Gita Samwad - 15 Nov 23

 

Bhagavad Gita Today’s Quote

 

Today's quote from the Bhagavad Gita is:

 

"The Supreme Lord said: You grieve for those who are not worthy of grief; and yet speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead. There was never a time when these monarchs, you, or I did not exist, nor shall we ever cease to exist in the future. Just as a living being acquires a childhood body, a youth body, and an old-age body during this life; similarly, it acquires another new body after death. The wise are not deluded by this. The contacts of the senses with the sense objects give rise to the feelings of heat and cold, pain and pleasure. They are transitory and impermanent. Therefore, learn to endure them, O Arjuna" .

 

This passage underscores the eternal nature of the soul and the transient nature of physical experiences, encouraging a perspective of enduring wisdom and equanimity in the face of life's changing circumstances.

 

Samwad [Conversation]

Grieving for the Impermanent: The Supreme Lord (Krishna) addresses Arjuna's grief, indicating that grieving for those who are not worthy of grief is unwise.

Imagine a person who is deeply attached to their physical possessions, such as a luxurious car. Over time, this car ages and eventually becomes unusable. The person, deeply attached to the car, experiences profound grief over its loss. However, the car, being a material object, is by nature impermanent and subject to change and decay.

 

In the context of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna's statement to Arjuna - "You grieve for those who are not worthy of grief" - addresses a similar attachment and subsequent grief for things or beings that are inherently impermanent. Arjuna is initially grief-stricken at the prospect of fighting in the war, particularly against those he respects and loves. Krishna reminds him that this grief is for the impermanent physical forms and not for the eternal soul, which neither dies nor is born.

 

Krishna's teaching here is to recognize the impermanence of the physical world and to not let grief for such transient things cloud one's judgement or duty. The emphasis is on understanding the eternal nature of the soul and maintaining a perspective that transcends the immediate, physical experiences of loss and attachment. This understanding helps cultivate a mindset of equanimity and a focus on one's duties and responsibilities, regardless of the changing nature of the material world.

This teaching emphasizes the importance of understanding the transient nature of life and the physical world. Just as one should not excessively mourn the loss of material possessions, which are inherently impermanent, so too should one approach the physical aspects of life, including relationships and situations, with a perspective of detachment. This does not mean being uncaring or uninvolved, but rather recognizing the impermanent nature of these aspects and thus not being overwhelmed by grief or attachment.

 

 

 

Wisdom Beyond Life and Death: Wisdom involves understanding that the wise do not grieve for the living or the dead, acknowledging the deeper continuum of existence beyond physical life and death.

Consider a scholar deeply versed in various philosophical teachings. Over the years, through his studies and contemplations, he comes to a profound realization: Life and death are merely different states or phases of existence, not absolute ends or beginnings. He understands that his consciousness, his true self, is not limited to the physical body or the life span of that body. Instead, he sees life as a continuous journey, where death is just a transition, not an ultimate end.

 

Applying this to the Bhagavad Gita's teachings, when Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the wise do not grieve for the living or the dead, he is referring to this deeper understanding of existence. Krishna explains that there was never a time when we (as in Arjuna, Krishna, or the kings and warriors on the battlefield) did not exist, nor will there be a time when we cease to exist. This signifies that our true nature, the soul or Atman, is eternal and transcends the cycle of birth and death.

 

In the scholar's case, his wisdom allows him to perceive life and death not as finalities but as parts of a continuum. Similarly, Krishna urges Arjuna to adopt this wisdom and see beyond the apparent destruction and death in the battlefield, understanding that the soul is eternal and indestructible. This perspective is meant to guide Arjuna in performing his duty as a warrior without being overwhelmed by grief or moral dilemma over the impermanence of physical life.

This point underscores the eternal nature of the soul and encourages a broader perspective that transcends the physical boundaries of life and death. It suggests that true wisdom involves seeing beyond the temporary physical existence to the continuous, eternal journey of the soul. This understanding helps one to face life's challenges, including the inevitability of death, with a sense of peace and acceptance.

 

Eternal Existence: The text emphasizes that there was never a time when we did not exist and that we will continue to exist in the future, pointing to the eternal nature of the soul.

Imagine a river flowing continuously from its source in the mountains to the vast ocean. The river's water changes form throughout its journey — from rain to stream to river — yet the essence of the water remains constant. It exists at the mountain's peak, during its journey through valleys and plains, and finally in the ocean.

 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna's statement that there was never a time when we did not exist, and there will never be a time when we cease to exist, refers to the soul's eternal nature. Just like the water in the river, the soul undergoes various stages — different lifetimes and bodies — but its fundamental essence remains unchanged and eternal.

 

This analogy helps in understanding Krishna's teaching to Arjuna about the eternal nature of the soul. Arjuna, facing the dilemma of fighting in the battle, is concerned about killing his relatives and teachers, which he views as the end of their existence. Krishna enlightens him by explaining that just as the river's water is not annihilated when it changes form or merges into the ocean, the soul is not destroyed with the death of the body. It simply transitions into another state of existence.

 

This perspective is meant to guide Arjuna (and the reader) to recognize the soul's immortality. Understanding this helps one to engage in their rightful duties without being overly attached to the temporary and changing forms of the physical world, including their own body and those of others.

This concept focuses on the soul's immortality, a fundamental teaching in the Bhagavad Gita. Just as a river's essence remains constant despite its changing forms, the soul remains eternal despite the changing physical forms it assumes through different lifetimes. This understanding fosters a sense of continuity and permanence amidst the ever-changing physical world.

 

Transformation of the Body: Just as a person acquires different bodies through stages of life (childhood, youth, old age), the soul acquires a new body after death, which should not delude the wise.

Consider an actor who, over their career, takes on many different roles. In one play, they might be a young hero; in another, a wise elder; and in yet another, a middle-aged ruler. With each role, the actor dons a costume and persona that suit the character, but beneath these temporary disguises, the actor remains the same individual.

 

This metaphor parallels Lord Krishna's explanation to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita about the soul acquiring different bodies. Just as the actor acquires different roles and costumes but remains fundamentally the same person, the soul acquires different physical bodies (childhood, youth, old age) in its journey through life. Furthermore, just as the actor moves on to a new role after a play is finished, the soul acquires a new body after the death of the current one.

 

Krishna's teaching here is to convey that while our physical form changes over time and eventually ceases at death, the soul, our true essence, is not bound by these physical transformations. It is a continuous, unchanging entity that simply transitions from one bodily form to another.

 

Understanding this concept helps one to not be overly attached to or troubled by the changes and eventual decline of the physical body. It encourages a focus on the enduring nature of the soul and the spiritual journey, rather than on the temporary physical states we experience.

The analogy of an actor assuming different roles effectively illustrates the soul's journey through various bodily forms. Just as the actor remains the same individual regardless of the role, the soul remains unchanged despite its physical embodiments. This perspective helps in not identifying too strongly with the physical body and its limitations, and instead focusing on the soul's ongoing journey.

Transient Sensory Experiences: Sensory experiences, such as heat and cold or pain and pleasure, arise from the interaction of the senses with objects. These experiences are temporary and not permanent.

Consider the experience of seasons throughout the year. In summer, we experience warmth and heat, often leading to discomfort or a longing for cooler days. In winter, the cold can be harsh, making us yearn for the warmth of summer. These seasonal experiences are characterized by sensations of heat and cold, which are temporary and change as the seasons transition. Just as we adapt to these changes by altering our clothing or activities, we understand that no season lasts forever, and therefore, we learn to endure and even appreciate the unique aspects of each.

 

This is akin to Lord Krishna's message in the Bhagavad Gita about the transient nature of sensory experiences. He points out that the sensations arising from the contact of senses with sense objects, like feelings of heat and cold or pain and pleasure, are temporary. These experiences, much like the changing seasons, are not permanent and should be viewed in the context of their impermanence.

 

Krishna advises Arjuna to endure these transitory sensory experiences with equanimity. This teaching is crucial for developing a balanced and detached perspective towards the pleasures and pains encountered in life. By understanding the impermanent nature of these sensations, one can maintain a steady mind, not overly influenced by the fleeting experiences of comfort and discomfort, happiness and distress. This approach fosters inner stability and clarity, especially important for Arjuna as he faces the challenges and moral dilemmas on the battlefield.

The changing seasons metaphor aptly describes the nature of sensory experiences - they are fleeting and variable. By recognizing the impermanent nature of sensory experiences, one can develop a balanced and detached attitude towards life's pleasures and pains. This approach leads to mental stability and clarity, especially important in making sound decisions and maintaining inner peace.

 

Endurance and Equanimity: The scripture advises learning to endure these transitory sensory experiences, suggesting that a calm and composed mindset is essential in facing the impermanent aspects of life .

Imagine a sailor who has spent decades at sea. He has experienced calm seas and violent storms, clear skies and dark, thunderous ones. Through these experiences, he has learned not only how to navigate but also how to remain calm and composed regardless of the conditions. The sailor understands that storms, however fierce, are transient and eventually give way to calm waters. He does not let fear or euphoria overtake him, knowing that these emotions, like the sea's conditions, are temporary.

 

This sailor's approach mirrors the teaching of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita about enduring transient sensory experiences with a calm mind. Just as the sailor endures the varying conditions of the sea without losing his composure, Krishna advises Arjuna to endure the temporary sensations of pleasure and pain, heat and cold, with equanimity.

 

Krishna's counsel is for Arjuna to maintain an inner steadiness and balance, irrespective of the external conditions or sensory stimuli he encounters. This ability to endure and remain equanimous is crucial for Arjuna as he faces the challenges of the battlefield, where he will experience a myriad of emotions and sensations. By maintaining a calm and composed mindset, Arjuna can make clear, focused decisions without being swayed by temporary experiences or emotions.

 

This lesson is broadly applicable, encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of inner stability and resilience in the face of life's changing circumstances. It teaches the importance of not being overly affected by momentary pleasures or pains, but rather maintaining a steady, balanced perspective through all of life's experiences.

The story of the seasoned sailor encapsulates the essence of enduring life's changing conditions with equanimity. Just as the sailor remains composed through various sea conditions, individuals are encouraged to maintain a steady mind in the face of life's fluctuating experiences. This teaching is particularly relevant in managing emotions and reactions, encouraging a state of inner calmness and balance that can withstand external pressures and changes.

 

In summary, these teachings from the Bhagavad Gita present a profound philosophical framework for understanding life, death, and the soul's eternal journey. They encourage a perspective that values the eternal and unchanging essence of the soul over the transient nature of the physical world, and advocate for a balanced, equanimous approach to life's experiences. This wisdom is intended to guide individuals in their spiritual growth, helping them to navigate the complexities of life with clarity, stability, and a deeper sense of peace.