Bhagavad Gita by Swami Tattwamayananda

The Bhagavad Gita is a universal scripture appreciated by philosophers and great men and women from cultures around the world. The Bhagavad Gita presents a high ideal on inner spiritual transformation through the practice of Swadharma. It teaches that the Atman is deathless, unchanging, immortal and eternal, that the body is transient, and the characteristics of the sthitaprajña – a person of steady wisdom. The Gita teaches non-attachment in work and to confront the problem of unpleasant duty with equanimity of mind. It is not negligence or indifference but it removes the binding effect of work. Not only is it impossible to remain inactive, but also it is dangerous. If we do not divert our mind towards positive channels, the mind naturally turns to its own channels, which may be harmful. The Gita gives examples of men of women who combine secular success with spiritual values – the ideal of Raja-Rishi possessing the dynamism of a reigning monarch with the wisdom of a saint who knows the inherent limitations of empirical success. By learning to discern what is of permanent spiritual value, we gain spiritual common sense. Our actions bring a sense of inner fulfillment – kṛtakṛtyatā. The Gita teaches a harmonious blending of action and contemplation, the positive aspects of secular values and spiritual values.

Speakers

Swami Tattwamayananda

Speaker

Swami Tattwamayananda, currently the Minister- in -charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco, served in various centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India as editor, publisher,and teacher of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy before coming to the United States in January, 2012. He had traditional training in Hindu scriptures, Sanskrit and Vedic literature from his early days. He served in various centers of the Ramakrishna Order in India as editor, publisher, and teacher of Sanskrit, Advaitic texts such as Sri Shankaracharya’s commentaries on the Prasthanatraya and Indian philosophy.