Lecture Notes on Bhagavad Gita and Self-Control

Introduction

• Disposal of 'There's no place like M' bumper stickers influx across the country.
• Central topic: Bhagavad Gita by Shri Krishna.
• Parsing the meaning of terms like Hari Krishna (son of Krishna, means Christ the son), Krishna (Christ), and Shri (king: Christ the King).

Key Theme: Repeat Cycles in Spiritual Stories

• Spiritual narratives constant over ages (circle turns, Zodiac moves).
• Knowledge not exclusive to Christians, it's universal (teachings throughout ages).

Discussion on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2:34-2:36

• 2:34: Anger leads to delusion, loss of memory, shattered reasoning, and destruction.
  • Example: Acting without thinking due to anger.
• 2:35: Self-controlled soul immersed in sense objects without attachment or repulsion attains eternal peace.
  • Challenge: Self controlling mind vs. mind controlling self.
  • Solution: Meditation to align the self above the thoughts of the mind.

Meditation and Control

• Meditation as the path to inner peace and control over one’s mind.
• Loss of self-control illustrated by everyday distractions and fantasies even in holy places.

Critique of Modern Religion and Materialism

• Organized religion controls and induces guilt, takes money, and attaches to worldly power structures.
• Advocacy for freedom from established religious constructs.

The Concept of Unconditional Love

• Accepting all individuals regardless of their background.
• Love free from judgment and conditions.

Metaphor: Importance of Animal Instinct Over Human Carnal Mind

• Example of dogs displaying unconditional love, contrasting with the conditional nature of human love influenced by religious doctrine.

Criticism of Misconceptions of Sin

• Organized religion labels societal norms they disapprove of as sin.
• Comparison with more liberal and accepting views towards human nature.

Human and Spiritual Relationship with Nature

• Example of a rose's inherent beauty and purity irrespective of external factors.
• Emphasis on the interconnectedness and sanctity of life around us.

Concept of Right Discrimination

• 2:36: Attaining peace through right discrimination
  • Example: Following teachings of Christ and Buddha (Kingdom within and Nirvana respectively).

The Antichrist Theory

• Argument: Christianity as the Antichrist by not following the teachings of Jesus, such as the inward search for divinity.

Meditation as a Means to Peace and Happiness

• 2:37: Concentration leads to meditation, meditation brings peace, and peace fosters happiness.

Storm as a Metaphor for the Mind

• Comparison of life’s turmoil to a ship in a storm, and the need for Christ within to calm the storm.
  • Biblical reference: Jesus calming the sea.

Self-Control Through Meditative Detachment

• 2:39: Detach from sense objects for purified reasoning.
• Attaining virgin consciousness (Christ born within).

Interpreting Ancient Scriptures in Modern Context

• Example from Hebrews about moving past basic tenets to seek deeper understanding.
• Argument against superficial rituals like traditional baptism.

Spiritual Awakening and the Single Eye Metaphor

• Reference to Jesus's teachings on the single eye and its metaphysical implications.
• Pineal gland as the seat of divine light within, with scientific backing from modern research.

Summation of Peace and Saintly Vigilance

• Encouragement to be vigilant and awake spiritually, as advised in various religious texts.

Conclusion: Importance of Inner Journey and Meditation

• Final emphasis on the need for meditation to attain peace and spiritual fulfillment.
• Caution against restrictive doctrines of organized religion and advocacy for personal spiritual exploration.