JUST HEAR (7.1 – 7.3) – Gita Notes

Text 7.3

THEME : Rarity of this Knowledge (Here Krishna says: “Who is qualified to receive this knowledge?”)

Out of many thousands – one may endeavor for perfection
Those achieved perfection – one may know me in truth (tattvatah)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF 7.3

Bhakti is ‘easy’ because it requires no material qualifications.
In another sense, however, Bhakti is ‘very difficult’ to perfect because it obtainable only by selfless devotion, not by any material formula of mental speculation or ritual.

Learnings from Purport 7.3

(a) Various grades of men

General – Mankind engaged in animal propensities
Hardly anyone interested in transcendental knowledge
Chapter 1 – Chapter 6 are for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge for understanding self and Superself and process of realisation by Jnana-yoga, Dhyana-yoga and discrimination of self from matter
How to know Krishna – Only by Krishna consciousness, beyond Brahman and Paramatma realizations
o Ref. Sripada Sankarachraya: Admits that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but his followers do not accept
o Impersonal Brahman realisation is easier than knowing Krishna
o Position of Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.1)

(b) Non-devotee’s argument – Bhakti is very easy. Refutation:

Then why they cannot practice this path
Why they choose difficult paths
So called unauthorized path is easy, but speculative scholars and philosophers fall away; if they try the factual path
Devotional service without vedic authorization is disturbance to the society
o (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “Sruti Smriti ….”)

(c) “Tattvatah” – means to know Krishna as He is as the last word in Brahman realization.

Who can know? – Only pure devotees by devotional service
Can they know fully? – only something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities
Process to know – Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “atah Sri Krishna...”) – “Devotional Service to Krishna is the last word in Brahman realisation”
What about Impersonalists, Paramatma realized yogis and demigods – They fail to understand Krishna (as son of Yashoda) as Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus Srila Prabhupada highlights the “potency of Bhakti”
Rarity of true knower (Ref. 7.19 – “bahunam janmanam…”) – After many, many births one gets Vasudeva realisation (Three verses in Chapter 7 emphasizes the rarity of knowing Krishna – Ref. Bg. 7.3; 7.19; 7.26)

(a) Definition of complete knowledge/transcendental knowledge – To know matter, spirit and the source of both

(b) Eligibility of Arjuna – ‘Devotee’ and ‘Friend’

(c) Qualification to receive transcendental knowledge

Only a devotee
In bonafide parampara
Directly from the Lord

(d) “Nothing remains to be known” – This phrase in translation means that when one knows who is the source of all and cause of all causes and the only object of meditation of all yogis; then all knowable becomes known (Ref Mundaka Upanisad 1.3: “kasmin bhagavo vijnate sarvam...”)

Text 7.3

THEME : Rarity of this Knowledge (Here Krishna says: “Who is qualified to receive this knowledge?”)

Out of many thousands – one may endeavor for perfection
Those achieved perfection – one may know me in truth (tattvatah)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF 7.3

Bhakti is ‘easy’ because it requires no material qualifications.
In another sense, however, Bhakti is ‘very difficult’ to perfect because it obtainable only by selfless devotion, not by any material formula of mental speculation or ritual.

Learnings from Purport 7.3

(a) Various grades of men

General – Mankind engaged in animal propensities
Hardly anyone interested in transcendental knowledge
Chapter 1 – Chapter 6 are for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge for understanding self and Superself and process of realisation by Jnana-yoga, Dhyana-yoga and discrimination of self from matter
How to know Krishna – Only by Krishna consciousness, beyond Brahman and Paramatma realizations
o Ref. Sripada Sankarachraya: Admits that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but his followers do not accept
o Impersonal Brahman realisation is easier than knowing Krishna
o Position of Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.1)

(b) Non-devotee’s argument – Bhakti is very easy. Refutation:

Then why they cannot practice this path
Why they choose difficult paths
So called unauthorized path is easy, but speculative scholars and philosophers fall away; if they try the factual path
Devotional service without vedic authorization is disturbance to the society
o (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “Sruti Smriti ….”)

(c) “Tattvatah” – means to know Krishna as He is as the last word in Brahman realization.

Who can know? – Only pure devotees by devotional service
Can they know fully? – only something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities
Process to know – Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “atah Sri Krishna...”) – “Devotional Service to Krishna is the last word in Brahman realisation”
What about Impersonalists, Paramatma realized yogis and demigods – They fail to understand Krishna (as son of Yashoda) as Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus Srila Prabhupada highlights the “potency of Bhakti”
Rarity of true knower (Ref. 7.19 – “bahunam janmanam…”) – After many, many births one gets Vasudeva realisation (Three verses in Chapter 7 emphasizes the rarity of knowing Krishna – Ref. Bg. 7.3; 7.19; 7.26)

(a) Full and scientific knowledge is Krishna and not impersonal Brahman or Paramatma

“In full” – means to know Absolute Truth, living entity, material nature and their manifestations and paraphernalia
“Without doubt” – refers to firm faith that Krishna is the ultimate knowledge and realization

(b) Krishna Consciousness process reveals full knowledge – because mind is fully attached to Krishna (Bg. 6.47)

(c) Process to concentrate mind – nine fold process; first and foremost – Sravanam (Indicated by word ‘tac-chrnu’)

(d) Whom to hear from – only Krishna or pure devotee/not non-devotee scholar

(e) Process of understanding Krishna, Supreme Personality of Godhead, by hearing (Ref. SB 1.2.17- 21) – Steps for advancement are as follows:

Hearing about Krishna or from Him
By such hearing, Krishna in the heart acts as best wishing friend
Krishna purifies the devotee who is constantly engaged
Natural development of dormant transcendental knowledge
By more hearing, one becomes fixed in devotional service
Freedom from modes of passion and ignorance
Material lust and avarice are diminished
One becomes steady in pure goodness
One becomes enlivened by devotional service and understands the science of God perfectly
Hard knot of material affection is severed
One comes to the stage of ‘asamsayam samagram’ (complete understanding of Supreme Absolute Truth)

(f) Conclusion: Only way to understand the science of Krishna – By hearing from Krishna or from His devotees

Text 7.2

THEME : In this chapter, Krishna “fully reveals knowledge of Himself” as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, source of both spiritual (numinous knowledge / Vijnana) and material (phenomenal knowledge / Jnana) existence

Jnana – Phenomenal knowledge
Vijnana – Numinous knowledge

Learnings from Purport 7.2

(a) Definition of complete knowledge/transcendental knowledge – To know matter, spirit and the source of both

(b) Eligibility of Arjuna – ‘Devotee’ and ‘Friend’

(c) Qualification to receive transcendental knowledge

Only a devotee
In bonafide parampara
Directly from the Lord

(d) “Nothing remains to be known” – This phrase in translation means that when one knows who is the source of all and cause of all causes and the only object of meditation of all yogis; then all knowable becomes known (Ref Mundaka Upanisad 1.3: “kasmin bhagavo vijnate sarvam...”)

Text 7.3

THEME : Rarity of this Knowledge (Here Krishna says: “Who is qualified to receive this knowledge?”)

Out of many thousands – one may endeavor for perfection
Those achieved perfection – one may know me in truth (tattvatah)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF 7.3

Bhakti is ‘easy’ because it requires no material qualifications.
In another sense, however, Bhakti is ‘very difficult’ to perfect because it obtainable only by selfless devotion, not by any material formula of mental speculation or ritual.

Learnings from Purport 7.3

(a) Various grades of men

General – Mankind engaged in animal propensities
Hardly anyone interested in transcendental knowledge
Chapter 1 – Chapter 6 are for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge for understanding self and Superself and process of realisation by Jnana-yoga, Dhyana-yoga and discrimination of self from matter
How to know Krishna – Only by Krishna consciousness, beyond Brahman and Paramatma realizations
o Ref. Sripada Sankarachraya: Admits that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but his followers do not accept
o Impersonal Brahman realisation is easier than knowing Krishna
o Position of Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.1)

(b) Non-devotee’s argument – Bhakti is very easy. Refutation:

Then why they cannot practice this path
Why they choose difficult paths
So called unauthorized path is easy, but speculative scholars and philosophers fall away; if they try the factual path
Devotional service without vedic authorization is disturbance to the society
o (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “Sruti Smriti ….”)

(c) “Tattvatah” – means to know Krishna as He is as the last word in Brahman realization.

Who can know? – Only pure devotees by devotional service
Can they know fully? – only something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities
Process to know – Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “atah Sri Krishna...”) – “Devotional Service to Krishna is the last word in Brahman realisation”
What about Impersonalists, Paramatma realized yogis and demigods – They fail to understand Krishna (as son of Yashoda) as Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus Srila Prabhupada highlights the “potency of Bhakti”
Rarity of true knower (Ref. 7.19 – “bahunam janmanam…”) – After many, many births one gets Vasudeva realisation (Three verses in Chapter 7 emphasizes the rarity of knowing Krishna – Ref. Bg. 7.3; 7.19; 7.26)

(a) Full and scientific knowledge is Krishna and not impersonal Brahman or Paramatma

“In full” – means to know Absolute Truth, living entity, material nature and their manifestations and paraphernalia
“Without doubt” – refers to firm faith that Krishna is the ultimate knowledge and realization

(b) Krishna Consciousness process reveals full knowledge – because mind is fully attached to Krishna (Bg. 6.47)

(c) Process to concentrate mind – nine fold process; first and foremost – Sravanam (Indicated by word ‘tac-chrnu’)

(d) Whom to hear from – only Krishna or pure devotee/not non-devotee scholar

(e) Process of understanding Krishna, Supreme Personality of Godhead, by hearing (Ref. SB 1.2.17- 21) – Steps for advancement are as follows:

Hearing about Krishna or from Him
By such hearing, Krishna in the heart acts as best wishing friend
Krishna purifies the devotee who is constantly engaged
Natural development of dormant transcendental knowledge
By more hearing, one becomes fixed in devotional service
Freedom from modes of passion and ignorance
Material lust and avarice are diminished
One becomes steady in pure goodness
One becomes enlivened by devotional service and understands the science of God perfectly
Hard knot of material affection is severed
One comes to the stage of ‘asamsayam samagram’ (complete understanding of Supreme Absolute Truth)

(f) Conclusion: Only way to understand the science of Krishna – By hearing from Krishna or from His devotees

Text 7.2

THEME : In this chapter, Krishna “fully reveals knowledge of Himself” as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, source of both spiritual (numinous knowledge / Vijnana) and material (phenomenal knowledge / Jnana) existence

Jnana – Phenomenal knowledge
Vijnana – Numinous knowledge

Learnings from Purport 7.2

(a) Definition of complete knowledge/transcendental knowledge – To know matter, spirit and the source of both

(b) Eligibility of Arjuna – ‘Devotee’ and ‘Friend’

(c) Qualification to receive transcendental knowledge

Only a devotee
In bonafide parampara
Directly from the Lord

(d) “Nothing remains to be known” – This phrase in translation means that when one knows who is the source of all and cause of all causes and the only object of meditation of all yogis; then all knowable becomes known (Ref Mundaka Upanisad 1.3: “kasmin bhagavo vijnate sarvam...”)

Text 7.3

THEME : Rarity of this Knowledge (Here Krishna says: “Who is qualified to receive this knowledge?”)

Out of many thousands – one may endeavor for perfection
Those achieved perfection – one may know me in truth (tattvatah)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF 7.3

Bhakti is ‘easy’ because it requires no material qualifications.
In another sense, however, Bhakti is ‘very difficult’ to perfect because it obtainable only by selfless devotion, not by any material formula of mental speculation or ritual.

Learnings from Purport 7.3

(a) Various grades of men

General – Mankind engaged in animal propensities
Hardly anyone interested in transcendental knowledge
Chapter 1 – Chapter 6 are for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge for understanding self and Superself and process of realisation by Jnana-yoga, Dhyana-yoga and discrimination of self from matter
How to know Krishna – Only by Krishna consciousness, beyond Brahman and Paramatma realizations
o Ref. Sripada Sankarachraya: Admits that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but his followers do not accept
o Impersonal Brahman realisation is easier than knowing Krishna
o Position of Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.1)

(b) Non-devotee’s argument – Bhakti is very easy. Refutation:

Then why they cannot practice this path
Why they choose difficult paths
So called unauthorized path is easy, but speculative scholars and philosophers fall away; if they try the factual path
Devotional service without vedic authorization is disturbance to the society
o (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “Sruti Smriti ….”)

(c) “Tattvatah” – means to know Krishna as He is as the last word in Brahman realization.

Who can know? – Only pure devotees by devotional service
Can they know fully? – only something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities
Process to know – Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “atah Sri Krishna...”) – “Devotional Service to Krishna is the last word in Brahman realisation”
What about Impersonalists, Paramatma realized yogis and demigods – They fail to understand Krishna (as son of Yashoda) as Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus Srila Prabhupada highlights the “potency of Bhakti”
Rarity of true knower (Ref. 7.19 – “bahunam janmanam…”) – After many, many births one gets Vasudeva realisation (Three verses in Chapter 7 emphasizes the rarity of knowing Krishna – Ref. Bg. 7.3; 7.19; 7.26)

JUST HEAR (7.1– 7.3)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SECTION I

Rare understanding of Krishna and His energies is obtained through proper hearing.
To truly know a thing requires, more than existential data, an awareness of its relation to the Absolute, Sri Krishna. Therefore one can know everything phenomenal (material) and numinous (spiritual) simply by hearing of Krishna and His energies.

Text 7.1

THEME : To always think of Krishna in devotion, one must hear about Krishna and His Supreme position. Now hear from Krishna Himself in this chapter
How to know Krishna in full?

Hear from Him
Practicing Bhakti Yoga, with
Mind attached to Him
In full consciousness of Him

Learnings from Purport 7.1

(a) Full and scientific knowledge is Krishna and not impersonal Brahman or Paramatma

“In full” – means to know Absolute Truth, living entity, material nature and their manifestations and paraphernalia
“Without doubt” – refers to firm faith that Krishna is the ultimate knowledge and realization

(b) Krishna Consciousness process reveals full knowledge – because mind is fully attached to Krishna (Bg. 6.47)

(c) Process to concentrate mind – nine fold process; first and foremost – Sravanam (Indicated by word ‘tac-chrnu’)

(d) Whom to hear from – only Krishna or pure devotee/not non-devotee scholar

(e) Process of understanding Krishna, Supreme Personality of Godhead, by hearing (Ref. SB 1.2.17- 21) – Steps for advancement are as follows:

Hearing about Krishna or from Him
By such hearing, Krishna in the heart acts as best wishing friend
Krishna purifies the devotee who is constantly engaged
Natural development of dormant transcendental knowledge
By more hearing, one becomes fixed in devotional service
Freedom from modes of passion and ignorance
Material lust and avarice are diminished
One becomes steady in pure goodness
One becomes enlivened by devotional service and understands the science of God perfectly
Hard knot of material affection is severed
One comes to the stage of ‘asamsayam samagram’ (complete understanding of Supreme Absolute Truth)

(f) Conclusion: Only way to understand the science of Krishna – By hearing from Krishna or from His devotees

Text 7.2

THEME : In this chapter, Krishna “fully reveals knowledge of Himself” as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, source of both spiritual (numinous knowledge / Vijnana) and material (phenomenal knowledge / Jnana) existence

Jnana – Phenomenal knowledge
Vijnana – Numinous knowledge

Learnings from Purport 7.2

(a) Definition of complete knowledge/transcendental knowledge – To know matter, spirit and the source of both

(b) Eligibility of Arjuna – ‘Devotee’ and ‘Friend’

(c) Qualification to receive transcendental knowledge

Only a devotee
In bonafide parampara
Directly from the Lord

(d) “Nothing remains to be known” – This phrase in translation means that when one knows who is the source of all and cause of all causes and the only object of meditation of all yogis; then all knowable becomes known (Ref Mundaka Upanisad 1.3: “kasmin bhagavo vijnate sarvam...”)

Text 7.3

THEME : Rarity of this Knowledge (Here Krishna says: “Who is qualified to receive this knowledge?”)

Out of many thousands – one may endeavor for perfection
Those achieved perfection – one may know me in truth (tattvatah)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF 7.3

Bhakti is ‘easy’ because it requires no material qualifications.
In another sense, however, Bhakti is ‘very difficult’ to perfect because it obtainable only by selfless devotion, not by any material formula of mental speculation or ritual.

Learnings from Purport 7.3

(a) Various grades of men

General – Mankind engaged in animal propensities
Hardly anyone interested in transcendental knowledge
Chapter 1 – Chapter 6 are for those who are interested in transcendental knowledge for understanding self and Superself and process of realisation by Jnana-yoga, Dhyana-yoga and discrimination of self from matter
How to know Krishna – Only by Krishna consciousness, beyond Brahman and Paramatma realizations
o Ref. Sripada Sankarachraya: Admits that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but his followers do not accept
o Impersonal Brahman realisation is easier than knowing Krishna
o Position of Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.1)

(b) Non-devotee’s argument – Bhakti is very easy. Refutation:

Then why they cannot practice this path
Why they choose difficult paths
So called unauthorized path is easy, but speculative scholars and philosophers fall away; if they try the factual path
Devotional service without vedic authorization is disturbance to the society
o (Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “Sruti Smriti ….”)

(c) “Tattvatah” – means to know Krishna as He is as the last word in Brahman realization.

Who can know? – Only pure devotees by devotional service
Can they know fully? – only something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities
Process to know – Ref. Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu: “atah Sri Krishna...”) – “Devotional Service to Krishna is the last word in Brahman realisation”
What about Impersonalists, Paramatma realized yogis and demigods – They fail to understand Krishna (as son of Yashoda) as Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus Srila Prabhupada highlights the “potency of Bhakti”
Rarity of true knower (Ref. 7.19 – “bahunam janmanam…”) – After many, many births one gets Vasudeva realisation (Three verses in Chapter 7 emphasizes the rarity of knowing Krishna – Ref. Bg. 7.3; 7.19; 7.26)