The document discusses several topics related to understanding concepts in the Bhagavad Gita. It notes that the Gita refers to 9 openings in the body but there are 10 for females. It argues that questioning scripture does not diminish its importance but helps arrive at the essence. Later passages discuss reconciling detachment from results with having specific objectives, how to avoid depression, and realizing one's true duties through self-study and remembrance of God's names.

2. STUDY
OF
GITA
Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar

3. NOVEMBER 28, 2009, 7:30 AM
In 5th chapter there is reference to 9 doors of the body. This
concept is well known. But is this true for females?
It has to be noted, that in females there are 2 eyes, 2 ears, 2
nostrils, 1 mouth, 1 urinary opening 1 anal opening (9)
doors but there is also 1 more door and that is genital
opening viz. vagina, making 10 ‘doors’ to female body.
I feel that questioning an authority is not insulting the
authority, but showing confidence that you would be heard,
attended to and responded to; properly. Not raising doubts
is like being closed and already prejudiced that if you
question; the authority would feel offended, insulted and or
may not be able to answer!
This point is minor one; with respect to anatomy, but
initially I was feeling inhibited to raise it, because of the
popular contention that scriptures should never be doubted.
Later I realized that by raising doubts; we do not reduce the
importance of Gita; but show that inspite of doubts in terms
of minutia, the essence of Gita takes us from our subjective
frame of mind; to the objective and cosmic consciousness!
One point from 2nd chapter is about the description of the
deterioration (DHYAYATO VISHAYAN….) of an
individual due to entrapment in the dragging instinctual
forces.

4. I feel that as the feeling of attraction about opposite sex is
natural, hatred of it is not advocated in Gita. What is
highlighted is; how by focusing exclusively on the innate
core of one’s self e.g. through NNAMASMARAN, one
experiences the sublimation of most desires; especially the
sexual desire into sublime and respectful love! Hatred
about or slavery of instincts; such as sexual attraction; are
not conducive to individual and global blossoming! They
can not give warmth of romance or any other bond
involved in different relationships.
On the contrary, when we evolve from within; we do not
hate the opposite sex. We do not become bitter. We
experience and enjoy the sublime attraction in opposite sex
and not obscene carnal cravings. This is probably the basis
of worshipping feminine and masculine principles in the
nature, i.e. Goddess and God and not merely (male) god by
males and (female) goddess by females!
This holds true for all other instincts and desires and that is
exactly what is; the hallmark of the imminent global
culture.
I feel this point is extremely important for a person like me,
who is often afraid of a state of desirelessness, which is
dreadfully similar to total void or actually death. Hence I
reiterate that in the course of evolution our subjective
desires sublimate or culminate into cosmic or objective
desire/s and do not vanish. They vanish only as subjective
or petty preoccupations or obsessions. They vanish as
fanatic and exploitative compulsions. Thus Gita makes us

5. free and not hollow or empty! This is what makes us
fearless and buoyant! This positive content of Gita is
extremely reassuring and rejuvenating. It ensures
emergence of objective, cosmic and immortal love in the
feeble, fragile and frail body that we have! This is how we
realize our immortality; and that of; the self realized seers;
of the past!
How to reconcile the utopia of better world?
When I was charged with the idea of a better world, I used
feel totally upset, disturbed, agitated and at times
disheartened and depressed by any argument opposite to it
or negating it! Hence initially Gita used to depress me
tremendously because except the last verse of Gita, there is
not even an indirect indication or assurance of a better
world in Gita. On the contrary she seemed to be revolving
around the life and death and individual emancipation.
To accept that you have to follow your SWADHARMA
and not expect a global change was extremely painful and
appeared to be irrational, unrealistic, pessimistic,
deterministic, fatalistic and so disheartening and
depressing.
Now; even when it is becoming clear that it was the cosmic
consciousness that manifested in the conceptual form of the
goal of global blossoming (though; partially and/or
ambiguously; due to the constitutional limitations); in my
mind; it has been painful to give up that utopia of global
wellbeing, because, without it; the life has appeared

6. meaningless, purposeless, hopeless and dead! I have felt
impotent and helpless by the philosophy of detachment!
Gradually I have started realizing that this is not the
message of Gita! In stead; Gita reassures that my core is
immortal and that it is one with the spirit of Gita and hence,
would keep on manifesting from time to time through this
individual or that. Thus Gita gives full stop to the fear of
dying without accomplishing my dream and assures that the
global blossoming though not exactly as per my
specification; would continue from time to time and )!
Gita teaches us that, the world would continue to have
resurgence of cosmic consciousness and enlightenment and
the necessary and appropriate rectification!
Hence Gita teaches that I have; the freedom and privilege
to practice; the SWADHARMA with total involvement,
which ensures moment to moment ecstasy, that does not
depend on fruit! The universe is going to continue with its
characteristics and this enlightenment springing from Gita;
would also keep resurfacing from time to time through
generations! I am learning to free myself from the visible
changes (which are never permanent and hence deceptive)
of individual and global blossoming. I am beginning to
understand and experience my role, without unrealistic
optimism or pessimism due the inner assurance of eternal
continuity and periodic manifestation of universal
consciousness (and my spirit)!

7. SWADHARMA is neither a utopia that aims at visible
changes in the conditions of the people, nor is it shackled
by the pursuits; restricted to (visible benefits) in the
individual conditions! Neither it is pessimistic nor is it
optimistic. It is unconditionally victorious!
I have realized that even though I could once get elated; by
the idea of “working for the others” or “serving the
mankind”, I could never get the fulfillment or peace in it,
which I have started experiencing, these days. This is the
reason I have shifted from Marxism and other philosophies
and ideologies (as I understood) to the core of Marxism and
all of them (again as I understood)!
Gita teaches us; to go to our own core and also that of the
cosmos! Gita is immortal and hence she is going to keep
enlightening generations after generations and hence there
is no aim of or a mission of “permanent” or “defined” or
“specifically envisaged” global welfare! What global or
local changes would ensue; would be pleasing but
impermanent and changing; and would essentially be the by
product of the practice of SWADHARMA by individuals
like me from the every corner of world; and from millennia
to millennia.
However this was not as easy as it sounds. The SATVA,
RAJA and TAMA keep on interfering with the realization
of SWADHARMA; thus making the process tardy, difficult
and full of tribulations; probably designed for one’s
chastisement!

8. November 28, 2009, 12:55 PM
I just realized that today; it is Gita Jayanti.
I had read about government ban on many animal shows on
road, in circus and celebrations of NAGPANCHAMI in
Battis Shirala. Yesterday I read that 200 000 animals were
to be slaughtered in Deonar slaughter house. The study of
Gita can engender proper policy on animal slaughter. Mere
worship of Gita or mere hatred of Gita are not only sterile
but come in the way of individual and global blossoming
through SWADHARMA.
At this point of time I want to discuss the word NIRASHI
used in 3rd and 4th chapters.
The word NIRASHI and UDAS are used in philosophical
literature pretty often and more often than not have given
me the impression of depression and frustration. I always
wondered then, how and why Gita is considered to be one
of the best counselors.
In fact, I have experienced getting frustrated, depressed or
ultimately helpless and indifferent; umpteen numbers of
times; with respect to many government policies and
happenings in the society! I guess; frustration, helplessness,
depression and indifference and melancholy are not
uncommon.
The clarification that emerged in my mind is; the words
NIRASHI, UDAS and possibly others with similar

9. connotations, do not mean getting frustrated. They do not
mean “giving up” or remaining “indifferent”!
They simply mean that you may not get the same results as
envisaged by you. Do not get vacillated and perturbed in
that event. Do not get disturbed. Do not get disheartened.
Do not get depressed. Do not lose hope. Remember that the
results depend on several factors and not necessarily on
your subjective liking or preferences. Hence they do not
indicate your incompetence. Not only one; but even several
failures per se; do not indicate your incompetence. So do
not judge and humiliate yourself from your failures. Just try
to keep on getting closer to your SWADHARMA (by
continuous rectification of your perspective and behavior;
thus bringing more and more accuracy in it, which is said to
be made easier by practice of NAMASMARAN).
Alternatively; Gita also teaches us that even if you get so
called tangible success, do not get enamored. Because
success also depends on several factors! It does not indicate
(merely) your competence! Do not get excited and lose
your sense of proportion; as you may become arrogant and
indiscrete in terms of what is benevolent and what is
harmful to you and society. Further; being unrealistic, you
may get distanced from your true self and get degenerated
and decomposed!
Essence of Gita; realized in this way; keeps me far more
buoyant and triumphant in spirit; than what it otherwise
used to be.

10. In recent days; I am learning from Gita; that when our aim
or target is not convincing to our innate core (i.e. in
variance with SWADHARMA), then our performance is
also unsatisfactory, painful, miserable and/or socially
harmful.
Thus I was not convinced about the sectarian non-holistic
curriculum of the MBBS and MD and hence I was not fully
satisfied with my own performance in learning as well as
teaching! In addition; my resilience and tenacity to achieve
a particular goal in my learning and teaching career also
were not fully satisfactory to me! I think this is true for any
person and in any business, profession or duty.
When the targets, goals, laws and regulations are not
convincing, (in variance from SWADHARMA), then
performance and the involvement in any field become
unsatisfactory!
As and when I am convinced about my actions to the core,
i.e. identify my SWADHARMA, my enthusiasm,
buoyancy, resilience, tenacity, perseverance, forbearance,
courage and dedication and overall application also
multiply!
I begin to get ecstasy in every small thing I do and my life
becomes a source of unending vitality! This brings charm
and sweetness to all relationships, including family,
relatives, friends, peers, colleagues and so on, because my
patience, consideration, and flexibility also multiply! My
brittleness, fragility, impatience, obstinacy, whims, fancies,

11. adamancy, uncertainty, doubts, diffidence; all begin to
dwindle and make me more active, freer and happier, for
increasingly longer intervals of time!
November 28, 2009, 07:30 pm
Gita teaches us to carry on our activities without getting
trapped in the results. How to reconcile various activities
going on with specific objective?
In 4th chapter and latter in 7th, 17th and 18th chapters there is
reference to activities performed with intentions i.e.
expectations of returns.
Gita does not condemn them, but guides us on the path of
evolving further and performing actions decreasing
subjective intentions or expectations in tune with the
cosmic will through e.g. NAMASMARAN!
I have begun to understand that just as I went through
different stages of development; it could also be true with
other people. I must not expect a simultaneous, uniform
and regimentalized change!
I must understand and be considerate about the changing
activities with varying interests; depending upon the age
and stage of development of the people as has been the case
with me! I should not condemn people or should not get
disheartened because there is no change! Rather I should
provide (according to my capacity) assurance and solution,
in the form of perspective, policies, plans and

12. implementation conducive to individual and global
blossoming!
In fact from this point of view, it is important to realize
from time to time the importance of the accessories (food,
sleep, residence, company etc) helpful in merging with
cosmic will! In other words; just as we can not overlook or
undermine the importance of different needs, during our
physical development; similarly even in the process of
reaching the final stage of merging with cosmic
consciousness; we have to utilize and respect the skills,
techniques and specializations such as those described in
Vedic Karmas! This is why Gita in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 17th and 18th
chapters advises us not to quit the activities but to evolve
from the activities of personal interest and perform
SWADHARMA!
Thus everything that helps to focus and get connected with
the cosmic consciousness must be done and not despised. If
we are atheist, iconoclast, nonconformist, (usually because
of inadequate study and petty ego, fanatic adamancy and
lethargy) then we may suffer from periodic depression,
which can be overcome through study of Gita and practice
of NAMASMARAN!
This became especially clearer when I read the excellent
translation and explanation of Shri Sukta by Pundit Shripad
Shastri Kinjavadekar. I realized that the practice of
SUKTAS, STOTRAS, ARATIS, and BHAJANS and so
on; helps in overcoming imminent depression, fragility and
fickle mindedness, which keep piling up subconsciously.

13. I seem to appreciate deeply that the inspiring, energizing,
encouraging, rejuvenating and revitalizing guidance about
performing all activities supporting and nurturing the
“ecstatic and freeing involvement in the SWADHARMA,
conducive to individual and global blossoming”; is the
greatest source of superlife in Gita, Vishnusahasranam and
NAMASMARAN!