The eighteenth 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 4:07, Swamiji discusses what Maya really is, and why God incarnates from age to age, plus other aspects of Krishna'a teachings in the Gita.

Here are the main points from this talk on Why Does God Incarnate?:

• Divine Incarnation's Purpose: Krishna states he incarnates by his own will, not being born in the usual sense, but as an infinite being choosing to manifest.
• Maya and Creation: Maya, or divine illusion, is described as the world being a creation or dream of God, where humans are part of this dream yet distinct, striving to awaken within it.
• Dharma and Adharma: Dharma is defined as the quality of life embodying truth and righteousness. God incarnates when Dharma declines (and Adharma rises) to restore it.
• Role of Avatars: Avatars manifest to protect the righteous, destroy evil (more in the sense of ignorance and negative actions rather than individuals), and to establish Dharma.
• Impact of Avatars: Encounter with an avatar can lead to spiritual enlightenment or further delusion, depending on one's response to their presence and teachings.
• Cyclic Nature of Time: The talk discusses the Yugas, cycles of time where human potential and spiritual awareness vary, currently in Kali Yuga where only 25% of potential is realized.
• Human Intelligence vs. Delusion: While humanity has advanced in certain fields, this often comes with increased capabilities for delusion and destruction.
• Personal Evolution: Knowing the truth of one's divine birth and actions can lead to liberation from the cycle of rebirth, progressing to higher realms of existence.
• We Are All Avatars: Each individual is considered a small avatar, having a divine essence with a mission to restore righteousness within themselves.
• Self-Reflection and Personal Dharma: Emphasis on personal spiritual growth and not being overly concerned with others' spiritual paths. The narrative uses the example of Saint Peter to highlight the importance of focusing on one's own spiritual journey.
• Conclusion: The talk concludes with the acknowledgment of the need for personal prayer and self-correction, akin to "physician, heal thyself," underlining personal responsibility in spiritual practice.