Bhagavad Gita | Advaita Vedanta | English | Balaji Ramaswamy | vedantabalaji@gmail.com

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Bhagavad Gita Explanation in English by Balaji Ramaswamy, Singapore based on the teachings of Swami Guruparananda and Swami Paramarthananda For Any Feedback or to Attend Live Classes - WhatsApp +65-98323176

  1. Bhagavad Gita - Class 102 - Chapter 03 Slokas 05-07 - Action cannot be given up; Action must not be given up - Class taken on 18 Aug 2024

    5D AGO

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 102 - Chapter 03 Slokas 05-07 - Action cannot be given up; Action must not be given up - Class taken on 18 Aug 2024

    Chapter 03 - Karma Yoga Sloka 05 (Contd...) - Inaction is impossible What misunderstanding do some yogis have regarding the state of inaction? What does the second line of Sloka 5 primarily address: Ajnanis or Jnanis? Why is it wrong to believe that one should aspire to a state of inaction or irresponsibility? What could happen if an immature person takes up Sannyasa without proper understanding? What is the Vedantic approach to meditation? Why did Arjuna want to avoid his duties, and what is Bhagavan's response in Sloka 5? What additional reason is Bhagavan going to provide in the next Sloka to emphasize the importance of action? Sloka 06 - Dangers of Inaction and Hypocrisy Spiritual Consequences of Inaction: What does Bhagavan warn about the spiritual consequences of taking to inaction? How does inaction lead to spiritual failure rather than progress? Inaction at Different Levels: Can inaction be achieved at both the body and mind levels? Mental Renunciation vs. Physical Renunciation: What is the difference between mental renunciation and physical renunciation? Provide an example that illustrates the challenge of renouncing mentally versus physically. The Dangers of Unripe Renunciation: What does Bhagavan compare the unripe renunciation of desires to? Why is it dangerous for a person with too many desires to renounce actions without mental maturity? Consequences of Premature Renunciation: What are the potential consequences of renouncing responsibilities without mental preparation? How does Bhagavan describe a person who externally renounces but remains internally attached? Mithyācāraḥ - The Hypocrite: How does a person who renounces externally but craves internally fit the description of a "mithyācāraḥ"? Vimūḍhātmā - The Deluded Mind: What does Bhagavan imply by using the term "vimūḍhātmā"? How does this term relate to a person who is unable to control their desires despite external renunciation? What practical steps can one take to test their mental maturity before renouncing worldly attachments? The One-Way Street of Sannyasa: Why is sannyasa considered a "one-way street"? What should one practice internally before taking on sannyasa externally? The Danger of Premature Sannyasa: What are the risks of taking up sannyasa without first practicing mental renunciation? How can forcing oneself to progress quickly lead to a quicker downfall? Consistency Over Intensity: What does Bhagavan emphasize regarding the pace of spiritual progress? Why is consistency more important than intensity in the pursuit of moksha? Three Reasons to Avoid Inaction: What are the three reasons Bhagavan gives to avoid inaction? How does Bhagavan address the misconception that inaction guarantees peace of mind? The Impossibility of Inaction: Why does Bhagavan argue that inaction is impossible for the majority of people? What is the significance of the story of the "simply sitting sāmiyār" in illustrating the difficulty of inaction? Risks of Inaction: What are the risks associated with inaction, even if one manages to remain physically inactive? How does inaction prevent the opportunity for mental purity and spiritual progress? Conclusion to Arjuna's Question: How does Bhagavan plan to conclude the discussion in the next sloka? What is the overall message Bhagavan conveys regarding karma and inaction? Sloka 07 - Excellence of Karma Yoga Through Mindful Action How does Bhagavan arrive at the conclusion that Arjuna should perform Karma Yōga? What are the issues associated with performing actions with desires in mind according to Bhagavan? Why is inaction not a viable option for spiritual progress as explained by Bhagavan? What problems arise if one tries to avoid action, as mentioned in the sloka? How can avoiding action lead to hypocrisy, according to the teachings in this sloka? What solution does Bhagavan offer to the problem of action creating attachment? How does Karma Yōga differ from simply performing actions?

    59 min
  2. Bhagavad Gita - Class 101 - Chapter 03 Slokas 03-05 - Understanding Action & Liberation: Paths, Misconceptions, and the Inevitability of Action - Class taken on 11 Aug 2024

    FEB 27

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 101 - Chapter 03 Slokas 03-05 - Understanding Action & Liberation: Paths, Misconceptions, and the Inevitability of Action - Class taken on 11 Aug 2024

    Chapter 03 - Karma Yoga Sloka 03 (Contd...) - Path to Liberation: Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga What misunderstanding about lifestyle and moksha is common among many people, including Arjuna? What is the consequence of adopting the sannyasa lifestyle without performing karma yōga or jñāna yōga? Why does being a householder not automatically qualify one for jñāna yōga? If sādanas are what determine moksha, why did Bhagavan create the two lifestyles of householder and renunciate? Why is the Grihastha ashrama particularly suitable for performing karma yōga? What does the word 'Yogah' mean, and how does it apply to both jñāna yōga and karma yōga? How does jñāna yōga unite Jivatma with Paramatma? What is the gap between Jivatma and Paramatma that jñāna yōga seeks to bridge? What role does karma yōga play in leading one to jñāna yōga? What information does Bhagavan provide in the subsequent slokas related to jñāna yōga and karma yōga? Sloka 04 - Inaction cannot lead to Liberation What is Arjuna's mindset regarding his duty and ashrama, and what does he want to pursue instead? Why does Bhagavan emphasize the necessity of Karma Yoga before Jñāna Yoga in the upcoming slokas? What is the significance of conditioning the mind through Pravrtti Marga before progressing to Nivrrti Marga? What is Bhagavan's response to Arjuna's reluctance to engage in karma and responsibilities? How does Tamo guna influence Arjuna's desire to avoid responsibilities, and what should be done to address it? What would happen if someone in Tamo guna attempted meditation (dhyana)? Why is engaging in activities essential for a brahmachari studying Vedanta in an ashram? How does taking responsibility help transition the mind from Tamo guna to Rajo guna, and eventually to Sattva guna? What does Bhagavan say about avoiding duties and responsibilities in relation to attaining liberation (moksha)? Why is Karma Yoga considered a compulsory step before Jñāna Yoga? What determines moksha: lifestyle or sādanas? Why can't inaction be a means to attain the state of inaction (naiṣkarmyam)? What analogy is used to describe the state of inaction amidst action? Why is mere renunciation or donning ochre robes insufficient for moksha? How does Bhagavan clarify the seemingly contradictory Vedic statements regarding moksha through renunciation? What is the significance of scriptural study in achieving liberation through sannyasa? What is Bhagavan's overall message regarding inaction and renunciation in relation to attaining moksha? What misconception does Bhagavan address regarding responsibilities and samsara? Why is avoiding duties not a valid sādana for moksha or Chitta Shuddhi? How should individuals determine their appropriate sādana and ashrama according to Sastras? What is the essence of the sloka regarding inaction, renunciation, and moksha? What are the three reasons Bhagavan gives in the three slokas to address Arjuna’s mindset? Sloka 05 - Inaction is impossible Is it possible to remain inactive? What does the term "akarmakṛt" signify in the context of Sloka ? How does Bhagavan explain the inability of anyone to remain inactive, even for a moment? What example is given to illustrate that no one can remain without action? Who or what forces everyone into action, according to the second line of Sloka? What is the significance of prakṛti (maya) in the context of this Sloka? What is the difference between an Ajnani and a Jnani regarding action? Why is it said that an Ajnani cannot remain inactive even for a moment? How does an Ajnani mistakenly perceive their body and mind in relation to ātma? What does it mean when it is said that an Ajnani always considers themselves to be active? How does a Jnani view their actions differently from an Ajnani? What does it mean for a Jnani to be inactive, even when the body is active? What is the first explanation provided for the first line of Sloka 5? How does the second explanation of the first line differ from the first one?

    58 min
  3. Bhagavad Gita - Class 100 - Chapter 03 Slokas 03-03 - Lifestyles vs Sādanas; Karma Yōga and Jñāna Yōga - Class taken on 04 Aug 2024

    FEB 20

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 100 - Chapter 03 Slokas 03-03 - Lifestyles vs Sādanas; Karma Yōga and Jñāna Yōga - Class taken on 04 Aug 2024

    Chapter 03 - Karma Yoga Sloka 03 - Lifestyles vs Sādanas; Karma Yōga and Jñāna Yōga What is the short answer to Arjuna’s question before we go to Bhagavan’s teaching? Why did Arjuna think that Bhagavan had criticized Karma Yōga? What did Bhagavan actually criticize and what did he praise? What is Karma Yōga? Why did Bhagavan ask Arjuna to do Karma Yōga and not Jñāna Yōga? What is the direct answer for why Arjuna should do Karma Yōga instead of Jñāna Yōga? How does the example of a 10th standard student relate to Arjuna’s situation? Why does Bhagavan not give direct orders to Arjuna? What is the difference between commanding someone and giving upadesha? What are the two important topics Bhagavan introduces in this sloka? What are Sādana Dwayam and Nishta Dwayam? What are the two sādanas introduced by Bhagavan? What is the sadyam (goal) for Jñāna Yōga? What is Jñāna Yōga? What is the benefit of following Jñāna Yōga? What is the sadyam (goal) for Karma Yōga? How does Karma Yōga benefit a person? Why is Karma Yōga compared to a relay race? What is jñāna yōgyatha prāpthi? What is the role of Karma Yōga in preparing for Jñāna Yōga? Why does karma yōga alone not give liberation? How does one attain liberation according to the scriptures? Why does Bhagavan introduce two niṣṭās (lifestyles)? What are the two niṣṭās mentioned by Bhagavan? What are the two types of lifestyles according to Bhagavan? What is the purpose of splitting the marga into Pravrtti and Nivritti? How does the confusion between sādanas and niṣṭās arise? What determines Moksha according to Bhagavan? Why are the two nishtas not compulsory for attaining Moksha? How does one’s lifestyle (niṣṭā) relate to their attainment of Moksha? What is the role of the Vedas in relation to the world? How do the Vedas serve as a manual for life? What are the four ashramas mentioned in the Vedas? What is the distinction between pravrithi niṣṭā and nivrithi niṣṭā? How does one know if they had a fulfilling life according to Bhagavan’s scheme? Why is it important to perform both Karma Yōga and Jñāna Yōga? What is the difference between being in a lifestyle and performing the corresponding sādana? How does Bhagavan’s response seem to answer Arjuna’s question indirectly? What is the significance of the example of Janaka? How does Janaka’s life illustrate the balance of performing both sādanas in a householder’s lifestyle?

    58 min
  4. Bhagavad Gita - Class 099 - Chapter 03 Slokas 01-02 - Arjuna's question and his Shraddha - Class taken on 28 Ju1 2024

    FEB 13

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 099 - Chapter 03 Slokas 01-02 - Arjuna's question and his Shraddha - Class taken on 28 Ju1 2024

    Chapter 03 - Karma Yoga Sloka 01 - Arjuna's Quest for clear direction Chapter Introduction What is the main theme of Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita? What topics will be covered in the first portion of this chapter? Arjuna's Doubt Why does Arjuna have a doubt at the beginning of Chapter 3? How can we infer that Arjuna listened to Chapter 2? Why is it positive when someone says they have a doubt? Bhagavan's Teachings in Chapter 2 What criticism did Bhagavan give about Karma in Chapter 2, Sloka 42? What did Bhagavan say in Chapter 2, Sloka 45 about the first portion of the Vedas? What did Bhagavan emphasize as the remedy for sorrow and conflict in life? Concept of Jñāna and Karma According to Bhagavan, what is the ultimate remedy for sorrow and conflict? What is Arjuna's main confusion regarding Jñāna and Karma? Why does Arjuna believe that Jñāna is superior to Karma? Arjuna's Question to Bhagavan What does Arjuna mean by “Janārdana” when addressing Bhagavan? How does Arjuna express his confusion about Karma and Jñāna to Bhagavan? What is Arjuna's specific doubt in Sloka 1 of Chapter 3? Nature of Karma and Jñāna How does Arjuna view the nature of Karma in the context of the battle? What actions are considered unpleasant for Arjuna in the battle? Why does Arjuna want to avoid Karma in this situation? Improper Grasping of Teachings What is the consequence of Arjuna's improper grasping of Bhagavan's teachings? How does Bhagavan clarify the importance of Karma Yoga in Chapter 2, Sloka 40? Comparison of Yoga Paths Why is it incorrect to compare Karma Yoga and Jñāna Yoga? How should one properly view the relationship between Karma Yoga and Jñāna Yoga? Filtered Listening What is “filtered listening,” and how does it apply to Arjuna’s understanding? Why might a student find fault with a teacher when the teachings go against their preconceived ideas? How does one’s adhikaaratvam (qualifications) affect their understanding of teachings? Arjuna's Mindset Why does Arjuna seek validation from Bhagavan before making decisions? How does Arjuna’s mindset reflect his readiness to listen to Bhagavan's teachings? Slokas 02 - Arjuna's confusion and the role of Shraddha Why does Arjuna feel confused by Bhagavan's teachings in this sloka? How do preconceived notions impact a student's understanding of shastras? What is the significance of the term ‘iva’ in Arjuna’s statement? Differentiate between Ashraddha, Kushraddha, and Shraddha. What does Arjuna request Bhagavan to do in this sloka? How does Arjuna's questioning demonstrate his Shraddha? Why is Shraddha important for attaining true knowledge according to the Bhagavad Gita? What does Arjuna mean by ‘vyāmiśhreṇa iva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasi iva me’? In what way does Arjuna show humility in this sloka? Why is it important to question one’s own understanding rather than the teacher’s wisdom in spiritual learning?

    58 min
  5. Bhagavad Gita - Class 098 - Chapter 02 Slokas 01-72 - Chapter Summary - Class taken on 21 Ju1 2024

    FEB 6

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 098 - Chapter 02 Slokas 01-72 - Chapter Summary - Class taken on 21 Ju1 2024

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 098 - Chapter 02 Slokas 01-72 - Chapter Summary - Class taken on 21 Ju1 2024

    58 min
  6. Bhagavad Gita - Class 097 - Chapter 02 Slokas 71-72 - Sthitha Prajna Benefit - Videha Mukti; Chapter Summary - Class taken on 14 Ju1 2024

    JAN 30

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 097 - Chapter 02 Slokas 71-72 - Sthitha Prajna Benefit - Videha Mukti; Chapter Summary - Class taken on 14 Ju1 2024

    Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 72 - Day and Night: The Perception of a Jnani and AjnaniWhat does the term "Brahmi Sthiti" refer to in this sloka?How is Brahmi Sthiti described as related to Jeevan Mukti?What is the foundation or basis for attaining Brahmi Sthiti?Which verses of the Bhagavad Gita are essential for understanding the foundation of Brahmi Sthiti?According to this sloka, what state of mind does a person in Brahmi Sthiti possess?What are the indications that one has reached the Brahmi Sthiti?What is the significance of Jnana as described in this sloka?How does attaining this Jnana affect a person’s state of delusion (Moha)?How is the concept of Videha Mukti described in this sloka?What happens to a person who attains Jnana even at the time of death?What is the difference between Jeevan Mukti and Videha Mukti?What does the term "Brahmanirvanam" signify in the context of Videha Mukti?How does Prarabdha Karma relate to the state of a Jnani’s mind?What happens to the three bodies (Stula, Sukshma, and Karana) of a Jnani after death?What reassurance does Bhagavan provide about the age or time of attaining Jnana?How should one approach the practice of Sadhanas regardless of their age?How can one apply the concept of being a "trustee of things" in their daily life?Why is it important not to fret about when one begins their spiritual practice, according to this sloka?Slokas 01-72 - Chapter Summary

    58 min
  7. Bhagavad Gita - Class 096 - Chapter 02 Slokas 69-71 - Sthitha Prajna Lakshana - Awake to Advaita; Renouncing desires for peace - Class taken on 07 Ju1 2024

    JAN 23

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 096 - Chapter 02 Slokas 69-71 - Sthitha Prajna Lakshana - Awake to Advaita; Renouncing desires for peace - Class taken on 07 Ju1 2024

    Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 69 (Contd...) - Day and Night: The Perception of a Jnani and AjnaniHow is the perception of the rope different for a Jnani and an Ajnani?How does this analogy illustrate the differing reactions of a Jnani and an Ajnani to the world?Explain the significance of the wooden elephant in illustrating the understanding of a Jnani versus an Ajnani.How does the ignorant person’s fear transform upon recognizing the true nature of the wooden elephant?Why is the world a frightening place for an ignorant person?Explain the phrases "sarvaṃ śivamayam jagat," "sarvaṃ viṣṇumayam jagat," and "sarvaṃ brahmamayam jagat" in the context of a Jnani's vision.How does Shankaracharya introduce the concepts of kartrutvam and bhokrutvam?What realization does a Jnani have about the body and mind as karta (doer)?Why is a Jnani free from karma adhikaara, and what does this imply?Why is the world seen as superimposed on Brahman?What is the fundamental cause of samsara (worldly suffering) for an Ajnani?How does Vedanta address the problems and challenges faced by individuals?Why does Vedanta not attempt to change the external world or people?How does the world continue to present itself to both Jnani and Ajnani, despite their different perceptions?Sloka 70 - The Ocean of Equanimity: Jnani's Steadfastness Amidst DesiresHow does Bhagavan illustrate that a Jnani has no desires through the example of an ocean?What is the significance of different types of rivers (clean, dirty, holy) entering the ocean in this context?How does this sloka relate to the concept given in Sloka 55 about desires and Jnana Nishta?Explain the two perspectives mentioned:A Sthitha Prajna does not have any desires and hence is Jnana Nishta.Jnana Nishta is achievable only for a person who has no desires.What happens to desires when they enter a Jnani’s mind according to the analogy with the ocean?How does a Jnani view both praise and criticism?Describe the comparison between a Jnani’s mind and an Ajnani’s mind in terms of external approval.Explain the analogy of the ocean’s water cycle (evaporation, cloud formation, rainfall) with the concept of karma and experiences.How does a Jnani perceive their experiences in the context of karma?How can this sloka be used as a litmus test to determine if one is a Jnani or Ajnani?What does the reaction to praise and criticism reveal about one’s spiritual progress?Sloka 71 - Renunciation of Desires: The Path to Inner PeaceHow does Bhagavan summarize the characteristics of a Sthitha Prajna in this sloka?What is the key idea about desires that Bhagavan reiterates in this sloka?What does Bhagavan mean by "vihāya kāmān yaḥ sarvān"?Why does Bhagavan emphasize renouncing all desires without exceptions?What does "charati niḥspṛhaḥ" imply about the behavior of a Jnani?What is the difference between binding desires and non-binding desires?How do desires arising from contentment differ from those arising from discontentment?How is Shankaracharya’s desire to write bhashyas an example of a non-binding desire?How does the story of the sannyasi and the thief illustrate the concept of "nispṛhaḥ"?What does it mean for a Jnani to use things without attachment or dependence?How does a Jnani react when things or relationships are not available?What does "nispṛhaḥ" specifically mean in the context of seeking from others?What is meant by "nirmamaḥ" and how does it apply to a Jnani’s view of possessions?How does a Jnani’s view on ownership differ from that of an Ajnani?How does the attitude of being a trustee of things rather than an owner help in cultivating non-attachment?How should one view their possessions?How can the concept of everything belonging to Ishvara help in dealing with loss or change?How can one assess their own level of attachment to worldly objects and relationships?In what ways can practicing non-attachment lead to greater mental stability and contentment?

    58 min
  8. Bhagavad Gita - Class 095 - Chapter 02 Slokas 65-69 - Mental Discipline - Key to Self-Knowledge, Peace, Wisdom; A Jnani is awake to Immortality - Class taken on 30 Jun 2024

    JAN 16

    Bhagavad Gita - Class 095 - Chapter 02 Slokas 65-69 - Mental Discipline - Key to Self-Knowledge, Peace, Wisdom; A Jnani is awake to Immortality - Class taken on 30 Jun 2024

    Chapter 02 - Sankhya YogaSloka 65 (Contd...) - Establishment of Knowledge Through Tranquil MindDescribe the analogy of the pickle and its relevance to the cultivation of jñāna nishta. How does patience play a role in this process?Explain the phrase "prasanna-chetaso hyāśhu buddhiḥ paryavatiṣhṭhate." What does it signify about the firm establishment of knowledge?Sloka 66 - Mental Discipline: Key to Self-Knowledge and PeaceWhy can’t a person practice Nidhidhyasana effectively if they lack mental discipline?Explain the significance of the phrase "nāsti buddhir-ayuktasya."Why does self-knowledge (ātma jñāna) not arise for an undisciplined person?What is the meaning of the term "buddhiḥ" in this context, and why is it important for self-knowledge?How does mental discipline influence the conversion of words heard during śravaṇam (listening) into knowledge?How does lack of Nidhidhyasana affect a person’s peace (śāntiḥ) ?How does Bhagavan emphasize the necessity of contemplation for achieving peace and withdrawal from worldly activities?Why does Bhagavan question "aśāntasya kutaḥ sukham"?Explain how the analogy of reflection in calm waters relates to ātma ānanda and mental tranquility.Why is the study of the Bhagavad Gītā more than an academic pursuit according to the notes?Sloka 67 - The Impact of Mental Discipline on WisdomHow do the slokas 67 & 68 fit into the broader segment that began in sloka 58?What role do Damaha and Shamaha play as sādanas for Nidhidhyasana?How does the mind following the wandering sense organs affect one's spiritual progress?How is the wandering of the sense organs compared to a grazing cow?What are the dangers when the mind and sense organs wandering without control?Under what conditions can even knowledge be taken away?How are the mind, knowledge, and samsara represented in this analogy?How can an uncontrolled mind lead to the destruction of knowledge?How does the wind typically help a boat, and what happens when it is adverse?What is the broader lesson Bhagavan conveys about the mind's role in spiritual progress?Sloka 68 - Mastering the MindWhat segment is Bhagavan concluding in this sloka?What topics did Bhagavan discuss starting from sloka 58?What will Bhagavan talk about in the last four slokas (69 to 72)?Why is the word "Tasmāt" important in this context?How does sense control contribute to spiritual growth?What does "nigṛhītāni" imply about the state of the sense organs?What should the sense organs be controlled from?How does Bhagavan suggest we can know if our knowledge is firmly established?What is Shastra's stance on suppression of sense organs?How do some Western psychologists misinterpret the concept of sense control in Eastern religions?What is the difference between suppression, uncontrolled expression, and intelligent regulation?What is the desired outcome of channelizing sensory and mental energy?What is the relationship between Shamaha, Damaha, and Nidhidhyasanam?What benefits arise from combining the "oushada" (medicine) and "pathiyam" (diet)?What does "prajñah pratiṣṭhitā" signify?Sloka 69 - Awake to ImmortalityWhat does Bhagavan refer to as "night", and who is awake on that?Explain how a jñāni is described as "awake" on what is considered "night" for ajñānis. What does this reveal about the jñāni's perception of reality?How does Shankaracharya interpret the concepts of day and night in the context of Advaita and Dvaita?What distinguishes a jñāni from an ajñāni in their perception of reality?In what ways does the day-night analogy help elucidate the philosophical concepts of Advaita (non-duality) and Dvaita (duality)?Discuss the implications of seeing Advaita (non-duality) as "day" for a jñāni and Dvaita (duality) as "night" for an ajñāni. How does this impact their respective experiences of the world?Explain the implications of the analogy involving the rope and the snake as discussed in the interpretation.

    59 min
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Bhagavad Gita Explanation in English by Balaji Ramaswamy, Singapore based on the teachings of Swami Guruparananda and Swami Paramarthananda For Any Feedback or to Attend Live Classes - WhatsApp +65-98323176

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