The fifty-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 12:14, Swamiji discusses not being agitated by the world, and not agitating the world. He also suggests we should analyze our spiritual surrounding and determine if they help or hinder us.

Here's a summary of the talk by Swami Nirmalananda Giri on "How to be Dear to God.”

• Qualities of a Beloved Yogi: Krishna describes a Yogi who is always content, self-controlled, and firm in resolve as being dear to Him.
• Contentment in the Self: True contentment comes from being aware of one's eternal Self (Atma), not from external circumstances. Japa and meditation is highlighted as a way to maintain this awareness.
• Self-Control and Firm Resolve: Self-control involves not being swayed by external influences but maintaining one's true nature. Firm resolve means having a steadfast commitment to spiritual growth.
• Fixation of Mind and Intellect on God: One should aim to have their mind (emotions and sense impressions) and intellect (reasoning and understanding) fixed on God, creating a deep, unwavering devotion.
• Devotion as Dedication: Devotion is likened to being dedicated to a purpose, where the purpose of life is the realization of the absolute. The body and mind are seen as tools for enlightenment.
• Not Agitating the World: A Yogi should live without causing disturbances, focusing on personal spiritual practice rather than outward activism. This involves living one's truth quietly and not engaging in unnecessary conflict or debate.
• Silence and Action in Context: There's a time for speaking and a time for silence. For Yogis, silence is often more appropriate, especially in relation to the world's ways which might not align with spiritual goals.
• Avoiding Spiritual Distractions: One should avoid people or situations that distract or hinder spiritual progress, much like Arjuna focused only on the eye of the bird when practicing archery, illustrating single-pointed focus.
• The Transience of the World: The world is likened to a bridge; one should pass through it without building permanent attachments. This analogy emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly life compared to the eternal spiritual journey.
• Company and Spiritual Growth: The company one keeps is crucial for spiritual life; associating with those who are also on a spiritual path helps maintain and enhance one's practice, as per the saying "company is greater than willpower."
• Discrimination in Relationships: Spiritual discrimination is necessary in choosing associations, suggesting one should distance from those who are not supportive of or are detrimental to one's spiritual life.

This talk focuses on the internal qualities and attitudes that endear one to God, emphasizing a life of simplicity, focus, and spiritual dedication over worldly engagement.

The fifty-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 12:11, Swamiji discusses the hierarchy of spiritual attitudes: action (karma), knowledge, meditation, and renuciation. He talks about manifesting God's power within us, and the positive attitudes we should cultivate.

Here's a summary of the talk by Swami Nirmalananda Giri on "God's Power Within Us."

1. 1 Karma Yoga and Action for God: The talk begins with an explanation of Karma Yoga, where actions are performed in, for, and by God, with the aim of self-realization. Actions should be seen within the context of divine purpose.
2. 2 Relying on God's Yoga Power: If one cannot perform actions solely for God, Krishna suggests relying on His yoga power, which isn't about divine intervention but about tapping into the inherent power of union (yoga) within us, which is part of the divine.
3. 3 The Nature of Yoga Power: Yoga power is described as the power of union, intrinsic to our nature as part of our inner Divinity. This power can be accessed through meditation and spiritual practice, not merely by asking for external help.
4. 4 Hierarchy of Spiritual Practices: Knowledge (Jnana) is better than mere action because it leads to understanding and insight. Meditation is superior to knowledge because it produces this insight. Renunciation of the fruits of action is even higher, as it signifies a state of meditation where actions are performed without attachment to outcomes.
5. 5 Attitude Towards Others: The Gita emphasizes an attitude of non-hatred, compassion, and friendliness towards all beings. This involves not only avoiding negative emotions but actively engaging in alleviating others' suffering, recognizing our oneness with all.
6. 6 Personal Stories of Compassion: Swamiji shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance of empathy and compassion, highlighting how we should bear others' burdens as if they were our own, fostering a sense of unity.
7. 7 Ego and Possession: The talk critiques the egoistic, possessive attitude, likening human behavior to animalistic territoriality, suggesting that our actions and attitudes are influenced by our lower nature and animal diet.
8. 8 Equanimity in Life: Maintaining equanimity in pleasure and pain, success and failure, is emphasized, advocating for a balanced, steady mind that does not swing with external circumstances.
9. 9 Spiritual Practice as Essential: Throughout, there's a strong emphasis on the necessity of Yoga Sadhana (spiritual practice) to truly embody these teachings, indicating that without such practice, these ideals remain theoretical.
10. 10 Continuous Learning and Growth: The Gita is presented not just as a text of philosophy but as a guide for practical living, encouraging continuous personal and spiritual growth.

This talk underscores the integration of spiritual wisdom into daily life through devotion, knowledge, and action, all underpinned by the realization of God's power within us.

The fifty-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 12:01, Swamiji discusses devotion, as taught by Krishna, whether it is better to approach God as the Unmanifest or as Personal (Saguna). He also discusses the use of the mantra Soham.

• Introduction to Devotion: The talk begins with an introduction to the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on Bhakti Yoga (the Yoga of Devotion).
• Previous Chapters Recap:Before diving into the Yoga of Devotion, Swamiji briefly recaps the previous chapter, "The Yoga of Divine Glories," where Krishna lists manifestations of His divine power, which Swamiji notes might be less relevant philosophically but signifies His presence in all glories.
• Cosmic Vision Context: The chapter following divine glories deals with the vision of Krishna's cosmic form, which is both dramatic and overwhelming, illustrating God's vastness and the cycle of creation and dissolution.
• Question on Devotion vs. Non-Duality: Arjuna's query in this chapter is about understanding yoga better: whether those who worship God with form and qualities or those who meditate on the unmanifest, formless Brahman have a superior understanding of yoga.
• Krishna's Response: Krishna explains that those steadfast in devotion, with their minds fixed on Him with supreme faith, are considered more versed in yoga. This approach is seen as more practical for the embodied soul in the material world.
• Challenges of Meditating on the Unmanifest: Meditating on the unmanifest Brahman is described as more challenging for those in physical bodies because it's difficult to grasp something so abstract while in the world of forms and qualities.
• Practical Path of Devotion: Krishna advocates for a yoga where actions are performed for Him, with the mind directed towards Him. This path is practical and leads to spiritual growth, even if one cannot achieve perfect meditation.
• The Role of Mantra and Meditation: The use of the mantra "Soham" (I am That) is highlighted as a method to merge consciousness with the divine, reflecting the eternal process of breathing and the connection of the individual soul with the absolute.
• Levels of Practice: Krishna outlines different levels of practice: fixing the mind on Him, constant practice of yoga, or even performing actions with the intent of devotion if direct meditation is challenging.
• Ultimate Goal - Becoming a Yogi: The overarching advice is to become a Yogi, emphasizing that through devotion and action for God's sake, one can attain spiritual perfection and ultimately merge with the divine.
• Encouragement for Spiritual Practice: The talk concludes by encouraging persistence in spiritual practice, acknowledging that everyone starts at different levels but can progress through dedicated effort.

This talk contrasts the paths of devotion to a personal form of God versus the impersonal, formless Brahman, highlighting practical devotion as a more accessible and effective path for spiritual seekers in this world.