BHagavad Geeta Part 1
BHagavad Geeta Part 1
BHagavad Geeta Part 1
Preface
When I first read the Bhagavad-gita, it appeared to me that all the purports are just a
repe on of the same facts again and again and the transla ons would not appeal to me at
all. In fact, for several years I could never go beyond the second chapter; as is the realiza on
shared by many devotees.
It appears that it takes a certain level of purifica on in the associa on of devotees before
one can start understanding the Holy scriptures and develop a taste for studying Them. It
developing some understanding of Bhagavad-gita. I would like to offer my deepest hear elt
gra tude to His Grace Bhurijana Prabhu for presen ng such wonderful and lucid
explana ons .
A er repeated reading of the Bhagavad-gita I no ced how Srila Prabhupada brought out a
instruc ons. At this me I began extrac ng points from the purports which throw light on
the individual points of the transla on. I soon discovered that the purports were not certain
vague presenta ons or repe ons of the same facts but rather each purport perfectly links
and expands on all the points of the respec ve transla on.
With this discovery I started studying Bhagavad-gita with a deeper interest and the notes
are presented herewith. They were originally made for my personal use while teaching
Bhak Sastri courses at Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir. At the request of many devotees we
decided to compile these notes in its current format. These notes have been developed
based on my understanding and study of the Bhak vedanta purports, in conjunc on with
a Prabhu, the VTE notes and the North American VIHE
notes.
ii
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my hear ul gra tude to the following devotees who have assisted in
the complia on of these notes.
First and foremost I would like to offer my gra tude to Suman Sankar who readily agreed to
help me in compiling these notes. He offered his valuable me and energy, sacrificing his
personal interests and using the best of his technical skills to type and edit all of my hand
wri en notes. He endured hours of effort in making repeated changes while encouraging
me at every step.
Also I would like to offer gra tude to Laxminarayan, Avataar Lila dasa, Vasudeva Krishna
dasa, and Mohan Vilas dasa who helped in various ways in typing and prin ng the material.
A special thanks to the Brahmachari trainees 2008/9 who enthusas cally sat through all my
presenta ons on Bhagavad-gita and encouraged me by ac ve par cipa on and valuable
feedbacks on how to improve my presenta on.
2. Chapter Breakdown
Each chapter is
helps to understand the major themes covered in each chapter and to get an overview
of the chapter at a glance.
iii
4. Verses
4.1 Themes
Each verse has a theme which presents the essen al subject ma er of the transla on. It
may also include a breakdown of the transla on into important points.
6. Summarized Themes
Special summaries have been provided to help in assimila ng the major themes of the
chapter. These major themes convey important subjects for discussion. They are
presented in the form of tables, diagrams or do ed boxes
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10. About chapter wise appendices
Every chapter is provided with an appendix at the end which provides additional
information on the verses marked with an asterisk(*). In order to preserve the basic
flow of verses and to make the notes easy to understand we have not included
certain sections of Surrender Unto Me in the main part of the chapter notes.
These sections contain the realizations of H.G.Bhurijana Prabhu and his references
to the commentaries of Srila Vishwanath Chakravarty Thakur and Srila Baladeva
Vidyabhushan, so as to give a deeper understanding of the subject and also help the
preachers who intend to use this book.
v
Bhagavad-gita Notes 1
Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1
OBSERVING THE ARMIES ON THE BATTLEFIELD OF KURUKSHETRA
COMMON THEME: The very beginning of Bhagavad-gita, the first chapter, is more or less an introduction to
the rest of the book.
BREAKDOWN OF CHAPTER 1
Page 1 of 14
Bhagavad-gita Notes 2
Chapter 1
Text 1.1
THEME: Dhrtarashtra inquires from Sanjaya
my sons and the sons of Pandu assembled in the place of pilgrimage (Dharma-ksetra) at
Kuruksetra, desiring to fig
(a) Bhagavad-gita is the perfect theis c science because the Supreme Personality of Godhead
personally spoke it
(b) How to study Bhagavad-gita (Srila Prabhupada quotes this based on Gita-mahatmaya):
Scrutinizingly
With the help of devotees of Sri Krishna
Without personally motivated interpretations
In the line of disciplic succession
(c) Example of clear understanding of Bhagavad-gita It is given in the Gita itself, in the way the
teaching is understood by Arjuna, who heard the Gita directly from the Lord
(d) Benefits of such study one surpasses all studies of Vedic wisdom and all scriptures of the world
(e) Specific standard of Bhagavad-gita It contains all that is contained in other scriptures, but also
that which is not to be found elsewhere
(f) Dhrtarashtra inquiry reveals
1. Par al to his own sons Dhrtarashtra refers to which shows his
specific position in relation to his nephews, the Pandavas
2. Dharma- Kuru- Their importance is as
follows:
Kuru-kshetra is a sacred place of pilgrimage from immemorial time of the Vedic age
Kuru-kshetra is a holy place and a place of worship even for heavenly denizens
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is personally present on the Pandavas side
Pandavas are virtuous therefore the holy place may influence them
Dhrtarashtra is fearful about the holy influences on the fate of the battle because:
o It may influence his own sons to compromise, or
o He hoped that under the holy influence, the Pandavas may renounce their
claim, to avoid bloodshed
Analogy: Paddy field (Kshetra) unnecessary weeds taken out, similarly in religious
Kuru-kshetra
plants like Dhrtarashtra and his son Duryodhana and others would be wiped out
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 3
Chapter 1
PLEASE NOTE: Some points of these purports are covered under the main theme above
(a)
Because Dhrtarashtra was blind from birth and also bereft of spiritual vision and he knew
that his sons were equally blind in the matter of religion
And Dhrtarashtra was afraid that under the influence of the place of pilgrimage, his sons
may make some compromise
(b) Study names of warriors on both sides (1.4 1.9)
(c) Duryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general)
(1.10*)
Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was
therefore always envious of Bhima
Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma
(d) What made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7 1.11)
Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7 1.9)
Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima He clearly felt that victory of Kurus
dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 4
Chapter 1
COMMON THEME: Sanjaya tac ully informed Dhrtarashtra about his hopeless plans to win by giving the
following indications and signs:
Text 1.12*
THEME: Bhis conchshell blown
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 5
Chapter 1
PLEASE NOTE: Text 1.13 has no purport. Text 1.14 purport is covered under the main theme Signs of Victory of
above. Purports for Texts 1.15 to 1.18 are presented in the
(a) Message announced by conchshells Blowing of conchshells announced the message that
Kauravas were predestined to lose the battle
(b) Importance of names
Hrsikesha
o Owner of all senses / senses of living entities are part and parcels of His senses
Impersonalists cannot account for the senses of the living entities and they are
always anxious to describe the living entities as sense-less or impersonal
o Lord as Paramatma directs the senses according to the surrender of the living entity
o Directly controls transcendental senses of a pure devotee like Arjuna
Govinda Pleasure-giver to cows and senses
Dhananjaya Arjuna helped elder brother to fetch wealth for different sacrifices
Vrkodara Eat as voraciously as he could do herculean tasks (Bhima)
Few other names explained Madhusudana / Vasudeva / Devaki-nandana / Yasoda-
nandana / Partha-sarthy (Read 1.15 purport)
(a) Sanjaya very tac ully informed King Dhrtarashtra of the following points through all the above
men oned verses:
His unwise policy of deceiving the sons of Pandu and endeavoring to enthrone his own sons
was not very laudable
All the signs indicate that the whole Kuru dynasty would be killed
From the grandsire Bhisma to the grandson Abhimanyu, and all the kings of all states were
doomed
And Dhrtarashtra was the cause of the whole catastrophe because he encouraged the policy
followed by his sons
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 6
Chapter 1
Text 1.19
THEME: Sha ering of the hearts Conchshells of Pandavas shattered the heart of the sons of Dhrtarashtara
Text 1.20*
THEME: Arjuna prepared to shoot arrows and after looking at the sons of Dhrtarashtara, spoke to Krishna
The purport of this verse describes all the auspicious conditions that were arranged by the Lord for His
eternal devotee, which gives complete assurance of victory
PLEASE NOTE: Points of this purport (1.20) are covered above under Subsec on B - M
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 7
Chapter 1
Text 1.24
THEME: Krishna draws the chariot Krishna (Hrsikesa) draws the chariot on request of Arjuna (Gudakesh) in
the midst of the armies of both parties
Text 1.25*
THEME: Lord places the chariot in front of Bhisma, Drona etc.
want to stop a
Krishna does not expect such cowardly action from the son of his aunt
Mood of friendly joking expressed here.
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 8
Chapter 1
o It -interest
o The result of such vision is fear, loss of composure, indecision, and confusion of moral codes
TS
S.No. Verse(s) Lord in verse(s)
1. Compassion 1.28 1.30 2.11 2.30
2. Loss of enjoyment 1.31 1.35 2.31 2.32
3. Fear of sinful reactions 1.36 1.38 2.33 2.37
4. Destruction of family traditions 1.37 1.43 2.45 2.46 & 3.24
5. Indecision 2.6
REFUTATION:
Lord Krishna refutes this argument in Texts 2.11 2.30
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 9
Chapter 1
REFUTATION:
Lord Krishna refutes this argument in Texts 2.31 2.32
Text 1.31
THEME: Arjuna in a blind concep on of life cannot see the right way to achieve even the material
happiness. He argues that fighting will not offer him any enjoyment, even by victory
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 10
Chapter 1
o He is reluctant to kill his enemies, what to speak of his relatives He thinks that by
killing them there would be no happiness in his lives
Analogy: Just like a person who does not feel hunger is not inclined to cook
o He considers himself fit to go to the forest to live a secluded life of frustration
He wants to escape because his sole opportunity in gaining a kingdom lies in
fighting with his cousins and brothers which he does not like to do
(a)
Krishna is the object of all pleasures for the cows and the senses
What Arjuna indicates by addressing Krishna
o
o Material understanding of God Materially everyone wants to satisfy his senses and
wants God to be his order supplier for such satisfaction
What is the right concep on of
o Lord will satisfy the senses of the living entities as much as they deserve, but not to
the extent they may covet
o Govinda is not meant for satisfying our senses
o Right conception When one tries to satisfy the senses o
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 11
Chapter 1
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 12
Chapter 1
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 13
Chapter 1
(a) Varnashrama Ins tu on (1.39 purport) Principles of religious traditions to help members of
family grow and attain spiritual values
(b) Role of elders (1.39 purport)
Responsible for maintaining purificatory samskaras (birth to death)
Helping younger generation on the path of salvation
(c) Importance of good popula on (1.40 purport) It is the basic principle for peace, prosperity and
spiritual progress in life
(d) What good popula on depends on (1.40 purport) Chastity and faithfulness of womanhood
(e) Philosophy of Pinda-Dan (1.41 purport)
Based on rules and regulations of fruitive acts
What it is To offer periodical food and water to forefathers
Right process worship of Vishnu done / remnants offered to forefathers
Principle: To release them from many sinful reactions / ghostly existence etc.
Who is not obliged for this One in devotional life
Why devotees are not obliged Because devotional service relieves hundreds and
thousands of forefathers from all misery
(f) Community projects and family welfare acts Importance (1.42 purport)
They are set forth by Varnashrama / Sanatana-dharma
Sets duties for four orders of society
Purpose To help attain ultimate salvation
Result of breaking
o Chaos in society
o People forget ultimate aim of life Vishnu
(g) Ways of receiving real knowledge (1.43 purport) Disciplic succession
Arjuna based his arguments not on personal experience, but on what he has heard from
authorities
(h) Principle of (1.43 purport) A system in the varnashrama system by which before
death one has to undergo the process of atonement for his sinful activities
Without doing so, one surely will be transferred to the hellish planets to undergo miserable
lives
INDECISION
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 14
Chapter 1
SUMMARISED THEME 1A
1.46)
Conclusion: Such a kind and so hearted person is fit to receive self-knowledge (1.46 purport)
END OF CHAPTER 1
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 1
Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
CONTENTS OF GITA SUMMARIZED
BREAKDOWN OF CHAPTER 2
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 2
Chapter 2
Text 2.1*
THEME: Sanjaya describes that Krishna sees Arjuna lamenting like an ignorant man and responds
(a) Signs of ignorance of real self Material compassion, lamentation and tears
(b) Defini on of To lament for outward dress (gross body) or one who laments
unnecessarily
Analogy: ress of a drowning man
Similarly, a man fallen into the ocean of nescience cannot be saved simply by rescuing his
gross body
(c) vs Self-realisa on Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realisation
(d) Krishna as
Killer of Madhu demon
Arjuna requested Krishna to kill the demon of misunderstanding that had overtaken him in
the discharge of his duty
(e) Why Bhagavad-gita was spoken To dissipate the lamentation of the ignorant man
(f) Role of Chapter 2 in self-realiza on
Teaches Jnana Analytical study of material body and spirit soul by Supreme authority, Lord
Sri Krishna
Teaches Buddhi-yoga (path of activity) which involves:
o To work without attachment to fruitive results
o Fixed in the conception of the real self
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 3
Chapter 2
(a) Importance of Krishna being referred to as Bhagavan (Ul mate feature of the Absolute Truth)
Three phases of Absolute Truth Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan (Ref. SB 1.2.11)
Bhaktas are the topmost transcendentalists because they have realized the Bhagavan
feature, the topmost feature of the Absolute Truth (Analogy of the Sun study purport)
(b) Defini on of Bhagavan by Parasara Muni All six opulences in full (Only Krishna can claim to
have all six in full)
(c) Suppor ng
Ref. Brahma Samhita Krishna as the source of all, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
Ref. Krishna as the source of all incarnations
(d) Defini on of Aryan Civilized class of men
One who knows the value of life
Have a civilization based on spiritual realisation
(e) Non-Aryans
Do not know:
o The aim of life is Vishnu
o What is liberation from material bondage
Their conception of life is:
o Led by the material conception of life
o Captivated by the external features of the material world
Example of Non-aryan act Arjuna, although being a ksatriya, is deviating from prescribed
duties by declining to fight
(f) Result of Non-Aryan act
Infamy
No progress to Higher planets
No spiritual progress
(g) Kasmalam (Impurities)
Krishna expresses surprise (Word because
o Supreme Personality of Godhead was personally present and thus such lamenation is
unexpected
o Arjuna born in Aryan family (a civilised class of men) Therefore he is not supposed
to lament in ignorance
(h) Klaibyam (Impotent) He is called so because:
As Son of Ksatriya (son of Prtha) , he is not expected to avoid fighting, otherwise he is acting
as an unworthy son
Arjuna was the most intimate friend of Krishna and Krishna was directly guiding him on the
chariot Thus he is not expected to withdraw from the battlefield
(i) Hrdoya Daurbalyam (Weakness of heart) Refers to false magnanimity shown to Bhisma and
Drona, which Arjuna uses as a justification point to avoid the battle
(j) Importance of Arjuna being called
This indicates son of ksatriya parents; Prtha is the name of his mother
also indicates that he has a blood relation with Krishna
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 4
Chapter 2
Text 2.4*
THEME: Arjuna counter-argues with Krishna and tries to prove his strong heartedness by the following
arguments (Krishna had accused Arjuna of weak heartedness in Text 2.3)
Text 2.5*
THEME: Arjuna prefers begging rather than to live at the cost of great souls
Text 2.6
INDECISION
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 5
Chapter 2
Text 2.7
THEME: Arjuna expresses need to surrender
Confused about duty
Lost all composure because of miserly weakness
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 6
Chapter 2
(a) The purport (essence) of the verse -fide spiritual master (one in bona-fide
parampara) to come out of material perplexities and for proper guidance to execute the purpose
Text 2.8
THEME: Reconfirms complete dependence and faith
No other means to drive away grief
Any sastra or person cannot help
Even victory or opulence cannot dispel
Arjuna proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods cannot
help him
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 7
Chapter 2
(a) Academic knowledge, scholarship & posi on are useless in solving material perplexities or
problems of life
principles and moral codes failed to help him)
(b) Only Krishna or His representa ve as spiritual master can help
(c) Who is a bona-fide spiritual master? Definition and 2 references:
Definition:
o One who is one-hundred percent Krishna conscious
o One who can solve all problems of life
Supporting References:
o Ref. CC One who is the master of the science of Krishna is a real
spiritual master and not one decided by birth or social order
o Ref. Padma Purana Only a Vaishnava can become a bona-fide spiritual master
(d) Temporary nature of economic development and worldly supremacy Economic development
cannot solve the problems of material existence
Many opulent countries fail to get peace and cannot solve real problems of birth and death
This is s
o Who proclaims that even an unrivalled kingdom on earth or supremacy like demigods
cannot help him
o Also economical development and worldly supremacy can be finished at any time. E.g.
Many politicians fall down (Ref. Bg. 9.21
(e) Only way to real happiness Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam (Consult Krishna through His
representative)
Text 2.9
THEME: Arjuna refuses to fight Sanjaya reports that Arjuna honestly expresses his mind to his spiritual
master (Krishna)
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 8
Chapter 2
Text 2.10*
THEME: Krishna starts speaking Sanjaya reports that Krishna smiling in the midst of both armies began to
speak
Text 2.11
THEME: Krishna chas ses Arjuna The truly wise do not mistake the body to be the self
Those who are truly wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.11 & 2.12: Text 2.11 serves as a prelude to Text 2.12, which will further establish
spiritual truth by refuting the bodily concept of life
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 9
Chapter 2
SUMMARISED THEME 2A
REFUTATIONS USED BY KRISHNA IN TEXTS 2.12 2.30
MATERIAL COMPASSION
PLEASE NOTE: The refuta ons presented here are based on the commentaries of the acharyas as used in
d in the Sanskrit
verses or transla ons.
FIRST Krishna says: Individuality is never lost (2.12) All living entities are eternal and
continue their individuality in future without interruption Therefore
no lamenta on for death (2.12)
THIRD Arjuna may argue: But we do lament for loss of youth to old-age
Krishna refutes: But Bhisma and Drona will get fresh bodies which can be heavenly
birth or spiritual bodies therefore no lamenta on (2.13)
(e.g. King Yayati traded his old age and got a fresh youthful body
that was the cause of rejoicing)
FOURTH Arjuna may think: But attachment to current body of relatives will still be a cause of
lamenta on on losing them
Krishna advises: No choice but to tolerate such non-permanent dualities (2.14)
They arise from sense perception
FIFTH Krishna establishes Soul is eternal / Body is temporary Implies Kauravas cannot escape
vision of seers of truth death even if Arjuna does not kill (body is sure to end 2.18)
and rebukes arjuna
(2.16 2.18)
EIGHTH 2.24)
NINTH One may think: There is no soul, the body is all in all
Krishna further Even if there is no soul, still there is no cause of lamenta on
establishes: for a loss of chemicals (2.26)
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 10
Chapter 2
Text 2.12
THEME: We are all eternal individuals Therefore there is no cause of lamentation for change of bodies
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 2.12 & 2.13: This basic understanding of the difference between the individual
soul and his temporary body is further stressed in the next verse
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 11
Chapter 2
Text 2.13
THEME: A Dhira is not bewildered by change of bodies
Change of body th to old-
Text 2.14
THEME: Tolerate duali es One should not abandon religious duties due to bodily inconveniences or
transformations because:
Nonpermanent appearance and disappearance of happiness and distress are like appearance and
disappearance of summer and winter seasons
They arise from sense perception
Learn to tolerate them without being disturbed
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 12
Chapter 2
Text 2.15
THEME: Focus on the higher goal of libera on and overcome duali es of happiness and distress
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 13
Chapter 2
Text 2.16
THEME: This verse gives the vision of seers of truth It is the beginning of instruction by the Lord to the
living entities who are bewildered by influence of ignorance
Of the non-existent (material body) there is no endurance
Of the eternal (the soul) there is no change
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 14
Chapter 2
SUMMARISED THEME 2C
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOUL (2.17 2.25)
1. Eternally an individual (2.12) identity and part and parcel of the Supreme
2. Soul is unborn (2.21) and does not take birth
3. Soul is indestructable and eternal (2.18) and therefore never dies
4. Soul is immeasurable (2.18) It is too small to be measured by any material means
Ref. Svetasvatara Upanisad 1/10,000th tip of a hair (2.17 purport)
5. Soul never undergoes changes
Soul is steady (2.20) does not undergo six changes like the body
Immutable (2.21 & 2.25)
o Never changes like matter - Unlike body which goes through six changes (2.25
purport)
o Never become God - Soul always remains atomic to Infinite Supreme (2.25 purport)
Cannot be cut, burnt, dried or wet (2.23)
Immovable, unchangeable, everlas ng and eternally the same (2.24)
6. Posi on of soul
Situated in the region of the heart (2.17 & 2.22 & Mundaka Upanishad)
Present everywhere (Sarva-Gata) (2.24) Living entities are also present in sun and fire
7. How to perceive the soul
Soul is invisible and inconceivable (2.25) No human experiements can conceive the soul
Symptom of the soul
The only proof for the soul Vedic scriptures Sru (2.25 purport)
8. Influence of soul Pervades entire body (Mundaka Upanishad)
o Analogy: Like sun pervades entire universe and maintains, similarly light of soul
maintains the material body
o Analogy: Active principle of medicine spreads all over the body
9. Effect on life airs on the soul Soul is surrounded by 5 kinds of life airs
Hatha Yoga helps in liberation
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 15
Chapter 2
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 16
Chapter 2
Text 2.19
THEME: The soul can neither kill nor is killed
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 17
Chapter 2
Text 2.20
THEME: Clearly delineates the eternality of the soul
This verse is like quoting sastra to support the opinion of Krishna, because the Katha Upanisad also
mentions a similar passage
For the soul there is neither birth nor death
He has not come into being, does not come into being and will not come into being
He is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval
Text 2.21
THEME: The soul is never killed
How can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn and immutable kill
anyone or cause anyone to kill
PLEASE NOTE:
heme 2
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 18
Chapter 2
SUMMARISED THEME 2D
DOES THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL RECOMMEND V
(a) Suppor ng Reference Ref. Vedic Injunction (2.19 Purport) Never commit
violence to any living entity
(b) Criteria to use violence
Killing the body of anyone without authority is abominable and is punishable by the law of
the state as well as the law of the Lord
Violence has proper utility under authority (2.21 Purport) No sinful reaction
(c) Who decides the proper u lity a man situated in complete knowledge knows how and where to
apply a thing for its proper utility
(d) Analogy:
Justice of Peace Ref. Manu Samhita (for details study 2.21 purport)
Surgeons knife (for details study 2.21 purport)
(e)
He was killing for the principle of religion, not whimsically
When Krishna orders violence, it is for Supreme justice
For administration of justice, so-called violence is permitted because anyway the soul
cannot be killed
Text 2.22
THEME: Krishna gives an analogy: For the soul, death is simply a change of clothes
and Drona will lose their current bodies, which are the
source of enjoyment Krishna establishes that they will get fresh bodies
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 19
Chapter 2
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 20
Chapter 2
Text 2.25
THEME: Further quali es of the soul Soul is invisible, inconceivable and immutable
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 21
Chapter 2
Text 2.26
THEME: Bauddha-vada Even if you reject the soul, still there is no cause for lamentation; Krishna addresses
Arjuna as -
Text 2.27
THEME: Karma-vada One has to take birth according to his activities in his past lives and die after finishing
his term of reactions
Thus death generates no loss in this natural cause of events
Thus this verse helps to dispel the lamentation based on the illusory bodily concept of life
Text 2.28
THEME: Death generates no loss, irrespec ve of the philosophy followed; therefore there is no cause of
lamentation
All created beings are unmanifest in their beginning
They are manifest in the interim state
They become unmanifest again when annihilated
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Bhagavad-gita Notes 22
Chapter 2
Text 2.29
THEME: Krishna says that the idea that there is no distinct soul is merely the creation of groping philosophers
whose insufficient minds are bewildered by the imperceptible and amazing soul
Some look on the soul as amazing
Some describe him as amazing
Some hear of him as amazing
Others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all
(a) Different types of people who misunderstand the soul and find it amazing
Those who find this fact too amazing that the same soul in magnitude and quality is the
cause of varieties of species (Biggest to the smallest)
Those who are too engrossed in gross material conception and sense gratification
o Subject of soul is too subtle to be understood by men with a poor fund of knowledge
and who are not austere
Some who accept the soul but
o Misguided as acceptance of the Supersoul and atomic soul to be equal in magnitude
(b) Easiest Process of Understanding the Soul
Accept Bhagavad-gita as given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead
It requires great penance and sacrifice to accept Krishna as the Supreme Personality of
Godhead
Only possible way is by the causeless mercy of a devotee
Text 2.30
THEME: Conclusion of Jnana sec on (2.11 2.30) Factually soul is the indestructible living entity within the
body, therefore there is no need of lamentation
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