Gita Talk 74–Virtues Needed for Yogis

The seventy-forth 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, continuing with Chapter 16:01, Swamiji discusses characteristics for capability of yoga, and how virya (vigor) is necessary for the aspiring yogi, and the negative qualities a yogi avoids.

Swami Nirmalananda continues the 16th chapter of the Gita, which details the stark contrast between divine (daivic) and demonic (asuric) qualities. In this talk, he carefully unpacks a long list of virtues essential for spiritual aspirants—not as optional extras, but as requisites for enlightenment. He explains how these qualities form a kind of “endowment” or inner inheritance of the soul and how failing to cultivate them leads to darkness, bondage, and spiritual regression. Drawing on personal anecdotes, scriptural commentary, and humor, he encourages yogis to develop not only external behavior but inward transformation rooted in self-honesty, discipline, and compassion.

• Virtues of the Divine State Krishna lists divine traits as essentials for enlightenment:

• Fearlessness, purity, steadfastness in yoga, self-control, truthfulness, nonviolence, and almsgiving.

• Other qualities include tranquility, non-covetousness, compassion, modesty, gentleness, absence of anger, vigor, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of hatred, and lack of arrogance.

• Truthfulness in Thought, Speech, and Action: Living untruthfully isn’t just about lying—it’s professing belief in spiritual truths and not living them.

• Renunciation (vairagya): Letting go means understanding the impermanence and lower value of worldly goals in light of the Self.

• Fickleness vs. Steadfastness: Spiritual growth requires firm will. Constant changing of plans or inconsistent effort is a major obstacle.

• The Yogic Life is Courageous: Swamiji shares a story about Anandamayi Ma encouraging him to be “firm and unshakable” when speaking spiritual truth—even when unpopular.

• Mental and Physical Cleanliness: Purity means clarity in the body, mind, and heart. Unclean environments or thoughts leave subtle vibrations.

• The Demonic State: Arises from arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, hypocrisy, and ignorance—especially willful ignorance or neglect of spiritual development.

• You Are Always Moving: There is no standing still. One is either evolving toward the light or devolving into greater darkness and spiritual dullness.

• Living in Light or in Shadow: Most people in the world are not evil, but they live without the light—unaware or unwilling to seek the truth.

• Destiny is Not Fixed—It Is Cultivated: These virtues are your endowment, Swami says—not because they’re granted from above, but because you build them daily.