The twenty-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 4:33, Swamiji discusses more on sacrifice (yagña, offering), the positive effect of true faith (shraddha), and the negative effect of doubt, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

A summary of this talk on The Sacrifice of Wisdom

• Sacrifice and Knowledge: The discussion begins with contrasting material sacrifices with the sacrifice of knowledge (Jnana Yajna). Knowledge is deemed superior because it leads to true wisdom and understanding of reality.
• Purpose of Life: The purpose highlighted in the text is to attain self-knowledge (Atma Jnana) and ultimately experience Brahman (the ultimate reality).
• Learning from the Wise: Knowledge is best acquired by serving, questioning, and learning from those who have realized the truth. This often involves living with or serving a wise teacher (Guru).
• The Importance of Genuine Questions: The speaker emphasizes the need for serious, thoughtful questions from students, criticizing those who claim to seek knowledge but fail to engage deeply.
• Cosmic Connection: The human body is described as a microcosm of the universe. Meditative experiences can reveal inner worlds, reflecting the outer cosmos.
• Overcoming Sin through Knowledge: Even the most sinful can transcend their past through true knowledge, which purifies the consciousness.
• Nature of Ego and Karma: The ego is seen as an illusion, not something to be gotten rid of but to be realized as such through knowledge, which also dissolves karmic bonds.
• The Role of Faith: Not just belief in God, but conviction in the process of spiritual practice (Sadhana) leading to self-realization.
• Consequences of Doubt: Doubt, particularly as a form of denial, leads to spiritual ruin, preventing one from achieving spiritual or worldly happiness.
• Action and Yoga: Actions do not bind one who has renounced them through Yoga, meaning one who meditates and reflects can dissolve the effects of past actions.
• Self-Realization: The ultimate goal is to realize one's true self, not to depend on external sources like scriptures or teachers but to find the truth within.
• Call to Spiritual Awakening: Arise from ignorance and return to one's true divine nature, echoing the parable of the prodigal son returning home.
• Conclusion: The path to peace and returning to the divine abode (Brahman) is through self-realization, achievable through dedicated spiritual practice.