Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar discusses his approach to studying the Bhagavad Gita, which involves writing about it on a daily basis rather than strictly following the chapters and verses sequentially. This allows him to emphasize important points through repetition and develop new insights over time. Some of the key lessons he has learned from studying the Gita include developing objectivity rather than subjectivity, seeing the core of the universe rather than appearances, and practicing remembrance of God (Namasmaran) which reinforces the convictions of the Gita's essence and makes its repeated recitation empowering.

1. STUDY
OF
GITA
Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar

2. Nov 10, 2009, 11:15 am
I write on day to day basis rather than sticking
serially and sequentially to chapters and verses. This
has the advantages of being natural in expression
rather than formal and also of repetition
and/additional emphasis of more important points
which reverberate in mind about with reference to
some verses. Sometimes it also happens; that I skip
many verses, at given point in time because I have
nothing to say about them at that time, but latter
additional perspective and insights develop in the
flow writing; and deserve expression even if it may
appear out of context of a give chapter.
In the 2nd chapter it is taught that YOGA means
(ultimate) elegance or perfection in skill and other
way round; the greatest skill or perfection in life is to
realize YOGA!
There is elaborate discussion on how physical senses
should be controlled. But if one takes into account
the reference in 3rd chapter, then it becomes clear that
the human life and experiences there in; have (and
appreciated by us that they have) one goal or
destination; and that is SELF REALIZATION and
there is one way to achieve it i.e. SWADHARMA.

3. Gita is unique in the sense that she shows your
ultimate goal and also shows you the path and
method to tread it.
Gita therefore does not advocate suppression or
indulgence in an arbitrary manner, but inspires
SWADHARMA; in which while enjoying the core or
essence of all material pleasures you channellize
them to blossoming of and all. This is really universal
thought; in view of the different physiological and
other needs of people in the world from different
regions and cultures. Once the goal of individual and
global blossoming and the way of SWADHARMA is
identified and adhered to; rest of the dos and don’ts
(which need not be regimentalized) follow the suit, in
appropriate manner.
In this context, one can appreciate the perspective
born out Gita study. Thus the we should learn and
teach the father and mother principles and parental
care; so that we don’t develop disgust for sex and
succumb to sexual aberrations on the one hand; and
develop carnal sexual obsession and get trapped in
unending and unsatisfactory indulgence in sex.
It is nice to share here that I found study of Gita
different from study of many other books. The study
of Gita elevates you from subjectivity to objectivity,

4. i.e. getting in alignment with the nature. Gita
gradually but surely changes your status of being
effectual to being causative! This is certainly difficult
to agree intellectually. But can only be experienced.
Another point that struck me is: Gita teaches and
trains us to enter the center of universe! Thus from
the world of visible appearances she trains us to see
and merge with the core.
Thus Gita does not advocate renunciation of the
world on the one hand and does not justify or glorify
the unending and unsatisfactory retrogressive
shackling in petty pursuits as well!
This is very useful in day to day life. If you
experience the core of your spouse’s heart, then the
fear of loss of your spouse (or any loved one)
gradually disappears to a large extent and the
romance (and love in general) become superromance
and super love! Thus Gita trains you supreme
romance and super love.
Another interesting aspect of Gita is; you begin to
refer to Gita as “she” and not it. Because Gita
becomes even more valuable than “living” and
“loving” mother!

5. In 5th chapter Krishna assures that you would not be
born again if you realize the self. But in 4th chapter;
he also assures that he would manifest or reincarnate
as and when appropriate/necessary.
The explanations to this contradictory statement are:
1. Krishna’s reincarnation is represented by the
awakening of consciousness in every individual from
time to time.
2. The reincarnation is progressive sojourn of life of
an individual (who is either already enlightened or
gets enlightened) for guiding the mankind and is
different from rebirth, which is full of shackles of
ignorance.
Gita guides us to develop the conceptual framework
or blue print of our life and NAMSMARAN
rejuvenates us from moment to moment to proceed.
The other way round also may be true! It is like
anatomy and physiology. Anatomical structure is
essential and complementary to physiological
function and vice versa. But when you go deeper;
both seem to be indistinguishable!
One of the most important things I learnt probably as
a by product of studying Gita; is practice of the
essence of Gita is immensely important. Repeated
reading or recitation of Gita consolidates the

6. convictions about the essence and thereby
rejuvenates the enthusiasm to practice that essence
(NAMASMARAN). It is like reading about bath,
which develops conviction about the advantages of
bath and actual practice of bath makes the difference.
Thus both are perfectly complementary. One can
compare it with the reading about the advantages of
exercise and actual practice of exercise. The practice
of NAMASMARAN in turn; reinforces the
conviction about the essence of Gita and makes the
repeated recitation of Gita a sublimely empowering
experience!
I also learnt in the course of time that we come across
a number of situations in life, (due to internal and
external environment) which shroud our
consciousness, and we tend to forget our true self and
i.e. the essence of Gita and this is a really a shattering
and weakening experience. Hence in 6th chapter the
importance of consistent practice is emphasized. In
my view, even somewhat arbitrary and formal
recitation, reading or chanting of Gita; proves very
useful (by acting at subconscious and conscious
levels; in the process of blossoming.
The repetition is important for another reason also,
which has physiological basis. Thus repletion of Gita
or NAMASMARAN is a central nervous system

7. activity and probably leads to development of
stronger connections and between cerebral cortex and
the limbic system, (which are otherwise very weak).
This underlines the difference between a well read
individual and a self realized individual.
Thus one’s happiness or sadness depends on the
involuntary interactions amongst the cerebral cortex,
limbic, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and endocrine
and other systems of the body. The perceptions,
feelings and actions are usually impulsive (and hence
chaotic, conflicting and counter posed) because of
weak control of cerebral cortex on the remaining
systems. Repeated study and practice of Gita and
NAMASMARAN probably enhance the integration
of all systems, bring it under higher controls such as
cerebral cortex, conscience and cosmic consciousness
and effectively lead to harmonious behavior
blossoming one and all.
One can study the changes in the brain from this
point of view, in a control group and the one involved
in NAMASMARAN, to verify the anatomical and
physiological substrate (which may not be accessible
to crude technology though,) of what could usher in
the essence of global culture.

8. One of the greatest lessons of Gita to the world is;
whatever we eat, drink, see, listen, talk, write, learn,
perform, use, relish and so on; should get culminated
into the goal of individual and global blossoming.
This makes our life itself the most meritorious
activity i.e. YAJNA! This is a true and qualitative
revolution in individual and global life. Sometimes I
am tempted to call this “spiritual communism”;
though it does not convey the spirit completely.