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Understanding Vedic Astrology and the Bhagavad Gitas Teachings
Vedic astrology and the Bhagavad Gita are profound sources of wisdom that guide individuals toward a balanced and fulfilled life. In this article, we delve into the essence of Vedic astrology rules and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly focusing on the second chapter and its relevance to modern life. The relationship between the mind, senses, and the soul is crucial for spiritual growth and achieving peace.
Contemplation and Attachment
One of the critical points discussed in the Bhagavad Gita is the process of how attachment develops. When a person contemplates excessively on an object, attachment to that object is formed. This attachment then leads to the development of desire for the object. When the desire is not fulfilled, anger and frustration follow. This anger and frustration lead to delusion and confusion, where one doesnt know what to do because they are not getting what they desire. This confusion often leads to wrongful actions or total delusion. Many people, in their quest to fulfill their desires, may take the wrong path, leading to their ultimate destruction.
The Role of Memory and Conscience
The memory of a person plays a significant role in this process. When the memory, which is managed by the prefrontal cortex of the brain, is spoiled due to excessive association with negativity, a person is doomed to fail as a human being. The next verse in the Gita talks about prasada or serenity of the mind. When the mind is serene, calm, and peaceful, it is known as prasada. A person in the state of prasada is not excessively perturbed by either pleasure or pain or any particular material situation. They remain serene and peaceful, which is essential for spiritual growth.
The State of Prasada
When a person achieves a state of prasada, the perturbed nature of the mind starts to diminish. The reactions of the mind to different material stimuli, especially pain, begin to reduce. The brain coordinates with the serene mind, making one fit enough to ascend the spiritual ladder. This state of being serene and calm is crucial for progressing in spiritual practice.
Control and Yoga
According to the Gita, a person who is not controlled properly and is not in a state of yoga cannot experience the true feeling of the teachings. Yukta is a person who is controlled by yoga, which means the combination of body, mind, and soul, and the understanding of the Sankhya Yoga principles in the Bhagavad Gita. A person in yoga can control themselves and will have bhavana or the feeling. To truly understand and feel the meaning of the Gitas teachings, self-control and a lot of practice are required.
The Mind and the Senses
If the mind follows the senses in their pursuits, it loses control. The senses have different objectives and run behind various objects. A famous picture in the Bhagavad Gita portrays five horses representing the five senses going in different directions, with the mind as the charioteer and the soul as the traveler. If the mind is driven away by the senses, the charioteer has no control, and the traveler has no destination, leading to a lost and perturbed state.
Restraining the Senses
Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of restraining the senses from their objects. A person who can do this can attain the supreme goal. However, restraining the senses doesnt mean completely avoiding using them. It means using them in the right way, such as engaging the senses in the service of the Supreme Lord. For instance, eating prasada with the mouth and tasting the Tulsi leaf with the tongue engages the senses in a positive manner.
Ignorance and Knowledge
The Gita states that what is night for all living beings is the bright daylight for the introspective sage. Here, night signifies ignorance, where living beings see night, the introspective sage sees daylight, representing knowledge. This verse highlights the difference in perception between an ordinary being and a sage.
Desires and Peace
One of the significant verses of the second chapter draws a parallel between the ocean and a person. Just as the ocean remains calm and unperturbed despite the rivers flowing into it, a person should remain calm and unperturbed despite desires coming and going. The goal is not to renounce all sense objects but to remain unperturbed by them, achieving steadfast intelligence and peace. Those who desire desire itself will never attain peace.
Attaining Peace
The Gita explains that peace is very important and can be achieved by restraining the senses from sense objects. This state of peace, as mentioned in the Patanjali Sutras, is called yoga. Relinquishing the sense of proprietorship over sense objects is crucial for attaining peace. This feeling of ownership is hard to renounce for materialistic people, but with devotion to the Lord and effort, it becomes possible.
Brahma Nirvana
The second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita elucidates the concept of Sankhya Yoga. One who steadfastly follows this concept can reach the eternal state of peace, known as Brahma Nirvana. This concept of Nirvana, also found in Buddhism, represents the ultimate bliss of peace. To experience this, one must start relinquishing desires and controlling sense objects. Practicing meditation, self-control, and avoiding harmful pleasures can help in achieving this state.
Devotional Lifestyle
A devotional lifestyle is essential for following Sankhya Yoga and attaining Brahma Nirvana. This includes maintaining a proper devotional routine from morning to evening, performing activities for God, such as cooking, eating, and chanting mantras. By maintaining this regimen, one can satisfy the requirements of Sankhya Yoga and attain eternal peace and supreme bliss.
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