Bg 11.35-46): Arjuna glorified Kåñëa as follows
1. Arjuna recognizes Kåñëa’s action as all-good for everyone
o The world becomes joyful on hearing your name
and everyone becomes attached to you
o You are worshiped by great souls and demons are
afraid and flee away
2. “You are worshipable by everyone”
o You are the God of all the Gods, the original creator,
especially even greater than Brahmä, secondary
creator
o Invincible source of all and cause of all causes
3. “You are transcendental to material manifestations”
4. “You are the ultimate rest of everything and all knowledge”
5. You are the essence of everything– You are the air , the fire,
the water , the moon, Pitamahä (Brahmä ji) and Prapitamahä
APPENDIX A 661
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
6. Offers obeisances – ‘I offer you obeisances from front,
behind and from all sides”
7. Begs forgiveness – Arjuna begs forgiveness for treating
Kåñëa, the infallible one, as an ordinary friend
8. Recognizes Supremacy – You are the supreme father and
supreme spiritual master
9. Begs mercy – Arjuna falls to the ground and begs for mercy
10. Desires two-armed form – Request to withdraw the
fearsome form and reveal the form as Personality of
Godhead
E. Arjuna’s reactions on seeing the form & change of rasäs (Bg.11.14,
11.23 ,11.41& 11.45-46)
1. In text 11.14 the rasa changes from friendship to wonder –
Arjuna hair stand on end and he bows down in awe and
reverence
2. In text 11.23-24 the rasa changes to fear – Arjuna
experiences a terrible fearsome sight(Käla-rupa)
3. In text 11.41, he begs for forgiveness for the offences he
committed, while thinking Kåñëa to be his friend and asks
Kåñëa to tolerate them
4. In text 11.45-46, after seeing this Universal form, he begs
Kåñëa to reveal His four-armed form
F. Qualification to see Universal form (Bg.11.48)
1. This Universal form cannot be seen by personal efforts like
studying the Vedas, performing sacrifices, charity, pious
activities or penances
2. Only devotees can have such divine vision
G. Pure devotee’s vision
1. The most intimate feature of the Absolute Truth is two-
armed form of Sri Kåñëa. This Form is only known through
devotional service
2. Devotee correctly situated in transcendental relationships
are attracted by loving features and not by godless display
of opulences e.g. playmates and parent of Kåñëa in
Våndävana
662 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A 663
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
• Equipoised, transcendental and detached, knowing that the
modes alone are active
• Steady in all circumstances
• Deals equally with everyone(friend or enemy) and
everything(earth, pebbles or gold)
E. How to transcend the modes (Bg.14.26)
• By full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances
F. Relationship between the modes & one’s faith, worship, sacrifice,
austerity & penance is given in Chapter 17
• Actually, faith is born of goodness, but when it is influenced
by different modes of nature, varieties of religion are
created.
• Those influenced by modes of material nature worship
various features of the material world, but those in
transcendental goodness worship Viñëu.
• One can elevate himself from the lower modes to goodness
by the association of bona-fide spiritual master who engages
him in devotional service to the Lord
G. Five factors of action in relation to the modes are described in Chapter
18 – knowledge, action, worker, understanding & determination (Bg.18.66)
• Kåñëa encourages us by saying that although all work is
controlled by the modes, one can become free from the
reactions of work by performing his occupational duty for
His pleasure (Bg.18.66)
H. Conclusion – Kåñëa advises us to fully surrender to Him in love,
become reinstated in our constitutional position and thus become
permanently transcendental to the 3 modes.
664 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
• Many aspects of relationship between these three(Éçvara, Jéva
, Prakåti) are mentioned in Bhagavad Gétä
B. Éçvara as the source – Lord is the source of Jéva &Prakåti, which are
His superior and inferior energies respectively (Bg.7.4-7). References are as
follows:
• Source of prakåti – Bg 7.4
• Source of Jéva – Bg.7.5 apareyam itas tv anyäà…
• Cause of creation and dissolution – Bg.7.6 etad-yonéni
bhütäni…
• Maintainer and resting place of all – Bg7.7 mattaù parataraà
nänyat…
C. Relationship between the Éçvara&prakriti (Bg 9.4-10) –Although
material nature works completely under the superintendence of the Lord,
still He is neutral and aloof (Ref summarized theme 9A chapter 9 of this
book)
D. Relationship between the Éçvara&Jéva – Living entities are part and
parcel of the Lord (Bg.15.7)
E. Difference between soul(Jéva ) & Super soul(Éçvara) – Soul is eternally
atomic and dependent on the Lord while Super soul is eternally blissful, all-
cognizant, omniscient and completely independent (Ref. Summarized theme
5C in Chapter 5)
F. Functional relationship between soul, material nature & Super soul
(Jéva,Prakåti, Éçvara) – Concept of primary doer, secondary doer and Ultimate
doer (Ref. Summarized theme 5D in chapter 5 based on Bg.5.13 - 5.15)
G. Reciprocation between Éçvara&Jéva
• Lord reciprocates according to the way the Jéva approaches
(Bg.4.11)
• Lord’s special favor to the devotees (Bg.9.29-32)
• Lord gives spiritual intelligence to a sincere seeker and
guides him from within (Bg.10.8-11 – catur-çlokéGétä)
13 RENUNCIATION OF WORK VS
WORK IN DEVOTION
Arjuna is confused to differentiate between the two concepts and expresses
his confusion in the beginning of chapters 3, 5 and 18. For further details on
this theme, refer to the following sections
A. Chapter-3
• Texts 3.3-3.9 concludes following:
APPENDIX A 665
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
o Soul is always active by nature and inactivity is not
an option available
o So it is advised to perform our activities in a way
that they are directed towards self- purification and
self- realization. Premature renunciation carries no
benefit
o Self- purification and self- realization are the
purposes of performing prescribed duties
• Study differentiation table between Säìkhya-
yoga(renunciation of work) and Buddhi-yoga(work in
devotion) given after Text 3.3 in this book
B. Chapter-5 – Study summarized theme 5A – Differentiation table
between renunciation of work Vs work in devotion
C. Chapter-18 – Study Bg. 18.2-18.12. They are summarized as follows –
• Acts of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be given up;
they must be performed(Bg.18.5)
• They should be performed as a matter of duty without
attachment or any expectation of result(Bg.18.6)
• It is indeed impossible for an embodied being to give up all
activities. But he who renounces the fruits of action is called
one who has truly renounced(Bg.18.11)
D. Conclusion – One who works in devotion is a true sannyäsé and easily
achieves liberation (Bg.5.3)
666 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
C. Various aspects of Bhakti-yoga are covered in Bhagavad Gétä as
follows:
1. Chapter-1 – This chapter presents the following two themes
repeatedly
• The Lord’s protection – Devotees who surrender to the
Lord’s protection are assured victory, regardless of the
material odds
• The Lord as an intimate servant – The Bhagavad-gétä
introduces Kåñëa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as
the intimate servant of His devotees. (e.g. As Arjuna’s
charioteer)
2. Chapter-2
• Bg.2.47-51 and 2.45 – Kåñëa gives a glimpse of bhakti by
establishing superiority of Buddhi-yoga / akarmic activity
• Bg.2.61 – Also explains the concept of steady intelligence
attained by being “Dedicated to Me”(mat-parah)
3. Chapter-3
• Bg.3.9 – Work done as a sacrifice for Viñëu has to be
performed; otherwise work causes bondage in this material
world.
• Bg.3.30 – This verse directly talks about devoting all works
to Kåñëa’s service
4. Chapter-4
• Bg.4.1-8 – This section gives knowledge of Kåñëa’s birth and
activities
• Bg.4.9-11 – Establish reciprocation between Lord and living
entity
• Bg.4.33-34 – Goal of all sacrifices is to develop self-
realization &Kåñëa consciousness and one should do it by
surrender and service unto bona fide spiritual master
• Bg.4.16-24 – Explains true Akarma as “Work in Kåñëa
Consciousness”
5. Chapter-5
• Bg.5.2-3 – Establish that work in devotion is better than
renunciation of work and it fulfills all the criteria of
Sannyäsa
APPENDIX A 667
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
• Bg.5.29 – Establishes Kåñëa as the only enjoyer of all
sacrifices, proprietor of all and true friend of all living
entities
6. Chapter-6
• Bg.6.1-2 – Explain real Sannyäsa-Yoga or Bhakti and thus
establishes that Bhakti fulfills the criteria of Yoga
• Bg.6.47 – Establishes Bhakti-yoga as the topmost yoga system.
Actually, the whole chapter 6 is designed in a way that it is
self-evident that Bhakti is supreme
7. Chapter-7
• Bg.7.5 & Bg 7.7 – Establishes Kåñëa as the Supreme Absolute
Truth and living entity as His energy
• Bg.7.14 – Surrender as the only way to transcend the
material energy
• Bg.7.19 – Surrender to Väsudeva as the ultimate goal of Jïäna
• Bg.7.23 – Devotees of Kåñëa go to Kåñëa’s planet
• Bg.7.28 – Promotes Devotional Service with determination
• Bg.7.30 – Knowing Kåñëa as the main governing principle of
all manifestations, demigods and sacrifices
8. Chapter-8
• Bg.8.7 – Stresses the remembrance of Kåñëa in devotion
• Bg.8.14 & 8.22 – Teaches pure devotional service
• Bg.8.28 – A devotee automatically and effortlessly achieves
all the result of Jïäna -Yoga, Karma& all the vedic forms of
purification
9. Chapter-9 : Whole Chapter-9 talks of devotional service. Few
examples are :-
• Bg.9.2 – Establishes Bhakti-yoga as the king of all knowledge
• Bg.9.13-14 – Establishes Practice of Pure devotional service
by constant practice and remembrance
• Bg.9.22 – Establishes Pure devotional service (Kåñëa provides
& protects for His pure devotees)
• Text 9.29-32 – Kåñëa pleads us to practice Bhakti-yoga by
declaring it as most easy and accommodating
• Bg.9.34 – Recommends full absorption in Kåñëa
668 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
10. Chapter-10
• Bg.10.3 – Recommends proper understanding of Kåñëa
• Bg.10.7 – One in full knowledge engages in unalloyed
devotional service
• Bg.10.8-11 – Catur-çlokéGétä explains reciprocation between
Kåñëa and His devotees, especially Bg.10.8 recommends that
a real intelligent person takes to the practice of pure
devotional Service
11. Chapter-11
• Bg.11.47-55 – Glorifies the path of Devotional Service as the
only way to see Kåñëa
12. Chapter-12
• Bg.12.1-7 – Establish Devotional Service as superior to
impersonalism and Kåñëa directly takes charge of His
devotees
• Bg.12.8-12 – Establish the progressive stages of devotion
• Bg.12.13-20 – Explains the qualities of pure devotees
• Bg.12.20 – Devotional Service makes one extremely dear to
Kåñëa
13. Chapter 13
• Bg.13.8-12 – Recommends that all the qualities are meant to
develop unalloyed devotional Service, as told in Bg.13.11 as
the ultimate goal
• Bg.13.19 – Only devotee can properly understand the subject
of field of activities, Knowledge & Knowable
• Bg.13.26 – Glorifies the path of ‘Hearing’ as the easiest and
very effective path for this modern age
14. Chapter 14
• Bg.14.26 – Establishes uninterrupted devotional Service as
the method to transcend three modes
15. Chapter 15
• Bg.15.5-6 – Explains the surrendering process
• Bg.15.15 – Explains Lord Kåñëa as the goal of all Vedas
• Bg.15.18-20 – Recommends devotional service as the most
confidential knowledge
APPENDIX A 669
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
16. Chapter 16
• Bg.16.23-24 – Çréla Prabhupäda explains that in human
society, aversion to the principles of understanding the
Supreme Personality of Godhead is the cause of all fall-
downs, which leads to demoniac life
17. Chapter 17
• Bg.17.23-28 – This explain how one can free one’s activity
from the influence of the modes by dedication for pleasure
of the Supreme
18. Chapter 18
• Bg.18.65, 66 & Bg.18.78 – This concludes Bhagavad Gétä by
recommending Arjuna to give up all other processes and
surrender unto Kåñëa, which is the supreme instruction on
morality
15 ANANYABHAKTI
A. Pure Devotional Service (Ananya-bhakti) is the most confidential
knowledge
B. Ananya-bhakti has been directly discussed in following sections
• Chapter-8 Bg.8.14
• Chapter -9 Bg.9.13,9.22, 9.26, 9.30 & 9.34
• Chapter -10 Bg.10.8-11
• Chapter -11 Bg.11.54-55
• Chapter -15 Bg.15.19,15.20
• Chapter -18 Bg.18.65-66
C. A sincere and serious devotee can achieve Pure Devotional Service
simply by studying Bhagavad Gétä& shelter of a bona fide spiritual
master (Bg.8.28)
670 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
“A person who accepts the path of devotional service is not bereft
of the results derived from studying the Vedas, performing sacrifices,
undergoing austerities, giving charity or pursuing philosophical and fruitive
activities. Simply by performing devotional service, he attains all these, and
at the end he reaches the supreme eternal abode.”
Below is the description of the topmost yoga system.
A. Bhakti is the highest form of yoga
yoginäm api sarveñäà………( Text 6.47)
“And of all yogés, the one with great faith who always abides
in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental
loving service to Me—he is the most intimately united with Me in
yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.”
B.Bhakti-yoga does not demand any qualifications, only qualification
required is faith (Bg 9.3)
Anyone, from any caste, race or sex can perform bhakti (Bg.9.32 striyo
vaisya....)
Anyone can directly perceive the results (Bg.9.2 Pratyaksavagmam)
C. Process is very easy
By principle of higher taste, one can easily control mind and senses
(Bg.2.59)
Easier to practice, than the path of Impersonalist (Bg 12.2-5)
Compared to Astanga Yoga, bhakti does not demand strict vows of
absolute celibacy
(Bg.6.13-14)
Process is blissful – ‘Susukam’ (Bg 9.2)
Just offer a leaf, flower, fruit or water with love and devotion (Bg
9.26)
“Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give
away, and whatever austerities you perform—do that, O son of
Kunté, as an offering to Me. ” (Bg.9.27)
D. Bhakti offers the topmost realization of Absolute Truth, but Bhakti is
very rare
Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for
perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one
knows Me in truth (Bg. 7.3)
“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge
surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all
that is. Such a great soul is very rare.” (Bg 7.19)
APPENDIX A 671
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
“Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life
and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from
the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service
with determination” (Bg.7.28)
E. Inconceivable power of bhakti – Practicing bhakti bestows following
supreme benedictions
Easy to cross over material energy (Bg.7.14)
Easy to overcome three modes (Bg.14.26)
Provides shelter of divine energy (Bg.9.13)
Fulfills all the necessities (Bg.9.22)
F. Only way to understand and attain Kåñëa
“And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body remembering Me
alone at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.” (Bg.8.5)
“My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be
understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen
directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My
understanding.” (Bg.11.54)
“One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full
consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the
kingdom of God.” (Bg.18.55)
G. Kåñëa personally recommends bhakti process
“Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with
full knowledge of Me, without desires for profit, with no claims to
proprietorship, and free from lethargy, fight.”
(Bg.3.30)
“Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee,
offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed
in Me, surely you will come to Me.” (Bg.9.34)
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything
emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My
devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.”(Bg.10.8)
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall
deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”(Bg.18.66)
H. Kåñëa reciprocates with one’s devotion and sincerity
Bg.10.10 & Bg.10.11 – Kåñëa guides from within to a sincere devotee,
and removes the darkness of ignorance
672 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
J. Bhakti as the path of real peace
“A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the
ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme
Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-
wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material
miseries.” (Bg.5.29)
H. Lord personally protects His devotees
Accidental fall down is forgiven (Bg.9.30)
Lord promises to protects His devotees(Bg.9.31)
Lord personally delivers His devotee from material ocean(Bg.12.7)
17 AÑÖÄÌGA YOGA
A. What is Añöäìga-Yoga
Añöäìga-yoga, a mechanical meditative practice, controls the mind
and the senses and focuses one’s concentration on Paramätmä (the
Supersoul). This practice culminates in samädhi, full consciousness
of the Supreme.
B. Eight limbs of Añöäìga-Yoga are (Bg.5.29 purport):
yama – Prohibitions; niyama - injunctions; äsana - sitting exercises;
präëäyäma - breathing exercises; pratyähära - withdrawing the
senses; dhäraëä - steadying the mind; dhyäna - meditation; samädhi -
trance, full absorption
C. Two stages of yoga (Bg.6.3)
Yogärurukña stage – It is the beginning stage in which
prescribed duties are essential to gradually purify one of the
fruitive desires
Yogärüòha stage – It is the advanced stage. After achieving
freedom from desires that impel fruitive work, one retires
from active duties for contemplation and meditation
D. Basic practices of Añöäìga-Yoga
Principle – One should constantly engage body, mind and
self in relationship with supreme(6.10)
Place of practice - Live alone and in a secluded place(6.10)
Mind control – First business of any transcendentalist is to
control the mind and fix on the supersoul(6.10)
Consciousness – One should be free of desires and feelings
of possessiveness(6.10)
APPENDIX A 673
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
Manner of sitting – Not sit too high or too low. One can sit
on deer skin or kuça grass. One should sit in a straight
posture, with vision on the tip of the nose(6.11-12)
Celibacy and fearlessness is a must(6.13-14)
Object of meditation – To see Viñëu-mürti in one’ s own
heart (6.13-14)
Regulation in eating, sleeping, recreation and work(6.16-17)
o Do not eat too much or too little, or sleep too much
or too little
When the yogi disciplines his mental activities and become
situated in transcendence, devoid of all material desires, he
is said to be well established in yoga (Bg 6.18)
E. Realizations/visions/actions of a yogi in perfection – For this
section, please refer summarized theme 6C in chapter 6
F. Limitations
• The system of yoga appears impractical and unendurable,
for the mind is restless and unsteady (Bg.6.33)
• The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong,
and to subdue it, is more difficult than controlling the wind
(Bg.6.34)
• Impractical in this age(Kali) for most classes of people(Text
Bg.6.34)
G. Destination of unsuccessful Añöäìga-Yogi after short practice and
long practice (Bg.6.40-45)
A transcendentalist engaged in auspicious activities does not
meet with destruction and is never overcome by evil (Ref
Bg.6.40)
Short practice – One who practices yoga for short time first
goes to the higher planets to fulfill his remaining material
desires. He then takes birth in an aristocratic and/or well-
situated family wherein he may revive his yoga practice
without any impediment(Ref Bg.6.41)
Long practice – One who has made great advancement in
yoga, but is still not completely perfect takes his birth in the
family of spiritualists, he automatically becomes attracted to
674 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
the yogic principles and thus successfully completes his self-
realization(Bg.6.42-45)
H. Bhakti-yoga as the topmost process (Bg.6.46-47)
And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides
in Me, thinks of Me within himself and renders
transcendental loving service to Me- he is the most
intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.
That is my opinion (Bg.6.47)
18 VARËÄÇRAMA DHARMA
This topic is introduced in several chapters in Bhagavad Gétä
A. Chapter-1 – Arjuna first introduces this discussion when he says that
fighting will destroy Varëäçrama tradition and will lead to chaos in
human society (Bg.1.39-43)
B. Chapter-2 – Kåñëa explains the proper application of Varëäçrama
dharma in Bg.2.31-37, especially for Arjuna’s case (Bg.2.31 purport)
• Study Bg.2.31 in this book for the concept of sva-dharma
C. Chapter-3 – Mentions following points about one’s prescribed duties
according to one’s varna or ashram
• Important of yajïa to get freedom from all bondage to work
(Bg.3.3-9)
• Great souls performing prescribed duties to set an example
(Bg.3.17-24)
• One needs to stick to one’s own prescribed duties (Bg.3.33 -
35)
D. Chapter-4 – It explains that Varëäçrama system is created by Kåñëa
Himself on account to the 3 modes of material nature and works
associated with them(Bg.4.13)
E. Chapter-9 – Even women, vaiçyas and çüdras can attain to perfection
by surrendering process(Bg.9.32)
F. Chapter-18 (Bg.18.41-48)
• Mentions the qualities of different varëas
• Also mentions, how to achieve perfection by karma-Yoga, by
dovetailing one’s propensities in the service of the Supreme
Lord
APPENDIX A 675
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
20 DEMIGOD WORSHIP
A. Different chapters on demigod worship
Chapter-3 Kåñëa introduces demigod worship in Text 3.11-
12 & encourages it in the sense that He wants to establish
the need of sacrifice on behalf of human society even to
fulfill basic necessities
Chapter-4 Text 4.12 exposes the mentality of demigod
worshipers as being looking for immediate fulfillment of
material desires
Chapter-7 Kåñëa calls demigod worshipers as less intelligent
(Ref. Summarized theme 7B)
Chapter-9 Kåñëa finally compares demigod worshipers to
pure devotional service and establishes demigod
worshipers as improper and illegal, and only acheiving
temporary benefits (Bg.9.20-25)
676 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
B. Is demigod worship recommended – In chapter 3, texts 3.10-14, it does
appear that Kåñëa is encouraging demigod worship. In this context, Kåñëa is
emphasizing the unavoidable duty of all human beings toward the
demigods, as a part of VedicKarma-Kända process
Prosperity of human society depends on the satisfaction of
demigods (Bg.3.10-12)
But, one who enjoys the results without offering them in a
sacrifice, is a thief (Bg.3.13)
C. Benefit of such worship
The performer is purified of the contamination of lower qualities
of nature
Elevated to higher planets
Satisfies senses hundreds and thousands of times than earthly
planet
D. Why do people worship demigods (Ref. Bg.4.12, 7.20-21, 9.20-21)
For immediate fulfillment of material desires
For enjoying heavenly pleasures e.g. Soma rasa in moon planet
etc
They have lost the spiritual sense
They are affected by lower modes
They think demigods are better for certain purpose as per their
study of Vedas e.g. Sun god for better health
They do not know that demigods are different parts of universal
form of Kåñëa and do not know what part of the body the food
must supplied
E. What is Kåñëa’s ultimate opinion – In text 4.12 Kåñëa exposes the
motivation of these demigod worshipers. They are only interested in quick
fruitive results, without any knowledge of their ultimate welfare. Thus they
are called less intelligent in text 7.20
F. Why demigod worshipers are called less intelligent
Their intelligence stolen by material desires (Lust)
Demigods, the benediction they give and their worshipers, all
are temporary
Demigod worshipers go to demigod planets which are
temporary, thus they undergo repeated cycle of birth and
death(Bg.9.21 & 9.25)
They lack the following knowledge about Kåñëa
o Kåñëa is the source of everything (Bg.7.6)
APPENDIX A 677
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
o Kåñëa makes faith steady, required by a living entity to
worship the demigods(Bg.7.21)
o Kåñëa bestows benefit through the demigods to the
living entities(Bg.7.22)
Demigod worship without knowledge of Kåñëa’s supremacy is
called “avidhi-pürvakam” – improper method of worship(Bg.
9.23)
G. Conclusion
Kåñëa should be worshiped in all conditions and circumstances
Worshiping Kåñëa assure complete perfection(Bg.9.22)
Kåñëa is only enjoyer and master of all sacrifices (Bg.9.24 )
Worshiping Kåñëa transfers one to the eternal abode, free from
birth and death (Bg.9.25)
678 APPENDIX A
APPENDIX
B
DEFEATING MÄYÄVÄDA
Introduction:
There are two classes of transcendentalists- Impersonalists and Personalists.
Impersonalism in comparison to Personalism
• Brahman (Impersonal) realization is a partial realization and
runs the risk of falling down to material entanglement
o Devotional service includes all the realizations of
Brahman platform (Bg.18.54), and it continues even
after liberation (Bg.9.2 & 18.55)
• Process of impersonal realization is very difficult (Bg. 12.5)
• Personalists are the most perfect – “ Those who fix their
minds on My personal form and are always engaged in
worshiping Me with great and transcendental faith are
considered by Me to be most perfect” (Bg.12.2)
680 APPENDIX B
APPENDIX B
• Eternal individuality is also explained in Bg.2.12 and 2.13 –
Study purport
• Every individual soul is eternal fragmental part of supreme
Lord Kåñëa (Bg.15.7)
• Sprit soul cannot be cut into pieces as fragmental portion
like the material parts (Bg.2.23-24)
• Even after libration, soul continuous to remain as an eternal
servant (Bg.9.2)
• Kåñëa never loses His eternal individuality in His many
expansions(Bg.4.35 purport)
2. Kåñëa is the source of everything and Brahman is not the supreme
• Kåñëa says, I am the source of all spiritual and material
worlds (Bg.10.8)
• Kåñëa is also the source of Brahmä, Sivä including Lord
Naräyana (chapter 11)
• Kåñëa says, I am the basis of Brahman (Bg.14.27)
• Kåñëa says, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests
upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread(Bg.7.7)
• If Kåñëa is accepted as ordinary man, then Bhagavad-gétä
loses all importance
3. Refutation of the proposition “This world is false”
• Text 9.33 states that this world is temporary (açäçvatam) but
not false
4. Refutation of the conception that “Everyone is God”
• If everyone is originally Brahman, and has being covered by
Mäyä as proclaimed by Mäyävädés, then it would imply that
Mäyä is superior to them, so how can they be God
o Ref. Bg.7.7 – Lord says “There is no truth superior to
Me”
• If the living entity is God, then how could he be forgetful of
his spiritual nature and suffer in this world?
o Lord claims to know everything, past, present, and
future (Bg.7.26). There is no question of forgetting
one’s original identity if everyone is God
APPENDIX B 681
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
o Another supporting reference (Bg.15.15) – Actually,
it is the Supersoul who gives the living entities
remembrance and forgetfulness
• The living entity, in all circumstances, fully depend on the
Lord for everything – Even his ability to deny or forget the
Supreme Lord
5. Refutation of the argument that “Kåñëa’s form is material and
ordinary”
• Text 9.11 – “Fools deride Me when I descend in the human
form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the
Supreme Lord of all that be”
682 APPENDIX B
APPENDIX
C
YOGA PROCESSES/YOGA LADDER
1) Definition of yoga
In terms of process – It is a process of linking oneself or
one’s consciousness with the Supreme Absolute Truth (Ref.
Bg. 6.3 purport)
In term of effects – Yoga implies “to concentrate one’s mind
on Supreme by controlling the ever disturbing senses” or “
to perform one’s duty in equipoised attitude without
attachment to success or failure” (Ref. Bg. 2.48 translation
and purport)
2) Vedic process of elevating a human being from the lowest stage of
consciousness – Vedic culture provides a system by which
materially attached person can satisfy his material desires and yet
gradually become purified. Progressive stages of consciousness are
as follows:
a) Animal life – Spiritually undeveloped humans, in their
attempt to taste sensual pleasure, act in ignorance
b) Stage of karma-käëòa –This is the stage when one agrees to
regulate one’s enjoyment by the descending authority of
Vedic formulas, for the purpose of higher quality of
enjoyment in material world
c) Stage of yoga – When the practitioner finds the ‘futility of
material life’ and ‘makes transcendence as his goal’, then he
can be called a yogé
3) Yoga ladder – Yoga process is compared to a ladder (analogy)
APPENDIXC 683
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
It begins from the lowest material condition of living entity
and rises upto the topmost spiritual realization
Complete ladder is called yoga, and has several parts –
karma-yoga, jïäna-yoga,
dhyäna-yoga, and bhakti-yoga
Beginning stage is called yogärurukñu stage and highest
rung is called yogärüòha stage(Bg.6.3)
4) Basis of different names of yoga – This is based on the particular
methods adopted (Ref. Bg. 6.46 purport)
If linking process is predominantly fruitive acts it is called
karma-yoga
If linking process is predominantly empirical it is called
jïäna-yoga
If linking process is predominantly devotional it is called
bhakti-yoga
5) Yoga in Bhagavad-gétä – Lord Kåñëa deals with all the bonafide
yoga processes in different section of the Bhagavad-gétä as follows:
Chapters 1 to 6 deal with karma-yoga especially in chapter
three and chapter five
o Chapter 6 especially deals with añöäìga-yoga /
Dhyäna-yoga
Chapters 7 to 12 deal with bhakti-yoga, which is also covered
in chapter 18
Chapters 13 to 18 deal with jïäna-yoga
Lord Kåñëa compares different process in texts 13.25-26
6) Conceptual comparison of different yoga systems (Ref 6.47
purport)
When karma-yoga increases in knowledge and renunciation it
is called jïäna-yoga
When jnana yoga increases in meditation it is called añöäìga-
yoga
When añöäìga-yoga comes to the point of realizing Kåñëa, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, that is called bhakti-yoga
7) Bhakti-yoga is the ultimate perfection of yoga – Anything short of
that is imperfect(Ref. Bg. 6.46 purport)
Asceticism without self-knowledge – imperfect
Empiric knowledge without surrender – imperfect
684 APPENDIX C
APPENDIX C
Fruitive work without Kåñëa consciousness – waste of time
SAKÄMA KARMA
YOGA
Fruits of work,
Fame or Material
KARMA KANDA enjoyment
(Karmis)
ANIMAL LIFE
APPENDIX C 685
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
EXPRESS ELEVATOR
PREMA BHAKTI
BHÄVA BHAKTI
SÄDHANA BHAKTI
ANIMAL LIFE
686 APPENDIX C
APPENDIX C
8) Steps of progression on yoga ladder :
Karma-käëòa –
o This is the stage which encourages regulated sense
gratification
o This is meant to bring general mass of people to the
platform of religiosity
o This purifies the practitioner in many ways:
Mood of subservience to God’s order brings
purification
Regulation in sense gratification brings
detachment which fosters knowledge
Result of yajïas, by fulfillment of desires,
gives one faith in çästras
This motivates him to associate with
brähmaëas who give higher knowledge
Gradually Vedas expose him to the subject
of jïäna-käëòa
o Gradually the practitioner finds ‘futility of material
life’ (miseries, deaths ,etc.) and makes
‘transcendence as the goal’. Then he comes in the
realm of yoga
Sakäma karma-yoga – A stage after one understands the
transcendence as the goal
o There is frustration in material life and one desires
purification
o One attempts to renounce the fruits of labor
o But attachment to material desires still lingers on
o In conclusion, there is attachment to work and also
the fruits of work
Niçkäma karma-yoga – A stage when one gives up the
attachment to the fruits of the work, but is attached to the
work itself
J ïäna-yoga – This is the stage of philosophical enquiry
o At this stage, one is detached from both, work and
the fruits of work
APPENDIX C 687
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
o At this stage, one can take to renunciation, because
one is already purified by the performance of the
prescribed duties
688 APPENDIX C
APPENDIX C
Kåñëa’s pleasure as goal of life. This is possible by the association
and mercy of pure devotee. Such a person is placed in the express
elevator of yoga as shown in the diagram and he advances from
sädhana-bhakti to prema bhakti
11) Levels of realizations and destinations in different yoga systems
• Jïäna-yoga – Such a person elevates up to the level of
‘Brahman’ realization and can enter into Brahman
• Añöäìga-yoga – A Paramätmä realized yogi will either merge
with Brahman or transfer himself to Vaikuëöha, depending on
his desire, which in turn is based upon the quality of his
realization. Such a yogi will first attain Lord Brahmä’s planet,
and then, with the death of Lord Brahmä, he transfers himself
to either Brahman or Vaikuëöha
• Bhakti-yoga – This process leads of supermost ‘Bhagavan’
realization
12) Power of the process of Bhakti
• To achieve any realization(Brahman, Paramätmä, and
Bhagavän), one needs at least some bhakti
• At any stage of realization, one can transcend the modes of
material nature through full surrender
Please note – Readers are requested to study the appendix section at the end of
chapter 3 of this book (text 3.9 & 3.16) for a more detailed understanding of yoga
ladder
APPENDIX C 689
APPENDIX
D
MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE
A TABULATED SUMMARY
ITEM MODE OF MODE OF MODE OF
VERSE
GOODNESS PASSION IGNORANCE
14.6 Binding Force Sense of: Attachment Madness
to Happiness tofruitive Indolence
14.8 Satisfaction activities (Laziness)
Knowledge Binds by the Sleep
Superiority ropes of
desire and
attachment
14.11 Symptoms Illuminates Intense, Delusion/
to thegates of unlimiteddes Illusion
14.13 the body ires and Darkness
with longings Madness
knowledge. Great Inertia
Frees one attachment
from sinful Fruitive
reactions activities
14.14 Destination at Attains the Attains Birth in
to death pure, higher earthly lower species
14.15 planets of the planets
great sages
14.16 Results of Pure Misery Foolishness
to action Knowledge Greed Madness
14.18 (sees things Earthly Illusion
as they are) planets Life in
Elevation to hellish
higher worlds
planets like
Brahmaloka
or Janaloka
17.4 Worship Demigods Demons Ghosts and
Spirits
690 APPENDIX D
APPENDIX D
17.8 Food Type of foods: Type of foods: Type of foods:
to Juicy, fatty, Too bitter, Prepared
17.10 wholesome Too sour, more than
and pleasing salty, hot three hours
to the heart pungent, dry before being
Effect of such and burning eaten
foods: Food that is
Increases the Effect of such tasteless,
duration of foods: decomposed
life Distress and putrid
Purifiesone’s Misery Food
existence Disease consisting of
Gives remnants and
strength, untouchable
health, things
happiness Effect of such
and foods:
satisfaction Infection
Disease
17.11 Sacrifice According to Performs for Without
to directions of some regard for the
17.13 scripture material directions of
As a matter benefit scripture
of duty For the sake Without
Without of pride distribution
desire of of prasadam
reward (spiritual
food)
Without
chanting of
Vedic hymns
Without
remuneration
to the priests
Without faith
17.17 Austerity Performed Performed Performed
to with out of pride out of
17.19 transcendent For the sake foolishness
al faith of gaining With self-
Without respect torture
expecting It is neither To destroy or
material permanent injure others
APPENDIX D 691
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
benefits nor stable
Only for the
sake of the
Supreme
17.20 Charity Given out of With Performed at
to duty expectation an impure
17.22 Without of some place
expectation return At an
of return With the impure time
At the proper desire for To unworthy
time and fruitive persons
place results Without
To a worthy In a proper
person grudging attention and
mood respect
18.7 Renunciation Performing Renounces Renounces
to prescribed prescribed prescribed
18.9 duty only duties as duties
because it troublesome because of
ought to be or out of fear illusion
done of bodily
Renounces discomfort
all material
association
Renounces
all
attachment
to the fruit
18.20 Knowledge Knowledge Knowledge Knowledge
to by which one by which one by which one
18.22 undivided sees that in is attached to
spiritual every one kind of
nature is seen different work as all in
in all living body there is all
entities, a different Without
though they type of living knowledge of
are divided entity the truth
into Which is very
innumerable meager
forms
692 APPENDIX D
APPENDIX D
18.23 Action Regulated by With great Performed in
to sastras effort by one illusion
18.25 Performed seeking to In disregard
without gratify his of scriptural
attachment desires injunctions
Without love Enacted from Without
or hatred a sense of concern for
Without false ego future
desire for bondage or
fruitive for violence
results or distress
caused to
others
18.26 Performer of Performs his Attached to Work against
to action (worker) duty without work and the
18.28 association fruits of injunctions of
with the work the scripture
modes of Desiring to Materialistic
material enjoy those Obstinate
nature fruits Cheating
Without false Greedy Expert in
ego Envious insulting
With great Impure others
determinatio Moved by joy Lazy
n and and sorrow Always
enthusiasm morose
Without Procrastinati
wavering in ng
success or
failure
APPENDIX D 693
G É T Ä S U B O D H I N É
18.30 Understanding One knows Cannot Considers
to what ought distinguish religion to be
18.32 to be done between irreligion and
and what religion and irreligion to
ought not to irreligion be religion
be done Between Under the
What is to be action that spell of
feared and should be illusion and
what is not to done and darkness
be feared action that Always
What is should not be striving in
binding and done the wrong
what is direction
liberating
18.33 Determination Unbreakable One holds One cannot
to Sustained fast to go beyond
18.35 with fruitive dreaming
steadfastness results in Fearfulness
by yoga religion, Lamentation
practice economic Moroseness
Controls the development Illusion
activities of and sense
mind, life gratification
and senses
18.37 Happiness Just like Derived from Blind to self
to poison in the contact of the realization
18.39 beginning senses with Delusion
and nectar at their objects from
the end Appears as beginning to
Awakes one nectar at first end
to self- but poison at Arises from
realisation the end sleep,
laziness and
illusion
694 APPENDIX D