BHAGAVAD GEETA: 72 - Swami Advayananda.
BHAGAVAD GEETA
Chapter - 2
Discourse – 2 (72 Slogas)
“Yoga of the SUPREME SELF”
Sri Veda Vyasaji
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Wednesday 08, May 2024 06:20.
2.10 THE PRESCRIPTION FOR ARJUNA
(Slogas 45-48, 4 No.)
Post - 72.
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Slogam - 48:Summary Statement on Karma Yoga:
1
Yoga-sthah kuru karmaani = Be steadfast in Yoga by performing actions
2
sanga tyaktvaa, Dhananajaya; = without attachment, O Dhananjaya;
3
siddha-siddhyoh samah bhootvaa = Become balanced in success and failure.
4
samatvam yogah uchyate. = Evenness of mind is called Yoga.
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In this slogam, we have the perfect definition for Karma Yoga according to the
teaching of Sri Krishna. If we see this definition in the light of the cause which Sri Krishna
champions throughout the Geeta, then this verse becomes a major statement
that summarises the entire philosophy of the Geeta.
Before looking into the definition, we note that Arjuna is addressed as Dhananjaya. It
means “a successful provider of wealth” to the community. He is one who has done his
service to society well. He cannot be charged with escaping from his responsibilities to
society. If he now practices some renunciation, it cannot be because of cowardice.
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There are two practical aids in Karma Yoga: i) Non-attachment; and ii) Equipoise.
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“NON-ATTACHMENT leading up to EQUIPOISE” –
This is Sri Krishna’s definition of Karma Yoga.
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Acharyaji snatched a moment to tell us a short joke. “How does a Karma Yogi send
his emails?
Answer: Without any attachments!”
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What is Attachment?
1-2
Acharyaji gave a simple definition: “Attachment is the belief that ‘I and You’ is a
good combination for happiness.”
In mathematical terms, this can be written as a formula:
“I” + x = Happiness
One’s happiness is linked to another person,represented by ‘x’. The formula has led
to people getting attached to ‘x’ for their happiness. This is the basic flaw in attachment. If
we can change that formula to just ‘I’, it should be sufficient for true, inner happiness that is
independent of any other source of happiness. Sri Krishna teaches here that the Karma Yogi
should free himself from such dependence by depending entirely on the Lord within.
“Drop the ‘x’ factor and place yourself entirely in the hands of the Lord.”
Removing attachment simply means replacing ‘selfishness’ with ‘selflessness’. It does
not mean abandoning relationships carelessly, foolishly or improperly with a ‘don’t care’
attitude. No such foolishness is permitted in the field of Karma Yoga. Detachment is an inner
attitude – love is there but without dependency or selfishness. This is a science of
interacting in such a manner that one remains unscathed by the relationship.
What is Equipoise?
3-4
The test of Equipoise is absence of exhilaration in success, and absence of
dejection in failure. “Balance in success and failure” is equipoise.
With this verse ends the teaching on Karma Yoga. The remaining chapters have many
references on Karma Yoga, but no further principles on the science are added.
Acharyaji made a brief comparison between the Karma Yoga as taught in Upadesh
Sara (Text 7) of Sri Ramana Maharshi and in the Geeta. As one may expect, there is
absolutely no difference at all, only the terms used are different. The two main steps are
identical.
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Next
2.11 THE GLORY OF KARMA YOGA
(Verses 49-53, 5 No.)
Continued
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