New Study Of Gita Nov 4 Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar

NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA 1

DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR


STUDY
OF

GITA

Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar


November 4, 2009, 10:30 am

GURURBRAHMA GURURVISHNUH
GURURDEVO MAHESHVARAH
GURUH SAKSHAT PARABRAHMA
TASMAISHRI GURAVE NAMAH

I salute my Guru, who is Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh called Gunamaya i.e. the penultimate
truth; and the Parabrahma; i.e. the ultimate truth.

What is the background of the sharing of my
perceptions of Gita? Why did I study Gita?

It gives me great pleasure to share these experiences and
perceptions of my study of Bhagavad Gita. Obviously; this
is neither a translation nor a commentary. I may not call
this an interpretation also. This is simply, a sharing of my
experiences and perceptions of Bhagavad Gita! For the
sake of simplicity, henceforth I am going to refer her as
Gita. Another interesting thing, which may appear queer,
is; I prefer to refer to Gita as “she” and not it. Because Gita
is much more than a “living” and “loving” mother!

It was in early childhood that I used to hear some chapters
such as 15th; being recited by my brothers and sister.

During our school days I remember to have learnt some
shlokas from Gita Dhyana and some shlokas from Gita
proper. But I don’t remember the details.



After this brief encounter, all that I heard during my
medical college days, from leftist friends was not in favor
of Gita. But what I heard from many others was high
acclaim for Gita.

But somehow I was involved in many things other than
Gita and probably kept on groping in the dark for quite
some time. May be, this was because study of Gita did not
seem to have application in medical profession or social
development; or because study of Gita wasn’t thought very
important by leaders in different fields. Most importantly,
study of Gita was not promoted enough by the local,
municipal, state and central governments; in India; to
attract majority of people and especially young minds!
Study of Gita was not associated with any apparent or
tempting incentive!

I must appreciate however; that there have been many
voluntary groups trying to spread the study and message of
Gita all over the world, even though I had not come in their
contact or influenced by their activity!

But after coming to Mumbai, flame of curiosity was ignited
and interest in Gita was aroused, probably because I had
begun to revisit Vishnusahasranam and Namasmaran,
and/or I was becoming increasingly aware of my
inadequacies.

Apparently it was also because; I wanted to study
something world famous and ultimate in every sense; so as
to boost my ego! Hence I began the study of Gita.



But now it appears that there was much more to it than this.
Whether I studied Gita or Gita herself made me study her,
is a moot question and I feel; the latter may be truer.

When did I start the study? What were the early
experiences?

When I seriously began to study Gita; about twenty years
ago, I found many contradictions in her.

For example, in 4th chapter, Lord Krishna says in the same
verse, (Chaturvarnayam maya srustam…) that he
created four VARNAS and also; he did not create them!
Also, even as Lord Krishna advocates the war (Tasmat
uttishtha Kaunteya yuddhaya kruta nishchaya…2nd
chapter, nirashi nirmamo bhootva yuddhaya kruta
nishchaya… 3rd chapter, Yadahankarmashritya na
yotsya iti…..18th chapter), he also upholds nonviolence
and control of mind in most of the chapters e.g. (Ahimsa
satyamakrodham.. 16th chapter,
Moodhagrahenamatnoyat …17th chapter, ) as a virtue.

Similarly, Lord Krishna disapproves Arjuna’s arguments in
1st chapter about VARNA SANKAR, which means
indisciplined and unrestricted marriages directed by mere
attraction; in different groups, (Ashochyanaiva
shochastvam prajnya vadanscha bhashase.. .2nd
chapter) he uses the same argument (Yadi hyaham na
varteyam …and Utside yurime lokam… 3rd chapter).



In 2nd chapter his argument (Akeertin cha pi bhootani…,
Bhayat ranat uparatam…, Awacchya vadanscha
bahoon…. etc) about “what people would say”, appears to
be too superficial and not enlightening or philosophical
(Please refer; page 121).

One can quote many such contradictions and uninteresting
arguments as examples; but that is not the purpose of this
writing, because as can be seen latter, these apparent
contradictions kept getting resolved in the process of study.
Hence, the purpose of this writing is; to share exciting
changes in my perceptions of Gita and myself and hitherto
impossible; amazing revelations; which occurred as I went
on studying Gita, inspite of the contradictions and
uninteresting arguments!

Why did I continue my study of Gita inspite of the
contradictions and uninteresting arguments (which at
that time were “real” and not “merely apparent”)?
Why did I go ahead even further to byheart her?

The reason why I kept on studying Gita in spite of the
contradictions was; I sensed that there was something in
Gita, which I was not able perceive. This sensing of
something; which I was not able to perceive, kept on
haunting me. I sensed that it was so precious that I could
not resist myself! This was like an obsession of searching a
secret treasure; inspite of difficulties and dangers! That
sensation of something imperceptible in Gita kept on
propelling me from within also! It was as if I was possessed
by this sensation in and out!



In addition, I realized that I needed to correlate the shlokas
or verses in different chapters so as to extract deeper
meaning. This could have been possible only if I
remembered all the 700 verses from different chapters, and
contemplate on them, at any given point of time. This I
thought was the only way to possibly resolve the
contradictions; even while traveling or walking and without
having to refer a book! So I started the uphill task (as I do
not have the gift of very good memory) of by hearting Gita!

But frankly speaking, even as I am giving these apparently
logical explanations, I had not quite understood why I kept
on reciting and by hearting Gita, obsessively inspite of the
contradictions!

It appears now, that Gita herself consumed my
consciousness, without me being aware of it and kept on
absorbing; my being in her!

Another reason for the persistence; (inspite of pains and
agonies of frequent and serious disagreements); which was
beyond my desire or voluntary will, may be that; study of
Gita has the roots in my previous birth. This study may be a
continuation of what was left half way; in the last birth!

You may believe and appreciate this or discard as a flight
of imagination! I leave it to your own perceptions and
experiences!



But life actually encompasses the births and deaths and
hence called ANUBANDHA and NITYAGA i.e. linked up
and continuous! The continuity is evident in such
phenomena.

Why did not I write earlier?

In the process of studying Gita; the thought to share my
understanding used be very predominant. This may be a
reaction of the excitement I derived from time to time from
Gita or it may be because I thought; I have something to
offer to the society! For this reason; I had tried to write on
Gita about ten to twelve years back, but later I stopped
halfway; as I was not quite satisfied and was not at ease;
with my own interpretations, contentions and explanations,
which appeared circular to me!

What is the feeling while sharing the perceptions of Gita
today?

Not that I am sharing now, because I can claim to have
understood Gita completely, but because, I am convinced
that Gita enlightens us for the journey; that starts with
ignorance, individuality; and timed mortal existence; and
heads towards the destinations of self realization;
universality and trans-temporal immortal consciousness;
respectively! Or rather, it is because it is an urge to share
something wonderful with the others, with whom I feel, I
am united, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion,



ideology, race, country and other characteristics; such as
whether I know them or not!

I am keen to share this great treasure, because; at this
juncture I see; that Gita deals with; 1) Molecular activities
2) Individual activities including various physical,
instinctual, emotional and intellectual 3) The relationship of
these with the society and universe and 4) The relationship
of all these with past, present and future; and 5) The all
encompassing cosmic consciousness i.e. the nature of our
cosmic being.

I am enthusiastic to share because, though Gita does not
deal with; the drudgery of enumeration and description of
irrelevant peripheral details, she deals with the intricate
principles involved in the intermolecular, inter-moment,
interpersonal, international interactions and also the
interactions at all the levels of consciousness. This may be
termed cosmic dynamics or cosmic orchestra; including the
role of an individual blossoming in it!

Do I understand Gita completely?

I have realized that I may not understand Gita, I may
understand Gita partially, or I may misunderstand Gita. In
any case it is useful; because; with the study of Gita, there
starts the exciting voyage of enlightenment and
blossoming!

Complete understanding of Gita is impossible, because it is
trans-intellectual i.e. beyond the three levels of



consciousness (SWPANA, SUSHUPTI and JAGRUTI, i.e.
dream, sleep and wakefulness respectively) and four modes
of communication (VAACHA) viz. PARA, PASHYANTI,
MADHYAMA and VAIKHARI, i.e. roughly speaking;
communication from the root of one’s existence without
articulation(umbilical area), the primitive instincts
communication (precoridal area), autonomic nervous
system and neuroendocrine system (throat) and
communication as articulated and spoken through central
nervous activity (tongue, lips, palate etc) respectively.
These modes of communication seem to express different
levels of genuinity and varying distance from the objective
truth.

What is the scope of the study of Gita in individual life?

However, even if I don’t understand Gita, due to above
reason; I have the freedom and opportunity to keep on
studying Gita and merge with cosmic consciousness to the
extent possible, and while doing so share the perceptions! I
have the freedom to be empowered in the course of time;
sufficient enough to relinquish at appropriate time; “my”
then redundant; intellectual, instinctual, emotional and
instinctual frameworks, material possessions and my body,
happily and victoriously! This is akin to a blossoming
flower; that emanates its pleasant fragrance (without
reservations and any kind of pain or discomfort
whatsoever) or a ripe fruit that drops from the tree!

What is the role of NAMASMARAN in the study of
Gita?



Now before I go ahead, I must state here, that
NAMASMARAN enabled the much necessary inner
propulsion for continued study and “understanding” Gita to
the extent possible; and Gita provided the paradigm shift
and strong and stabilizing conceptual foundation that made
it possible to adhere to apparently meaningless and
unglamorous activity of NAMASMARAN! But most
importantly it is the cosmic consciousness (Guru) that has
made all this; i.e. study of Gita, Vishnusahasranam and
NAMASMARAN possible!

Why wasn’t this published as printed book?

I am glad that it has been uploaded for free download and
is being shared with millions, WITHOUT the delay caused
by various formalities involved in printing, publishing
advertising, transportation, shipment and marketing or
selling of hard copies. This delay due to several factors
such as motivation, interest, commitment, capability,
dynamism of the printers, publishers and the people
involved in marketing and sale; of hard copies is avoided! I
am also glad that this electronic publication is independent
of any influence of charity, donations, sponsorship. This is
what I call the grace of God or the benevolence of the
cosmic consciousness!

In as much as I don’t want to keep any copyrights; so
that anybody in the world; could utilize these shared
perceptions freely, I would also like to clarify that; just
as well meaning use of these would aid in imminent
universal blossoming; the plagiarism of this material in



any form with vested interests and mercenary motives;
would prove detrimental to the plagiarists and their
readers; and hence to everyone.

November 4, 2009, 4:30 pm.

In what way was it a difficult proposition to study and
continue to study Gita?

Like any individual I was also engrossed in the cacophony
of needs, wants, passions, infatuations, goals, dreams and
aspirations, for myself and the society, which I was
conscious of, there was; in addition; an inexplicable and
subconscious undercurrent that seemed to give
incomprehensible twists and turns to my life; often beyond
my tolerance and forbearance and stirred me from deep
within! Added to all this was; the challenge of study of
Gita, in which there way no monetary benefit or any
solution to day to day problems. Study of Gita had (and
even today does not have any value) in medical curriculum.
There was importance in medical curriculum! This
apparent irrelevance and non utility of the study made it
difficult and often disturbing!

But even as it appeared to create turmoil within my
intellectual and emotional framework; I could not get rid of
it, till today, due to the possible reasons mentioned earlier!

What is the bond that Gita creates?



It is just in recent times that I have started appreciating that
Gita has the nectar of immortality that is beyond individual
consciousness. But till recently; I felt that Gita (who kills
one’s subjectivity), imparted a dying experience! This is
why at earlier stages I felt it was terribly frightening to
study and internalize Gita! But even then, Gita immersed
me in herself!

In past, I used to sometimes worship Gita and sometimes
contradict her; without seriously studying! I often merely
used some quotations from Gita for proving my point and
to impress the audience and feel good with myself.

During my study in college and medical college I used get
enamored by unusual terminology and bombastic
uncommon words and feel elated. Many a times quoting
Gita, added to this elation!

But now I know that I was merely; getting enamored or
repulsed by experiencing the periphery; similar to enjoying
or hating the fruit by tasting its skin!

What is the significance of reciting Gita?

In India, Gita is recited, chanted, by hearted by many.
Earlier I thought this was stupidity or slavish mentality. At
times I thought this was blind belief. But today I confess
frankly that I was more immature at that time, than what I
am today! Today as a student of physiology for over 30
years, I feel that Gita can especially benefit all the children
in the world to develop and tone up their central nervous



system (including the speech areas and speech articulation
with biomedical feedback) and enhance their evolution
during this life! This is true not merely for a child but for
any and every person of any age in the world. This is true
even if Gita is by hearted without understanding the
intricacies, which one can appreciate at a later stage of
development!

As a student of physiology, I am also sure that; by hearting
of certain facts, meaningful hymns, philosophical or
scientific sutras (e.g. those from Ayurveda, Gita, and
Arithmetic), without questioning; lets the child build; the
edifice of knowledge and then work on it. Up to a certain
age there is no capacity in us to analyze and comprehend
certain aspects of life and hence insistence on clarification
should not be encouraged as it can act as hindrance in the
learning. In fact by hearting even if the child did not
understand the meaning is as essential; as feeding the baby,
even if it did not understand the nutritive principles in that
food!

While studying Gita I realized that questions themselves
should not be discouraged, but encouraged, but it must
also be clear that all questions may not be answered and
if answered, the answers may not be understood. Hence
insistence on clarification; as a precondition to by
hearting; should not be encouraged.

What is the role of patience and humility in learning
Gita?



Another point in learning Gita is; an approach with
humility and patience. They are very important.

Besides, hidden meanings are not understood by casual
reading and/or egocentric approach under the spell of
egalitarian, utopian or any such philosophical thought.

Moreover; Gita can not be appreciated if we are already
prejudiced by individualistic trends or socialistic dogmas;
often hidden under the guise of analytical fervor and/or
scientific temper.

Patience (which is born from honesty, commitment and
readiness to go beyond individual subjectivity and
paradigms of every kind and sometimes called
SHRADDHA) opens the doors to enlightenment and
blossoming at individual and global levels!

What is the benefit from study of Gita?

Now I realize that study of Gita can empower a serious
student of Gita to live with unconditioned acceptance, love
and respect for every moment and situation, and work in
consonance with nature; to one’s complete fulfillment and
greatest satisfaction.

Gita enables one to blossom in such a way, that subjectivity
gets shed off smoothly; while global unity and harmony
begin to pulsate in one’s heart!



It is worthwhile to share with you here; that today I feel
that; opportunity to study Gita is a one of the greatest
treasure in my life for me.

November 4, 2009
9:45 pm.

How do we reconcile the socialistic and individualistic
ideas with the principles of Gita?

During my first few years of study of Namasmaran,
Vishnusahasranama and Gita, I was instinctively or
intuitively feeling, that the essence of these teachings was
not at all in opposition to the idea of social justice and
material abundance; explicit in socialistic and leftist way of
thinking. I felt strongly; that inequality and exploitation
were aberrations; and in no way; teachings of Gita,
Vishnusahasranam and NAMASMARAN (as sometimes
erroneously thought even by me). I sensed the essence of
Gita and Vishnusahasranam and the NAMASMARAN
embodied the spirit; unifying the essence of the leftists,
rightists, believers, nonbelievers and all others!

But it is after ongoing study that it became clear that being
not equal can mean; merely being different and
complementary (and not necessarily unequal in the sense of
constituting antagonistic relationship of exploiter and
exploited). Then I took it upon myself to further clarify the
essence to myself and share it with others. Because; I had
in myself (which were in the outside society), the leftist,
rightist, individualistic, socialistic and good and bad



elements; such as superficiality, pettiness, prejudice and
ideological adamancy!

In what way was the study of Gita useful in practically
realizing the ideals of life?

I was possessed by only one question: How to see more
clearly and then show that essence of Gita,
Vishnusahasranam and NAMASMARAN; is the key to
blossoming of all, irrespective of their identity viz. atheist,
leftists, Hindus, non-Hindus, and others belonging to
different cultural and socioeconomic groups?

I had sensed, as mentioned earlier, that Gita,
Vishnusahasranam and NAMASMARAN had the best
from capitalist or individualistic doctrines in terms of
individual blossoming and the best of Marxist, leftist,
socialist or communist doctrines in terms of global
blossoming and welfare of all; and unite all streams in the
society!

So, from this point of view, I wrote my comments or
interpretations on Gita and Vishnusahasranam and
Namasmaran, so as to highlight the innate unity and bring
everyone together, irrespective caste, creed, religion and
even socioeconomic group!

Did I get frustrated any time; in the process of studying
Gita?



But as the time passed, I started realizing that even though
my efforts were honest (according to me), they were
subjective and incomplete. They did not convey absolute or
objective truth and hence, did not match the demands of the
time! But having not understood this enigma; I was really
frustrated. I didn’t quite understand the subtle difference
between subjective and objective perspectives. I was unable
to see how my efforts; admired by most readers; could
apparently make no impact (in terms of socio cultural and
politico economic conditions, to my satisfaction) on myself
and the society!

How does Gita (or NAMSMARAN) help in overcoming
the frustration?

But in spite of my frustration, I still felt quite strongly that
my convictions if real; then must blossom the universe in
every possible way at some point of time. So I was not too
much vagrant or did not go too astray!

Gradually I began to realize that, even as my conviction
was correct according to me, it could be more subjective
and hence it was essential to practice NAMASMARAN
with greater commitment and grow more and more
objective. Having realized this onus my head, it became
increasingly clear that it was useless and/or
counterproductive to simply despise my own short
comings! Because, self pity amounted to being suicidal, i.e.
violent to myself!



Having accepted the NAMASMARAN as top priority, it
also became clear that it was inappropriate to hate the
shortcomings of the others. Because, that is being in a
subtle way, violent to others! Thus, I stopped despising
what ever was happening in the society which was
unpleasant to me!

I realized that there was no sense in getting frustrated,
feeling guilty, accepting defeat or blaming disagreeable
activities and view points of others (theists, spiritualists,
atheists, leftists, secular etc because I was a part all this
some point in time). I also found no sense in feeling sad
about the misinterpretations of Gita, Vishnusahasranam and
NAMASMARAN by their worshippers and/or their
detractors (because I was a party to this also!).

I also realized that, what is required, is blossoming together
and empowering one another; through the study and
practice of Gita, Vishnusahasranam and NAMASMARAN
respectively.

I thought this would assist us to grow from within and
actualize intellectual, emotional, instinctual and physical
actions; in terms of globally nurturing policy making,
planning, administration and implementation and engender
individual and global blossoming!


New Study Of Gita Nov 4 Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar

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