"Gita - Chapter 09 - Day 07 / 07" Talk in Eng by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Mangaluru.

Hari Om!

Swami Aparajitananda gives a compact refresher of Chapter 9 so far.

Verse 26: Lord declares: To worship Him is very easy. He takes whatever is offered with devotion and love from pure heart. Swamiji simplifies: Be totally involved, develop deep relationship in prayer moments and have a peaceful mind.

Verses 27 and 28: Lord gives another option to busy worldly people, viz: whatever we do, offer to Him as worship. Swamiji gives the message: Follow essence of Karma Yoga. Use BMI as caretaker of His gifts to please Him. A reference is made to "Service of world is service unto the Lord" (Upadesha Sāra by Ramana Maharshi).

Swamiji gives beautiful clarity: it is all about attitude; and explains Sannyāsayoga-yuktaha (renunciation of attitude of I and my) to be real Sannyāsī remaining in the world.

Verse 29: Lord answers the question whether He is partial to devotees. He is equal to all. But real devotees are in Him and He in them. Swamiji gives sweet explanation and examples. Lord only loves us. We have to open up to his teachings, Grace and blessings. Example: fire place and two people, Jesus portrait.

Verses 30 and 31: Lord says all can attain Him and gain this Knowledge. Swamiji explains the turning point moment of taking refuge that can change criminal into saint (Gītā chapter 4: Na me bhakta pranashyati).

Verses 32 and 33: Swamiji simplifies the controversial verse in the easiest way. Pāpa yonīs described as strī and shūdra are interpreted the right way. Swamiji explains caste system based on jāti, karma and guna (composition of mind) and real import of the term strī and throws light on how weakness can become strength and how helplessness can be most useful for total surrender.

Lord finalises His message: After coming into world, turn to Him. Because sooner or later, it is bound to happen.

Verse 34 gives essence of chapter 9. Swamiji explains that whole discussion of chapter 9 is to understand that Lord is eagerly waiting for us to reach Him soon, living the way prescribed by Him and keeping him as supreme Goal, all can and may attain Him.

(Bhagavad Gītā - Chp 9 - Talk 7 of 7 - Verses 26 to 34)