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.
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