Class Summary for Nov 21, 2023 - Chapter-2 Slokas 41 - 46

 Summarized by:  Sudha Radhakrishnan:

After a brief recap of the previous class, we continued with the subjective theme of Shlokas 38-40 from Chapter 2.


Karma Yoga helps us purify our mind.

Bhakthi Yoga is the underlying fabric that helps us focus our mind.

Gnana Yoga helps us with the final realization.


Vyavasaarika buddhi was explained by drawing a comparison to a farmer’s life.  A farmer toils the land, sows the crop, and then leaves it to the external forces to do their actions! Similiarly we should perform our actions with the right attitude and leave it to the Lord.   

The key takeaway should be for each one of us to perform all the yogas in Kali Yuga for self realization.     

Shlokas 41-43 were chanted and the underlying themes were discussed:

When one is able to do actions with the right attitude, our mind does not waver and works with a single pointed focus.  In such instances, achievement is imminent! However when a mind is disturbed by ego and is attached to the results, we experience several conflicting thoughts that doesn't let us succeed! 

Blind followers of certain portions of our scriptures perform only ritualistic actions to seek materialistic benefits. They fail to understand that it gives only temporary happiness.  Such people are like the blind leading the blind.  Ultimately such a guidance leads only to failures.  

Vasanas are nothing but sub conscious desires! 

Kamya Karma Vs. Nishkama Karma: While Kamya Karma refers to doing something to get materialistic benefits, Nishkama karma simply refers to doing something with a single pointed focus without attaching ourselves to the results and not seeking any benefits!

Gurudev in his video explained that a genius is simply not born but actually made by a relentless pursuit of one’s own goals.  So, he reiterates to train our minds to focus on the higher goal!

Shlokas 44-46 were chanted and the underlying themes were discussed:

Going after materialistic benefits, one loses their path to attain their higher goals and gets entangled in a vicious web! This web could be Rajasic, Tamasic or Satvik! 

This was explained by a few examples:

Going to the science fair for gaining knowledge through the displays but instead focused on collecting the giveaways!

Participating in a maraton to get the goodies along the way instead of working towards finishing the run.


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