The twenty-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 5:17, Swamiji discusses why the Gita and other scriptures of India use the word "Tat," –That, for God, as well as having a universal vision: seeing God in all beings. He talks about Swami Sivananda and his poem "Only God I Saw."

Here's a summary of Swamiji's talk on the "Thatness" of God:

• Introduction to the Concept of "That" (Tat): The talk introduces the Sanskrit word "Tat" meaning "that", referring to the ultimate, all-pervading consciousness beyond objectivity. This "thatness" is both within and transcends all relative existence.
• Levels of Spiritual Awareness:
• Absorption in That: Some individuals' minds become so evolved that they are absorbed into this infinite being.
• Fixation on That: Others focus their consciousness on this concept through meditation.
• Foundation in That: Some have their very being rooted in the realization of this "thatness".
• Highest Object: The ultimate spiritual goal where one sees God as the highest object of devotion.
• The Role of Knowledge in Spiritual Evolution: Knowledge is crucial for spiritual liberation, not just belief or faith. One must know God, not just love or follow rules.
• Ending of Rebirth: Those purified by knowledge achieve the cessation of rebirth, becoming one with the divine, like Krishna, who is seen as a wave of the ocean of absolute being.
• Unity in Diversity: The enlightened see the same divine essence in all beings, from the wise Brahman to animals like cows, elephants, and even dogs, recognizing that God is present in every form, advocating for non-violence (ahimsa) towards all life.
• Practical Application of Divine Perception: Swami Nirmalananda shares personal anecdotes illustrating the divine in everyday interactions, emphasizing that even in challenging or seemingly mundane situations, one should recognize the divine presence.
• Evenness of Brahman: Brahman, the ultimate reality, is described as without fault and the same to all. Those established in this evenness conquer rebirth, living with a constant awareness of divinity in all.
• Inspiration from Realized Souls: The talk concludes with the influence of realized souls like Swami Sivananda, who saw God in everyone, inspiring others to recognize their divine potential.

Swamiji emphasizes the importance of not just understanding but experiencing and living this divine unity. He suggests that true spiritual progress involves seeing beyond the superficial differences to recognize the one consciousness in everything, thereby achieving peace and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The twenty-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 5:10, Swamiji discusses the two types of "I"ness and the "nine gates" of yoga–the nine chakras of the Nath Yoga Tradition.

Here's a summary of this talk on the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the nine chakras:

• Introduction: The talk is part of a series called Gita Talks, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, specifically chapter five, verse ten. The chapter discusses the Yoga of Renunciation of Actions.
• Action and Karma: Actions performed by a Yogi are meant for spiritual evolution, not for personal gain or recognition. The Yogi acts by offering actions to Brahman, free from attachment, akin to how water does not wet a lotus leaf.
• Dual Sense of Self: There exists a lower sense of self (Ahamkara) associated with ego and material desires, and a higher sense of self (Asmita) which is more aligned with unity and spiritual identity. Actions driven by the lower self bind one with karma, whereas actions from the higher self liberate.
• Karma Yoga: Karma Yogis perform actions with the body, mind, and intellect without attachment, aiming for self-purification. Positive karma helps dissolve negative karma.
• Steadfastness and Peace: A person who renounces actions mentally achieves peace by not being swayed by personal likes, dislikes, or desires, focusing instead on spiritual goals.
• The Nine Chakras: Beyond the commonly known seven chakras, there are two additional chakras in yogic practice:
• Talu Chakra: Located at the soft part of the palate, it is crucial for the upward flow of energy.
• Nirvana/Jalandhar Chakra: Facilitates the complete and orderly operation of subtle energy systems, controlling the flow and directing it upward.
• Spiritual Energy Flow: Energy should flow up through the chakras without getting stuck, particularly at the Vishuddhi Chakra (throat). The awakening of these chakras, especially the Talu and Nirvana, ensures the energies are directed towards higher consciousness.
• Role of Knowledge and Ignorance: Spiritual knowledge (Jnana) liberates from the illusion caused by ignorance. Ignorance leads to delusion, where one is led blindly by external influences or personal desires.
• Self-Knowledge and Divine Presence: True knowledge comes from within, revealing the presence of Brahman. This inner knowledge, not external divine intervention, is what frees one from illusion.
• Conclusion: The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding the nine chakras for spiritual growth and the significance of internal spiritual knowledge over external guidance or divine intervention for true awakening.

The twenty-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 5:01, Swamiji discusses renunciation and karma yoga and which is better, according to Krishna, the concept of Darshanas (viewpoints in Hinduism) and our inner nature as the Eternal Witness, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here is a summary of the important points from this talk on “Renunciation versus Karma Yoga:”:

• Renunciation and Karma Yoga: Arjuna questions Krishna about the superiority between renunciation of actions and karma yoga (performing actions without attachment to their results). Krishna explains that both paths lead to happiness, but karma yoga is superior because it involves the right mental attitude in action.
• Karma Yoga Over Renunciation: Merely not doing something doesn't purify the mind if one is still mentally attached or involved in that action. Karma yoga involves acting with the right consciousness, which is more effective in leading to spiritual progress than simple renunciation.
• The Mind and Action: The mind is crucial; one can be detached from actions externally but still be attached mentally, which negates true renunciation. Karma yoga helps in aligning the mind and actions correctly.
• Philosophical Context - Sankhya and Yoga: Krishna discusses Sankhya, the ancient Indian philosophy, and Yoga, the practical discipline. He emphasizes that these are not separate but interconnected paths. Sankhya provides the philosophical foundation, while Yoga offers the practical methods for self-realization.
• Unity of Sankhya and Karma Yoga: The realization gained through Sankhya can also be attained by following Karma Yoga. Both are essentially one, where understanding (Sankhya) leads to the practice of unattached action (Karma Yoga).
• Path to Liberation: True renunciation comes from understanding and practicing karma yoga. It involves gradually detaching oneself from ego-driven actions, leading to a state where one can let go of actions entirely.
• Soham (That am I): The talk introduces the mantra "Soham (pronounced So-Hum)" as a tool for meditation, symbolizing the unity of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. This practice helps in realizing one's true nature beyond physical actions.
• Practical Implications: The talk stresses that while performing worldly duties, one should maintain an inner detachment, recognizing that all actions are ultimately expressions of the divine. This realization leads to actions that do not bind one to karma.
• Spiritual Integrity: Swamiji warns against the hypocrisy of claiming spiritual advancement while indulging in actions contrary to spiritual principles, highlighting the importance of genuine practice over pretense.
• Conclusion: The talk concludes with the idea that true spiritual advancement involves both understanding and living the principles of karma yoga, leading to liberation by recognizing the self in all actions as divine.

This talk illustrates the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on how to live a life of action without being bound by its results, emphasizing the integration of philosophical understanding with practical application in daily life.

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.

The twenty-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 4:29, Swamiji discusses Different forms of sacrifice (yagña, offering), what pranayama really is, and diet as a spiritual offering, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Summary of Swami Nirmalananda's Talk on Pranayama:

• Understanding Pranayama: Pranayama is not merely about controlling the breath but involves understanding and mastering the subtle life force or prana through the breath.
• Inhalation and Exhalation: The practice involves offering the inhalation into exhalation and vice versa, creating a seamless flow where the distinction between inhaling and exhaling becomes subtle. The mantra "Soham" (meaning "I am That") aids in this process, where 'So' is mentally intoned with each inhalation and 'Ham' (pronounced “hum”) in mentally intoned with each exhalation.
• Breath as Subtle Movement: Over time, the physical act of breathing slows down significantly, becoming almost imperceptible, as one focuses on the subtle energy behind the breath rather than the breath itself.
• Control vs. Mastery: The goal isn't to control the breath in terms of holding it but to merge with it, experiencing breath as an expression of one's deeper consciousness.
• Diet and Prana: Diet plays a crucial role in pranayama; a pure, vegan diet is recommended as it provides unconditioned energy free from the negative karma or characteristics of animal consciousness. This diet contributes to the refinement of both the physical and subtle bodies, aiding in spiritual practice.
• Food as Sacrifice: The act of eating restricted, pure food is seen as a sacrifice, offering the prana from food into one's spiritual practice, thereby transforming and elevating one's subtle energies.
• Transmutation and Immortality: Through these practices, one can transmute the material world into spiritual essence, leading to immortality or liberation. Krishna emphasizes that this world is meant for yogis who engage in such sacrifices.
• Presence of Brahman: The practice of pranayama and the associated sacrifices are performed in the presence of Brahman, indicating a constant divine interaction where our actions are offerings to the Divine.
• Action and Liberation: All these practices stem from action, and by understanding and engaging in them consciously, one moves towards liberation. The importance of performing these actions is highlighted as the path to knowing and experiencing enlightenment.

Swamiji concludes by encouraging the audience to engage in these practices, seeing them as integral to spiritual growth and ultimate liberation, aligning one's life with God through mindful action.

The twenty-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 4:22, Swamiji discusses the spiritual qualities needed for success in yoga, how to dissolve karma, the prayer used by monks before meals, the different types of offerings in spiritual life, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Summary of Swami Nirmalananda's Talk on Qualities for Success in Yoga:

• Contentment with What Comes Unbidden: Success in spiritual life involves being content with what life brings, even if not actively sought. This reflects an acceptance of life's events as outcomes of past actions (karma), without resistance or attachment.
• Beyond Pairs of Opposites: One should transcend dualities like pleasure and pain, success and failure, seeing these as parts of the divine play or drama. This detachment helps in recognizing the divine in all circumstances.
• Freedom from Envy: Envy, or coveting what others have, binds one to the material world. Freedom from envy signifies an inner peace and satisfaction with one's own path and lot in life.
• Consistency in Success or Failure: Acting without being bound by the results, maintaining equanimity whether one succeeds or fails, is key. This mindset prevents the creation of new karma through mental and emotional reactions.
• Acting Without Binding Karma: Physical actions are not the primary factor karma; it is the mental and emotional state during action that creates karma. Acting with a mind focused on divine consciousness minimizes karmic accumulation.
• Sacrifice and Offering to Brahman: All actions should be viewed as offerings to Brahman (the Ultimate Reality). This includes offering the self into the self, which is the highest form of yoga, leading to spiritual liberation.
• Control of Senses and Prana: Offering the functions of the senses and life force (prana) to self-restraint, kindled by true spiritual knowledge, aids in detaching from worldly distractions and focusing on the divine.
• Self-Analysis and Knowledge as Sacrifice: Advanced practitioners use self-analysis to transcend lower self-identities, offering this understanding back to the Divine. This process is crucial for spiritual growth, avoiding intellectual ego traps.
• Awareness of Spiritual Vulnerability: Despite spiritual progress, one must remain vigilant against potential spiritual downfall due to ego or distraction, emphasizing the importance of ongoing practice and awareness.

Swami Nirmalananda emphasizes these qualities not just as prerequisites but as ongoing practices essential for spiritual success, illustrating that spiritual life is about transformation through awareness and dedication to a higher consciousness.

The twentieth 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 4:16, Swamiji discusses the nature of action and inaction, how we can view situations in our spiritual life objectively and intelligently, and how we must restrain our thought and our lower self, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here is a summary of the talk on "Action and Inaction." by Swami Nirmalananda:

• Understanding Action and Inaction: Swamiji explores the complex nature of action (karma) and inaction. Physical action is only a small part of what constitutes true action; mental activity, intentions, and the internal state of being also play crucial roles.
• Perception of Action: Learn how one can perform actions while remaining internally detached or "inactive" in terms of attachment. Conversely, one might appear inactive externally but be very active internally through thoughts, plans, and desires.
• Wisdom and Yoga: The person who understands and can perceive action in inaction and inaction in action is described as wise and steadfast in yoga. This wisdom leads to a state where actions do not bind the individual with karmic reactions.
• Beyond Desire and Attachment: True action involves doing without attachment to the outcomes or desires for results. This state is likened to that of a yogi who acts but remains unbound by the fruits of those actions.
• Contentment and Non-Attachment: The concept of being content with what comes naturally or unbidden, understanding one's karma, and acting in accordance with dharma (righteousness) without being swayed by success or failure is emphasized.
• Freedom from Dualities: A wise person transcends dualities like pleasure and pain, likes and dislikes, which do not affect them internally despite engaging in worldly activities.
• Karma Management: An anecdote about a man overly concerned with avoiding bad karma illustrates the folly of being overly fearful of karmic consequences without considering the broader spiritual context or the principle of action.
• Higher Consciousness and Reality: This talk touches on the idea that reality is not separate from consciousness; everything is a manifestation of divine energy, and understanding this leads to true wisdom.
• Spiritual Life and Daily Actions: Swamiji suggests that integrating spiritual insights into daily life means acting with full awareness, where the external actions do not dictate the internal peace or wisdom.

The talk intertwines philosophical insights with practical advice, urging listeners to delve deeper into the spiritual dimensions of action to lead a life of wisdom and liberation from the cycle of karma.

The nineteenth 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 4:10, Swamiji discusses how God incarnates to facilitate our enlightenment, the traits one will develop when successfully practicing yoga, the practice of Japa Yoga, and some of the ways to approach God. He also introduces the concept of caste: what it is and what it isn't, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita. These spiritual teachings will help with your spiritual growth and your practice of yoga and meditation.

1. Purpose of Incarnation:

• Krishna explains his purpose for incarnating on Earth, which is to guide humanity towards enlightenment or at least instruct them on the path.

2. Transformation Through Yoga:

• The talk outlines the transformation that occurs in individuals who persevere in yoga practice, emphasizing that these traits develop over time rather than being prerequisites.

3. Key Traits Developed:

• Freedom from Greed and Desire: Practitioners learn to desire things calmly and with intelligence, not impulsively.
• Freedom from Fear: Yoga aims to eliminate fear, which often drives human actions.
• Absence of Anger and Hostility: Yoga leads to inner peace, reducing or eliminating emotional and potential physical violence.

4. Continuous Practice:

• The importance of continuous practice, particularly Japa (repetition of a mantra), is emphasized for maintaining connection with one's true self and achieving higher states of consciousness.

5. Path of Knowledge and Yoga:

• The path involves purification through knowledge and yoga, not through physical deprivation or mere external actions.
• Knowledge here refers to understanding Dharma (righteous duty) and acting in accordance with it.

6. Divine Connection:

• Yoga is described as a method to connect with the God, where even mistaken efforts towards spiritual growth can lead to positive outcomes due to the intention behind them.

7. Divine Reward:

• The ultimate reward of following this path is God himself, indicating a deep spiritual fulfillment.

8. Caste System Clarification:

• The talk briefly touches on the concept of Varna (caste), explaining it as related to one's qualities and actions (karma) rather than social hierarchy, emphasizing its spiritual rather than societal interpretation.

9. Action and Liberation:

• The discussion concludes with the idea that understanding the transcendent nature of God helps one not be bound by actions. The ancient seekers of liberation performed actions with this understanding, suggesting a model for modern practitioners.

10. Encouragement for Practice:

• The talk encourages listeners to engage in right action and pursue spiritual growth, acknowledging that it might be a lengthy process but essential for true liberation.

Overall, Swami Nirmalananda Giri's talk focuses on the transformative power of yoga in developing spiritual virtues, emphasizing a path of knowledge, continuous practice, and divine connection over mere ritualistic or external practices.