The seventy-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.

This rich and personal talk by Swami Nirmalananda Giri, titled “God’s Power in Us”, based on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, beginning with verse 11, explores the layered path of spiritual practice laid out by Krishna—ranging from acting with devotion, to surrendering the fruits of action, to relying on divine power itself. He clarifies what is meant by “God’s power in us”, not as external intervention but as the latent divine strength already present in our being, accessible through sadhana. The talk then turns to the superiority of meditation, the fruits of renunciation, and finally, the nature of compassion, humility, and detachment from egoic impulses like hatred, territoriality, and pride. Through touching stories and deep insight, he illustrates how the Bhagavad Gita teaches us to live in unity, spiritual maturity, and love for all beings.

• Karma Yoga as Devotion: Even mundane actions become sacred when done for the sake of self-realization—when we act for God, in God, by God.

• “God’s Power” Means Yoga Power: The divine strength within us is not a miracle-working force but the intrinsic power of union—activated through sincere spiritual effort, especially japa and meditation.

• The Hierarchy of Practice: Krishna explains a progression:

• Action done with divine intent,

• Renunciation of results,

• Knowledge (jnana),

• Meditation (dhyana),

• And finally, renunciation itself, which brings immediate peace.

• Real Knowledge vs. Intellectualism: Genuine knowledge is insight that manifests in our daily life, actions, and speech—not abstract or ego-driven mental activity.

• The Fruit of Meditation: Renunciation (letting go of outcomes and egoic attachment) is not the start, but the result of deep meditation—it arises naturally when one is truly established in sadhana.

• The Gita as a Measuring Stick: Like marking our physical height as children, we should periodically assess our spiritual growth by how much we live the teachings of the Gita.

• Compassion Over Aversion: The ideal person “hates no being” and feels friendliness and empathy—not just emotional goodwill, but a heart that shares in others’ sorrows and joys.

• Personal Story of Friendship and Empathy: Swami shares a moving story of his deep connection with a misunderstood and mistreated young woman, illustrating what it means to bear one another’s burdens.

• Diet and Consciousness: Echoing yogic traditions, he suggests that eating meat cultivates animalistic tendencies (e.g., territorialism, dullness, aggression) that obstruct compassion and inner freedom.

• Letting Go of “I” and “Mine”: Spiritual maturity requires release of possessiveness, ego-centeredness, and emotional volatility—replacing them with even-mindedness in pleasure and pain, and inner steadiness.

The sixty-ninth 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 15:06, Swami Nirmalananda reflects on the profound teaching that the liberated soul becomes swayam prakasha—self-illumined—requiring no external source of light or truth. He emphasizes the transformation of consciousness through sadhana (spiritual practice), the journey to the supreme abode (param dhama), and the subtle mystery of the Atman’s departure from the body. Drawing from personal experience, poetic metaphor, and deep scriptural insight, he urges the listener to awaken the eye of knowledge, engage in daily study, and strive ceaselessly for Self-realization.

• Self-illumination as the Goal: The liberated soul becomes swayam prakasha—self-illuminating—no longer dependent on external light such as sun, moon, or fire.

• The Supreme Abode: The “place” to which the yogi goes and does not return is the supreme abode, the true home of the Self, identical with the Lord’s own.

• Mind and Senses Survive Death: Upon leaving the body, the Atman carries the mind and senses with it, just as wind carries fragrance—making cultivation of the mind essential.

• The Divine Indweller (Ishwara): The Lord presides over the senses and mind even during embodiment, and those with the eye of knowledge (jnana chakshu) can perceive Him.

• Delusion at Death: The deluded fail to perceive God at death; they remain unconscious, returning to rebirth, often unaware even at the moment of transition.

• True Seeing is Knowing: Real vision is direct knowing—when the eye of knowledge opens, understanding arises spontaneously without external confirmation.

• Mythic Metaphor—Kali and Buddha: Through the example of Sri Ramakrishna and Zen teachings, Swami illustrates the necessity of cutting through all appearances, even divine ones, to reach the ultimate.

• The Meaning of Striving (Yatate): Sadhana must be active and energetic. True spiritual effort is exertive and expansive, stretching the soul toward realization.

• The Importance of Sacred Study: Constant study of scriptures like the Gita—especially interpretive and literal versions—purifies and deepens understanding. He recommends daily reading.

• Personal Testimony and Liberation: Swami shares a powerful moment of realization from his own life—the joy, tears, and liberation he experienced upon finishing the Gita and seeing clearly the reality of karma, reincarnation, and divine nature.