Session focuses on the nature of human problems and the concept of Atma (the self). It distinguishes between two types of problems: (a) situational issues and (b) fundamental problem related to self-recognition. The fundamental problem is the desire to see oneself as a complete being, free from limitations. Krishna addresses this by emphasizing the nature of Atma, which is unborn and unchanging.Main ideas:Panditah na anuśocanti (2.11): The wise do not grieve because they see Atma as unborn and unchanging. This understanding comes from an inquiry into the nature of being, recognizing an unchanging presence (Sat-cit) that allows one to witness changes.Sat-cit (Existence-Awareness): This is the unchanging reality that underlies all forms. It is not individual but one undivided whole, similar to how space seems divided by objects but is actually one continuous entity.Satya-Mithya Analysis: Krishna points out that all changing forms (bodies, minds, objects) are mithya (dependent reality) and do not affect the final reality (satyam). Mithya forms reduce to atoms and particles, concepts — but the final reality is existence-awareness (Sat-cit), which is limitless (Ananta).Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 17: This verse emphasizes that Atma is indestructible and pervades the entire world. No one can destroy this unchanging reality, just as waves cannot change the water.Resistance to Teaching: Analogy of a frog in a well is used to explain why people resist this teaching. Just as the frog is comfortable in its well, people are comfortable with their limited understanding and resist the broader vision of reality.Vedanta Vision: Unlike common spiritual teachings that suggest ascending to a higher reality, Vedanta teaches that Sat-cit is not an object but the very essence of “I am.” It is something already accomplished but not yet recognized.Wave-Water Analogy: The relationship between mithya (wave) and satyam (water) is used to illustrate that one does not have to give up their individual identity to understand the broader reality. Instead, one should put their individuality into perspective, recognizing it as part of the larger, unchanging existence-awareness.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/
Chapter 1, Verses 7-9: Duryodhana highlights the prominent warriors on his side to Drona, including: Bhishma (the grandsire of both the Kauravas and Pandavas); Karna (whose loyalty to Duryodhana stems from past humiliations and the support he received from him); Kripa (known for his prowess in battle); Ashwatthama (Drona’s son); Vikarna (a Kaurava prince); and Somadatta (a respected warrior). All who are ready to sacrifice their lives for him, according to him. This way he indirectly exposes his insecurity. Karna's story is revealed, including his birth through Kunti's boon, his lifelong complex of not being recognized as a Kshatriya, and his unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana due to his validation of Karna's talents. Karna's psychological need for validation is pointed out. Duryodhana's insecurities are analyzed, including his compensation through fake bravado.Chapter 1, Verse 10: Duryodhana contrasts the strength of the two armies, noting that while his is protected by the venerable Bhishma, the Pandavas‘ army is safeguarded by Bhima. He emphasizes Bhima as his greatest threat due to their long-standing rivalry, which includes Bhima's vow to kill Duryodhana in revenge for past wrongs, such as the incident where Duryodhana tried to poison and drown Bhima, and making Draupadi (Bhima's wife) sit on Duryodhana's lap.Chapter 1, Verse 11: Duryodhana shares his strategy to win the war by closely protecting Bhisma, who has a boon that allows him to leave this world only when he wants. The plot to kill Bhisma, involving Arjuna, Krishna, and Shikhandi, is detailed, showcasing Bhishma's obligation to his grandson Arjuna.Chapter 1, Verse 12: Bhishma, sensing Duryodhana's concerns and the gravity of the situation, blows his conch to signal the start of the battle and to boost the morale of his troops. The sound of the conch, akin to a lion's roar, serves to energize and rally the warriors, creating an atmosphere of readiness and determination. The conch's powerful resonance, much like background music in a film, sets the emotional tone for the impending conflict, illustrating the profound influence of sound in preparing the warriors for battle.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/
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39. Everyone is Pursuing Moksha Unknowingly | 4 Universal Goals in Life – BG, CH2, V53
Chapter 2, Verse 53: The verse explains the transition from karma-kanda (Vedic rituals) to self-knowledge through karma-yoga. When the mind transcends the various goals presented in the Vedas (artha, kāma, dharma), it becomes steady in recognizing the ultimate goal – moksha. Karma-yoga serves as a bridge, transforming worldly pursuits into spiritual practice by gradually reducing attachment to limited results of rituals. Through this practice, the intellect becomes refined enough to discriminate between Anatma (changing body-mind experiences) and Atma (the unchanging presence-consciousness). The verse elaborates on the mind's functions (antahkarana) – manas (emotions), buddhi (intellect), cittam (memory), and ahamkara (I-sense) – showing how misidentification with these changing aspects creates the universal error of taking the temporary as the eternal Self. True understanding reveals that “I am” is the unchanging presence (Brahman) that witnesses all these fluctuating states. Verse essence: When the mind becomes steady and undistracted by Vedic rituals, direct self-knowledge dawns.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/
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37. How to Have Discernment in Action (Samanya-Dharma) – BG, Chapter 2, Verse 49-50
Chapter 2, Verse 49: Karma-yoga (action with proper attitude) is superior to action driven by desire for results. The verse contrasts two approaches: those who act for results become entangled in disappointment and judgment, while karma-yogis maintain composure by recognizing Ishvara's laws govern results. A karma-yogi sees every action as an opportunity for self-growth and moksha, remains enthusiastic without demands, and understands laws are impersonal and fair. This understanding frees one from guilt and hurt, allowing focus on solutions rather than problems.Chapter 2, Verse 50: Karma-yoga requires aligning actions with samanya-dharma (universal ethics) while recognizing dharma as Ishvara's manifestation. Life combines purushartha (choice) and prarabdha (past causes). Dharmic action requires giving up obsession with punya and papa (merit and sin). Transgressions of dharma occur through raga-dvesha (likes/dislikes), societal pressure, past samskaras, and trauma, leading to guilt, fear, and low self-esteem. Dharma isn't fixed but dynamic, requiring discernment rather than personal interpretation. True karma-yoga involves both proper action guided by dharma and equanimous acceptance of results.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/
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33. Becoming More Clear & 3 Mind Qualities (Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic) – BG, CH2, V44-46
Chapter 2, Verse 44: Those lacking discernment (vyavasāyātmikā buddhi) are easily swayed by flowery promises of pleasure and power. Such people, with minds clouded by materialistic pursuits, jump between various spiritual techniques without understanding their true purpose. They misinterpret scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, due to their attachment to worldly results.Chapter 2, Verse 45: The Vedas deal with the three gunas (traiguṇya-viṣaya), but one must transcend them. A sattvic disposition is characterized by straightforwardness, non-violence, and freedom from dualities. This requires emotional maturity – neither suppressing nor lashing out at emotions, but using them as indicators. One must avoid both rajasic tendencies (driven by personal likes/dislikes) and tamasic qualities (seeking shortcuts, avoiding inquiry). Verse essence: Make mind sattvic as a stepping stone to moksha.Chapter 2, Verse 46: Just as a well becomes insignificant during a flood, all limited actions and their results lose importance upon Self-knowledge. Once one realizes their true nature as ananda-svarupa (fullness itself), pursuing limited results becomes meaningless. The sattvic mind, like the well, serves its purpose only until Self-knowledge is attained.See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/
Over Bhagavad Gita Advanced Lessons for the Western Mind
Bhagavad Gita lessons are a mirror to the self (you), revealing the nature of reality, the mind, and our place in the grand order of existence. It presents a step-by-step method to help seekers refine their thinking, emotions, and decision-making, guiding them toward freedom from limitation (moksha, or enlightenment) and a deep, unshakable clarity about life.
This podcast is rooted in the Arsha Vidya tradition of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, offering a direct, nuanced, and highly relevant approach to the Gita’s teachings. Unlike other explanations that focus only on devotion, philosophy, or ethics in isolation, this study integrates Advaita Vedanta (Non-duality) with modern living, making the teachings practical, logical, and immediately applicable.
The Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom is drawn from the Upanishads, forming the very core of Vedantic knowledge, a tradition preserved and passed down for thousands of years. By exploring all 18 chapters and 700 verses, this podcast will help you gain a comprehensive non-dual understanding of existence—not as abstract theory but as a lived reality.
What makes these Bhagavad Gita lessons unique?
– Nuanced Explanation – Andre breaks down complex Sanskrit terms and Vedantic ideas without oversimplification, preserving the depth and precision of the teaching.
– Relevance to Modern Life – These teachings are not removed from daily living. You'll learn how to apply the Gita’s insights to relationships, work, personal growth, and inner peace.
– Structured, Step-by-Step Approach – The course systematically unfolds the core Vedantic vision, ensuring each teaching builds upon the last for clear and deep understanding.
– A Non-Dual Vision of Reality – This study does not merely interpret the Gita as a moral or religious text but reveals its Advaita (Non-dual) foundation, aligning with the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and Shankaracharya.
Key themes explored:
– The nature of the Self (Ātman) – Uncover your true identity beyond the body and mind.
– Brahman and Māyā – Understand how the one reality appears as many, and why this illusion persists.
– Karma, Dharma, and Free Will – Navigate action, choice, and responsibility with wisdom.
– Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga – Explore the threefold path of knowledge, action, and devotion, and how they integrate.
– The mind and emotions – Learn powerful methods for self-mastery, using Gita wisdom to refine perception and thought.
– Ishvara (The Lord) and the Grand Order – Recognize how all of life operates within a profound and intelligent system.
This study is not a one-time lecture but a living tradition meant to awaken insight, offering practical tools for clarity, stability, and transformation. Each lesson sharpens your viveka (discrimination) and deepens your vairāgya (dispassion), leading to a life of greater freedom, composure, and understanding.
Join us as we delve into the science of consciousness, explore the Gita’s timeless wisdom, and uncover the highest self-knowledge—one that liberates the seeker from identification with the limited individual and the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsāra).
This is not just an intellectual study. It is a journey into the heart of truth, a path that leads from confusion to clarity, restlessness to peace, and ignorance to self-recognition.
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