Class summary for Mar 24, 2026 - BG Chapter 7 Conclusion and Q&A with Br. Akalka-ji

Summarized by Rajesh:

What is Gnyana and Vignayana?

Gnyana - how we perceive/see things?  I see a pot

Vignyana - what is the essence of the thing that i see?  I see clay



Apara Prakriti & Para Prakriti

  • lower nature = gross manifestation, material, Maya
  • upper nature = consciousness
  • when we only see the gross manifestation (lower nature) and not the upper nature, that is why we suffer


Effect is limited but Cause is limitless.

Cause cannot be limited by Effect - the pot does not limit the clay and the various forms it can take.


Pearls on a string example - the thread can exist without the pearls but the pearls depend on the thread for support.


Sun and earth.  Between Sun and Earth, it is dark.  The only time we see the sunlight is when it is reflected off something - like objects on earth or the moon.

In the same way, thoughts are illumined by Consciousness.


I am the strength in the strong.  We can find strength without kama & raaga.


Gunas - obscures the Self but the Gunas cannot exist without the Self.  Maya = Satvas, Rajas & Tamas.


Four types of devotees - those who approach God in different ways, depending on the Gunas.


Those who do these evil things, they have been carried away by Maya.  Our anger & hatred toward them traps us in the Maya as well.



Questions

—————————————


Difference between knowing God and realizing God?  Theoretical knowledge versus practical knowledge?

Knowing that a mango has fragrance, it is yellow, the shape of it.  But knowing the facts is different from experiencing by actually tasting the mango.


How do we see God, even in adharmic people?

Dhristi - our sight

Vyavahara - our interaction

Example of how we interact with petting zoo animals versus how we interact with tigers.

Example of Arjuna who saw Duryodhana and was ready to fight.  Then he sees his teachers (Dronacharya & others) and feels sorrow, and doesn’t want to fight.  Krishna tells Arjuna that neither perspective is correct.

Higher vision of dharma - what is the right action to take.


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