Vivekji started off the class by sharing some insights on the ongoing Annual Seva training that he was conducting last week. One key thought he shared was on Stress! Stress is just a thought. When one feeds that thought (constantly thinking about it), it becomes an emotion. When emotion is felt, it turns into a practice that is visible externally. To uncreate the stress, we focus on this chain of events and stop at the origin by not thinking about it.
Our focus on this month is Evolving using Bhagwan’s teaching in Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Jaya and Vijaya are the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha and closest to Bhagwan Vishnu. They have qualities that make them fit for this position. Jaya is the icon for one who has control over their body and Vijaya represents one who is in control of their mind. They become the facilitators of the Lord because of their discipline. Our course teaches us to follow the “song”(Gita) to lead us to our own Independently joyous nature. A seeker is one who knows where the Independent Joy is and is looking for it there, as opposed to a person who is searching and doesn’t know where this joy exists. Evolving means to transition from being a searcher to a seeker! We are to move from a path of the moon (dependent on the Sun for light and represents valuables) to the path of Sun (Independent Light and represents Values). When we focus on standard of Life rather than standard of Living, there follows a dramatic simplification of Life leading to more focus on the things that are more important and that add more value to life.
In Chapter 13 verse 10, Bhagwan is telling Arjuna that one should come to Him with one pointed devotion. In a tactile way, first quarter tells us to prioritize Happiness (God for those who are devotion oriented). He tells us to be steady and sincere in our efforts. He says that we should put forth our efforts with Bhakti (devotion). Bhakti is defined as dependence. Dependence on the creator is the highest form of dependence and superior to dependence on the creation. Former is simplification and latter is called materialism and is complex.
Main thought from the shloka pertaining to our journey: Enjoying solitude is very important. After simplification, a seeker needs space and time to think about how to bring about change within. Our thoughts are clear when we reflect in isolation. We should almost have a dislike being in a crowded place full of people who are not favorable to our growth. For a beginner sadhaka (most of us), it is to be interpreted as going in a quiet place for contemplation. As we progress in our Sadhana, even being in a crowded place, we are still by ourselves experiencing aloneness within. Once we learn to enjoy our own company, we don’t depend on others company. Vivekji pointed out that as we go deeper within with contemplation, we will be faced with fear. We must be trained in watching that fear, else all efforts will be erased.
In Chapter 4 verse 36, Bhagwan shares that even if you are the worst sinner (one who KNOWS but doesn’t love up to their knowledge), there is a way to redeem yourself. True knowledge will be your raft! For a raft, it does not matter how deep the water is. Similarly, knowledge when clear and becomes a standard to live up to, we will be able to let go of the past and change. The reason the knowledge does not sink in is because the mind needs to be tilled, to be made pure. Once the mind is prepared, the Knowledge’s takes effect immediately just like Light dissipates darkness immediately. This raft that is made up of wood is like our Guru’s padukas. Padukas are therefore our raft of virtues that keep us balanced. Finally, Bhagwan says to us (through Arjuna) that we are not the worst sinners. We should therefore feel encouraged and be inspired to be led to enlightenment just as Arjuna was.