Gita Acharan

K rishna says that one attains peace when one remains unmoved by desires, like an ocean that is unmoved by the waters entering it (2.70). He further says that nir-mama (sans -I) and nir-ahankaar (sans -I am doer) are the paths for peace (2.71) to reach the eternal state. None are deluded after attaining it (2.72).   Krishna gives the example of the ocean and rivers - the ocean being the eternal state ( moksha - ultimate freedom, joy and compassion) and rivers being the stimuli constantly received by the senses. Like an ocean, one remains stable and steady after attaining the eternal state, even when temptations and desires keep entering them. Secondly, when rivers meet the ocean, they lose their existence. Similarly, when desires enter a person in the eternal state, they lose their existence. Thirdly, if one thing that makes us miserable, it’s the reaction ( akarma ) generated in us by the stimulations of the external world and our inability to control it. Hence...

K rishna says, “That which is night to all beings is wakefulness for the self-mastered; that in which beings are awake is night to the divinely perceptive sage” (2.69). This verse brings out metaphorically, the idea of being physically awake but spiritually asleep and vice versa. It also offers literal interpretations. There are two ways of living. One, where we are dependent on indriyas (senses) for our pleasures. The other is where we are independent of indriyas and they remain under our control. For those in the first category, the second way of living would be an unknown world and darkness/night is the metaphor for this ignorance. Secondly, while we are using one sense instrument, our attention is elsewhere implying that it’s used mechanically but not with awareness. For example, while having food, our attention is very often not on eating. It might be on some screen, a newspaper or a phone conversation as we believe in the elusive idea of multitasking. That’s why...