The twenty-sixth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 5:17, Swamiji discusses why the Gita and other scriptures of India use the word "Tat," –That, for God, as well as having a universal vision: seeing God in all beings. He talks about Swami Sivananda and his poem "Only God I Saw."

Here's a summary of Swamiji's talk on the "Thatness" of God:

• Introduction to the Concept of "That" (Tat): The talk introduces the Sanskrit word "Tat" meaning "that", referring to the ultimate, all-pervading consciousness beyond objectivity. This "thatness" is both within and transcends all relative existence.
• Levels of Spiritual Awareness:
• Absorption in That: Some individuals' minds become so evolved that they are absorbed into this infinite being.
• Fixation on That: Others focus their consciousness on this concept through meditation.
• Foundation in That: Some have their very being rooted in the realization of this "thatness".
• Highest Object: The ultimate spiritual goal where one sees God as the highest object of devotion.
• The Role of Knowledge in Spiritual Evolution: Knowledge is crucial for spiritual liberation, not just belief or faith. One must know God, not just love or follow rules.
• Ending of Rebirth: Those purified by knowledge achieve the cessation of rebirth, becoming one with the divine, like Krishna, who is seen as a wave of the ocean of absolute being.
• Unity in Diversity: The enlightened see the same divine essence in all beings, from the wise Brahman to animals like cows, elephants, and even dogs, recognizing that God is present in every form, advocating for non-violence (ahimsa) towards all life.
• Practical Application of Divine Perception: Swami Nirmalananda shares personal anecdotes illustrating the divine in everyday interactions, emphasizing that even in challenging or seemingly mundane situations, one should recognize the divine presence.
• Evenness of Brahman: Brahman, the ultimate reality, is described as without fault and the same to all. Those established in this evenness conquer rebirth, living with a constant awareness of divinity in all.
• Inspiration from Realized Souls: The talk concludes with the influence of realized souls like Swami Sivananda, who saw God in everyone, inspiring others to recognize their divine potential.

Swamiji emphasizes the importance of not just understanding but experiencing and living this divine unity. He suggests that true spiritual progress involves seeing beyond the superficial differences to recognize the one consciousness in everything, thereby achieving peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The twenty-fifth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 5:10, Swamiji discusses the two types of "I"ness and the "nine gates" of yoga–the nine chakras of the Nath Yoga Tradition.

Here's a summary of this talk on the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the nine chakras:

• Introduction: The talk is part of a series called Gita Talks, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, specifically chapter five, verse ten. The chapter discusses the Yoga of Renunciation of Actions.
• Action and Karma: Actions performed by a Yogi are meant for spiritual evolution, not for personal gain or recognition. The Yogi acts by offering actions to Brahman, free from attachment, akin to how water does not wet a lotus leaf.
• Dual Sense of Self: There exists a lower sense of self (Ahamkara) associated with ego and material desires, and a higher sense of self (Asmita) which is more aligned with unity and spiritual identity. Actions driven by the lower self bind one with karma, whereas actions from the higher self liberate.
• Karma Yoga: Karma Yogis perform actions with the body, mind, and intellect without attachment, aiming for self-purification. Positive karma helps dissolve negative karma.
• Steadfastness and Peace: A person who renounces actions mentally achieves peace by not being swayed by personal likes, dislikes, or desires, focusing instead on spiritual goals.
• The Nine Chakras: Beyond the commonly known seven chakras, there are two additional chakras in yogic practice:
• Talu Chakra: Located at the soft part of the palate, it is crucial for the upward flow of energy.
• Nirvana/Jalandhar Chakra: Facilitates the complete and orderly operation of subtle energy systems, controlling the flow and directing it upward.
• Spiritual Energy Flow: Energy should flow up through the chakras without getting stuck, particularly at the Vishuddhi Chakra (throat). The awakening of these chakras, especially the Talu and Nirvana, ensures the energies are directed towards higher consciousness.
• Role of Knowledge and Ignorance: Spiritual knowledge (Jnana) liberates from the illusion caused by ignorance. Ignorance leads to delusion, where one is led blindly by external influences or personal desires.
• Self-Knowledge and Divine Presence: True knowledge comes from within, revealing the presence of Brahman. This inner knowledge, not external divine intervention, is what frees one from illusion.
• Conclusion: The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding the nine chakras for spiritual growth and the significance of internal spiritual knowledge over external guidance or divine intervention for true awakening.

The twenty-fourth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 5:01, Swamiji discusses renunciation and karma yoga and which is better, according to Krishna, the concept of Darshanas (viewpoints in Hinduism) and our inner nature as the Eternal Witness, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here is a summary of the important points from this talk on “Renunciation versus Karma Yoga:”:

• Renunciation and Karma Yoga: Arjuna questions Krishna about the superiority between renunciation of actions and karma yoga (performing actions without attachment to their results). Krishna explains that both paths lead to happiness, but karma yoga is superior because it involves the right mental attitude in action.
• Karma Yoga Over Renunciation: Merely not doing something doesn't purify the mind if one is still mentally attached or involved in that action. Karma yoga involves acting with the right consciousness, which is more effective in leading to spiritual progress than simple renunciation.
• The Mind and Action: The mind is crucial; one can be detached from actions externally but still be attached mentally, which negates true renunciation. Karma yoga helps in aligning the mind and actions correctly.
• Philosophical Context - Sankhya and Yoga: Krishna discusses Sankhya, the ancient Indian philosophy, and Yoga, the practical discipline. He emphasizes that these are not separate but interconnected paths. Sankhya provides the philosophical foundation, while Yoga offers the practical methods for self-realization.
• Unity of Sankhya and Karma Yoga: The realization gained through Sankhya can also be attained by following Karma Yoga. Both are essentially one, where understanding (Sankhya) leads to the practice of unattached action (Karma Yoga).
• Path to Liberation: True renunciation comes from understanding and practicing karma yoga. It involves gradually detaching oneself from ego-driven actions, leading to a state where one can let go of actions entirely.
• Soham (That am I): The talk introduces the mantra "Soham (pronounced So-Hum)" as a tool for meditation, symbolizing the unity of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. This practice helps in realizing one's true nature beyond physical actions.
• Practical Implications: The talk stresses that while performing worldly duties, one should maintain an inner detachment, recognizing that all actions are ultimately expressions of the divine. This realization leads to actions that do not bind one to karma.
• Spiritual Integrity: Swamiji warns against the hypocrisy of claiming spiritual advancement while indulging in actions contrary to spiritual principles, highlighting the importance of genuine practice over pretense.
• Conclusion: The talk concludes with the idea that true spiritual advancement involves both understanding and living the principles of karma yoga, leading to liberation by recognizing the self in all actions as divine.

This talk illustrates the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on how to live a life of action without being bound by its results, emphasizing the integration of philosophical understanding with practical application in daily life.