The thirty-eighth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 7:04, Swamiji discusses the cosmology, both cosmic and personal, taught in the Gita. He share the various similes about God Krishna talks of.

Here is a summary of the talk "Spiritual Cosmology."

• Cosmic Composition: Krishna describes the universe as composed of eight divisions of Prakriti (primal energy): earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and ego principle. These elements make up the "lower Prakriti" or the material aspect of existence.
• Human as Microcosms: Humans are seen as miniature universes, reflecting the cosmos. This analogy is drawn from the idea that just as many bowls of water can reflect the sun, humans reflect the divine, suggesting an intrinsic divine nature within each individual.
• Higher and Lower Prakriti: Beyond the material elements, there's a "higher Prakriti" consisting of all individual conscious entities (Jivas), which are considered the higher creation, directly linked to the divine consciousness.
• Divine Manifestation in Nature: Krishna identifies himself with various natural phenomena: the taste in water, the radiance of the sun and moon, the sound in the ether, and the life in all beings, emphasizing that God is the essence behind all manifestations.
• The Oneness of Existence: The talk underscores the unity of all existence with Krishna stating, "There is none beside me," indicating a non-dual view where all diversity springs from and dissolves back into one divine source.
• Life and Consciousness in All Matter: Everything in the universe is considered alive at some level, from the smallest particle to complex beings. This life is part of the divine journey toward consciousness, with even plants and trees embodying a form of consciousness.
• Respect for Life: There's a strong ethical call to respect all forms of life due to their divine essence. The talk criticizes the act of killing for food or other uses, suggesting a reverence for all living beings, including trees and plants, which have their own forms of spirit or consciousness.
• Spiritual Experience Over Intellectual Understanding: The ultimate truth is beyond mere intellectual grasp; it's about experiencing Divinity directly through practices like meditation, where one can connect with the subtle aspects of existence.
• Nature's Response to Human Actions: Anecdotal stories are shared to illustrate how nature, including trees, can react to human behavior, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world based on respect or lack thereof.
• Practical Application of Spiritual Insight: The talk concludes with a reminder of the need to integrate this understanding into daily life, promoting a worldview where one acknowledges and respects the divine in all aspects of existence.

The talk encourages listeners to delve deeper into these concepts through Swami Nirmalananda's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for a life aligned with these spiritual truths.

The thirty-seventh in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 7:01, Swamiji shares Krishna's teachings on how to know Him. He discusses the rarity of those who seek and find God. He also shares a story of a meeting with Swami Kriyananda, Yogananda's monastic disciple.

Here is a summary of the talk "Knowledge and Realization."

• Knowledge vs. Realization: Swamiji distinguishes between knowing something intellectually and realizing it experientially. True spiritual growth involves realizing or experiencing the knowledge, not just believing in it.
• The Ultimate Knowledge: The talk underscores that once one truly knows the Divine, nothing further remains to be known in this world. This knowledge is the purpose of the universe's manifestation.
• The Scarcity of Spiritual Seekers: He references Krishna's words from the Bhagavad Gita that among thousands, few strive for perfection, and among those striving, few truly understand or know God in truth. This highlights the rarity of genuine spiritual pursuit.
• Perseverance in Spiritual Practice: The narrative stresses the importance of persistence in spiritual practice, even when faced with adversity. The story of Swami Kriyananda (Donald Walters) serves as an example of spiritual heroism and dedication, showing how one should continue the path alone if necessary.
• Personal Commitment to Realization: The talk encourages a personal commitment to spiritual realization, advocating for an attitude of "I will be one in millions if I have to, but I will realize." This contrasts with the common human tendency to give up or lose interest.
• Spiritual Challenges and Isolation: Swami Nirmalananda discusses the loneliness and opposition one might face on the spiritual path, using the experience of Swami Kriyananda to illustrate how external forces can attempt to derail one's spiritual journey, yet one must continue steadfastly.
• The Role of a Yogi: A Yogi is described as someone who will pursue their spiritual goal regardless of external discouragement or isolation, symbolizing the ultimate form of spiritual dedication and courage.
• Beyond Intellectual Understanding: The talk dismisses the idea that spiritual knowledge is merely intellectual or academic. It's about a lived experience and a direct connection with God, which transcends conventional understanding.
• Encouragement for the Listener: The narrative serves as an encouragement for the audience to strive for that rare and profound realization, not to be deterred by the low number of those who achieve it, emphasizing personal integrity and determination.
• Cultural and Historical References: Various anecdotes and literary references (like the poem about Simple Simon) are used to relate spiritual lessons to everyday human experiences, highlighting the simplicity and yet profound nature of true spiritual endeavor.

The talk concludes with a call to true spiritual love and dedication, suggesting that real love transcends mortality and connects one with the Absolute.

The thirty-sixth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 6:44, Swamiji discusses what the Vedas are, and how the yogi goes beyond the vedas. He talks about yoga as superior to asceticism, and the necessity for perseverance and mastery. He also shares a story about Anandamayi Ma.

Here is a summary of the talk "Going Beyond the Vedas."

• Vedas as Fundamental Scriptures: The Vedas are described as the supreme scriptures (Shruti), which are heard by Rishis (seers) as the fundamental sound energy of creation. They are not just religious hymns but embody the essence of the universe's creation.
• Beyond the Vedas: The talk emphasizes that true spiritual knowledge goes beyond even the Vedas. While the Vedas are the word of God, they do not encompass the essence of God, which is the consciousness of God.
• Desire for Yoga: Krishna states that a genuine desire to understand yoga takes one beyond the Vedas. This pursuit involves a deep, sincere longing for spiritual truth.
• Personal Anecdotes and Experiences: Swamiji shares personal stories, like his journey to India with fellow yogis, emphasizing the importance of satsang (company of truth-seekers) and dedication in spiritual practice. These stories illustrate the practical application of spiritual teachings.
• Purification and Yogic Practices: The discussion includes various methods of purification and warns against extreme yogic practices, such as living off minimal food or engaging in intense meditation without sleep, to demonstrate that the commitment required in the spiritual path should be consistent and manageable.
• Superiority of the Yogi: Yogis are considered superior to ascetics, scholars, and those engaged in ritualistic practices because their practice involves merging one's consciousness with God, which everyone can achieve.
• The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: The core message of the Gita is to become a Yogi, with the ultimate goal being to unite one's inner self with Divinity. This is not just an intellectual understanding but a lived experience through practice (sadhana).
• Faith and Experience: Faith in spiritual practice comes from direct experience, which is gained through consistent practice. The talk contrasts this with superficial devotion or theatrical expressions of faith.
• Yoga of Wisdom and Realization: The transition to Chapter 7 of the Gita is introduced, focusing on how one can know God completely by having the mind absorbed in divine practice, taking refuge in God, and understanding this as the only true path to spiritual realization.
• Practical Implications: The teachings are not just philosophical but are meant to be lived. Swamiji provides examples from various texts and his own life to underline how one can apply these teachings in everyday life for spiritual growth.

The talk concludes with an encouragement to engage with the Gita's teachings actively, suggesting Swami Nirmalananda's book for further exploration.

The thirty-fifth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 6:37, Swamiji discusses those who have faith but are yet uncontrolled, and what Krishna says about those who fall from yoga. He also shares stories about Anandamayi Ma, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Yogananda's disciple Swami Kriyananda.

Here's a summary of the main points from Swami Nirmalananda Giri's talk on "Falling from Yoga":

• The Challenge of Faith and Control: Arjuna questions what happens to someone who has faith but lacks control, whose mind has drifted from yoga without achieving perfection. This reflects the human struggle with maintaining spiritual discipline.
• Spiritual Amnesia: The talk discusses how individuals can forget their spiritual experiences and insights, essentially losing the path they once walked. This is likened to a cloud dissolving, leaving one without a solid grounding in either the material or spiritual world.
• Karma of Yoga: Krishna reassures that the efforts put into yoga practice create positive karma, which does not go to waste. Even if one falls from the path, the spiritual efforts made are not lost; they contribute to future spiritual or material benefits.
• Rebirth and Continuation: Those who fall from yoga might be reborn into families where spiritual practice is valued, either among the rich or wise yogis, giving them a head start in resuming their spiritual journey. This shows how karma from past practices can influence one's circumstances in future lives.
• Regaining Knowledge: The spiritual knowledge acquired in previous lives naturally returns, impelling the individual back onto the path of yoga, often without conscious effort, due to the subconscious imprint of past practices.
• Effort Never Wasted: The principle that no spiritual effort is wasted, even if one doesn't achieve full realization in one lifetime, is emphasized. Each step taken on the path adds to one's spiritual account, facilitating progress in future incarnations.
• Stories of Spiritual Guidance: Anecdotes are shared about how spiritual masters can recognize and influence the spiritual destiny of individuals, sometimes even foreseeing their involvement in spiritual activities long before they consciously embark on the path.
• Caution Against Complacency: There's a warning about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of continuous practice and vigilance to avoid falling away from the path. This is contrasted with the wisdom of recognizing one's potential for spiritual regression.

This talk provides comfort to those who might feel they've lost their way on the spiritual path, affirming that the journey is ongoing across lifetimes, with each step contributing to eventual perfection.

The thirty-fourth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 6:30, Swamiji discusses the false secular/spiritual divide, Arjuna's question about the restlessness of the mind, and shares a story of Yogananda from someone who knew him, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here's a summary of the main points from Swami Nirmalananda Giri's talk on "Seeing God Everywhere":

• Divine Immanence: The talk begins with the concept from the Bhagavad Gita that one who sees God in everything and everything in God does not lose connection with God. This reflects a spiritual perception where even ordinary experiences can reveal the divine.
• Transformation Through Spiritual Practice: The story of Elwood Decker illustrates how experiences like listening to spiritual music or witnessing sacred dance can open one's consciousness, allowing them to see divinity in mundane settings, like in a diner with an ordinary waitress and cook.
• Unity and Holiness: Being established in unity means recognizing the one reality behind all things, viewing life as a manifestation of the spirit. This perspective changes how one interacts with the world, seeing all beings and actions as part of a divine play.
• Equal Judgment of Pleasure and Pain: The Yogi applies the same standards to all experiences, evaluating them through the lens of spiritual growth rather than personal pleasure or pain. This leads to a higher form of discernment.
• Mind's Restlessness: Arjuna questions how one can maintain evenness of mind given its natural instability. Krishna acknowledges this difficulty but offers hope through:
• Practice (Abhyasa): Consistent spiritual practice can stabilize the mind.
• Dispassion (Vairagya): Developing detachment from transient desires and impressions.
• Control and Discipline: The mind, likened to the wind, is hard to control, but through disciplined practice and right means (right conduct, meditation), one can achieve mastery over it.
• Effort Over Time: The journey to spiritual realization isn't immediate but requires persistence. The phrase "doing, doing, done" emphasizes the importance of continuous effort in spiritual practice.
• Practical Advice for Spiritual Growth: The talk concludes with practical steps for those seeking spiritual advancement, like obtaining a visa to travel to India, metaphorically suggesting that spiritual journeys require concrete steps and commitment rather than just contemplation or superficial interest.

This talk emphasizes the holistic view of seeing divinity in all aspects of life, the challenges of mind control, and the necessity of dedicated spiritual practice to achieve and maintain this divine perspective.

The thirty-third in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 6:21, Swamiji discusses priorities in spiritual life, and obstacles to those priorities. He shares a story about Lahiri Mahasaya, how to develop will-power, and clarifies the true meaning of "sin."

Here's a summary of the main points from Swami Nirmalananda Giri's talk on "Priorities and Spiritual Life":

• Prioritizing Self-Realization: The highest aim in life should be self-realization, and nothing should be considered a better gain than knowing the Self.
• Steadiness in Practice: One must be serious about their spiritual practice (yoga) and not excuse themselves for being beginners. Commitment to dharma (duty/righteousness) is crucial.
• Epictetus's Wisdom: Reference to Epictetus's idea of not selling one's understanding or will for any gain, emphasizing the integrity of spiritual practice.
• Detachment from Worldly Gains: No material or worldly gain should be considered as valuable as spiritual progress. The story of Yogiraj illustrates maintaining composure even during personal tragedies.
• Overcoming Distractions: Spiritual practitioners should be wary of distractions or temptations that could derail their practice. Once compromised, returning to the path becomes challenging.
• Emotional and Sensory Control: The Yogi must abandon desires that stem from personal will or intention (sankalpa), restraining the senses through mind control. An anecdote about not being swayed by external stimuli like go-go dancers serves as an example.
• Mind's Wandering: When the mind wanders, it should be gently brought back to focus on the self or meditation, understanding that this control comes with practice.
• Progressive Quietude: Attaining inner peace and tranquility is a step-by-step process, not immediate, but through consistent practice.
• Integration of Yoga: Yoga should be an integral part of daily life, not an occasional practice. This involves yoking or joining one's life with spiritual discipline.
• Unity with Brahman: The ultimate goal is to see oneself in all beings and all beings in oneself, which signifies true spiritual unity and awareness, transcending personal gain or loss.
• Perseverance in Practice: Constant engagement in yoga practice is emphasized, with the reminder that any lapse or giving up equates to spiritual death or sin in the sense of falling short of one's divine nature.

The talk underscores the importance of setting spiritual priorities, maintaining discipline, and seeing all aspects of life through the lens of spiritual unity and purpose.

The thirty-second in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 6:16, Swamiji discusses details Krishna mentions about spiritual life, including eating, sleeping, and moderation in all things. He shares a story of Sister Durga, Paramhansa Yogananda's advanced disciple, and controlling the mind, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here's a summary of the main points from Swami Nirmalananda Giri's talk on "The Yoga Life":

• Yoga as a Way of Life: Yoga should be a constant state of joy and reflection in one's daily life, influencing how one lives.
• Moderation in Eating: Yoga isn't about excessive eating or extreme fasting. There's a critique of practices that lead to an unhealthy obsession with food, which can arise from misguided yogic practices.
• Sleep and Wakefulness: The Yogi should avoid the extremes of too much or too little sleep. An anecdote about the macrobiotic diet illustrates how an imbalanced approach can lead to health issues and excessive sleep.
• Moderation in Action: Yoga advocates for sensibility and discipline in actions, avoiding extremes of overdoing or underdoing, which can stem from self-loathing or delusion.
• Control of the Mind: Through yoga, particularly through practices like japa (mantra repetition), one achieves control over the mind, leading to a state where the mind becomes still, like a lamp in a windless place.
• Self-Realization and Meditation: The goal is to behold the self by the self, without external mediators or tricks. Real yoga leads to natural contentment and joy in the self, not through forced or artificial means.
• Endless Joy (Ananda): The joy experienced in yoga is not an external or fleeting emotion but an inherent, endless aspect of one's true nature, which one realizes through meditation.
• Beyond Sensory Perception: True joy and understanding come from beyond the physical senses, through the intellect and subtle senses, leading to a state of steadfastness in truth.
• Judgment and Self-Reflection: There's a call for self-awareness and practical wisdom over blind devotion or foolishness, emphasizing the need for intelligence in spiritual practice.
• Criticism of False Practices: The talk critiques practices and teachings that lead to physical or mental harm or promote an imbalanced lifestyle under the guise of yoga.

This talk conveys that the essence of yoga is about living a balanced, sensible life, where spiritual practice naturally leads to inner peace, control over one's desires, and joy, without the need for extreme measures or false spiritual experiences.

The thirty-first in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 6:11, Swamiji discusses different aspects of medition, including posture, practice, and a yogi's seat, as well as the contested meaning of "nasikagram," focusing on the root of the nose, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here's a summary of the main points from Swami Nirmalananda Giri's talk on "A Yogi's Place of Meditation":

• Firm Seat: The Yogi should establish a firm, stable seat for meditation, whether on the ground or a chair, ensuring it does not jiggle or move.
• Cleanliness and Position: The place for meditation should be clean, not too high or too low, symbolizing a balance in one's practice.
• Materials for Insulation: Traditionally, kusa grass, antelope skin, and cloth are mentioned for insulation and comfort, with modern equivalents like rugs or blankets suggested to prevent dampness during outdoor meditation.
• Focus on a Single Object: The mind should be directed to one object, like the breath or the mantra "Soham," to achieve concentration.
• Control of Senses: Meditation involves controlling thought and sensory activity through yoga practice, specifically mentioning japa of the mantra "Soham" as encompassing all necessary conditions for meditation.
• Posture and Physical Comfort: The body, head, and neck should be kept erect but relaxed, not rigid like in a military parade, with the suggestion to adjust if necessary for comfort or to address physical needs like itching.
• Gaze and Mudra: The gaze should be gently directed towards the tip of the nose or upward, which helps in maintaining awareness at the Sahasrara Chakra.
• Mental State: The mind should be quieted through breath control (breathing normally in a relaxed way), banishing fear or anxiety which might arise during meditation due to physiological or neurological reasons.
• Brahmacharya: Refers here to controlling the senses, maintaining focus without being distracted by external sensations or thoughts.
• Devotion and Meditation Technique: Meditation involves being devoted to the divine through the practice of japa (repetition of mantra), specifically integrating breath with the mantra "Soham" to achieve unity with the divine.
• Outcome of Practice: A disciplined Yogi, with a subdued mind, achieves tranquility and ultimately attains supreme peace or "Nirvana," leading to union with the divine.

This talk emphasizes the practical aspects of setting up for meditation, maintaining focus, and the integration of physical posture with mental discipline to achieve spiritual goals.