The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 8

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


(81-82)
Maintain a constant remembrance of the real Self
Which is ever all pervading
By burning all the imagery projected by the mind
Invoke me in this way

By heart worship each and every one
With a firm conviction that they are nothing else but my forms
This way bridge an individual Self with the almighty
Enjoy the eternal bliss of getting hold of me by abiding as Self

(83)
In principle when you dedicate to me
The mind and the intellect in entirety
You will undoubtedly get hold of me
I firmly assure you so and treat this as my promise

Importance of practice - easier ways ultimately leading to total surrender

(84)
In case you find it difficult
To dedicate the mind steadfastly to my worship
Let me tell you a knack of practice
Which is simple and straightforward

(85)
Dedicate the mind to my worship
Make it work in tandem with your intellect
With a sincere urge of getting hold of me
At least for a moment every day

(86)
Starting with baby steps initially
Even if you build a habit of such a practice gradually
Still, slowly but certainly you will get rid of
The addiction of the sensual pleasures

(87)
Starting on the full moon day
The reflection of the moon in a lake
Decays day by day
And completely vanishes on the no moon day

Similarly with a gradual detachment from the mundane affairs
And abiding more and more as the real Self
O Arjuna, see how the mind
Merges totally in my divine consciousness

(88)
Your sense of surrender at my feet
Will strengthen by each passing moment
The joy of getting hold of me
Will then shine in your heart with a glory of the full moon

(89)
O Arjuna, as practice makes man perfect
Live with a firm conviction that nothing is impossible
O mighty warrior, with such a simplistic practice
Merge in my divine consciousness

(90)
The mind has a very useful virtue
It clings to everything if finds enjoyable
It then gets engrossed in pleasure and becomes calm and steady easily
Once affixed it is highly reluctant to move away from the pleasure

One gets immense pleasure in experiencing even a slightest glimpse of the real Self
Make the mind cling regularly to such a pleasure
It will then firmly stay in that blissful state by itself
Without paying attention to the sensual pleasures

[To be continued ...]

The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 7

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


(71)
May such devotees be innocent, naive and ordinary gentlemen
May they not be learned, charismatic or from influential families
Yet, when compared with Me, I never treat them as inferior in any way
Those who worship me with true devotion are in a total unison with me

The significance of devotion - a means of building a unified society

(72)
Out of lustful delusions, pure love, fear or even hatred
Once the mind finds an excuse and enters in my form
Be assured that it(the mind) naturally merges in my form
Then who cares about caste, ethnicity or social status as such terms become absurd

(73)
Streams, waterfalls, rivers, canals and so on
Lots of such differences are apparent
Once they merge with the ocean
They naturally become oceanic

(74)
Similarly all the distinctions like
Men, Women, Labourers, Businessmen, Animals and so on
Subsist only as long as they do not attain the real Self
By practising devotion and finally reaching a state of complete surrender

(75)
Men, Women, Labourers, Businessmen and Animals
Even those born out of sinful activities
All of them attain liberation
By humbly worshipping me

(76)
Without any discrimination between the so called superior and inferior
I only appreciate the true devotion
I reside in the hearts of the sincere devotees
My grace is unconditionally available to all the devotees

(77)
Offering things like leafs, flowers, fruits or water
Are simply different ways of worshipping me
As a divine reincarnation of Lord Vishnu
All I really admire is a sense of true devotion

Surrender - the peak of devotion - as synonym for the ultimate spiritual wisdom

(78)
While engaged in activities or while taking rest
The devotees fondly maintain a constant remembrance of me
They see nothing else but my manifestations
When exploring the external world or while exploring the Self within

(79)
For a realised sage
Entire universe becomes flooded with the divine energy
Such extremely rare enlightened sages acquire universal consciousness
And joyously play their role in the divine cosmic play

(80)
Dedicate all your actions to me
By keeping the mind focused on me
Nurture a sense of devotion and love for me in your heart
Make this the main theme of your life

[To be continued ...]

The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 6

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


(61)
It is neither the form nor the formless
It is neither one nor many
It exists as the Self by its own virtue
It is neither liberated nor in a bondage

(62)
Phoney is the creation, phoney is the nature
Phoney are all the creatures
Truth alone pervades the Universe
Which is nothing but the eternal real Self

Those who can distinguish between
The known (the periphery) and the knower (the core)
Can transcend the restrictions imposed by nature
And merge with the real Self

(63)
They see all the creatures they meet
Simply as a form of the divine
And with such a conviction wander merrily
Immersed in the divine

(64)
The air occupies the entire space
(For it ) Sky is the limit
Similarly entire Universe becomes his home
Know him as the Universal consciousness

Devotion as a mandatory attribute of a true spiritual seeker

(65)
One who has a steadfast intellect
Plus has absolute faith in the worship
O Arjuna, such a devotee is close to my heart
He becomes dearer than my own life to me

(66)
I cannot be found in the entire solar system
At times even in my own abode (known as Vaikuntha)
At times I even transcend the hearts
Of accomplished Yogis

(67)
But O Partha (Arjuna’s nickname), in the neighbourhood of my devotees
Search me with dedication
Such devotees keep chanting my name delightfully
Relentlessly, vibrantly and with an abundant novelty

(68)
Always engrossed in singing my prayers
They keep reciting my names
Their Soham Japa becomes continuous effortlessly
With a constant remembrance of the real Self

(69)
Eyes enjoying the splendour of my beautiful forms
Speech dedicated to singing my prayers
And with a loving fondness
Ears committed to listening the scriptures praising my virtues

(70)
Their mind is always and happily
Occupied in delivering my vows
They take pride in dedicating everything
Whole heartedly at my feet

[To be continued ...]

The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 5

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


The supremacy of the spiritual wisdom ('Jnana'), non-dual nature of existence

(51)
With spiritual wisdom you will see that
The Self is all pervading
You will then deal with all the living creatures and non-living things
As My manifestation (My refers to Lord Vishnu)

(52)
When such a transcendental knowledge illuminates the existence
By the divine grace of the spiritual master ('Sadguru')
See how the darkness of delusions
Vanishes right away

(53 - 54)
Among all the sinners
Even if you are the worst offender
You will easily sail through the ocean of sins
By using the spiritual wisdom as a cruiser

(55)
Among all the diverse faculties of knowledge
Spiritual knowledge is the supreme one
This superlative and celestial knowledge
Is the ultimate mystery

When the spiritual master’s grace showers
It surfaces as real Self in the heart
The spiritual seekers easily experience
This timeless essence of any true religion

Once (this mystery) is experienced
The trilogy of knowledge-knower-known fades away
O Arjuna, for my devotees
A journey to the celestial home becomes an effortless endeavour

The mysterious relationship between the almighty and the existence

(56)
As the smoke emerges from a flame
And yet the flame stands apart from the smoke
Similarly all these limitations and impositions keep emerging from me
Yet I do not reside in them

(57 - 58)
As the physical body is comprised of
Five elements (Earth, water, fire, air and ether)
It is not capable of avoiding the cycle
Of birth and death

See how it gets constantly engaged
In the actions having the three basic qualities
As it is just a transitory entity
It can cease to exist any moment

(Thee basic qualities - purity, passion and ignorance)

(59)
Consider the physical body as a short-lived phenomenon
The soul is timeless and eternal
That is why identification with the body is entirely an illusion
The formless real Self is the only truth

(60)
It (the soul) is neither empty nor full
It is neither a void nor the entirety
It is neither idle nor active
It is neither subtle nor gross

[To be continued ...]

The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 4

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


Signs of true wisdom

(41)
If the divine nectar is flowing abundantly
Incessantly day after day in his own belly
Just tell me, will one ever carry the fear
Of hunger and thirst in his mind?

(42)
Similarly - effortlessly and by its own virtue
When a wise one remains absorbed in contemplating the almighty
As the mind remains blissfully in the heart
Is there a room for anguish?

(43)
The flame remains unwavering
When there is no current of air
His consciousness becomes steady
On its own in the same fashion

(44 - 45)
He does not crave for favourable results
In spite of performing all the duties meticulously
Vows like “I’m a go-getter”, “I’ll make it happen”
Do not ever touch his mind

(46)
One whose Karmic bondage gets shattered
By the fire of wisdom
The wise people call such a person
A true sage

Importance of a spiritual master and a seeker with proper attitude

(47-50)
O Pandava (Arjuna‘s nickname), solicit the sages about the wisdom
By rendering services at their feet
And with a humble attitude
They will of course guide you on the path

Judicious sages are guiding lights on the path leading to the ultimate truth
They are like a mine jam-packed with pearls of wisdom
They are like a deity which represents
Embodiment of peace, prosperity and divine grace

Such realised sages shining with the glory of renunciation
With total contentment and bliss
Confer self realisation upon a capable disciple
Just by a look charged with their divine grace

Once you acquire such a wisdom
Your mind will get rid of all the stupid vows
As a result, O Bharata (Arjuna’s nickname)
You will never get afflicted by egotistical delusions

[To be continued ...]

The essense of Bhagavad Gita - Part 3

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]

Even a sage must perform all the duties and act like a trendsetter - spiritual growth does not lead to inaction

(31)
O Arjuna, the sages have no personal aspirations
They live with a sense of absolute gratitude
Still they are left with the duties
To be discharged with a sole intention of human welfare

(32)
The way one gifted with a healthy eyesight
Guides the blind by holding their hand
Illustrate the true religion to the ignorant
By following its principles in your day to day life

(33)
The all and sundry follow the great
And learn from their behaviour
Whatever is assumed as ethical by the great
Is obviously accepted by the all and sundry

(34)
Assuming the things to happen on their own
One should not resign and become indolent
Specifically a sage has no excuse
And he must carry out all the duties diligently

Basics of the yogic way of life

(35)
In a properly illuminated place
Household tasks are easily carried out
In the same manner, all the actions are performed with lucidity
By a sage abiding in the Yoga

(36)
One who acts without any attachment
And surrenders all the actions to the Braham (the ultimate reality)
Such an individual does not get tainted by a sin
And remains spotless like a lotus in the mud

(37)
He appears in the human form like any other individual
One can say that he too  at times appears to be fortunate or miserable
But can be said based on my concrete experiences
That he is god in the human form

(38)
On the periphery
His too seems to be engaged in the mundane activities
Yet the divine silence he carries within
Always remains untouched

(39)
See the essence of Yoga as
A steady and balanced psyche
Along with the mind and intelligence duo
Effortlessly functioning in tandem

(40)
When one attains such a divine grace
And constantly and effortlessly remains in a blissful state
O Arjuna, even the hints of the humdrum miseries
Vanish totally from his consciousness

[To be continued...]

The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 2

[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


The significance of selfless action

(11-12)
You have an authority over all your acts
But you do not have an absolute authority on the results
Neither keep longing for the fruits
Nor resign yourself to inaction

(13)
Maintaining an even approach towards success and failure
Is the crux of the Yoga
Build up this ability
And perform all your duties meticulously without craving for desired results

(14 - 16)
If the task undertaken
Gets accomplished auspiciously
Or due to unavoidable obstacles
Gets completely abandoned

Still O Arjuna, do not corrupt your mind
With either jubilation or frustration
Be assured that every act dedicated to Lord Brahma
Is as good as accomplished by itself

The relationship between action and wheel of life - inaction is an idiotic choice

(17-21)
Performing your acts as they are pre-destined
Is more valuable than inaction
Even mere survival is not possible
Without action

So perform your duties aptly as per the situation
Leave the vested interests aside
Performing one’s duties selflessly
Is a symbol of Yoga

Get rid of the bondage of Karma by discharging your duties
You can easily accomplish this
See for yourself that this path of action
Will lead you to the liberated state

Whenever the link between selfless service
And the wheel of life is broken
Every individual in this world gets afflicted
By the bondage of Karma

Treat selfless service as a way of life
A natural way to maintain zest and zeal and to stay in tune with the wheel of life
This is a path which leads entire humanity to the joy of liberation
And by following this path no one ever suffers from material scarcity and mental anguish

(22)
The responsibilities and roles duly assigned to each one of us per the guiding principles in vogue
Are as good as a divine manifesto
That is why when they are practised thoroughly
One gets a first hand experience of the divine

(23)
O Arjuna, to bear the responsibilities and to perform the duties
Is the only way to sustain the life
For me who is all pervading
This is a nice way to worship me

(24)
Once one starts worshiping the all pervading
By offering the flowers of the selfless actions at his feet
Such a worship will undoubtedly give him
A state of utmost serenity

Art of life - acting without a sense of doership

(25)
Whatever acts you perform with your body
Whatever luxuries you indulge in to pamper your mind
Whatever donations you offer
Happily and with contentment to the deserving

Whatever rituals you conduct
Whatever austerities you practice
O Arjuna, dedicate them all to me
And be at ease, calm and composed

(26)
I am a go-getter performing this specific act
With an approach of commanding a specific result
Do not carry within
Such an egoistic outlook

(27)
O Arjuna, give up all the desires
Do not get indulged in the sensual pleasures
O fortunate, let the mind rejoice with appropriate pleasures
As they become available naturally from time to time

(28)
With a determination keep the mind steady
Abide as the Self
Then according to their inclination
Let the senses get engaged in actions

(29)
Pin your ears back O Arjuna
After assuming the form of a human body in this world
Thick headed are those individuals
Who carry a grudge about carrying out their duties

(30)
Consider the examples like King Janaka
Who realised the Self by the virtue of deeds
Keeping the welfare of the mankind in mind
You too get involved in the activities

[To be continued ...]

The essence of Bhagavad Gita - Part 1

[Sadguru Swami Swaroopnanda (Pawas), firmly believed that, Saint Dnyaneshwar and his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita - “ Dnyaneshwari”, is a gift to humanity, a blessing for the mankind as a whole. He selected 108 stanzas (out of more than 9000 stanzas!) with an intention to present the crux of Bhagavad Gita in a nutshell.

Following is a freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]


The unfathomable nature of God and supremacy of the Vedas

(1)
O root of the creation
Abiding as Self, expressed as Aum
I bow down to you, you be always triumphant
You are all pervading

(Self - in the sense Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi used the word)

You are the existence, you transcend the existence
You are the heart of the existence
To elucidate you with sole attention
Only the Vedas (have an authority to) sing your glory

Even the Vedas say “not this, not this”
They become speechless
To comprehend you entirely and easily
Only you yourself are competent

Invocation of Lord Ganesha - the destroyer of obstacles

(2)
O Lord Ganesha
Illuminate the intellect in all and sundry
Be my guide in learning the essence of the ancient principles
Yearns the humble servant of the Sadguru (spiritual master)

Salutations to goddess Sharada - the governor of speech

(3)
I bow down to the goddess governing the art of speech
The tactful goddess Sharada
Who fascinates the world every day
With expressions of speech full of novelty

Salutations to Sadguru - basics of art of life

(4)
My heart is the temple of my Guru (the spiritual master)
Who sails me through the troublesome ocean of life
That is the reason the demarcation between the eternal and the transient
Has got paramount importance in my life

(5)
The way a swan separates
Milk and water from a mixture
The wise search for the hidden essence
In this complex world

The way seeds are chosen
And the garbage is thrown away
The wise get rid of the volatile illusions
And get affixed in the eternal Brahman

The cyclic (and apparently linear) nature of life

(6)
The way dusk follows a bright afternoon
And crack of dawn follows the night
A void (like a dried lake) gets filled and the crammed (like a flooded river) gets emptied
Such is law of nature

All that was born is bound to perish
All that perished is bound to resurrect
As this rule is inevitable
O Arjuna, such a despondency is not apt for you

The significance of the right path and a focussed approach

(7)
Those who properly follow a paved path
Never get injured
Those who roam around in the bright daylight
Do not fumble and get hurt

(8)
Similarly when you perform day to day activities
With a focus on realizing your core Self
All your desires get fulfilled
Naturally and almost effortlessly

Performing duties at any cost with focus on the act (and not on the results)

(9)
Do not become euphoric when you get success (or pleasures)
Do not get depressed when you face failures (or pain)
Pick up your bow and arrows (get ready to perform your duty)
And treat victory and defeat, gain and loss with indifference

(10)
Cope up with all the sufferings you obviously have to undergo
While performing your duty diligently
If you fight the war with this outlook
You remain untainted

[To be continued ...]