where do you get deer skin from?? Won't the WWF folks dislike the idea??
Is it not possible to do the yoga less expensively than suggested? Atleast I dont have a dear skin nor can afford to buy one!
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where do you get deer skin from?? Won't the WWF folks dislike the idea??
Is it not possible to do the yoga less expensively than suggested? Atleast I dont have a dear skin nor can afford to buy one!
Chapter 6, Verse 5.
A man must elevate himself by his own mind, not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.
Chapter 6, Verse 6.
For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind will be the greatest enemy.
Chapter 6, Verse 4.
A person is said to be have attained to yoga when, having renounced all material desires, he neither acts for sense gratification nor engages in fruitive activities.
Chapter 6, Verse 2.
What is called renunciation is the same as yoga, or linking oneself with the Supreme, for no one can become a yogi unless he renounces the desire for sense gratification.
Chapter 6, Verse 3.
For one who is a neophyte in the eightfold yoga system, work is said to be the means; and for one who has already attained to yoga, cessation of all material activities is said to be the means.
Chapter 6, Verse 1.
The Blessed Lord said: One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic: not he who lights no fire and performs no work.
I really fail to understand the message of Geeta
if all were to become mystics and renounce this world then who, yes who will work?? There would have been no internet, no planes, no nuclear weapons , no food science, no fashion, no architechture if all or most of people followed the path suggested by Geeta.
We are born to live and struggle in this world without harming others.
I am sorry you missed the point, but thank you for trying anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by mazHur
If you would be so humble as to accept you may have misunderstood, I would explain for you.
Work is actually a major component to the philosohpy of the Gita, and it is never said you should not work. This is a major part of it, and you are actually supposed to work in Krishna consciousness. I will explain more later.
All purports and translations are taken from Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (http://vedabase.net/bg/), by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
Chapter 5, Verses 1-2
Arjuna said: O Kṛṣṇa, first of all You ask me to renounce work, and then again You recommend work with devotion. Now will You kindly tell me definitely which of the two is more beneficial?
The Personality of Godhead replied: The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation. But, of the two, work in devotional service is better than renunciation of work.
PURPORT (to verse 2)
Fruitive activities (seeking sense gratification) are cause for material bondage. As long as one is engaged in activities aimed at improving the standard of bodily comfort, one is sure to transmigrate to different types of bodies, thereby continuing material bondage perpetually. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (5.5.4-6) confirms this as follows:
nūnaḿ pramattaḥ kurute vikarma
yad indriya-prītaya āpṛṇoti
na sādhu manye yata ātmano 'yam
asann api kleśa-da āsa dehaḥ
parābhavas tāvad abodha-jāto
yāvan na jijñāsata ātma-tattvam
yāvat kriyās tāvad idaḿ mano vai
karmātmakaḿ yena śarīra-bandhaḥ
evaḿ manaḥ karma-vaśaḿ prayuńkte
avidyayātmany upadhīyamāne
prītir na yāvan mayi vāsudeve
na mucyate deha-yogena tāvat
"People are mad after sense gratification, and they do not know that this present body, which is full of miseries, is a result of one's fruitive activities in the past. Although this body is temporary, it is always giving one trouble in many ways. Therefore, to act for sense gratification is not good. One is considered to be a failure in life as long as he makes no inquiry about his real identity. As long as he does not know his real identity, he has to work for fruitive results for sense gratification, and as long as one is engrossed in the consciousness of sense gratification one has to transmigrate from one body to another. Although the mind may be engrossed in fruitive activities and influenced by ignorance, one must develop a love for devotional service to Vāsudeva. Only then can one have the opportunity to get out of the bondage of material existence."
Therefore, jñāna (or knowledge that one is not this material body but spirit soul) is not sufficient for liberation. One has to act in the status of spirit soul, otherwise there is no escape from material bondage. Action in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not, however, action on the fruitive platform. Activities performed in full knowledge strengthen one's advancement in real knowledge. Without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, mere renunciation of fruitive activities does not actually purify the heart of a conditioned soul. As long as the heart is not purified, one has to work on the fruitive platform. But action in Kṛṣṇa consciousness automatically helps one escape the result of fruitive action so that one need not descend to the material platform. Therefore action in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is always superior to renunciation, which always entails a risk of falling. Renunciation without Kṛṣṇa consciousness is incomplete, as is confirmed by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī in his Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu (1.2.258):
prāpañcikatayā buddhyā
hari-sambandhi-vastunaḥ
mumukṣubhiḥ parityāgo
vairāgyaḿ phalgu kathyate
"When persons eager to achieve liberation renounce things related to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, thinking them to be material, their renunciation is called incomplete." Renunciation is complete when it is in the knowledge that everything in existence belongs to the Lord and that no one should claim proprietorship over anything. One should understand that, factually, nothing belongs to anyone. Then where is the question of renunciation? One who knows that everything is Kṛṣṇa's property is always situated in renunciation. Since everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa, everything should be employed in the service of Kṛṣṇa. This perfect form of action in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is far better than any amount of artificial renunciation by a sannyāsī of the Māyāvādī school.
Like all religious literature the Geeta also gives almost similar (or should I say the same) good message. However, some points are matters of controversy, such as 'reincarnation'. No one can claim to prove it.
Secondly, too much over-emphasis on 'renunciation' towards the diety or Krishna or by whatever name you call the Supreme being doesn't seem to going in the making of a 'complete person' and may be harmful for general public if they all opted for that. Material world is made for the use and benefit of men and senses are given them to enjoy those. There ought to be balance in matters of divine and worldly duties or works. It is only then a person becomes a true man!
I don't know what I can say to you. It is not about renuncation but about devotion. The highest state is love of God. But it is a very long path. If you are interested in the Bhagavad-Gita, you should buy a copy since it's probably better to read in hard-back than on the internet.Quote:
Originally Posted by mazHur
If you are not interested in Bhagavad-Gita then please do not post here. Please do not post here if you wish to say that devotion to God will not make someone whole.
I do not mean what you think.
I do believe in 'devotion' and already said the Geeta teaches no less than other holy books. I am sorry if you are offended by my inquisitiveness and observations....but please note I am from ex-India ---where Geeta was once the rule! I have read it as well as comparative religions (hard copies),,,,just to apprise you,,,,about 20 years back!!
MaZHur, if you read the book with no pre-thinking you will find it as an ocean of knowledge.Quote:
Originally Posted by mazHur
No doubt about Geeta being a great book.
I purchased the Graham M. Schwieg translation last year when I worked at the Deparment of Education. There was a small store ran by an Indian man. I spoke to his daughter quite often and when I started to learn Sanskrit, I didn't get very far, I would ask her to evaluate my pronounciation. She began to lend me the small books by His Divine Grace, out of respect for the thread, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. She suggested I read the Gita and it has been on my shelf since I purchased it, but I will begin it in February, so expect many questions. :)
This is from my translation:
Dhritarashtra said:
On the field of dharma,
on the field of Kuru,
assembled together
desiring to fight,
Were my armies
and indeed those of the sons of Pandu-
how did they act, O Sanjaya?
A Harvard graduate... :)
http://www.grahamschweig.com/Quote:
Graham M. Schweig is an author, scholar, and yogi who teaches about the universal language of the heart. Graham claims that the most painful form of impoverishment in this world is hunger of the heart, found everywhere in both afluent and poor societies. Every religious and spiritual tradition, if probed deeply, Graham believes, reveals secrets of divine love that can offer the world nourishishment for the heart. Graham has devoted his personal and professional life to sharing with others his discoveries of these divine gifts for humanity.
Dr. Graham M. Schweig, who received his doctorate degree from Harvard University, is a scholar of Comparative Religion whose specialization is the philosophy of yoga and the spiritual traditions of India. He is a specialist in love mysticism, concentrating on religions of the heart, especially the Bhakti Yoga traditions of India. Graham's ultimate interest is to find religious truths from within Indic traditions that contribute powerful symbols that speak beyond their religious boundaries, moving religion toward world peace. He is a long-time practitioner of meditational and devotional yoga under the guidance of traditional teachers since 1967.
What of The Mahabharata?
Take it easy, Nikolai. This forum's supposed to allow for a diversity of opinion.Quote:
Originally Posted by NikolaiI
Yes exactly, Nikolai you must take it easy and do not get upset. We do not know we are right or wrong when it comes to questioning some of the really important issues. Let us be liberal, open and respect others' views.Quote:
Originally Posted by blp
I think I am not offensive.
I agree. Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by blazeofglory
Mahabharat, is an epic poem, of about 74000 verses, in Sanskrit. It is a story of the Kauravas and Pandavas. The Bhagvad Geeta (Song of the God) is a part of Mahabharat, and is a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjun, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. These two ar every important, ancient Hindu scriptures.Quote:
Originally Posted by NickAdams
I was not offended, or if I was it was because of something else... anyway I do apologize as well.. all is forgiven.Quote:
Originally Posted by mazHur
Thanks, but I wanted to know of its importance to the Hindu religion. I've been having a hard time trying to find an unabridged English translation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Madhuri
There is a translation, I think which is unabridged, at the temple here in Kansas City. I do mean to read the whole Mahabharat, though I haven't yet; but I was reading the first couple of chapters and it seemed like a good translation. The next time I'm there I'll find the author's name, because I couldn't remember it off-hand. The book had the whole Mahabharat in one volume, I think, told in narration.Quote:
Originally Posted by NickAdams
Nick, the book we have at our temple is about 900 pages, it is the Mahabharata retold by Krishna Dharma. I am not sure how that works exactly, I presume the original sanskrit is in verse form like the Gita, but it reads like a narrative with paragraphs. I think it's very good, having read the first 3 chapters. So far I just got to the part where Pandu died from his curse. Pandu had two wives, Madri and Kunti... Queen Kunti is also in the Srimad Bhagavatam, she is the mother of Arjuna, if I am not mistaken. This is why Krishna refers to Arjuna as the son of Kunti and the son of Pandu. If you search for "Mahabharata Krishna Dharma" you can find it on Google (Amazon pops up first).
http://vedabase.net/bg/
This is the best site in my opinion for finding or reading Gita verses. There are other sites with Prahbupada's translation and purports, but this one gives them easily navigable; you can click on a chapter and have all the verses on one screen, I haven't found another site which has this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mazHur
The Geeta is not the only religious scripture in Hinduism. It is a part of the Dharma Shastra. There are several scriptures that complete Hinduism; there in no one book in this religion.
You have to read all other scriptures, like the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads that talk about everything, including the material aspect of life.
Humans have senses and the material world is for them to enjoy. You can read Kamasutra, for example, to enjoy one aspect of the material world (you kno wwhat I mean). It is a part of Ayurveda (science of life), a Veda.
You must read everything, before coming to the conclusion that there is no balance.
I disagree, Madhuri.. there is more to life than enjoying the senses. In fact the idea that we should try to be Lord is one that causes a lot of suffering. We try to be the lord of the material world, but we end up only becoming bound by it more and more. We are part of the marginal energy of the Lord, etc., and we can only be completely fulfilled if we regain our spiritual consciousness.
Srimad Bhagavatam states, "Life's desires should never be directed toward sense gratification. One should desire only a healthy life, or self-preservation, since a human being is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the goal of one's works." SB 1.2.10
Yes, I have read the Kok Shaster,,the illustrated one. I liked the Asanas! lovely! lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Madhuri
There is nothing special there that we don't practice even in these times! lol
Who has the time and energy to read so many books not only of Hinduism but also other hundreds of religions and sects. I think moderation in religious beliefs should be the basic aim of a follower.
true, this world is made for the benefit of senses but sometimes as you grow up in age you like to find some food for the soul as well! Spiritual world is different and not for every body to traverse....especially without a 'guide'. In any case there ought to be a balance between the material and spiritual worlds.
Message of Gita is Bhakti-yoga, it is the highest path of spiritual realization. There are many different yogas, including hatha yoga (physical), jnana-yoga (cultivation of knowledge). Bhakti-yoga, devotional yoga, means linking with the Supreme. The message of Gita is kind of like, "I love you" (God saying), "please come home."
Some verses about the soul:
BG 2.12: Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.
BG 2.13: As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.
BG 2.14: O son of Kuntī, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.
BG 2.15: O best among men [Arjuna], the person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation.
BG 2.16: Those who are seers of the truth have concluded that of the nonexistent [the material body] there is no endurance and of the eternal [the soul] there is no change. This they have concluded by studying the nature of both.
BG 2.17: That which pervades the entire body you should know to be indestructible. No one is able to destroy that imperishable soul.
BG 2.20: For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. 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. He is not slain when the body is slain.
BG 2.23: The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind.
BG 2.24: This individual soul is unbreakable and insoluble, and can be neither burned nor dried. He is everlasting, present everywhere, unchangeable, immovable and eternally the same.
BG 2.25: It is said that the soul is invisible, inconceivable and immutable. Knowing this, you should not grieve for the body.
BG 2.27: One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.
BG 2.29: Some look on the soul as amazing, some describe him as amazing, and some hear of him as amazing, while others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all.
BG 9.2: This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed.
BG 7.7: O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.
BG 10.41: Know that all opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark of My splendor.
BG 16.1-3: Fearlessness; purification of one's existence; cultivation of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice; study of the Vedas; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquillity; aversion to faultfinding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty; steady determination; vigor; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the passion for honor — these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature.
And these four verses are considered by some to be the most important.
BG 10.8: I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.
BG 10.9: The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.
BG 10.10: To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.
BG 10.11: To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.
BG 18.65: Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.
BG 18.66: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.
BG 18.68: For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.
BG 18.69: There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.
For the Sanskrit verses or for Prahbupada's purports to the verses, you can find either at vedabase.net/bg
Just some thoughts?
The work reminds me of a soul telling the body what to do.
This is one of the ancient books surviving to this day and I claim no book, ancient or modern ever written embrace so many things as the Mahabharata. And since the Bhagabata Gita has been extracted from this great epic this is really a wonderful book that dazzles the rest in the world. If you do not believe read the Mahabharata in translation
You are absolutely right and you will be all the more right if you read the bookQuote:
Originally Posted by Nemo Neem
http://www.shaman-tantra.com/images/Radha&Krsna.jpg
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरेHare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
(O Tuhan, O Tenaga Sakti Tuhan semoga hamba selalu disibukkan dalam kebhaktian kepada Anda)
A very beautiful picture of Lord Krishna. Krishna is and has always been my favorite and I idolize him and I am tireless to say things in praise of him. He is really a great hero
Quote:
Originally Posted by blazeofglory
Yes, me too.
:)Quote:
Originally Posted by blazeofglory
One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna. (BG 4.9)
Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. BG (18.65)
(man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaishyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo ’si me)
I am a professional and it is the Mahabharata that always blazes my path.
[youtube]NA40nHG13lQ[/youtube]
Oh, I couldn't get your link, Radha Krishna.
I'm sorry, that is not link, I try to upload video but unable.Quote:
Originally Posted by NikolaiI