What do we learn from Gita Chapters 12 & 15?

[Ram Chandran]

Namaskar:

In Chinmaya Mission spiritual  camps and at other spiritual meetings, just before meal, Chantings of verses from Gita is often practiced!  Two chapters ( Chapters 12 and 15) are selected for chanting both for their shortness and for their spiritual significance.  Recitation of Gita Chapter 12 is possibly to reinforce Devotion and to remember  the Key Attributes of a Devotee as spelled out in the verses of Chapter 12

Bhagwan Krishna says in Chapter 12 that one is dear to Me who does not hate any creature, who is friendly and compassionate, free from the notion of "I" and "my", even-minded in pain and pleasure, forgiving; and who is ever content, who has subdued the mind, whose resolve is firm, whose mind and intellect are engaged in dwelling upon Me, and who is devoted to Me. The true devotee is fully committed to forty noble qualities as stated in Chapter 12.  It should be pointed out the true devotion implies “COMMITTMENT” without “ATTACHMENT.” 

Lord Krishna also declares that One is also dear to Me who is free from joy, envy, fear and anxiety and does not agitate others and also not agitated by them. One who is desireless, pure, wise, impartial, and free from anxiety; who has renounced the doership in all undertakings - such a devotee is dear to Me. One who neither rejoices nor grieves, neither likes nor dislikes, who has renounced both the good and the evil, and is full of devotion is also dear to Me. One who remains the same towards friend or foe, in honor or disgrace, in heat or cold, in pleasure or pain; who is free from attachment; who is indifferent to censure or praise; who is quiet, and content with whatever one has, unattached to a place, a country, or a house; who is tranquil, and full of devotion that person is dear to Me. 

Recitation of Gita Chapter 15 is to signify the ultimate goal of liberation and the importance of attaining the qualities of Purushottama and to realize the Atman.

In other words we want to  know clearly the truth of the Self, atmatattva? This truth of the Self is presented in this chapter. Bhagavan Sri Krishna discusses the nature of the Self in greater details. This chapter is quite short and with beauty and brevity it indicates and explains the Infinite.  Lord Krishna assures, “those who without confusions know Him as the Person Supreme, know all”.  He extols this theme that gives liberation to all from sorrows, agitations and restlessness.  The Lord affirms that those who master this most secret teaching will become ‘wise’ and all their duties will get accomplished.

Next time when we recite these two chapters, let us remember and recollect the meanings of the verses from these chapters!

With my warm regards! 

Om Shanti! Om Shanti!! Om Shanti!!!

Ram Chandran