Hello, and welcome to Entangled! The podcast where we explore the science of consciousness, the true nature of reality, and what it means to be a spiritual being having a human experience. I’m your host, Jordan Youkilis, and in this episode, I interview my professor, Dr. Sue Brown, on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. This episode serves as part of the Maharishi Vedic Science miniseries, so if you enjoy this discussion, check out the rest of the series in episodes 47-53. In this conversation, Dr. Brown and I discuss the Bhagavad Gita’s setting on a battlefield, the ultimate location of conflict and extreme differences. We discuss how the battlefield is symbolic of the challenges people face in the world. Dr. Brown describes how to go inward to the field of unity in order to transcend these conflicts. Next, we consider this act of transcending as the essence of the Bhagavad Gita, and the practice of Transcendental Meditation as a pathway for avoiding war. Sue describes Chapter 2, Verses 45 and 48 as master keys to unlocking the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. We discuss the events of the Gita in the broader context of the Mahabharata in which they take place. From there, Dr. Brown explains how Maharishi’s commentary differs from those of other sages throughout the ages. We consider the universal field of consciousness, which our individual brains reflect. We discuss how Krishna helps Arjuna navigate the conflict between his heart and mind, between the collective consciousness demands for him to defend his people while also having compassion for the family members on the opposing force whom he must kill. Dr. Brown and I discuss how the human dilemmas captured in the Bhagavad Gita are universal issues, encountered throughout the ages. Next, we consider Samkhya (theoretical) and Yoga (practical) knowledge contained in the Gita. We discuss how Arjuna reconciles the sin of murder and war with the transcendental forces of collective consciousness. We consider the time period of the Bhagavad Gita, and the similarities with our current Kali Yuga – an age of stress. We discuss the opportunity we currently have to usher in Satya Yuga, a time of construction and creativity. From there, we dive into Chapter 3 and ideas of Yagya, Dharma, Karma Yoga, the path of action, and Gyana Yoga, the path of knowledge. We discuss why the danger of following another’s dharma is more dangerous than death. We then discuss Chapter 4 and how action and renunciation of action are two sides of the same coin. We consider misinterpretations of the Gita, including those who view renunciation/detachment as a necessary state of life, rather than as a state of consciousness. We consider the rise and fall of knowledge throughout time. Dr. Brown explains why Maharishi chose to emphasize his teachings on the practical effect of enlightenment, not just the theoretical knowledge. We discuss the four pillars of Yoga – Raja, Karma, Bhakti and Gyana Yoga, and the concept of Moksha, or liberation. We consider how action in accordance with natural law leads to spontaneous right action, and how the path of enlightenment is one of effortlessness and bliss. We then discuss Krishna’s final words to Arjuna in Chapter 6, his guidance: “Therefore, be a Yogi.”. We end the conversation discussing the state of unity consciousness and how Brahmin consciousness refers to regaining memory of totality. Music from the show is available on the Spotify playlist “Entangled – The Vibes”. If you like the show, please drop a 5-star review and subscribe on Substack, Spotify, X, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please enjoy the episode! Music: Intro: Ben Fox - "The Vibe". End Credits: Suraj Nepal featuring Rohit Manandhar – “Rhythm of the Soul”. Outro: “The Soul of the Bhagavad Gita” (starts at 1:31:52). Recorded: 10/1/24. Published: 2/17/25. Check out the resources referenced: * Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: https://miupress.org/product/maharishi-mahesh-yogi-on-the-bhagavad-gita-a-new-translation-and-commentary-chapters-1-6-hardcover/ * Consciousness is All There Is by Dr. Tony Nader: https://miupress.org/product/consciousness-is-all-there-is/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit entangledpodcast.substack.com
