Budhi Yoga – Fight! (2.39 – 2.53)

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

1. “Highest perfection of Self-realisation” implies to realize oneself as an “Eternal Servitor of Krishna” and one’s only business is to discharge one’s duties in Krishna consciousness

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

NOTE: Arjuna does not wish to fight because he desires to avoid sinful reactions and subsequent misery. But Krishna explains that acting in devotional service (which for Arjuna means ‘to fight’) will free him from all sin (2.50) and lead him to a place beyond all misery (2.51).

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : : Reject all abominable actions and act in buddhi-yoga – Arjuna is recommended to keep all abominable activities (fruitive actions) far distant by devotional service and surrender unto the Lord Krishna.

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

NOTE: Niskama-karma-yoga releases one from the bondage of fruitive action and reaction while allowing one active sensory engagement. Thus, compared to total renunciation of activity (karma-sannyasa), Niskama-karma-yoga incites less provocation of unrest and falldown.

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Elaborations on ‘Firm faith’ – It implies that one engaged in Krishna consciousness has:

5. Best practice of service to Krishna – Service to Guru (Supporting Ref. “yasya prasada…”) because:

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.41 & 2.42: Here in Text 2.42, for the first time, Krishna mentions the Vedas to Arjuna. He tells Arjuna to give up his karma-kanda mentality, or the idea of using the Vedas for many sacrifices aimed at pleasing various demigods to gain temporary fruits and benedictions such as sons, health, power, wealth, longevity, a bountiful harvest or heavenly pleasures. It should be noted that in the previous section, Krishna encouraged Arjuna to fight by appealing to the same mentality in Arjuna that He now condemns. Although previously encouraging Arjuna to fight to obtain heaven, Krishna now speaks on a higher level, the level of buddhi-yoga.

COMMON THEME : Buddhi-yoga vs Karma-kanda

PURPOSE OF COMPARISION: To sharpen Arjuna’s intelligence and avoid his attempt to renounce

1. Karma-kanda mentality is condemned as less intelligent path and is compared to “fools getting attached to the poisonous flowers of a tree” (2.42 – 2.43)

2. Material opulence and sense gratification are the two obstacles to Krishna consciousness (2.44)

3. Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Vedic Karma-kanda rituals (2.45 – 2.46)

4. Sankirtana-yajna or Krishna consciousness fulfills the purpose of the Vedas

COMMON THEME : Karma-kanda is less intelligent path – Men of small knowledge act only for opulence and enjoyment and therefore they follow and consider only those portions of the Vedas that grant material boons (Karma-kanda portions of Vedas).

Learnings from Purport 2.42 – 2.43

1. Example of such sacrifices – Jyotistoma sacrifices

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Elaborations on ‘Firm faith’ – It implies that one engaged in Krishna consciousness has:

5. Best practice of service to Krishna – Service to Guru (Supporting Ref. “yasya prasada…”) because:

COMMON THEME : Buddhi-yoga vs Karma-kanda

PURPOSE OF COMPARISION: To sharpen Arjuna’s intelligence and avoid his attempt to renounce

1. Karma-kanda mentality is condemned as less intelligent path and is compared to “fools getting attached to the poisonous flowers of a tree” (2.42 – 2.43)

2. Material opulence and sense gratification are the two obstacles to Krishna consciousness (2.44)

3. Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Vedic Karma-kanda rituals (2.45 – 2.46)

4. Sankirtana-yajna or Krishna consciousness fulfills the purpose of the Vedas

Learnings from Purport 2.42 – 2.43

1. Example of such sacrifices – Jyotistoma sacrifices

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. “Highest Transcendental Quality of Work” – Activity in Krishna consciousness

2. “No loss or diminution on this path” – Buddhi-yoga has a permanent effect

3. Saves one from the greatest danger – “Gliding down to a lower species from human form of life”

THEME: Further characteristics of Buddhi-yoga

Resolute determination in Buddhi-yoga / Krishna consciousness
Intelligence of those who are irresolute is many branched

Learnings from Purport 2.41

1. Definitions of Faith

Strong faith that Krishna consciousness will elevate one to highest perfection of life – This is called as “Vyavasayatmika Intelligence” – Ref. CC: “Sraddha Sabde…”(study purport).
Faith means ‘unflinching trust in something sublime’.

2. Elaborations on ‘Firm faith’ – It implies that one engaged in Krishna consciousness has:

No obligations in material world.
No longer endeavors for fruitive activities.
Krishna conscious activities on absolute plane – no longer subject to dualities of good/bad.

3. In conclusion firm faith implies:

“Renunciation of material concept of life” – As highest perfection of Krishna consciousness.
How to achieve such renunciation – Automatically by progressive Krishna consciousness.

4. Foundation of “Resolute Determination”

Knowledge of soul – Whole process ultimately depends on – perfect knowledge of soul beyond conception of body, not only theoretically but practically, with no chance of sense gratification manifested in fruitive activities.
Knowledge of Vasudeva as the cause of all causes and as all in all (Ref. Bg. 7.19 – “bahunam janamanam…”).
Analogy: Watering the root satisfies all the parts

5. Best practice of service to Krishna – Service to Guru (Supporting Ref. “yasya prasada…”) because:

He knows the nature of student.
Can guide how to act in Krishna consciousness.
One should act firmly and take instructions as mission in life.

COMMON THEME : Buddhi-yoga vs Karma-kanda

PURPOSE OF COMPARISION: To sharpen Arjuna’s intelligence and avoid his attempt to renounce

1. Karma-kanda mentality is condemned as less intelligent path and is compared to “fools getting attached to the poisonous flowers of a tree” (2.42 – 2.43)

2. Material opulence and sense gratification are the two obstacles to Krishna consciousness (2.44)

3. Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Vedic Karma-kanda rituals (2.45 – 2.46)

4. Sankirtana-yajna or Krishna consciousness fulfills the purpose of the Vedas

Learnings from Purport 2.42 – 2.43

1. Example of such sacrifices – Jyotistoma sacrifices

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

1. “Highest Transcendental Quality of Work” – Activity in Krishna consciousness

2. “No loss or diminution on this path” – Buddhi-yoga has a permanent effect

3. Saves one from the greatest danger – “Gliding down to a lower species from human form of life”

THEME: Further characteristics of Buddhi-yoga

Resolute determination in Buddhi-yoga / Krishna consciousness
Intelligence of those who are irresolute is many branched

Learnings from Purport 2.41

1. Definitions of Faith

Strong faith that Krishna consciousness will elevate one to highest perfection of life – This is called as “Vyavasayatmika Intelligence” – Ref. CC: “Sraddha Sabde…”(study purport).
Faith means ‘unflinching trust in something sublime’.

2. Elaborations on ‘Firm faith’ – It implies that one engaged in Krishna consciousness has:

No obligations in material world.
No longer endeavors for fruitive activities.
Krishna conscious activities on absolute plane – no longer subject to dualities of good/bad.

3. In conclusion firm faith implies:

“Renunciation of material concept of life” – As highest perfection of Krishna consciousness.
How to achieve such renunciation – Automatically by progressive Krishna consciousness.

4. Foundation of “Resolute Determination”

Knowledge of soul – Whole process ultimately depends on – perfect knowledge of soul beyond conception of body, not only theoretically but practically, with no chance of sense gratification manifested in fruitive activities.
Knowledge of Vasudeva as the cause of all causes and as all in all (Ref. Bg. 7.19 – “bahunam janamanam…”).
Analogy: Watering the root satisfies all the parts

5. Best practice of service to Krishna – Service to Guru (Supporting Ref. “yasya prasada…”) because:

He knows the nature of student.
Can guide how to act in Krishna consciousness.
One should act firmly and take instructions as mission in life.

COMMON THEME : Buddhi-yoga vs Karma-kanda

PURPOSE OF COMPARISION: To sharpen Arjuna’s intelligence and avoid his attempt to renounce

1. Karma-kanda mentality is condemned as less intelligent path and is compared to “fools getting attached to the poisonous flowers of a tree” (2.42 – 2.43)

2. Material opulence and sense gratification are the two obstacles to Krishna consciousness (2.44)

3. Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Vedic Karma-kanda rituals (2.45 – 2.46)

4. Sankirtana-yajna or Krishna consciousness fulfills the purpose of the Vedas

Learnings from Purport 2.42 – 2.43

1. Example of such sacrifices – Jyotistoma sacrifices

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Basis of Arjuna’s decision – Arjuna’s decision was based on ‘sense gratification’ as opposed to the ‘concept of yoga’

3. How Krishna addressed this issue based on sāṅkhya (सांख्य) philosophy

4. ‘Krishna’s sāṅkhya in this text’ vs ‘Lord Kapila’s sāṅkhya ’ vs ‘Athestic Kapila’s sāṅkhya ’

5. What was true Lord Kapila’s sāṅkhya which was explained to His mother Devahuti – Following are the basic principles:

6. Krishna being accepted as spiritual master further enlightens Arjuna by telling him about Buddhi-yoga (Niskama-karma-yoga)

COMMON THEME : Characteristics of Buddhi-yoga

There is no loss or diminution in this endeavor
A little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear

Learnings from Purport 2.40

1. “Highest Transcendental Quality of Work” – Activity in Krishna consciousness

For the benefit of Krishna
Without expectation of sense gratification

2. “No loss or diminution on this path” – Buddhi-yoga has a permanent effect

e.g. Ajamila’s life episode (study purport)
Ref. SB 1.5.17 “tyaktva svadharmam…” (study purport)
Christian saying: “What profiteth a man if he gains the whole world, yet suffers the loss of his eternal soul?”

3. Saves one from the greatest danger – “Gliding down to a lower species from human form of life”

Buddhi-yoga provides, at least, surety of human birth and higher elevation in next life
This is the “unique quality of work” in Krishna consciousness

THEME: Further characteristics of Buddhi-yoga

Resolute determination in Buddhi-yoga / Krishna consciousness
Intelligence of those who are irresolute is many branched

Learnings from Purport 2.41

1. Definitions of Faith

Strong faith that Krishna consciousness will elevate one to highest perfection of life – This is called as “Vyavasayatmika Intelligence” – Ref. CC: “Sraddha Sabde…”(study purport).
Faith means ‘unflinching trust in something sublime’.

2. Elaborations on ‘Firm faith’ – It implies that one engaged in Krishna consciousness has:

No obligations in material world.
No longer endeavors for fruitive activities.
Krishna conscious activities on absolute plane – no longer subject to dualities of good/bad.

3. In conclusion firm faith implies:

“Renunciation of material concept of life” – As highest perfection of Krishna consciousness.
How to achieve such renunciation – Automatically by progressive Krishna consciousness.

4. Foundation of “Resolute Determination”

Knowledge of soul – Whole process ultimately depends on – perfect knowledge of soul beyond conception of body, not only theoretically but practically, with no chance of sense gratification manifested in fruitive activities.
Knowledge of Vasudeva as the cause of all causes and as all in all (Ref. Bg. 7.19 – “bahunam janamanam…”).
Analogy: Watering the root satisfies all the parts

5. Best practice of service to Krishna – Service to Guru (Supporting Ref. “yasya prasada…”) because:

He knows the nature of student.
Can guide how to act in Krishna consciousness.
One should act firmly and take instructions as mission in life.

COMMON THEME : Buddhi-yoga vs Karma-kanda

PURPOSE OF COMPARISION: To sharpen Arjuna’s intelligence and avoid his attempt to renounce

1. Karma-kanda mentality is condemned as less intelligent path and is compared to “fools getting attached to the poisonous flowers of a tree” (2.42 – 2.43)

2. Material opulence and sense gratification are the two obstacles to Krishna consciousness (2.44)

3. Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Vedic Karma-kanda rituals (2.45 – 2.46)

4. Sankirtana-yajna or Krishna consciousness fulfills the purpose of the Vedas

Learnings from Purport 2.42 – 2.43

1. Example of such sacrifices – Jyotistoma sacrifices

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%

2. Basis of Arjuna’s decision – Arjuna’s decision was based on ‘sense gratification’ as opposed to the ‘concept of yoga’

3. How Krishna addressed this issue based on sāṅkhya (सांख्य) philosophy

4. ‘Krishna’s sāṅkhya in this text’ vs ‘Lord Kapila’s sāṅkhya ’ vs ‘Athestic Kapila’s sāṅkhya ’

5. What was true Lord Kapila’s sāṅkhya which was explained to His mother Devahuti – Following are the basic principles:

6. Krishna being accepted as spiritual master further enlightens Arjuna by telling him about Buddhi-yoga (Niskama-karma-yoga)

COMMON THEME : Characteristics of Buddhi-yoga

There is no loss or diminution in this endeavor
A little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear

Learnings from Purport 2.40

1. “Highest Transcendental Quality of Work” – Activity in Krishna consciousness

For the benefit of Krishna
Without expectation of sense gratification

2. “No loss or diminution on this path” – Buddhi-yoga has a permanent effect

e.g. Ajamila’s life episode (study purport)
Ref. SB 1.5.17 “tyaktva svadharmam…” (study purport)
Christian saying: “What profiteth a man if he gains the whole world, yet suffers the loss of his eternal soul?”

3. Saves one from the greatest danger – “Gliding down to a lower species from human form of life”

Buddhi-yoga provides, at least, surety of human birth and higher elevation in next life
This is the “unique quality of work” in Krishna consciousness

THEME: Further characteristics of Buddhi-yoga

Resolute determination in Buddhi-yoga / Krishna consciousness
Intelligence of those who are irresolute is many branched

Learnings from Purport 2.41

1. Definitions of Faith

Strong faith that Krishna consciousness will elevate one to highest perfection of life – This is called as “Vyavasayatmika Intelligence” – Ref. CC: “Sraddha Sabde…”(study purport).
Faith means ‘unflinching trust in something sublime’.

2. Elaborations on ‘Firm faith’ – It implies that one engaged in Krishna consciousness has:

No obligations in material world.
No longer endeavors for fruitive activities.
Krishna conscious activities on absolute plane – no longer subject to dualities of good/bad.

3. In conclusion firm faith implies:

“Renunciation of material concept of life” – As highest perfection of Krishna consciousness.
How to achieve such renunciation – Automatically by progressive Krishna consciousness.

4. Foundation of “Resolute Determination”

Knowledge of soul – Whole process ultimately depends on – perfect knowledge of soul beyond conception of body, not only theoretically but practically, with no chance of sense gratification manifested in fruitive activities.
Knowledge of Vasudeva as the cause of all causes and as all in all (Ref. Bg. 7.19 – “bahunam janamanam…”).
Analogy: Watering the root satisfies all the parts

5. Best practice of service to Krishna – Service to Guru (Supporting Ref. “yasya prasada…”) because:

He knows the nature of student.
Can guide how to act in Krishna consciousness.
One should act firmly and take instructions as mission in life.

COMMON THEME : Buddhi-yoga vs Karma-kanda

PURPOSE OF COMPARISION: To sharpen Arjuna’s intelligence and avoid his attempt to renounce

1. Karma-kanda mentality is condemned as less intelligent path and is compared to “fools getting attached to the poisonous flowers of a tree” (2.42 – 2.43)

2. Material opulence and sense gratification are the two obstacles to Krishna consciousness (2.44)

3. Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Vedic Karma-kanda rituals (2.45 – 2.46)

4. Sankirtana-yajna or Krishna consciousness fulfills the purpose of the Vedas

Learnings from Purport 2.42 – 2.43

1. Example of such sacrifices – Jyotistoma sacrifices

2. Example of pleasures available – Nandana-kanana gardens which provide good opportunity for association with angelic beautiful women and profuse supply of soma-rasa wine.

3. Analogy for such attractions – As fools are attached to the flowers of a poisonous tree, unenlightened men are attached to the heavenly opulence and enjoyment.

THEME : Two obstacles for the ‘resolute determination’ of devotional service (also called as Samadhi, which means mind fixed for the understanding of the self)

Sense enjoyment (bhoga)
Material opulence (aishvarya)

Learnings from Purport 2.44

1. Literal meaning of ‘samadhi’ – Fixed mind

2. Definition of ‘samadhi’ according to Nirukti (Vedic dictionary) – When the mind is fixed for understanding the self, it is said to be in samadhi

3. For whom ‘samadhi’ is never possible

For persons interested in material sense enjoyment
And bewildered by temporary mundane things
Their fate – They are more or less condemned by the process of the material energy

REFUTATION Texts 2.45, 2.46 & 3.24 refute Arjuna’s fourth argument “Destruction of family traditions” raised in 1.37 – 1.43

THEME : Rise above Vedic karma-kanda – Here Krishna tells Arjuna to rise above the “materialistic portions of the Vedas”, by knowing their ultimate purpose of serving Krishna

Buddhi-yoga is transcendental to Karma-kandi rituals which deal with the three modes of material nature
Become transcendental to these three modes
Be free from all dualities and all anxieties for gain and safety
Be established in the self

Learnings from Purport 2.45

1. What is material activities all about – All material activities involve action and reactions in the three modes of material nature, and they create more bondage

2. Why to rise above the Vedas – because they are contaminated by the three modes and mainly deal with fruitive actions.

3. Why Vedas deal with the 3 modes – The purpose is “gradual elevation” to a position on the transcendental plane from a field of sense gratification

4. Working of science of Vedas / How Vedas work to elevate a living entity

Teaches how to live in material world and gradually elevate
When Karma-kanda section finished – Spiritual realization is offered as different Upanisads
Upanisads (As part of different Vedas) mark the beginning of human life
Vedanta is the transcendental position which starts with Brahma-jijnasa

5. Provokes Arjuna to rise above Karma-kandi rituals and thus defeats the argument of “Destruction of Family Traditions” of Chapter 1

Tolerate dualities, which continue as long as material body exists
Become free of anxiety of loss and gain
Be established in the ‘self’
This transcendental position is achieved in full Krishna consciousness, because one is fully dependent on the goodwill of Krishna

THEME : “Sankirtana Yajna” fulfils all the purposes of the Vedas

Analogy: Small well and big reservoir of water – All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water.

Learnings from Purport 2.46

1. “Highest Perfectional Stage of Vedic Knowledge” is “Revival of Krishna Consciousness” – How?

Purpose of Rituals and sacrifices of Vedas – Gradual development of self-realisation
Purpose of self-realisation – To know Krishna and our relationship with Him (Ref Bg. 15.15)
Our relationship with Krishna – Eternal part and parcels (Ref Bg. 15.7)
Conclusion: Revival of this relationship is the highest perfection

2. Supporting Verse for above point: Ref SB 3.33.7: “aho bata sva-paco…”

One born in dog-eater family – But if chants Holy Name he is considered:
o On the highest platform of Self-realisation
o The Best of Aryans
o To have done all penances, sacrifice, Vedic studies, holy baths many, many times

3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Best way to revive Krishna Consciousness: Chanting Lord’s Holy Names

Kali-yuga defects
o Not qualified – Most population is foolish and not educated to understand Vedanta
o Difficult to process – Vedic Studies and rules and regulations are difficult
o Lack of resources – Lack of time and energy, resources and knowledge to execute the purpose of the Vedas
Best process – Chanting of Holy Names is the best way to serve the purpose of the Vedas (Study purport – Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu & Prakashananda Saraswati)

4. Conclusion

Best way to fulfill the purpose of Vedanta philosophy – Inoffensive chanting of the holy names.
Who is the highest Vedantist – one who takes pleasure in chanting Holy Names.
Ultimate purpose of all Vedic Mysticism – to take pleasure in chanting Holy Names.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.46 & 2.47: After explaining different levels of action and motivation until Text 2.46. Now Krishna talks about specific level of action for Arjuna in Texts 2.47 – 2.49.

COMMON THEME : Specific level of activity for Arjuna as per his Varnasrama status

Krishna recommends Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)
⇒ Any attachment, positive or negative is a cause of bondage
Krishna tells Arjuna to act in ‘yoga’ and thus defines ‘yoga’ (2.48)
Criticizes fruitive work as abominable and glorifies devotional service by comparison (2.49)
⇒ Calls fruitive workers misers (krpana)
⇒ Calls buddhi-yoga as Supreme
⇒ This verse becomes the basis for Arjuna’s inquiry in Text 3.1

THEME: Krishna recommends ‘Niskama-karma-yoga as non-reactive path’ – Prescribed action without attachment does not bear any reaction (2.47)

Perform prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit. Why?
⇒ Because attachment to result implies: “you are also the cause”
⇒ If you become the cause – you are also entitled to enjoy or suffer the result
Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities
Nor be attached to not doing your duty

Learnings from Purport 2.47

1. Three Kinds of work are defined

Prescribed (कर्म ) – Those enjoined in scriptures according to one’s acquired modes
Capricious (विकर्म ) – Actions without sanction of authorities
Inaction (अकर्म ) – Not performing one’s prescribed duty

2. Three Kinds of prescribed duties

Routine –
o Action in the mode of goodness –If performed as an obligation to the scriptures without attachment for the results
o Inauspicious work – Work with attachment to results becomes the cause of bondage
Emergency
Desired

3. Conclusion – Only auspicious path is “disinterested/obligatory” duties which leads one to the path of liberation. On the other hand:

Any attachment positive or negative is the cause of bondage
Inaction or capricious work – both are sinful

THEME : : Definition of “Real Yoga”

As per translation – To perform duty equiposed without attachment to success or failure
As given in purport – To concentrate mind on Supreme by controlling ever disturbed senses

Learnings from Purport 2.48

1. Krishna Consciousness is “Real Yoga” because it involves:

Following of Krishna’s dictations which is “Real Yoga”
Giving up one’s own sense of proprietorship
Right way to act in Krishna consciousness – Working as ‘servant of the servant’ of Krishna
Gain and victory are Krishna’s concern

2. Fighting in ‘Krishna consciousness’ as recommended yoga practice for Arjuna

Ref. Vishnu Purana – Aim of Varnashrama is to satisfy Vishnu or Krishna
For Arjuna fighting as a religious duty under Krishna’s dictation is the correct observance of Varnashrama – thus it is “Real Yoga”
Conclusion – One can achieve this platform of yoga and detachment by following the Lord’s dictations in devotional service

Learnings from Purport 2.49

1. Definition of Miser

They do not know how to engage their assets acquired by good fortune / hard labour
E.g. Human energy should be used for Krishna consciousness; But misers want to enjoy fruitive work

2. What does “Abominable Activities” refer to

Fruitive acts
All acts which bind to birth and death
All actions except Krishna consciousness because they continuously bind us to the cycle of birth and death

3. What is the “Right course of action” for living entities – Buddhi-yoga or transcendental loving service to the Lord.

COMMON THEME: 5 Benefits of acting in Buddhi-yoga

1. Freedom from good and bad reactions (2.50)

2. Freedom from cycle of birth and death (2.51)

3. Indifferent to Vedic rituals (2.52)

4. Realisation of relationship with Krishna as eternal servitor (Samadhi) (2.53)

5. Goes back to Godhead (2.72)

THEME : Buddhi-yoga is an art of all work and rids one from all good and bad reactions.

Learnings from Purport 2.50

1. Krishna consciousness is the “purifying process of resultant action”

2. Arjuna is told that to avoid reaction, he need not renounce work but work in right consciousness

Since time immemorial the living entity has accumulated the various reactions of good and bad work
Thus he is continuously ignorant of his real constitutional position
How to remove ignorance – By instructions of Bhagavad-gita, which teaches one to
o Surrender unto Lord Krishna in all respects
o Become liberated from the chain of action and reaction, and thus bondage of birth and death.

THEME : Buddhi-yoga provides freedom from cycle of birth and death

This provides a state beyond all miseries by going back to Godhead

Learnings from Purport 2.51

1. Param-Padam (Vaikuntha-loka) refers to a state of no miseries – It is the place of liberated living entities.

Ref: SB 10.14.58 – Analogy: Shelter of the boat of lotus feet of the Lord makes the ocean of the material world as small as a calf’s hoof print

2. Ignorance of ‘conditioned soul’ vs Position of ‘Great Souls’ – Conditioned souls do not know that:

Material world – Danger at every step
All material bodies anywhere in the universe are full of miseries
No adjustment possible by fruitive acts

3. How do great sages get free – By devotional service

4. Secret of Success and qualification to enter Vaikuntha planets

Know the constitutional position of living entity as eternal servitor of Supreme Personality of Godhead
To know the constitutional position also means to know the sublime position of the Lord
Fate of thinking of ‘Oneness with the Lord’ – repeated birth and death
o One who wrongly thinks that the living entity and Lord are on the same level is understood to be in darkness and cannot engage in devotional service to the Lord.

5. Definition of Karma-yoga/Buddhi-yoga/Devotional service – Service for the cause of the Lord.

THEME : Persons in full Krishna consciousness transcends the limit of Shabda–Brahman (Range of Vedas and Upanisads)

To engage in dutiful detached activities as explained in Texts 2.50 – 2.51, one must become disinterested in all hopes for sense gratification which are typically promoted in Vedic karma-kanda sections.
This verse implies that Arjuna should rise above the calculation of happiness and misery and fight with buddhi (fixed intelligence).

Learnings from Purport 2.52

1. Example of indifference to Vedic rituals on strength of devotional service – Sripad Madhevendra Puri (study purport)

2. Neophyte must follow the ritual, but one must know the goal – Otherwise it is a waste of time.
This implies:

Vedic rites and rituals imperative for neophytes: All kinds of prayers three times a day, taking a bath early in the morning, offering respects to forefathers etc..
But one who is fully Krishna conscious becomes indifferent to all these regulative principles because he has already attained perfection.

3. Analogy: Karma-kanda section is compared to the dense dark forest of illusion

4. Who becomes indifferent to karma-kanda, even though he is an experienced brahmana – one who understands Krishna and his relationship with Krishna.

THEME : Finally being fixed in Krishna consciousness / buddhi-yoga, one achieves ‘Samadhi’

Samadhi / Divine consciousness means

Realisation of one’s relationship with Krishna
He is no longer disturbed by flowery words of the Vedas (Divine consciousness)

Learnings from Purport 2.53

2. How does a Krishna Consciousness person get instructions, if he neglects Vedic flowery language?

He comes directly in communion with Krishna by this process
Only one has to simply carry out the orders of the spiritual master and Krishna
Thus one is sure to achieve the results and attain conclusive knowledge

SUMMARISED THEME 2E

CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS OF BUDDHI-YOGA (2.39 – 2.72)

Progress Chapter 1 50%