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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
STUDY
OF
GITA
Dr.
Shriniwas
Kashalikar
November 7, 2009; 12:10 pm
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
How easy is it to realize and practice SWADHARMA?
How is it relevant to behavior of an individual, family
and society?
In 2nd chapter Lord 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 like me) cannot experience
the immortality right away!
Lord Krishna therefore (apart from explaining the ways to
rise and conquer the obstacles in the way of reaching the
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 Lord Krishna indicates to Arjuna that the greatest
value in life is SWADHARMA (and not some so called
spiritual or material achievement, so called and often hyped
miracles and mere material abundance respectively) and
hence any person who goes astray (due to his subjective;
whether individualistic or so called religious/socialistic;
paradigm) from this SWADHARMA; is bound to be
ridiculed as coward (Akirtim chaapi Bhootani… and
Bhayat ranat uparatam, 2nd chapter). This essence of value
system is the eternal glory of Gita that has been revitalizing
mankind from millennia to millennia!
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
Further, Lord Krishna reiterates that all the efforts of
human civilization e.g. 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 connected
with the cosmic consciousness (YOGA); and do not get
distracted by the illusive results (success or failure) 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 2nd and 3rd chapters begin with Arjuna’s reluctance to
participate in the war, and remain contented without
bothering about the gains of a bloody war!
But Lord Krishna identifies the subtle nihilism, cynicism or
pessimism hidden in this attitude. He identifies this
darkness and drives the point; that such “ascetic”
extremism is suicidal for the individual and the society and
not conducive to liberation!
Lord Krishna guides Arjuna in 3rd chapter, (Na hi kashchit
kshanamapi…) 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? Isn’t it true that even for the universe
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
and universal consciousness this is true?). He clarifies that
any one who tries to live in inaction, deceives himself or
herself. The only way to liberation is to practice
SWADHARMA.
Lord Krishna says, whether the cosmic consciousness
expresses itself in actions through you, or through the
actions you reach 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 (e.g. as a result of the practice of
NAMASMARAN), are the ones which lead to realization
of cosmic consciousness also, and hence are called
liberating or freeing actions (SWADHARMA)!
Lord 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, 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 (individualistic, religious bigotry or socialistic
whims and compulsions). This can happen also because of
the superiority or inferiority complex developed about their
environment, conditions and apparently (due to sick value
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
system) unglamorous or despised nature of their
SWADHARMA.
Lord Krishna elaborates that since everybody is not exactly
the replica of another person and the constitutions are
different; the external nature of SWADHARMA varies. He
reiterates; that even in such a situation; it is important not
to get bogged down by the deceptive external and internal
influences and persist on one’s SWADHARMA, even if
one has to die in return!
Initially this appeared a bit harsh. But when I keenly
thought over, I realized that living devoid of
SWADHARMA is itself like death! Hence
SWADHARMA is preferable even in the face of death,
because it is the only express highway of individual and
global blossoming!
November 7, 2009, 3:30 pm.
How to appreciate the universal, transtemporal and
relevant nature of SWADHARMA?
In the 4th chapter, Lord 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 Lord
Krishna’s statement and then Lord Krishna reveals to him
His immortal and true nature and that it is He (cosmic
consciousness) that keeps reincarnating and re-manifesting;
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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as and when the universe becomes oblivious of Him. (I feel
that this is true in an individual, society as well as
universe!).
Lord Krishna asserts; that he manifests (through rising
consciousness in an individual as well as society) and
annihilates the demonic and devilish forces of darkness,
(inside and outside) which obstruct the blossoming of
individuals, society and the whole universe. He also
reiterates that one, who realizes this, (either is united or)
unites with the immortal consciousness!
After revealing His cosmic nature, Lord Krishna elucidates
how from the consciousness; different VARNAs i.e. four
salient characteristic personalities manifest (though the
consciousness does not produce them; in the physical sense
of that word) and how they function! This is like
involvement of space (in this case it is not mere physical
and nonliving space because cosmic consciousness is like
living or superliving space that encompasses everything!)
which is essential for world activities, but does not directly
participate in them.
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.
Lord Krishna points out how the conflicts between upper
and lower nature can sabotage one’s progress and assures
that SWADHARMA or YOGA liberate the individual (and
society and the universe) and hence appeals Arjuna; to get
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR

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NEW STUDY OF BHAGAVAD GITA
rid of any doubt whatsoever and tread the path of
SWADHARMA single mindedly.
DR. SHRINIWAS JANARDAN KASHALIKAR