Class notes by Bhargavi

We study the scriptures, is Sadhya. The Goal of life is to “Be Happiness”. There should be no other purpose to studying the scriptures, else we are in a game of dilution. The means to achieving Sadhya is by Sadhana. This course gives us clarity on Sadhya so the path or the Sadhana also becomes clear, it teaches us how to apply ourselves such that we become Happiness. This can happen through Jnana or insight. When what we are taught makes sense to us, we will live it. We began our course in September with evolving:

1. Honesty (2:7): To be honest whether we want to evolve or not
2. Simplify ( 8:24): Simplify all aspects of us outside and inside so that there is a single purpose: “To be Happiness”
3. Aloneness (13:10): Be with yourself more
4. Even worst person can become Happiness (4:36)

October was focused on deciding:

1. 18: 37: Decide for the Long term because we want long term happiness
2. 4:39: Have faith in yourself, trust your decision making
3. 4:34: We should think WWW (what would the wise do?) and imitate that
4. 2:37: Make a decision and learn from it

November was focused on communicating:

1. 14: 17: This verse focused on Gunas, when we know what is going in ours and in others minds, we can adapt
2. 17:15 : Specifics on how to speak, truthful, beautiful, beneficial and measured
3. 3:21: This verse where there are leaders there are followers and vice versa. Leaders have to be extremely responsible
4. 2:54: Prince Arjuna asks Bhagwan Krishna how does an enlightened person think, speak, sit, walk. We should aspire to communicate like God/Brahman. By doing so, communication goes beyond words and action

December focuses on relating:

Chapter 6 verse 9: Basis for the chapter is Dhyana. In the eighth verse, Bhagwan tells Arjuna that when someones knows how to contemplate, they see dirt, stone and gold as equal at the fundamental level, albeit different functionally.

In verse 9, it is said that one who knows how to contemplate, can relate with all types of people. One whose personality is calm, relates with all types of people (Good, bad and ugly).

Vivekji used the comparison of “Good, Bad and the ugly” to explain this concept.

The person who is ugly inside, is a “Paapi”. He goes against the scripture. He is irresponsible and unhappy. Living with such people is most difficult. Easier than that is “Ari” (enemy), one who perpetually torments you even when you don’t harm them (upon internalizing we realize that this enemy is none other than our mind). Next in the list is “Dvesha”. This is someone who harms you because you harm them. Next is the category of bad: “Udaseena” is someone who doesn’t care. They are not apathetic but ignorant. Above that in the bad category is “Madhyasta” is one who wishes well for both parties, one who is non-partisan. “Bandhu” comes next, are the highest of the bad category. They are the ones who care for you because they have to. In the category of the good come “Mitra”, they care for you even though they don’t have to. They are far easier to relate to. “Suhrut” is one who is large-hearted, one who gives with no expectations. Easiest kind of people to relate to are “Sadhu”, one who is for the scripture. They are responsible and Happy. These are 9 broad categories of people, there are other kinds of people too. When we know that we sympathize more and not generalize and engage in active listening.

Chapter 7 verse 7: Bhagwan says that in reference to Him, there is none that is higher or deeper at all. Bhagwan calls Arjuna as “Dhananjaya”, one who has conquered greed without hoarding wealth. Bhagwan says all of this is fixed on Him. He is the thread that binds all these pearls (in this case pearls refer to people) meaning all people are connected by God. The reason why a pearl is being used in this analogy is that just like a pearl we are natural and we can’t see what is inside of us and we cannot see the thread that binds us all. If it were a see through material like diamond, then we could see that thread connecting us. We can apply the teaching of this verse by having an insight that when we see people around us, they have come to our lives for a purpose, whether to make our lives easier/harder, long term or short term. Whenever we see someone’s skin (physical level), we should have the insight of Karma, especially with our family. Remind ourselves that this is our Karma playing out. When we interact with people (see them at mental level), we should have the insight to focus on their strengths and what they have given or done for us (Gunas). Finally, deeper than body and mind is the spirit or Atman. When we see that, we should have the insight that the presence in the people around us is also the presence in us. Namaste means “Namah Te”: We are one! In Sanskrit, this would be Satta…tune into their existence!

Chapter 12 verse 15: Vivekji reminded us that this is one of the shortest chapters in the Gita and is taught to kids to help them to sleep.

This verse focuses on those who does not agitate the world and one who is not agitated by the world and those that are free from elation, depression, fear and agitation. There is only one way not to agitate others…by being responsible, following Dharma. The only people such Dharmic people can agitate are those that are irresponsible. Similarly, when we follow Dharma, we are not agitated by others. That is the power of being responsible. Fear follows elation (fear of losing that elated state). Feeling of agitation comes with the feeling of depression (dejection, sadness). The precursor to being loving is being accepting. If we are accepting, two vices go away. Once who is accepting is never annoyed and angry. Bhagwan says one who is responsible and accepting, is dear to Him!

Chapter 3 verse 11: This section in Shrimad Gita talks about dedication, community, synergy. Bhagwan Krishna tells Prince Arjuna that the way of worship the Devas is to engage in Yagna. Yagna here means dedication and Deva here means the multiverse/humanity (not just society, community, family, individuality). When we are dedicated to humanity, it will nourish and support us. Humanity will give us what we want and need…Happiness! When we are dedicated, we have to give up everything inside…not outside. The dependence, projection has to given up, because when these get thrown out, the ego goes as well. When that happens, Happiness is achieved. This is cooperation and synergy. By engaging in such dedication, we will be established in Shreya (long term) Happiness.