Class summary for Oct 28, 2025 - BG Chapter-6, Slokas: 43- 47
Summarized by: Neelima Turaga
Recap of the last class
Ch 6 Slokas, Verses 43-45
On taking such a birth, O descendant of Kurus, they reawaken the wisdom of their previous lives, and strive even harder toward perfection in Yog. /43/
Indeed, they feel drawn toward God, even against their will, on the strength of their past discipline. Such seekers naturally rise above the ritualistic principles of the scriptures. /44/
With the accumulated merits of many past births, when these yogis engage in sincere endeavors to make further progress, they become purified from material desires and attain perfection in this life itself. /45/
Even against their will, it becomes like auto-pilot. When you’re in doubt, any little bump will stop you from progressing. But once you get some critical momentum, it will become self-sustaining.
Verses 46-47
A yogi is superior to the tapasvi (ascetic), superior to the jnani (a person of learning), and even superior to the karma (ritualistic performer). There, O Arjun, strive to be a yogi. /46/
Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in me, and who engage in devotion to me with great faith, them I consider to be the highest of all. /47/
Krishna says that he loves those who constantly think of him but are still doing their dharma.
Substitute the ones that bring you down and practice those that raise you up. Eventually, we need to sublimate.
Theme:
- One can be Yukta-tama - most united with the Brahman, with continuous effort with ultimate faith, while transacting in this world
Subjective Analysis:
Story: A king tried very hard to have a heir to the throne. Someone suggested why not adopt somebody. He creates an amusement park and he says that whoever can identify him will be named king. On the final day, a young guy comes after enjoying the amusement park, while still constantly looking for the king. He finally recognizes the king doing the Aarti at the temple. He explained to the king, that as everyone else was leaving the amusement park, the only person who would still be doing the pooja would have to be the king.
- Arjuna asks the question, ‘what if i start on the path but don’t reach Moksha?’ Krishna says that even if you don’t complete the path of Yoga, that will continue into the next life and you will be born into a family & circumstance that is a conducive environment to continue your spiritual journey.
- We discussed some stories about perseverance and how our minds can be our enemy. Also, talked about healthy detachment versus unhealthy attachment. All three stories, discussed last week, have profound meanings.
- Positive way to take is that the work we put in this life is cumulative
- Accumulation of past spiritual progress jumps ahead of the mountain Prarabdha Karma. Our past lives have propelled us on this path in this life.
Ch 6 Slokas, Verses 43-45
On taking such a birth, O descendant of Kurus, they reawaken the wisdom of their previous lives, and strive even harder toward perfection in Yog. /43/
Indeed, they feel drawn toward God, even against their will, on the strength of their past discipline. Such seekers naturally rise above the ritualistic principles of the scriptures. /44/
With the accumulated merits of many past births, when these yogis engage in sincere endeavors to make further progress, they become purified from material desires and attain perfection in this life itself. /45/
Even against their will, it becomes like auto-pilot. When you’re in doubt, any little bump will stop you from progressing. But once you get some critical momentum, it will become self-sustaining.
Verses 46-47
A yogi is superior to the tapasvi (ascetic), superior to the jnani (a person of learning), and even superior to the karma (ritualistic performer). There, O Arjun, strive to be a yogi. /46/
Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in me, and who engage in devotion to me with great faith, them I consider to be the highest of all. /47/
Krishna says that he loves those who constantly think of him but are still doing their dharma.
Substitute the ones that bring you down and practice those that raise you up. Eventually, we need to sublimate.
Theme:
- We being descendants of such a great clan (Bharat), can leverage our past wisdom, and move ahead more aggressively
- Vasanas determine our environment - it is key for us to drop the negative ones and cultivate positive ones
- We need to go beyond RITUALS, since the real union is beyond that
- Continuous effort and practice through many births enable perfection, and will let us obtain the ultimate goal
- These come to us as Samskaras - Poorvabhyasa (previous abhyasa or practice)
- Yogi - one who is constantly seeking the union with the Brahman
- Such a person is superior to one:
- who engages only in prayer, worship, rituals, etc. OR
- who is a Gnani or Knowledge Seeker OR
- who is a Karmi - dwelling only in Karma Yoga
- One can be Yukta-tama - most united with the Brahman, with continuous effort with ultimate faith, while transacting in this world
Subjective Analysis:
- Do not forget your ultimate purpose! Moksha
Story: A king tried very hard to have a heir to the throne. Someone suggested why not adopt somebody. He creates an amusement park and he says that whoever can identify him will be named king. On the final day, a young guy comes after enjoying the amusement park, while still constantly looking for the king. He finally recognizes the king doing the Aarti at the temple. He explained to the king, that as everyone else was leaving the amusement park, the only person who would still be doing the pooja would have to be the king.
Moral of the story is to be patient and seek the ultimate goal, while still enjoying this world
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