Class Summary for June 6, 2023 - Gita Dhyana Slokas + Chapter-1 (1-6 slokas)

  Summarized by: Bala Dhandapani


Class started with the chant of an opening prayers, Om and meditation.

The 2 videos shared to the class on June 1, 2023 regarding chapter 1 of Bhagavad Gita was discussed. 

Dhyana Shloka 8 and 9 was chanted and summarized

Shloka 8:  Salutations to Madhava (Krishna) with whose grace nothing is impossible for a devotee.  Even a mute can discover speech and a cripple can easily climb over mountains.

Shloka 9:  Invocation to the Supreme, surrender to the Infinity through meditation and salutations to the Brahman. 


Theme and Overview of Shlokas of Chapter 1 was discussed

  • Introduction 1-2
  • Duryodhana’s Speech 3-11
  • Armies Blow Conches 12-19
  • Arjuna Ready for battle 20-25
  • Arjuna Succumbs to Emotion 26-30
  • Arjuna reasons (wrongs) not to fight the war
  • Arjuna Collapses 31-37

 

Chapter-1: Shloka 1:

Summary – Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya, after gathering in the holy field of Kurukshethra (the field of dharma) what did the warriors (both mine and Pandavas/sons of Pandu) do.


Theme – Confusion of the blind mind.  King Dhritarashtra was secretly hoping that the war has been averted.  This stanza shows the conflicted and confused personality of Dhritarashtra who is clearly showing favoritism towards his sons. 


Subjective Analysis:  Dhritarashtra symbolizes mind blindly attached to the body.  Sanjaya is considered to be Introspection.  Kurukshethra depicts a body that is a field of actions.  Dharmakshethra is like a body guarded by intellect.  The scene represents fight between negative and positive tendencies. 

Reference was made to Ghandari’s role in Mahabharata – Intellect that was forcefully blind folded. 


TIP –  Introspect daily, through constant practice impressions are being adjusted sub consciously; over a period of time changes will happen.  Also, practicing introspection continuously, help to remove internal conflict.


Chapter-1: Shloka 2

Summary – On seeing/observing the Pandava army standing in military formation, King Duryodhana approached his teacher Dhrona and said these words.


Theme- the stanza depicts that Duryodhana although that he considers himself as a powerful king runs to his teacher Dhronacharya since he is frightened (afraid of the war).  This is like a frightened child running to the parent.  This also shows that Duryodhana’s character -nervous, who knows that he is on the wrong side.  Sanjaya also expresses the intent of Pandavas to fight since they already made formation in the battlefield. 


Subjective Analysis – Dhrona is considered as Habits or Vasanas.  Duryodhana is considered as the “Strong Materialistic Desire”  - difficult to be defeated/conquered.  This desire has high dependency on Vasanas. 


Tip – Identify your Vasanas/habits during daily Introspection.

 

Chapter-1: Shloka 3

Summary – Duryodhana is talking the talk, but can he walk the walk !!

Duryodhana said, respected teacher, look at the vast army of Pandu’s sons organized by your own wise disciple Dhristadyumna (son of Drupada).

 

Theme -  Shows the conflicted /dual personality of Duryodhana and unstable state of mind.  He is stating the obvious here regarding the state and might of the opposite army.  There is also the instinctive sting towards his teacher that he has taught undeserving student like Dhristadyumna.


Subjective Analysis -  Drupada is considered as Dispassion and Dhristadyumna is considered as Intution. 


TIP -  Seek Intution

Intution is the GPS of the soul, is yours turned ON ?

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