Simple Living, High Thinking

Bhagavad Gita, Ch 7, Texts 29-30

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What do we mean when we say God is a person? How does this contrast to an impersonal conception of divinity?

Bhagavad Gita, Ch 7, Texts 24-28

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[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 7, Texts 19-23]

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 7, Texts 14-19

Intro - Ch 7 begins a new major section of the Gita, expanding more on theology. Krishna is going to explain everything to Arjuna regarding higher knowledge.

10:28 - What is God's personality like? If you accept that God exists, then what is the nature of God? Is God all-good? If God is all-good, then why is there suffering in the world? Setting the scene for the paradox to be unpacked.

13:36 - The repercussions of growing up with a dystheistic version of God, based on the idea that "God" is going to condemn you to Hell forever, even for a thought crime (i.e. thinking the wrong thing). What would you accept as proof that God is all-good? Looking at our society, we can get a good idea of what virtues and values make a society thrive.

16:17 - If everything comes from God, how do we explain anger, hatred and lust?

19:40 - A thought experiment to explain how emotions can be used for good reasons.

27:24 - Ch 7, Text 13: Krishna is reviewing the modes of material nature (Goodness, Passion, Ignorance). Our existence being enmeshed in these modes keeps us from knowing God completely. A deeper dive into what these three modes entail.

42:32 - Ch 7, Text 14: The modes are difficult to transcend, but Krishna assures us that we can easily cross beyond them through surrender. The idea of surrender is very powerful in our ability to navigate this world. In Western society, the idea of "surrender" is looked down upon. However, whether we like it or not, we are always surrendered to something (e.g. addictions, money, our mind). Our task is to find a worthwhile thing to surrender to.

53:42 - Krishna is all-powerful (Omnipotent), all-good (Omnibenevolent), and all-knowing (Omniscient). He makes himself available to help us cross over these modes of material nature when we surrender to him.

56:18 - The next question might be: The modes are difficult to overcome, but Krishna will help us if we surrender, then why doesn't everyone do it? Ch 7, Text 15-16 elaborates on four types of people who seek God. Krishna succinctly describes every type of person who ever seeks God, and narrows it down to these four categories.

1:06:27 - Ch 7, Text 17: Of the four types who surrender to God, those engaged in full knowledge and devotional service are very dear to Krishna.

1:10:40 - Ch 7, Text 18: "All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal."

1:13:41 - Ch 7, Text 19: Repeated births and deaths are taking place, from the lower planets to the higher planets. How many times do we want to keep cycling up and down through the planets? Rather, wouldn't we want to end this cycle and love Krishna eternally?

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 7, Texts 1-13

Time stamps and topics:

Intro: Chapter 7 kicks off the second (of three) major sections of the Gita. Krishna spent the first six chapters focused on the soul, doing your duty, and how we should act in the world. In the 7th chapter, Krishna starts to bring the focus on him as the Supersoul. It is the beginning of theism and the importance of cultivating knowledge. Krishna will be focusing on who God is.

8:54 - The special nature of the first 13 texts of Chapter 7. Krishna packs an entire theology in these opening texts.

14:51 - Ch 7, Text 1: The idea that we can know God in full, free from doubt. This tradition never avoids doubt and tough questions - it is not about blind faith. God would never create us with logic and reason if he didn't want us to use logic and reason to understand him. Any good philosophy should be able to address all doubts and questions when it comes to understanding its core tenets.

16:25 - Ch 7, Text 2: The explanation of "phenomenal and numinous." Krishna gives knowledge and realized knowledge to those who seek to know him, through his grace. Grace is the only way we can begin to understand and grow to love Krishna.

19:35 - Krishna is about to disclose information about himself in these texts. He tells us that, once we know Him there is no other type of knowledge for us to strive for.

22:27 - Ch 7, Text 3: This knowledge is extremely hard to know, after which there is nothing else to know. Krishna is giving us this precious rare knowledge through his grace and all we need to do is be open to this grace.

24:20 - Ch 7, Text 4: Another example of Sankhya (a way of dividing and categorizing the world). In Ch 2, Krishna contrasted the difference between body and soul. Now Krishna is going a step further, dividing matter into earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence, and false ego. These constitute Krishna's material energies.

26:30 - In the Western world, some prominent philosophers describe the mind as being beyond matter and non-material. However, Krishna is including mind as part of matter and his material energies. The mind, intelligence and false ego would be considered subtle matter.

28:30 - Expanding on Text 3: This truth and this path is very difficult, and few people make it. Out of the few people who stick to the path, even fewer know Krishna. This shows when you desire something that matters, it's not cheap. According to Devamrita Swami, "Life is an opportunity for us to build habits." Because we're spirit souls, spirituality is the most important thing for us. It's ridiculous for us to think that we'll become successful at it with little effort. It's never too late (or too early) to start on this path.

33:34 - What is the easiest way to differentiate between the mind, intelligence and false ego? How do we spot them and separate them, so as not to get so enmeshed in them? What are the functions of each?

40:04 - How the order of the elements listed in Text 4 is significant.

45:06 - Ch 7, Text 5: The superior energy to the inferior material energies. Krishna is expanding on the Sankhya philosophy by giving hierarchical importance to these energies. The distinction between the false ego and the true ego.

50:01 - In Western culture, the idea of being a servant is generally looked down upon. In reality, we are all a servant of something. A servant to our job, social media, new endeavors, etc. It is beneficial for one to surrender to a teacher or professional who has expertise in their field. We do not need to reinvent the wheel, and it shortens the amount of time it takes us to get to their point.

52:37 - Krishna is starting to fill in the puzzle pieces. He is now referring to another superior energy and how it fits into the big picture. Everything is connected to God, and Krishna keeps giving us more information on how everything fits together. Some religious sects are quick to divorce the world from God or view the world as wholly evil. However, Krishna makes a point of emphasizing how everything is connected to him. By being able to connect everything to Krishna, we can find our way back to God.

56:07 - Ch 7, Text 6: Ontology is the study of what exists. In Text 4, Krishna talked about earth, air, fire, etc, which are examples of what exists in this world.

58:14 - Cosmology is the science of the origin of the universe. Modern science is dominated by the Big Bang Theory. In Text 6, Krishna describes himself as the origin and the dissolution of the universe.

1:00:34 - Ch 7, Text 12: The definitions of Pantheism and Panentheism. In this text, Krishna clarifies that he is both immanent and transcendent (i.e. Panentheistic).

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 6, Text 4-47

Time stamps and topics:

2:16 - Chapter six is part of the first major section (out of three) of the Bhagavad Gita. The first six chapters deal with the concept of the self and what it means to do our duty. Krishna encourages us to do our duty, to be in this world, but to detach from the results of our actions. In this chapter, titled Dhyāna-yoga, Krishna talks about one particular path of meditation one might take.

10:17 - Krishna's description of meditation here was not referring to merely meditating 1-2 hours a day. The practice Krishna was describing was a full-time endeavor. Arjuna's severe reaction to this lifestyle also indicates that Krishna was suggesting more than just a small daily meditation practice.

16:46 - Ch 6, Texts 6: The function of the mind from a Vedic perspective. How the mind can become your best friend.

22:29 - Ch 6, Text 7: The difference between the soul and the Supersoul.

26:09 - Controlling the mind is not easy, whether it is through dhyāna-yoga or bhakti-yoga. The definition of a swami (e.g. Radhanath Swami) is one who has controlled the mind. The main thing that stands between us and God is our mind. Being able to control the mind means living in equanimity, where we are not on an emotional roller coaster in life. The ultimate reward of controlling our minds is being able to experience an intimate relationship with a loving God.

31:14 - Ch 6, Text 10-17: Krishna speaks to the importance of our lifestyle and how it contributes to controlling the mind. Choosing to abstain from alcohol or casual sex is not for the purpose of punishing oneself, but rather to set yourself up for success in spiritual pursuits. There is a science behind lifestyle choices and how it contributes to a loving relationship with an all-good God.

34:59 - Ch 6, Texts 20-23: Where do we get our enjoyment from? We can get enjoyment from things that degrade us or things that uplift us. We develop a dependence upon things that degrade us. The same hormones and good feelings our brain emits during addiction can also be experienced through spiritual experiences and higher pursuits. Any pleasures associated with this world have a beginning and an end. But with transcendental happiness, our pleasures are boundless and eternal.

42:32 - By experiencing love of Krishna, we will think that there is no greater gain. This is boundless transcendental happiness. This is true freedom from all miseries. If you're focused on something greater, you will be less encumbered by the distresses around you.

44:47 - Ch 6, Text 30: "For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me." Krishna will never fail us. He is always there waiting for us. We are the X-factor, deciding whether or not we want to know Krishna.

48:22 - Ch 6, Text 33-34: Arjuna's strong reaction to this type of yoga (i.e. full-time meditation through dhyāna-yoga). Arjuna feels like this is not practical or possible.

49:27 - Ch 6, Text 35: Krishna's response to Arjuna's strong reaction. Krishna is now motivating us--yes, it's difficult, but it is also possible by suitable practice. This implies that you can practice in a suitable way or a way that is not suitable. This is where association with sincere spiritualists is very important.

51:49 - What is considered "suitable practice?" There are so many ways spiritualists say you can control the mind. Should I spend all my time opening my third eye? Should I spend all of my meditation emptying my mind or focusing on the tip of my nose? How do we know what is a bonafide suitable practice? Is the end result to manifest a better job, house, or relationship (i.e. material pursuits masquerading as spirituality) or are we focused on an intimate relationship with God?

55:57 - Summary of Ch 6, Texts 36-44: Arjuna, having heard Krishna's response to Arjuna's objection, then expresses two doubts: 1) What if I try this for a number of years and then give up? Or 2) What if I dedicate my life to this but don't attain the highest goal of transcending this world (i.e. going to heaven)?

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 6, Text 2-3

Time stamps and topics:

Intro - The theme of Ch 6 - Dhyāna-yoga

11:25 - Texts 2-3

12:01 - Krishna has been explaining renunciation from many points of view. True renunciation is a state of mind, giving up the results of your activities to Krishna. You should not renounce your duties, but renounce the desire to enjoy the fruits of your duties.

16:21 - What Prabhupada says about renunciation. What does it mean to know our "constitutional position?"

20:04 - What are examples of sense gratification of the mind? What is outside of the things we pursue in the world? Does this mean I'm no longer supposed to listen to good music, desire good food, watch beautiful sunsets? To strive to please the senses will never be deeply fulfilling because we were ultimately spiritual beings.

25:07 - The soul is always active; it is always going to act for something. To know our constitutional position is to know that our actions as a soul should be meant for Krishna's pleasure, not for the body's sense gratification.

28:43 - Giving up something 'lower' is only possible if you've experienced something 'higher'. That is, you can only give up 'lower' desires if you replace it with a 'higher' taste. The enjoyment that comes from pleasing Krishna is to satisfy the soul's desires. The path to developing a higher taste involves getting into the lab and trying it, so to speak.

30:44 - The different paths to developing a higher taste. A small percentage of people have this natural desire to know and love God. Most people choose a spiritual path after a tremendous amount of suffering.

35:16 - Dhyāna-yoga's main objective is to control the mind. The mind keeps us from understanding our constitutional position as a soul. Our mind is constantly drawing us to material pleasures which are directed at the body. This keeps us in a cycle of material delusions. Krishna says, "For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best friend."

41:41 - It seems unrealistic to be able to control the mind and focus it on Krishna 24/7. The bhakti-yogi cultivates his/her inner love for God. Little by little, our thoughts become more and more consumed by what it is that pleases Krishna. Meditating, hearing the pasttimes of Krishna, and associating with others engaged in bhakti-yoga is the process of eventually controlling the mind and cultivating our focus on God. The constitutional position of the soul is to be active. To empty the mind (i.e. via meditational practices to not think about anything) is not practical or realistic. Rather, we should utilize the nature of the mind to constantly focus on Krishna.

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 6, Text 1

Time stamps and topics:

Intro - The theme of Chapter 5

6:15 - Arjuna is representing us, repeatedly asking questions of Krishna and having a hard time understanding Krishna's teachings. Arjuna is on a battlefield, about to engage in a war that will kill family members who are on the other side. We see how Krishna is patient with Arjuna, as both a teacher and a best friend.

11:30 - How we can expand our spiritual knowledge through Krishna's grace. When we first start out, our cup is tiny and can only absorb so much information at a time. As we continue to study, Krishna gives us intelligence to understand his teachings in a nuanced way.

20:15 - Unpacking Ch 6, Text 1. Explaining the concept of "he who lights no fire" and the history of the fire sacrifice.

28:07 - Being careful with anger, and moderating extreme emotional reactions. Focusing on a better understanding of the senses in order to regulate them. Those who can balance the senses achieve a sense of peace. Where is my emotional state when navigating current events and our experiences in this world? To what extent are we misidentifying our happiness with external factors we have no control over?

30:54 - Srila Prabhupada's perspective is that this whole process is to help us remember who we are and who Krishna is. If we truly understand this and can put this into practice, then we can be more peaceful. According to Prabhupada, when you're in Krishna consciousness, you're doing what you were meant to do. You can give the world what you were meant to give.

33:58 - Srila Prabhupada's purport for this text. A further explanation of these teachings outlining our simplest duty.

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Text 29

Time stamps and topics:

Intro: The theme of Chapter 5

7:37 - Text 29, the last text of Ch 5. Krishna has shifted the focus of knowledge to himself and knowing him. Krishna now becomes the object of knowledge.

10:02 - How is it that knowing Krishna will give me peace?

13:27 - The repercussions of acting as if we are the lords of material nature - dominating the planet's resources, killing animals for food, and exploiting the environment for the purpose of pleasing our material senses. We are setting ourselves up for so many miseries by perpetuating competition for resources, fighting for what we want, and creating an us vs them mentality.

11:47 - By recognizing that Krishna is the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, we can detach from competing with others and striving for our own material pleasures.

20:22 - What are the implications of Krishna being the ultimate enjoyer? What is really 'mine' in this world? How this philosophy reframes our biggest fears and insecurities in life. Are we focused on "my religion is better than your religion" or are we focused on a personal loving relationship with an all-good God?

26:52 - How does our enjoyment differ from Krishna's enjoyment?

29:59 - The importance of a personal deity - a deity with an individual consciousness versus a generic "energy" in the sky. It is impossible for us to have a personal loving relationship with a chemical or an energy. If we think of "the universe" sending us love or wanting the best for us, we are describing an individual consciousness with personal preferences (i.e. God). In order for love to exist, there needs to be a lover and a beloved. God gave us free will so that we could choose to love him. By not forcing our hand, he allows us to genuinely fall in love with him of our own accord, to create the most intimate loving relationship possible.

32:27 - How does one even approach the "Supreme Lord of all planets?" How is it possible to form an intimate loving relationship with an all-powerful omniscient God?

35:17 - Krishna is our ultimate well-wisher, having equal vision of all living entities. Krishna does not discriminate against 'lower' and 'higher' forms of life but sees us all with equal vision. At the soul level, we are all pure.

42:51 - How do you have an intimate loving relationship with an all-powerful God? Krishna, as our very best friend.

46:07 - The story of Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu, and Krishna's form as Narasimha.

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Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 18-29

Time stamps and topics:

2:14 - The setting of the Bhagavad Gita and a summary of chapters 1-4.

19:54 - The theme of duality and the different ways we perceive things as 'good' or 'bad'. Krishna is laying out a strategy to be equipoised to handle the dualities of the world - to tolerate them without being so disturbed. The purpose of this is to allow knowledge to be seeded.

16:34 - Handling life's biggest duality of birth and death.

18:44 - We should not allow our happiness to depend on outside factors. Living in sameness and equanimity.

23:44 - Is unlimited happiness really attainable? Our nature as a spiritual being is to be happy and have true knowledge. This knowledge gives clarity as to who we really are as a soul, not a body.

29:35 - God is all good, all powerful, and all knowledgeable. If God is all good, then there is no 'bad'. If the nature of spirit is to be good, intelligent, and wise, then happiness will reign supreme; we can ultimately be happy. Unlimited happiness is found within in our spiritual existence. If we are focusing on dualities, then we are pulled to things which are external and material.

35:09 - The worst of your sufferings eventually comes to an end - it's just a matter of time. Conversely, all good things also come to an end. We learn to find equanimity through it all.

36:42 - We don't have to die in order to attain spiritual transcendence. There's a saying, "Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die." Who wouldn't want to go to a better place? But am I ready to let things go.. my family, children, house, job, car, my body itself? Krishna here is solving this dilemma. Krishna is telling us that we can achieve this unlimited happiness by embracing this knowledge. Checking these forces of anger, desire, greed, hate, and tolerating these urges - thus conquering these earthly dualities. You can be happy right now. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

42:58 - The importance of regulating the senses through lifestyle choices (e.g. not drinking, having casual sex, etc.) Dualities change as you progress through spiritual life. In the beginning, it may be regulating addictive behaviors. Then it may move to regulating emotional behaviors. Eventually, it may move to pride and ego in our spiritual accomplishments.

45:46 - The only duality that is important -- Everything that takes us closer to Krishna, and everything that takes us away from Krishna.

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[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 18-23]

Time stamps and topics:

4:50 - Ch 5, Text 18 is one of the most popular verses in our tradition. This verse talks of having equal vision in the world which is so applicable in our present day.

7:20 - Breaking down Text 18 - why Krishna uses these specific examples to highlight his point. Krishna talks about 'highest' human behaviors to the 'lowest' human behaviors and how we should view them without judgment. Even an atheist can benefit from viewing the world in equanimity.

16:00 - It may sound like Krishna is giving a hierarchy in a judgmental divisive way. However, Krishna is bringing up specific categories like this so that we can't misinterpret his point. These specifics were prevalent in Eastern society when the Gita was spoken (~5000 yrs ago), and the concepts are applicable to our Western society (i.e. a dog-eater vs a chicken-eater).

22:00 - How vegetarianism goes hand in hand with a spiritual practice.

29:05 - What is the point of being vegetarian? Why do it?

37:00 - The effects of eating meat from an 'energy' perspective. How ingesting fear, adrenaline, and despair in animals (about to be killed) is now put into the human body when eating meat.

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[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 16-17]

Time stamps and topics:

7:09 - Engaging the senses for a higher purpose. The traditional yogi's use their body and senses to help purify their souls. Using what we have for a higher purpose allows us to become purified.

10:24 - It's impossible for us to understand something higher if we don't have a focal point that is 'closer' to us. Like a small ant trying to understand a relationship with an elephant. We learn through analogies and concepts we relate to in order to understand higher spiritual principles.

13:55 - The only way we can see things clearly is through the knowledge that is given to us, through grace. We gain knowledge from spiritual teachers and bonafide gurus, who have walked the path before us.

19:39 - Prabhupad's purport further expanding on the texts

24:06 - Gross matter vs subtle matter

30:34 - The benefits of a spiritual community with qualified teachers with regards to our spiritual growth

31:29 - Why did God not create us with all the knowledge we need to know everything about him?

32:19 - Why should we seek out a guru who is another human being just like me? Why do I need to go through another person in order to connect with God?

48:59 - What does it mean to have the mind fixed on God?

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[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 14-16]

Time stamps and topics:

6:30 - The idea of a pure soul theology, where everyone at the soul level is pure. Comparisons of Original Sin versus a pure soul theology. The implications of religions driven by fear.

10:50 - If we embrace a pure soul theology, are rapists and murderers pure souls as well?

14:45 - The problem of evil: Where does evil come from?

19:08 - The best version of love. Why does God give us so much free will, as opposed to limiting our choices so that we don't make harmful choices?

23:40 - What is meant by ignorance in the Gita? The varying degrees of ignorance and how it takes us down a dark path.

26:35 - The cycle of karma as it relates to suffering and evil

31:00 - Forgetfulness as it relates to ignorance. We are given free will, and we have the freedom to make 'good' or 'bad' choices. When we make choices that take us away from God, we have forgetfulness of who we are as spirit souls.

43:10 - An analogy for how the soul is covered by ignorance. How the pure soul gets contaminated over time.

56:29 - Where do I come from, and where do I go when I die? When we die, is that the end of me, or does my consciousness continue to exist? Further conversations on consciousness.

60:18 - The cycle of incarnations, types of bodies, heavenly planets, hellish planets, and the journey of consciousness.

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To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 10-13]

Time stamps & topics:

02:00 The culture Arjuna lived in further explained - those who engaged in the material world and those who renounced the world.

15:35 The integrity of Arjuna and why he repeatedly questioned Krishna when faced with the prospect of going into battle against his own family members.

20:55 The life of a sannyasi (renunciate) in Arjuna's culture

26:15 Krishna being an exemplary teacher and Arjuna as the ideal student. The importance of humility when we are students with qualified teachers.

34:10 Ch 5, text 11 - What does it mean to give "everything" to God?

41:55 Krishna explains the way by which you can attain peace

ISKCON Laguna Beach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 8-9]

Time stamps & topics:

11:04 Texts 8-9

12:44 The purity of the soul versus the material body

18:40 The relationship of the bodily senses, the mind, the intelligence, and the soul, as illustrated in a picture.

21:56 The first part of the texts are talking about input senses and taking information in. The second part of the texts are referring to output senses and how we act in the world.

28:58 Ch 2, text 62-63 - Krishna explaining to Arjuna how the soul gets entangled in the material world. How we're not attached to the material world if we have the right mindset.

37:55 Can we justify bad actions by saying that we're not the body? If I'm a pure spiritual soul, why am I still suffering and experiencing karmic reactions?

48:00 Lust is not limited to sexual desires. Lust is associated with anything material for your own gratification. Lust, thirst, and desire are used interchangeably here.

59:45 If you spend time educating yourself on how not to get entangled in this world, you can make a difference. Acting in this world with integrity. How spirituality goes hand in hand with our material life when our goal is integrity.

Tukaram Prabhu's 9/11/2020 Bhagavad Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/414570912857622

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Text 7]

Time Stamps & Topics: 1:55 Overview of what Ch 5 is about

8:35 What is a sannyasi? Discussion of the difference between sannyasi's in the Gita and sannyasi's within ISKCON (Int'l Society of Krishna Consciousness).

15:43 The lifestyle of Vaisnava gurus and followers of bhakti yoga

33:53 Text 7 sanskrit

39:00 Senses we use for 'input' and senses we use for 'output'. How the mind is ultimately in control of all of our senses.

47:55 Prabhupad's purport (explanation) of Text 7. It's impossible to control our senses if our mind is not controlled. Intelligence controls the mind, and it's impossible to control our intelligence if we're not aligned to something higher.

57:03 The nuances of being a professional translator. How to capture what is being said versus literal translation. Varangi Radha is a professional translator for the court system. Hear her take on what the job of a translator entails.

1:00:00 Translation versus interpretation.

1:19:15 The methodology of Srila Prabhupad's translations

Tukaram Prabhu's 9/4/2020 Bhagavad Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/632785617655344

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 5, Texts 1-6]

Time stamps & topics:

5:41: There's certain terminology in the Gita that can best be understood if left in the original language. Renouncing work (sannyas) and work with devotion (karma-yoga). Arjuna is asking Krishna which is better, sannyas or yoga.

9:15: Krishna answers Arjuna's question, but doesn't stop there. He expands on the answer to get Arjuna to ponder the answer. By Krishna expanding on the answer and giving more details, Krishna is wanting us to use our intelligence to see how he came to this answer.

15:25: Krishna is incorporating cognitive and behavioral concepts. Merely having knowledge (cognitive) or only acting properly (behavioral) is not as desired as acting based upon transcendental knowledge. By deepening of this knowledge, your action starts to become more pure. Whatever you are learning should be mirrored by your actions.

29:54: Prabhupad's purport in Text 5, on sankhya and yoga - The real purpose of sankhya is to find the ultimate goal of life. An individual's actions must be in some relationship with the Supreme. Determining what to detach from (matter) and what to attach to (Krishna).

34:35: What makes "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" the #1 translation of the Bhagavad Gita.

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

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To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

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[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 4, Texts 39-42]

Time stamps and topics:

13:03 Is it a blessing or a curse that we come into each life with amnesia of past lives?

25:50 The mercy of God played out in Christian teachings.

31:20 Faith is required as part of the spiritual journey. The distinctions between blind faith versus knowledgeable faith.

36:40 Faith is not something that happens overnight. Faith must be present in everything we do, whether in material or spiritual life.

50:40 How do we start to build faith? Krishna gives guidance for how we can start to build faith in something higher.

56:30 The reciprocal loving relationship that unfolds with the mercy of a guru.

Tukaram Prabhu's Bhagavad Gita class (08/21/2020): https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/1138973266496681

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

[Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Ch 4, Text 33]

Time stamps & topics:

06:50 Krishna highlights the power of doing the right thing for the right reasons.

11:15 The evolution of yajna - Krishna describes yajna in Chapter 3 as doing the right action but being attached to the results. Now Krishna introduces jnana yajna, which is right action with knowledge - doing the right thing for the right reason.

21:00 What is the Hare Krishna mantra (i.e. Maha mantra) and what does it mean? Why do we chant the Maha mantra?

27:00 Our natural role as Krishna's loving servants

31:50 Why chanting is so challenging for devotees

39:48 What Krishna desires from us as an offering

Tukaram Prabhu's Bhagavad Gita class (08/14/2020): https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/707024670029002

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 4, Texts 19-23]

Time stamps & topics:

4:30 Krishna starts to explain what a spiritually advanced person looks like. How this person is engaged in the world.

9:10 Krishna calls us to be independent, but what does this independence mean?

17:25 How dependence can be a positive experience. Krishna is a person that we can develop a relationship with - how should we develop that relationship? How would you pursue a relationship with a friend?

25:10 How to be a self-realized person

33:20 Krishna Consciousness is universal in guiding us how to approach spiritual advancement.

38:15 The genesis of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - moving from polytheism to monotheism and "my God vs your God" mentalities. In the East, religion is more harmonized in acknowledging similar spiritual goals. Some religions believe in impersonalism, where you become one with God and lose your individuality. Other religions believe in a personal God, where you (and God) retain your individual consciousness.

45:50 The Bhagavad Gita's approach to Oneness

54:50 Why Text 24 cannot point to Absolute Oneness

Tukaram Prabhu's Bhagavad Gita class (07/31/2020) - Ch 4, Texts 19-23: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/315414166249359

Tukaram Prabhu's Bhagavad Gita class - 08/07/2020 - Ch 4, Texts 24-34: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/735072997330771

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To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Time stamps & topics:

47 sec: What action is (karma), what inaction is (akarma), and what detrimental action is (vikarma). A formula for how to live in this world without getting enmeshed in it.

5 min, 41 sec: What is inaction (akarma)?

14 min, 30 sec: How inaction, or neglecting to act, can also result in karmic reactions.

19 min, 15 sec: Being conscious of the different types of actions we can engage in. Everybody is always acting - what kind of action do you want to engage in?

23 min, 55 sec: Why do we have sensory pleasures if we're not meant to enjoy them? If Krishna cares about me, why do I have desires which get me entangled in the material world?

33 min, 15 sec: What our body is actually meant for.

35 min, 30 sec: God, as the Supreme person, is not devoid of personality, feelings, likes, or dislikes. God has these traits and wants to engage in a loving relationship with us, another person. Just as we can't have a deep relationship with a pet, we seek relationships with other people who can reciprocate love in the way that is fulfilling.

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To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

** Subscribe on your favorite podcast app! **

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 4, Texts 9-15]

Time stamps & topics:

- 9 min, 29 sec: The main lesson of Ch 2 was that we are not this body; we are an eternal soul. The primary lesson of Ch 4 - acting in this world but not being attached to the results. Krishna uses himself as an example.

- 13 min, 5 sec: What does it mean to perform transcendental duties? Can everyday people like us be transcendental, and what does that look like?

- 21 min, 26 sec: What allows us to make spiritual progress. When we see ourselves as hopelessly fallen, we create a great divide between us and God. It is empowering to see ourselves as capable of "acting like Krishna" and being receptive to God's grace. Krishna, our saints, and our saddhus all set an example for us on how to act transcendental. It puts the responsibility back on us to take accountability for our choices and actions, and that it's possible to become transcendental in this lifetime.

- 28 min, 28 sec: Your real nature is to be spiritual, just as fire's nature is to emanate heat.

- 32 min, 25 sec: What does it mean that everyone follows Krishna's path in all respects? It's all Krishna's system, whether you're moving forward or backward. We all come into our lives at different stages of karma. No matter where we are in the state of our consciousness, everything is connected to Krishna in some way.

- 39 min, 45 sec: Examples of what it looks like to detach from the results. Real-world examples of what it means to do your duty without be attached to the results.

- 49 min, 10 sec: To go one step further, how to take the results of your actions and offer it to Krishna - even if the results are not what you wanted.

- 51 min, 15 sec: Attaining transcendental love for Krishna. Krishna's transcendental nature described.

Tukaram Prabhu's 7/24/2020 Bhagavad Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/277938436841801

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 4, Texts 5-11]

Time stamps & topics:

4 min, 27 sec: Summary of where we are in Chapter 4. Krishna starts to reveal himself as God.

9 min, 9 sec: How we think of God as an abstract concept. It takes more of an effort to include God as a person in your life, with personality, character, and the ability to come into your life to transform it.

14 min, 8 sec: Does the Christian conception of God align with the philosophy of an all-good God? The philosophical differences between Krishna consciousness and Christianity.

25 min, 18 sec: The importance of teachers, gurus and elders in a religion. How disciplic succession has always been an integral part of any established religion. We wouldn't have the Bible without the apostles.

31 min, 15 sec: How resistance to a spiritual teacher is an obstacle to a spiritual practice.

37 min, 48 sec: Why critical thinking for each individual is important when analyzing a religion or tradition. We must avoid blind faith foolishness and ask questions of our religious leaders. A solid tradition will be able to address any philosophical question with logic and reason. God created us with logic and reason, and it's natural that we should be able to use logica and reason to understand God.

42 min: The role that suffering can take in our lives to help us in our spiritual growth. Do we allow suffering to help us grow?

46 min, 45 sec: How important it is to work on ourselves in order to grow spiritually and absorb religious teachings. We have a misconception that spirituality should be easy and "fit into" our daily material lives.

1 hr, 7 min: How learning about Krishna and knowing who he is allows us to fall in love with him. To know him is to love him.

Tukaram Prabhu's 7/17/2020 Bhagavad Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/293014208605311

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Time stamps & topics:

4 min, 48 sec: The "imperishable science" - there is a difference between matter and spirit. The context of chapter 2 and 3, leading into chapter 4.

7 min, 12 sec: Who is Vivasvān? The significance of Krishna's claim that he gave instruction to the sun-god.

10 min: If we are God's devotees and friends, we will be able to understand transcendental mysteries through God's grace.

13 min, 20 sec: What does it mean when we say God is a person versus an energy? The implications of free will as it relates to love of God.

21 min, 6 sec: Krishna is now claiming to be God. What makes Krishna's claims any more believable than a homeless person at a bus stop claiming they are God? Why should we believe Krishna?

23 min, 21 sec: Why do we believe God exists? Philosophical arguments given for the existence of God through natural theology. How do we know consciousness exists?

41 min: Taylor's Cosmological argument for God's existence unpacked.

46 min, 15 sec: Why we believe Krishna is God, versus just a demi-god. This argument assumes the existence of God is agreed upon. Why then is Krishna considered God?

52 min, 20 sec: Would an all-good God send someone to hell for eternity? How to analyze a tradition's conception of Divinity and their sacred texts, whether it's the Bible or the Bhagavad Gita.

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 4, Texts 1-5]

Tukaram Prabhu's 7/13/2020 Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/3232094456830281

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Time stamps & topics:

4 min: How sin is defined in the Bhagavad Gita As It Is. What the sanskrit word for sin is. How other religions use the word 'sin' versus the meaning in the Bhagavad Gita.

10 min: How these texts in Ch 3 are the most powerful texts in the Bhagavad Gita with regards to our relationship with the material world.

11 min, 25 sec: How lust is defined in the Bhagavad Gita As It Is.

15 min, 30 sec: Why anger is a covering for sadness. The process in which desires turn to anger, and how all desires eventually turn into wrath.

25 min: How desire is tied to resentment, and how resentment is actually a healthy coping mechanism. The two types of resentment and how to heal from them.

41 min: What it means to have a higher taste. There's a false dichotomy that you'll be sad if you give in to desires or sad if you fully suppress them. But there's a third option, which is a higher taste and a higher enjoyment.

46 min, 10 sec: The distinction between the mind and the intelligence and how to control the mind with your intelligence and actions. --- We conclude our discussion of Ch 3 with Krishna's perspective on sin and lust. Traditionally, in the West, these terms have a specific connotation to them. However, in vedic texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, sin and lust carry a slightly different definition. Hear why resentment is actually a healthy reaction, and how you can use resentment to approach relationships in a healing way. There is a link below to a Satsang lecture that Tukaram Prabhu gave earlier this year. He goes into great detail as to how you can process resentment and use it to heal relationships.

[Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Ch 3, Texts 36 - 43]

Tukaram Prabhu's 7/3/2020 Bhagavad Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/614663129146684/

Tukaram Prabhu's 1/18/2020 lecture on why resentment is healthy: https://www.facebook.com/longbeachtemple/videos/576205886444770

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Time stamps & topics: 1 min 48 sec: The setting for the Bhagavad Gita and who Arjuna is. A summary of Ch 3 and where we are at.

7 min 24 sec: The complex question - If God is omniscient, He already knows everything. So how can I have free will? Why Text 35 can be troubling, as it appears to leave a lot to interpretation. Should I continue to do my duty, even if I'm doing a bad job of it?

12 min 40 sec: The majority of Americans do not work in the field that they studied. There is a lot of confusion for people as to what their duty should be. How we can traverse this.

14 min: How commitment plays a part in determining your duty. How honoring your commitments and sticking to it allows you to thrive in your chosen path. 18 min 48 sec: The problem is, we're trying to find a material solution to a spiritual problem. Going from job to job looking for the perfect one. How to ground ourselves to something higher than ourselves. 27 min: How do I know what my duty is? Discussion of the 4 different categories of social order, and determining what your nature is. 39 min: How do I know which of the 4 categories I fall under? Finding your class, and within your class is your specific instance.

48 min 45 sec: Our highest eternal duty. At what point does my duty stop being something exterior or something that has to do with the material world, and become internal and related to Krishna? 55 min: Our material world duty vs our eternal duty - Let's not focus on what we should do, but who we should be. Building a lifestyle and character with integrity, honor, respect, transparency, and being an honorable part of your community. Living for something far greater than yourself. At the end of your life, you have something to give to the younger generation - what's your legacy? [Bhagavad Gita, Ch 3, Text 35]

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Tukaram Prabhu's 6/26/20 Bhagavad Gita Class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/217249052642600/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

We pick up our discussion of Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3. Text 30 is a summation of the entire Bhagavad Gita: "Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with full knowledge of Me, without desires for profit, with no claims to proprietorship, and free from lethargy, fight." Krishna is teaching that we are not just renouncing things and actions, but we are renouncing all things *to* Krishna. We are giving all actions to Krishna and doing all things for him. We act in this world as a service to God.

We shouldn't think that we are the doer. Our actions and our duty belong to Krishna, so we shouldn't get attached to doing our duty. We must figure out who we are, what we're made of, and what we're supposed to do. In doing this, we can carry influence in this world and do what we're supposed to do, according to our nature.

Listen to this episode to hear more about the deep impact of understanding that we are not the body. Once we start to accept this, it changes how we perceive and act in this world.

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 3, Texts 29-35]

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Tukaram Prabhu's Bhagavad Gita Class: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=557426311599056

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

We continue our discussion of The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, along with current events surrounding Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, and our part in a spiritual revolution. [Bhagavad Gita, Ch 3, Text 28]

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To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

What can we do to make a difference in today's social justice movement? What should our role be to help move the conversation forward? One of our hosts, Tadeu Souza, grew up as a black man in South America - from African-Brazilian to African-American. Hear his take on what it really means to accept that we are not the body, and what it looks like to accept accountability for our part in this society. [Bhagavad Gita, Ch 3, Texts 26-27]

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To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

[Bhagavad Gita, Ch 3, Texts 17-26]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita Class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/548063822739105/

To hear Indradyumna Swami's poignant story about Father Pierre, go to the 1:39:00 mark: https://soundcloud.com/iskconpsena/father-pierre-indradyumna-swami

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

We continue our discussion on the opening texts of Ch 3. How do you choose which version of the Bhagavad Gita to read? What is a purport? What actions can we take for spiritual advancement? [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Texts 3-17]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class for this episode: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/619337228670738/

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class lecture on tyagi vs sannyasi: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/2759332927494278/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

We open Ch 3 with a discussion on how to let go of negative emotions. How do you deal with anger? How do you deal with sadness or depression? How do you deal with anxiety? [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Texts 1-2]

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Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=657213961727015&ref=watch_permalink

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Chapter 2 concludes with our discussion today. How do you break free from attachment? [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Texts 62-72]

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Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/264020311452643/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Our discussion on Ch 2 continues. What is the highest pleasure? What is the soul seeking? [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Texts 54-61]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/244794229965422/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Chapter 2 continued: We discuss the concepts of sankhya and buddhi yoga. [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Texts 38-53]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/2299316307044450/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

A continuation of our discussion on Chapter 2. What is the Self and what is consciousness? We are not our thoughts, but how do we know this? [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Texts 17-37]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/1618848094958189/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

We discuss the opening concepts of Chapter 2 and what distinguishes the soul from the body. [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Texts 1-16]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/639325346910205/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

We discuss the opening chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. What is the Bhagavad Gita? Who is Arjuna? What are the circumstances that create his existential crisis? [Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 1, Texts 1-46]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

Tukaram Prabhu's Gita class: https://www.facebook.com/lagunabeachtemple/videos/529063491369873/

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!

Tukaram Prabhu's Instagram: @tukaram.das

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleliving108 Instagram: https://instagram.com/simpleliving108 Website: http://simplelivinghighthinking.net

To get your own copy of the Bhagavad Gita, or any of Srila Prabhupad's books, please visit: https://lagunatemplebooks.org/. All donations go toward the cost of the books and supporting the temple. Thank you!