THEMATIC ESSENCE OF UDDHAVA-GÉT Ä Lesson 9: Introductory Explanation of the Yoga System THEMATIC ESSENCE OF UDDHAVA-GÉT Ä Lesson 9: Introductory Explanation of the Yoga System (SB Canto 11, Chapter 14) 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 1

Essential prerequisite understanding of chapter 13 with clarity to understand chapter 14 onwards on the system of yoga  Uddhava’s query: “Why do we engage in material activities that invariably end up in miseries for us?  The 4 Kumära’s question: “How can we separate sense objects from the senses/mind?(Contd) 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 2

 Krsna’s response:  Do not endeavor to separate sense objects from the senses/mind; rather, harmonize with them! Why and how?  To perceive something different from Krsna  dream state, or that is a shadow of reality—it resembles or similar, but not the reality as it is  Jïäna (impersonal)-based renunciation is not very effective nor lasting  purification of consciousness is not possible (Contd) 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 3

 Jïäna’s purification is unalloyed Krsna-bhakti  Krsna is the source of tan-mäträ, or the senses, which are in the mode of passion, while the mind is in the mode of goodness  Use the mind/senses in devotional service unto Krsna  gradual purification of our consciousness from material to spiritual  Besides, only Krsna sees the reality because He IS the reality personified, and essential truth is Krsna  Don’t surrender to satisfy our bodily needs, rather always endeavor for Krsna’s pleasure 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 4

Chapter 14: Introductory explanation of the yoga system  In this chapter, Krsna begins to explain that unalloyed devotional service unto the Supreme Lord is the best method of spiritual practice. He also explains the process of meditation, but clearly points out that one should aim to meditate on Him as the Supersoul situated in our heart.  Uddhava’s question: “Which process of spiritual advancement is the best?” 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 5

Why Vedic literatures recommend so many different methods of worship and advancement, and which is the best? (1- 12 )  The living entity’s multitude of material desires due to inheritance of unique combinations of the modes  individuality  Hence, different religious philosophies/faiths/practices including even atheistic viewpoints  the power of false ego  Due to lower modes of material nature (passion/ignorance) bewildered by illusion  Capable of mistakenly identifying vows of penance, austerities, charity, etc as the ultimate spiritual practice 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 6

Krsna’s recommendation (12)  “O learned Uddhava, those who fix their consciousness on Me, giving up all material desires, share with Me a happiness that cannot possibly be experienced by those engaged in sense gratification.” 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 7

The glories of unalloyed devotional service unto Krsna (13- 30)  Destroys sinful reactions—even seeds of material desires—accumulated over millions of life times, and produces many symptoms of spiritual happiness, such as the standing of the hairs on end, etc.  Pure devotion, having the power to purify the heart, enables one to achieve the association of the Lord and is always close to Him, he is able to purify the entire universe. (Contd) 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 8

 By virtue of his unflinching devotional to the Lord, the devotee can never be completely diverted by the objects of sense enjoyment, even if he is not able to gain control over his senses in the beginning (18).  One who desires for perfection of his life must give up all material processes of elevation as well as the association of opposite sex or even association of those addicted to sex indulgence.  He should then fix his mind constantly on the lotus feet of Krsna. 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 9

How to attain such pure devotional service unto Krsna? (26-27)  “…by hearing and chanting the pious narrations of My glories, he regains his ability to see Me, the Absolute Truth, in My subtle spiritual form”  bhagavata-dharma  Gradual transformation of material consciousness into Krsna consciousness  This way one’s polluted mind gets absorbed on Krsna and His transcendental pastimes. 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 10

Dhyna-yoga, or the yoga of meditation in brief (31-46) Dhyäna-yoga, or the yoga of meditation in brief (31-46)  Yogic-äsanas, or sitting postures, breathing exercises (präëayama), and being fixed on the oàkära (impersonal sound vibration of the Supreme Absolute Truth) to control one’s mind and senses away from sense objects and then fix on the Supersoul in the heart  The yogi would then meditate on the PERSONAL form of the Supersoul— kñirodakña-Viñëu(Contd) 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 11

 “One who has completely fixed his mind on Me should see Me within his own soul and should see the individual soul within Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus, he sees the individual souls united with the Supreme Soul, just as one sees the sun’s rays completely united with the sun.” (45)  “When the yog é thus controls his mind by intensely concentrated meditation, his illusory identification with material objects, knowledge and activities is very quickly extinguished.” (46) 11/12/2011Carucandra Dasa 12