August 21, 2011
Just recently listened to Pujya Guruji's talk on Geeta 3-33.
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि |
प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति ||३-३३||
sadR^isha.n cheshhTate svasyaaH prakR^iterGYaanavaanapi .
prakR^iti.n yaanti bhuutaani nigrahaH kiM karishhyati .. 3-33..
Even a wise man acts in accordance with his own nature; beings will follow their own nature; what can restraint do? 3-33
This is a well known dilemma that was first postulated by Duryodhana in the Mahabharata. "I know what is Dharma but I am unable to live by it. I know what is Adharma, but am helplessly impelled to it." We often come across situations where we know what the right answer is but end up doing something stupid. By now, every one of us is familiar with the numerous corporate training seminars that one attends but that never results in any meaningful change back at our desk. The only valuable output is excellent feedback and a hefty fee to the trainer!
First we must understand that Krishna offers us this verse as a way to be kind to ourselves. We might set a goal for ourselves but it takes time to make change happen. Guruji presents this as a conflict between our nature and habits versus what our knowledge indicates as the right action. Yet, Guruji is very clear in stating that "You maybe a product of your past, you're not a victim of it." We cannot use nature as a justification for our refusal to change. What is the way out?
The solution that Guruji discussed is encapsulated perfectly in this quote by Pujya Gurudev (thanks to Amar J of Mumbai for the quote).
Think of this the next time you stir your coffee or tea. Knowledge can result in change, it needs reflection, practice and time. Patience and persistence are the keys.
Hari Om and Namaskaar until the next post.
Just recently listened to Pujya Guruji's talk on Geeta 3-33.
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि |
प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति ||३-३३||
sadR^isha.n cheshhTate svasyaaH prakR^iterGYaanavaanapi .
prakR^iti.n yaanti bhuutaani nigrahaH kiM karishhyati .. 3-33..
Even a wise man acts in accordance with his own nature; beings will follow their own nature; what can restraint do? 3-33
This is a well known dilemma that was first postulated by Duryodhana in the Mahabharata. "I know what is Dharma but I am unable to live by it. I know what is Adharma, but am helplessly impelled to it." We often come across situations where we know what the right answer is but end up doing something stupid. By now, every one of us is familiar with the numerous corporate training seminars that one attends but that never results in any meaningful change back at our desk. The only valuable output is excellent feedback and a hefty fee to the trainer!
First we must understand that Krishna offers us this verse as a way to be kind to ourselves. We might set a goal for ourselves but it takes time to make change happen. Guruji presents this as a conflict between our nature and habits versus what our knowledge indicates as the right action. Yet, Guruji is very clear in stating that "You maybe a product of your past, you're not a victim of it." We cannot use nature as a justification for our refusal to change. What is the way out?
The solution that Guruji discussed is encapsulated perfectly in this quote by Pujya Gurudev (thanks to Amar J of Mumbai for the quote).
"It is not enough to put sugar in coffee. For the sweetness to come through, you must also stir it. So, too it is not enough that you know Vedanta. Contemplation on the TRUTH therein brings out its sweetness. Then drink it, means PRACTICE it."I remember that my own father had a smoking habit for over 40 years. My mother's constant entreaties quoting science and the effect on the family had very little effect. He knew his smoking affected his health. Yet, it was only after attending Pujya Gurudev's Vivekachudamani camp in 1988 did he give up smoking totally. My father had finally stirred his coffee before drinking.
Think of this the next time you stir your coffee or tea. Knowledge can result in change, it needs reflection, practice and time. Patience and persistence are the keys.
Hari Om and Namaskaar until the next post.
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