Practical Hints from the Gita...Contd

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1. The three gates to downfall: "Lust, anger and greed are the three gates to hell and ruin the soul. Therefore, one should give them up. Freed from these, man attains liberation. (16.21-22)" However, let us not forget that every human being falls prey to these weaknesses at some point or the other. If we are already free of these obstacles, then there is no need for us to learn any Vedanta, we are already as good as enlightened! The whole point of life's struggles is that we are all imperfect and tending towards a resolution of the fundamental problems. Points 2 & 3 above are a great help in regulating and avoiding over indulgence of these 'three gates to hell.'
2. The importance of swadhyaya (self-study): "Words which do not cause agitation in one's own mind or in others, which are truthful, pleasing & beneficial and the study of scriptures - this constitutes austerity of speech (17.15)" This is particularly relevant to students of Vedanta for much of our learning and interaction is going to be at the level of words and ideas. Therefore, a disciplined study of the scriptures and control of speech is extremely important in our spiritual pursuit.

I would like to use this opportunity to recommend to our readers a book titled, "The Teaching of the Bhagavad Gita" written by Swami Dayananda. It is a very good primer on the Gita and makes delightful reading for beginners. Many of my ideas for this column were inspired from this book. Swami Dayananda speaks in a carefully chosen language - precise, rational and free from vague distortions and therefore the message goes straight to the heart (or to the head, as you like it). So, begin your swadhyaya now and happy reading!

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