Gita Talks

By: Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)
  • Summary

  • Talks on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Nirmalananda Giri About the Gita The Bhagavad Gita is the most popular of the scriptures of Hinduism. In this series of talks on India’s spiritual classic, Swami Nirmalananda illumines its importance for all spiritual seekers, and for yogis in particular. The Bhagavad gita is the immortal dialog between Sri Krishna and the yogi-warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra on the eve of the Mahabharata war. In 700 verses, the sage Vyasa relates the teachings of Sri Krishna on the foundational philosophy and practices necessary to succeed in spiritual life. In these talks Swami Nirmalananda gives explanations of Sri Krishna’s teachings in the Gita which will be of practical value both to beginners and also to experienced students in spiritual life. Most talks are about 20 minutes long, though some are longer. About the Speaker These talks are by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke), the founder and director of the Atma Jyoti Ashram (Light of the Spirit Monastery) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, USA. His writings are featured on the monastery’s website, OCOY.org. Swamiji has over a half a century of background in study of the world’s religions. During his first trip to India in 1963 he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha. In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. Swami Nirmalananda is the author of numerous books on practical spiritual life, including his own translation of the Bhagavad Gita, and his commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening.
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Episodes
  • Gita Talk 20–Action & Inaction
    Nov 5 2024

    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.

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    21 mins
  • Talk 19–Traits Developed by Yoga
    Nov 5 2024

    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.

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    21 mins
  • Gita Talk 18–Why Does God Incarnate?
    Oct 31 2024

    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.

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    21 mins

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