Bhagwad Gita’s advice on building better ties

Quote from the True Charm and Power of Vedanta

 

Divine Love

 

Knowledge or Janna requires the idea of a distinction between the knower (mediator), the object of knowledge (Brhaman), and the process of knowledge. However, to have the knowledge of God does not mean that God is the object and the knower is the subject. Immanuel Kant pointed out that as long as there is the least demarcation between the knower and the object of knowledge, the thing –in-itself remains unknown. Sankara many centuries earlier, had also pointed out that as long as there is the least separation between the subject and the object of knowledge and the process of knowledge, God remains unknown. But he stated that ultimately the spiritual aspirant transcends this dilemma; he called it tripti-bhede, the untying of the three knots of knowledge and reaching unified consciousness.

Brhaman or God is Sat-chit-ananda-Existence or eternal reality, pure consciousness and pure Love and Bless. These, however are not attributes of Brahman. That which is Sat is the same as Chit, and the same Ananda. Sat is identical with Brahman. Chit is identical with Brahman Ananda is identical with Brahman. In the path of knowledge emphasis is laid upon Chit, pure Consciousness; and in the path of devotion emphasis is laid upon Ananada –Love or Bliss. When the aspirant reaches the end, there is no longer any distinction between the Chit and Ananda . Then supreme love and unitive knowledge of Godhead become one and the same. Courtesy Divine love

 

Bhagwad Gita’s advice on building better ties

 

By Jaya Row

 

The relationships we form are vital to our mental and emotional wellbeing. We have an inborn desire to connect with people. But as our lifestyles become more reliant on digital tools, these simple interactions are under threat.

 

We have relationships at various levels – professional, social and family. Work isn’t just about the paycheque. It’s about meeting like-minded people, sharing ideas and working towards common goals. A happy family life is the foundation on which our personality develops. Sharing and forming ties at family get-togethers create bonds that give us a sense of belonging. Communities’ help individuals cope with the stress, struggle and chaos of modern life.

 

However, in modern times relationships are breaking at an alarming rate. The joint family system is vanishing. Today, the nuclear family is the norm. Single parenthood is increasing. Organisations are experiencing high-attrition rates and people do not even know their neighbours.

 

 

This is because of increasing selfishness and lack of self-sufficiency. As a result you become dependent. There are expectations from the other person, you make demands, and when these are not met with, there is conflict and bitterness. This is called attachment. When the person is around, you argue and fight. When the person is absent you miss him. Attachment breeds suffering and eventually the relationship breaks down.

 

Once you develop inner strength and grow spiritually, you no longer need to lean on people. You establish wonderful relationships with them. You love them for what they are with no strings attached. And they, in turn, adore you. This is pure love or detachment.

 

How do you get detached? Get attached to something higher and the lower attachment wanes away. Feel for the larger community, nation, all beings, and finally God. Devotion to God has no meaning unless you love all beings. In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn gives 35 qualities of a devotee. The very first trait is ‘one who hates no being’. Devotion is not about professing love to God, it is the ability to love one’s fellow beings.

 

The Gita says there are no adversaries out there. Your worst foes are within. Question your beliefs and prejudices. Revisit your convictions. And you will realise the enemies you saw everywhere are your friends. You will view even wrongdoers with compassion. And embrace the whole world with a feeling of oneness.

 

Enlarge your circle of love. When you identify with the body you see maximum differences. Align with the mind and you feel one with the family. Stretch to the intellect and your circle of oneness includes the entire nation. In the end, understand the Spirit as the common chord that holds the whole universe. You feel one with all beings. And cease to feel hatred or revulsion towards anybody. This is devotion. Then Krishn loves you whether you love him or not. He declares that such a person is exceedingly dear to him.

 

Where do you begin? With the people you dislike most. Change your attitude towards them. Look at things from their perspective. There is instant relief! You feel happy. And grow spiritually. This helps more than any prayers, visits to temples, or pilgrimages.

 

For the Bhagwad Gita live webinars with Jaya Row, Saturdays 6.30-7.30pm IST on Zoom, register free: vedantavision.org/gita

 

 

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

 

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