The Light of the Enlightened – Bhagavad gita verses 2.67-2.72

Discussion in 'Chitvish on Hindu Culture & Vedanta' started by Chitvish, Jun 26, 2008.

  1. gayathriar

    gayathriar Bronze IL'ite

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    Dear C

    Firstly apologies for a late response..

    This post is an excellent progression from the wastefulness of lack of self control, to the need for it and then the difference between an enlightened one and an ignorant one and the fruit of self awareness and the technique to achieve it. The example of the ocean receiving various rivers without getting perturbed is a very profound one and I am sure would stay on. Many thanks for bringing this in your inimitably lucid style.


    Dear Sri

    Just like I will remember the ocean receiving rivers, the photographer shutting light from irrelevant spots will stay on too. Thanks for the explanation for 'Tamaso maa jyothir gamaya'. The contrast between an enlightened and ignorant brought out with the example of a bird during eclipse and a man is enlightening indeed. Many thanks for such simple yet profound examples.

    Regards
    Gayathri
     
  2. Malathijagan

    Malathijagan Silver IL'ite

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    Cheeniya Sir,
    Please do not ponder over the past! Everybody is sent with a purpose to this earth and He shall not take us back before His mission is achieved, whether good or bad! Some people attain their purpose early in life and some as they grow older. But I love the way you and Chithra are presenting Geetha to us. It is becoming a "MUST READ".
    Love,
    Malathi
     
  3. Chitvish

    Chitvish Moderator IL Hall of Fame

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    Dear Kamla,
    Let me just take up your query
    Only, is it possible for ordinary mortals?
    Yes, the TV advts etc are all so tempting to the point of hitting the nail on the head. But still, we know, where to draw a line and just stop with appreciating the master mind behind these advts.We know our limitations . Extending it a little further, we learn to gradually go in for only what is necessary for survival.Or, I will put it - we must learn.
    For eg. we go to buy a mobile phone. There is a wide range from, the one that serves just the main purose to, one which can have internet connectivity! Even if affordable, if we resist the temptation of going in for the latter, we are on the right path.
    We must develop the habit of going in for what we need and not what we want.
    Our mind should not falter like the wind which carries away a boat from its course.
    We must consciously develop the habit of turning inwards, after reading scriptures.
    Love,
    Chithra.
    Now, my dearest Kamla, don't embarass me by dragging me to answer a saree comparison!! You will be happy that we are on the same boat. Though posting on the Gita, I have a l---o---n---g way to go!:hide:. I am not ashamed to admit it.






     
  4. Chitvish

    Chitvish Moderator IL Hall of Fame

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    Dear Gayathri,
    When just a response makes us happy, why worry that your response is late??

    This verse conveys to us that the joy created through satisfaction of desires can never be complete.
    Our sages discovered that the happiness at any given time is a quotient when "the no" of desires fulfilled" is divided by "the no" of desires fulfilled" by the same individual at that time. Though this mathematical truth is accepted in modern times, the practical application differs largely,from old rishis and modern thinking.
    The main difference is, the modern trend is to increase the numerator - "the no" of desires fulfilled" . But our religion did not conceive that an attempt to increase the nominator without a corresponding attention to the rate of increase of the denominator could produce any palpable joy. On the other hand today, we are trying only to increase "the no" of desires fulfilled" without controlling the "the no" of desires entertained"! So, this state of affairs cannot produce any increase in the quotient of happiness is the scriptural verdict!
    Have I confused you, Gayathri? I hope not, knowing your interest.
    Love,
    Chithra.



     
  5. Cheeniya

    Cheeniya Super Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    Dear Gayathri
    In my school days, my dad used to ask me about how some students in my class who underwent coaching under the same teacher could score a centum while I could never reach that benchmark! I could never understand the import of my dad's question until much later. The stuff is really in us and the teacher is only a catalyst!

    Your understanding of the Gita has nothing to do with my earthly explanations. You are abundantly blessed with a discerning mind and I just happen to be the sign post at the cross roads. That's why, it is said that a good student brings great laurels to his teacher and it is never the other way round! I am happy that you are one of my regular readers!
    Sri
     
  6. Cheeniya

    Cheeniya Super Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

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    Dear Malathi
    I take it as a great compliment and a reward in itself. My Chemistry Professor in Vivekananda College where I did my PUC would tell us that if only we attached half as much importance in the chemistry between nitric acid and magnesium as we did in the case of the chemistry between some boy and a girl, we would score University ranks!
    Gita is a subject that overawes people and most of the commentators make it even more awesome through some highly esoteric explanations. But the Lord meant it to be a way of life for every one of us and not a subject matter only for theologians! Once a basic interest is generated for the study of Gita, we find how applicable it is at every stage of our life
    Sri
    Sri
     
  7. Chitvish

    Chitvish Moderator IL Hall of Fame

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    Dear Friends,
    We have come to the end of second chapter of Bhagavad Gita.
    Cheeniya and I would now like to take you through few general topics as a curtain raiser for the third chapter. It is our earnest hope that these topics would serve as a background for the discussion of the Third Chapter.
    Love,
    Chithra.
     
  8. Malathijagan

    Malathijagan Silver IL'ite

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    Dear Chithra and Cheeniya sir,
    Eagerly waiting for the C.R and the beginning of the 3rd chapter.
    Love,
    Malathi


     
  9. vidhi

    vidhi Senior IL'ite

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    Dear Chith

    When we are controlled by the sense organs everything leads us to trouble. On the other hand when we control them there is no problem. To be not affected by anything needs lots of courage, compassion, faith and love. To realise that the suffering comes to us because of our own mistakes itself is a great step. And to accept it and overcome it atleast a percentage of it really takes a lot of time. Each time when you have a fall it clearly shows where you stand.

    Love
    Vidhi
     
  10. vidhi

    vidhi Senior IL'ite

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    Dear Cheeniya Sir

    Your example of a photographers and the eclipse was very convincing. You have explained clearly how the enlightned differ from the common people. Coming to the end of the second chapter you both have enlightened us with so many things which we have never heard of. Eagerly looking forward to the third chapter.

    regards
    Vidhi
     

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