Gita Talk 79–How Externals Affect Us Internally

The seventy-ninth 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 17:05, Swamiji discusses externals in religion, and how they can affect us, and the food, sacrifice, tapasya and almsgiving liked by people of different gunas

Spiritual Context

• Everything in creation is vibration—including matter—so external environments and objects influence our inner state.
• Even seemingly minor aspects (e.g., food, sounds, surroundings) can affect consciousness; nothing is truly insignificant on the path to Self-realization.
• Swamiji emphasizes discrimination (viveka) in evaluating what helps or hinders spiritual life.

Misguided Austerity and Harmful Practices

• Some people engage in extreme austerities not sanctioned by the scriptures, often driven by self-hatred, ego, or attention-seeking.
• These practices can be harmful to the body and mind, and often arise from tamasic delusion rather than sincere spiritual aspiration.
• True purity lies in the mind and consciousness—not just the physical body.

Threefold Division of Food (Gunas)

• Sattvic Foods (pure, uplifting):
• Increase life, vitality, strength, cheerfulness, and clarity.
• Are flavorful, substantial, and satisfying without causing distress.
• Examples: wholesome, fresh, balanced foods.
• Rajasic Foods (agitating):
• Pungent, sour, salty, excessively hot, harsh, stimulating.
• Cause agitation, restlessness, and sometimes disease.
• Often pursued by those obsessed with control, discipline, or dietary fads.
• Tamasic Foods (degrading):
• Stale, overripe, leftover, putrid, or decomposed foods.
• Include meat and food offered or taken from others’ plates.
• Such foods cloud the mind and dull spiritual perception.

Energy and Food Exchange

• Accepting food or items from others—especially negative individuals—can transfer energetic imprints or vibrations.
• Swamiji warns against prana theft or negative energy exchange, especially when people are unaware or manipulative.
• Even garments can carry energy; discretion is necessary in both giving and receiving.

Integration of Dharma in Daily Life

• True yoga and spiritual life must pervade all aspects of one’s life.
• There is no such thing as a “private” part of life exempt from dharma—partial sincerity leads to hypocrisy and failure.
• If someone is unwilling to apply dharmic principles universally, they should not claim to be on the spiritual path.

Closing Note

• With characteristic humor and self-deprecation, Swamiji closes by affirming that despite imperfections, sincerity and persistence matter most.
• “I’m all I’ve got”—a reminder that transformation begins with who we are now, not some idealized self.