Bhagavad Gita Chapter - 3 : Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati


02/12/2018

Shri Krishna as Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 3 - Bhagavan Shri Krishna's ankles

The third chapter deals with Karma Yoga. It points out the path to the goal. To reach this we have to make some effort. This is the commencement of our sadhana. To still or quieten the mind we need to purify it first. This can be achieved through selfless action or karma yoga. Someone asked Ramana Maharishi, “How can I see God?” “Be still”, he answered “and you will know that you are God”.

Sri Krishna explains the meaning of kartavya or duty…its importance and the dynamics of right action. When we perform our obligatory duties, the mind is slowly purified. Purification of the mind is a prerequisite to the silence we are seeking. Bhagawan advises Arjuna to follow the path of Karma yoga to purify his mind. The chapter exhaustively deals with action…what is action…different types of action…the performance of action with a particular attitude. We perform actions according to our abilities, samskaras or impressions, family background, swadharma or nature and our gunas.

Actions should be performed as worship of Bhagwan with an attitude of dedication, detachment, service and surrender and the results of action received with devotion as prasad. This is karma yoga. In this way, the mind become equanimous, quiet and purified, and our likes and dislikes are destroyed. This is the best way to reach the Lord. Karma yoga is not some special action. It is every action done specially. Even the lowliest action performed with devotion takes us closer to the Lord.

Chapter 3 is the ankles of the Lord. Movement of the feet begins with the ankles.

Wearing anklets He dances and jumps and bends them beautifully. They symbolize movement. It is the beginning of our sadhana. We commence walking the path towards our goal.

***

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sri Sarada Devi Stotram : ~ Prakritim Paramam ~

Dr. S. RADHAKRISHNAN’S EDUCATIONAL IDEAS :

AWAKENED CITIZEN PROGRAM :