The document summarizes key points from chapters 2-4 of the Bhagavad Gita as explained by Krishna to Arjuna. Krishna teaches that the core of the universe and individuals is immortal cosmic consciousness. He urges Arjuna to follow his swadharma, or innate duties, as the path to realizing this consciousness. Krishna explains that actions can either express or lead to cosmic consciousness, through jnana yoga or karma yoga respectively. He elaborates on swadharma and the different varanas, or characteristic personalities, that manifest from consciousness according to one's stage of evolution. Krishna asserts that swadharma is the means to liberation for individuals, society, and the universe

1. STUDY
OF
GITA
Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar

2. November 7, 2009; 12:10 pm
In 2nd chapter Krishna declares the aphorism of
immortality of the core of universe and individual;
and human potential to realize this core that
embodies cosmic consciousness.
But Arjuna (and student of Gita) cannot experience
the immortality right away!
Krishna therefore (apart from explaining the ways to
rise and conquer the obstacles in the way of cosmic
consciousness) gives other supportive arguments to
emphasize the importance of SWADHARMA i.e.
behavior born from the state of union with cosmic
consciousness. Thus Krishna indicates to Arjuna that
the greatest value in life is SWADHARMA and
hence any person who goes astray (due to his
subjective paradigm) from this SWADHARMA; is
bound to be ridiculed as coward! This essence of
value system is eternal glory of Gita that has been
revitalizing mankind from millennia to millennia!
Further, Krishna reiterates that all the efforts of
human civilization viz. VEDAs are essentially born
from and culminate into cosmic consciousness; and
get expressed through individuals according to their
constitutions. Those who know this; are always

3. connected with the cosmic consciousness (YOGA);
and do not get distracted by the illusive results and
those who do not know this; get cut off from the
cosmic consciousness and their perceptions, feelings
and the quality, methodology and the elegance of
their actions get marred. They develop the illusion
that their limited existence is the doer of everything;
(treating the subordinate as master); and vacillate
between pride and pain from the changing results of
their inappropriate actions.
The 3rd chapter begins with Arjuna’s reluctance to
participate in the war, and be contented without
bothering about the gains of a bloody war!
But Krishna identifies the subtle nihilism, cynicism
or pessimism hidden in this attitude. He identifies this
darkness and drives the point such “ascetic”
extremism is suicidal and not conducive to liberation!
Krishna guides Arjuna that it is impossible to live
without action. (Isn’t it true that irrespective of
whether we want or not, billions of biophysical and
biochemical activities go on in our body and mind?).
He clarifies that any one who tries to live in inaction,
deceives himself or herself. The only way to
liberation is to practice SWADHARMA.

4. Krishna says whether the cosmic consciousness
expresses itself in actions or the actions reach you to
the cosmic consciousness; both are essentially not
different. The first is called JNANAYOGA, where
apparently consciousness is predominant and latter is
called KARMAYOGA, where apparently; the actions
are predominant. Thus the actions which spring from
the cosmic consciousness (as a result of the practice
of NAMASMARAN), are the ones which lead to
realization of cosmic consciousness and hence are
called liberating or freeing actions!
Krishna then highlights the cycle of nature in which
universe manifests from and again dissolves into the
consciousness and suggests that when the society and
the individual conform to the innate principle of
nature, then they blossom together.
He also points out that those who don’t conform to
these principles, never blossom themselves and also
become obstacles in the blossoming of others. This
happens because of their being overwhelmed by their
own subjectivity and individualistic whims and
compulsions. This can happen also because of the
superiority or inferiority complex developed about
their environment, conditions and apparently
unglamorous or despised nature of their
SWADHARMA.

5. Krishna elaborates that since everybody is not exactly
the replica of another person and the constitutions are
different; the nature of SWADHARMA varies. He
reiterates that even in such a situation it is important
not get bogged down by the deceptive external and
internal influences and persist on one’s
SWADHARMA, even if one has to die! This appears
a bit harsh. But when I keenly thought over, I
realized that living devoid of SWADHARMA is
itself like death! Hence SWADHARMA is preferably
even in the face of death because it is the express
highway of individual and global blossoming!
November 7, 2009, 3:30 pm.
In the 4th chapter, Krishna expands this concept of
SWADHARMA and informs Arjuna that this is the
knowledge that has run through generations and
millennia.
Like any physiological individual, Arjuna also doubts
Krishna’s statement and then Krishna reveals to him
his immortal and true nature and that it is he (cosmic
consciousness) that keeps re-manifesting as and when
the universe becomes oblivious of him. (I feel that
this is true in an individual, society as well as
universe!).

6. Krishna asserts; that he manifests (probably through
rising mass consciousness) and annihilates the
demonic and devilish forces of darkness, which
obstruct the blossoming of individuals, society and
the whole universe and one, who realizes this, unites
with immortal consciousness!
After revealing his cosmic nature, Krishna elucidates
how from the consciousness different VARNAs i.e.
four main characteristic personalities manifest
(though the consciousness does not produce them; in
the physical sense of that word) and how they
function!
He also states that people work according to their
stage of evolution; through different yajnas,
pranayamas, and humble dialogue with a guide and
reach enlightenment.
Krishna points out how the conflicts between upper
and lower nature can sabotage one’s progress and
assures that SWADHARMA or YOGA liberate and
the individual (and society and the universe) and
hence appeals Arjuna to get rid of any doubt
whatsoever and tread the path of SWADHARMA
single mindedly.