The ninetieth 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 18:53, Swamiji discusses what is necessary to realize the Self, what renunciation is, and what devotion is.
Main Theme: Realizing the Self through renunciation, devotion, and steadfast inner transformation.
The Path of Realization – Key Practices
• Forsake egotism through inner observation and meditation.
• Renounce pride, anger, and possessiveness, replacing them with detachment.
• Be free from “mine-ness”: true ownership leads to spiritual bondage.
• Become peaceful and content inwardly – only then are you fit (kalpate) for union with Brahman.
• Adapt your life to the higher, not the higher to your life.
Devotion & Union with Brahman
• Absorption in Brahman brings serenity—no grief or desire.
• Seeing the Self in all beings doesn’t mean blind association; discernment is necessary.
• Supreme devotion leads to true knowledge of the Divine—not just belief.
• Japa and remembrance unite the mind with the Divine (e.g., Soham).
• “Instead of going to heaven at last, I’m going all along.” — the way of the yogi.
• Union with the Divine is our reality; the spiritual path is awakening to it.
Mental Renunciation and Inner Strength
• Renounce all actions mentally in God—not just physically.
• Hold the Supreme as the highest goal—always choose Brahman over worldly distractions.
• Use Buddhi Yoga (intelligence + discrimination) to guide your life, not sentimentality.
• Constantly fix your mind on God—this is both the method and the goal.
Warning Against Egotism
• If you refuse to listen or act through egotism, Krishna says: “You shall perish.”
• Don’t rely on shallow religious feeling or superficial piety—it must be rooted in Self-effort and realization.
Closing Insight
• Strict self-discipline, steadfast meditation, and inner alignment are non-negotiable.
• Success is by grace, but grace is awakened through right effort.
• The Self is already present—yoga makes us ready to live in that truth.
Popular Podcasts
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.