Episodit
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Dr. M. A. Alwar continues his discourse on the 18th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Titled "Moksh Sanyasa Yoga," this chapter reconciles seeming contradictions in previous chapters. It discusses the authorship of the Vedas, the perception of contradictions in the Gita, and the significance of the three Gunas (qualities) in Indian thought. Arjuna's plight symbolizes extreme human distress, and the teachings of the Gita aim to address such predicaments. Understanding one's true nature and striving to act in accordance with it, while also refining oneself, is emphasized. The Gunas—Satva, Rajas, and Tamas—manifest in different behaviors, and the goal is to move towards Satva, a balanced state. Attachment, greed, and other negative traits hinder spiritual progress, while refining one's intentions leads to success in life. The Gita provides insights into human nature, helping individuals navigate life's challenges and transcend karma and bondage.
If you enjoy our podcast you might like to check out our other projects too!
Mysore Yoga Traditions Film
Kings and Yogis Documentary Project
Mysore Yoga Traditions Online Studies Program
Mysore Yoga Conference, Mysore India Feb 3-12 2025
Melkote Yoga Immersion, Melkote India Feb, 17-21 2025
200Hr Ashtanga Yoga Training designed with the help of Mysore's Sanskrit community
This podcast is produced by Andrew Eppler. Andrew is a lifelong practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, director and producer of Mysore Yoga Traditions Film and founder of Mysore Yoga Conference.
Contributors include Bryce Delbridge, Joey Paz and Santiago Pinto.
Academic collaboration with Samskriti Foundation, Mysore India.
Music composed by Petros Haffenrichter.
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Here are my notes from this lecture which I found to be very beautiful and inspiring.
Lesson 5 with Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao.
At the beginning of the second chapter, we explore the transformative experiences of yogis. The first mantra invokes Savita, the sun god, who awakens the mind and intelligence, initiating Buddhi. The brilliance of the sun illuminates the world, symbolizing auspiciousness and spiritual progress.
Towards perfection, we should strive, connecting our minds to a higher truth. The Shvetashvatara Upanishad teaches that everyone is a child of immortality, journeying to reconnect with the original source. This knowledge, it asserts, should be spread worldwide.
A philosophical metaphor in yoga is Arani, where the student is the bottom piece of wood and the teacher the top piece. When rubbed together vigorously, they create the heat to ignite the student, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge and enlightenment.
In Indian philosophy, the powers of nature are regarded as gods. Achieving harmony with these forces makes one's mind fit for yoga. The sun god, essential for life, feeds the plants that feed us. Respecting the sun is thus respecting the source of all things. Offerings to the divine are expressed through social service. Service to humanity, however small, brings great satisfaction and happiness, embodying karma yoga.
The journey of a yogi involves specific practices and experiences. Maintaining a straight line from the back through the neck and head is crucial. The senses, often distracted by external stimuli, must be drawn inward. The knowledge of yoga is likened to a boat navigating through the sea of memories, both pleasurable and painful.
In the 6th chapter of the Gita, similar practices are described. The meditative posture involves keeping the head, neck, and trunk straight, with eyes neither fully open nor closed, and attention focused between the eyebrows. This helps one escape the prison of thought. Pranayama, or breath control, is key. Inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left is recommended.
The chariot metaphor illustrates the importance of controlling the senses, both inwardly and outwardly, to achieve total freedom. The place of meditation should be flat, clean, and pleasant, free from pests and disturbances. Historically, yogis sought caves for their practice.
Advanced practitioners experience visions, indicating progress. These visions, like snow falling silently or waves gently crashing, reveal special knowledge. This prelude leads to the central experience of yoga, glimpsing the true reality of the soul.
Yoga brings about special abilities, symbolized by Yogagni, the yogic fire that burns away undesirable qualities and illnesses. The yogi transcends the body's limitations, achieving freedom from disease, desire, and craving. Such individuals exhibit a pleasant demeanor, fearlessness, clarity in speech, and cleanliness. Their peaceful and graceful state is evident to all.
Liberation is achieved when the entire system is purified through yoga, with internal and external impurities falling away. Atma Tatva, or self-knowledge, is essential for divine knowledge. With this understanding, the soul is unbound, recognizing the omnipresent truth in all creation.
In this context, Aushati refers to plants that yield their fruit and continue to live, symbolizing renewal and continuity. Soma is also mentioned, reflecting its significance in yogic tradition.
This holistic approach to yoga encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, guiding practitioners toward ultimate liberation and unity with the divine.
If you enjoy our podcast you might like to check out our other projects too!
Mysore Yoga Traditions Film
Kings and Yogis Documentary Project
Mysore Yoga Traditions Online Studies Program
Mysore Yoga Conference, Mysore India Feb 3-12 2025
Melkote Yoga Immersion, Melkote India Feb, 17-21 2025
200Hr Ashtanga Yoga Training designed with the help of Mysore's Sanskrit community
This podcast is produced by Andrew Eppler. Andrew is a lifelong practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, director and producer of Mysore Yoga Traditions Film and founder of Mysore Yoga Conference.
Contributors include Bryce Delbridge, Joey Paz and Santiago Pinto.
Academic collaboration with Samskriti Foundation, Mysore India.
Music composed by Petros Haffenrichter.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Mysore Yoga Traditions is a tale to tell! Through a series of unlikely and very fortunate twists of fate we were able to get right into the heart of the Sanskrit community of Mysore India and ask the questions that had always been on our minds.
If you enjoy our podcast you might like to check out our other projects too!
Mysore Yoga Traditions Film
Kings and Yogis Documentary Project
Mysore Yoga Traditions Online Studies Program
Mysore Yoga Conference, Mysore India Feb 3-12 2025
Melkote Yoga Immersion, Melkote India Feb, 17-21 2025
200Hr Ashtanga Yoga Training designed with the help of Mysore's Sanskrit community
This podcast is produced by Andrew Eppler. Andrew is a lifelong practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, director and producer of Mysore Yoga Traditions Film and founder of Mysore Yoga Conference.
Contributors include Bryce Delbridge, Joey Paz and Santiago Pinto.
Academic collaboration with Samskriti Foundation, Mysore India.
Music composed by Petros Haffenrichter.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
