The calm and beautiful face is distracting, but once Sunandaji starts her discourse it is a hypnotising 90 minutes. Parthasarathys tenor and movements are evident- the clarity of diction , the stress on certain words, the right pauses to let the thoughts sink in, the outstretched palms on either side circling the air and descending to the ground. The years have added a different but equally scientific approach to the Gita, one the father would be justly proud of. Sunandaji is yet tolerant to the failings of mankind, unlike her Father who would respond with a force that sometimes hurt but was always true.
Todays discourse on Chapter 7 was prefaced by a strong argument as to why human beings need to confront matters spiritual. As the only living being ( as contrasted to animals and plants) able to "choose", humans need to enquire as to the purpose of life.Making a choice of ignoring this question is the prime reason for the misery that one goes through at any material state. It is not right to blame fate or the Lord for ones misery as Lord Krishna clarifies
"God determines not the doership nor the doings of men, nor even their contact with the fruits of action: but it is Nature alone that functions" ( V .14)
An enquiry within ( for where else is the spirit?),would help appreciate that vicissitudes in life are opportunities to hone ones skills. Just as physical exercise is essential for a healthy body , challenges on lifes' front improves the mental strength. A knife is sharpened on the rough edges of a stone not on smooth marble. Even that process of sharpening requires tact and knowledge, obtained through the rigor of training and persistence.
This enquiry Sunandaji emphasises, is an "insurance" to help one in times of stress and a discipline to acquire it would be well worth it.
Chapter 7 highlights the Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom ( Gyaana and Vigyaana). In verse 4, the summam bonum of all knowledge is addressed when Krishna clarifies that Nature comprises of five elements ( earth , water, air, space and fire) and the three subtler elements viz mind , intellect and the ego. Sunandajis exposition is eerie but there is no better example. On nearing death the "air" leaves the body. In a while the body cools as "fire" within dies out . Thence "water" oozes, The cremation or burial merges the material body with "earth" and the absence of the individual releases "space".
In verse 5 , the Lord shows a higher plane, above this lower eight fold division the "Jiva" that is the life principle.
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