Bhagavad Geeta 148 - Chapter 12 - Bannanje Govindacharya (12.2 - 12.8)

12.2 Yuktas - one meaning - ones who have amassed something - i.e. Saadhana of Bhagavanta; another meaning - ones who possess the Yoga/solution to reach Him. Both mean Saadhakas. Yukta-tama - the best among Saadhakas. Thus Krishna says the best Saadhakas are ones who worship His forms, Gunas. 12.3 Krishna then speaks of worshipers of Lakshmi and gives several adjectives describing her. Mistakes in Bhagavanta's worship are forgiven, but not in Lakshmi's. So Krishna specifies these attributes for careful worship. Akshara - one with an imperishable body; only Bhagavanta and Lakshmi qualify. Also one within and controlling the Indriyas. Anirdeshyam - so subtle that it cannot be perceived, or possessing Gunas beyond comprehension. Again, only applies to the two of them. Worshippers of Lakshmi must first meditate on these qualities in her and then in Bhagavanta. No mistakes are forgiven; it is a long, arduous process. Avyakta - invisible in Samsaara; visible only in Moksha (again only the two of them). Sarvatra Gam - omnipresent; applies only to both of them. Achintyam - unfathomable; cannot be fully known even by Brahma and Vaayu. Kootastha - Koota means Akaasha/space, the basis of coming together. Kootastha means one residing in space or one like space. Akaasha was the first of the five elements, followed by others. Kootastha is the One within space who created it and the elements arising from it, yet remains unaffected by the transformations. Achala - constant and unchanging. Even Brahma and Vaayu change every Kalpa; Lakshmi and Bhagavanta do not. Dhruva - eternal and unchanging (Nirvikara for Sadaa Kaala); applies only the two of them. Lakshmi is called Samanaa because she is equal (Sama) to Bhagavanta (Na) in most respects, especially occupancy of space & time. 12.4 Krishna says worshippers of Lakshmi must possess extraordinary control of Indriyas. Total discipline is required. Especially men: worshipping female forms must not generate sensual thoughts - leads to Anartha. But women may worship Bhagavanta as husband. Worshippers must also have Sama Buddhi, seeing all equally and loving all beings. No lapses are permitted. Krishna says they ultimately attain Him (no separate Lakshmi Loka). After this difficult Saadhana, Lakshmi grants devotion to Bhagavanta, who must then be worshipped as possessing the same qualities. Misconception of Radha Loka - does not exist. The point is that direct worship of Bhagavanta is easier - shorter, and lapses are forgiven. Since Lakshmi is always with Bhagavanta, separate worship is unnecessary; Lakshmi is pleased by direct worship of Him. 12.5 Krishna says worshipers of Lakshmi (Avyakta) follow a path of Dukha/hardship. Example: Shaakta Upasana recommends experiencing the Pancha-Makaaras - Madya, Matsya, Maamsa, Maninee, and Mudra - to develop resistance to them. Why not simply avoid them instead of taking this convoluted path? Krishna says progress through this path is extremely difficult. It involves the hardships of Yoga Saadhana, especially Pratyahaara (withdrawal from external matters). In Bhagavanta's worship lapses are forgiven; in Lakshmi's they are not. Another meaning: this path itself results only in Dukha/sorrow. 12.6 Krishna says His Upasana is simple. Rather than doing something new, one should offer existing actions as service to Him. This means recognizing Bhagavanta as the doer within and offering all actions as Pooja. Mat Paraah - with Him as the final goal. Ananya Yoga - unwavering conviction in this path, not casually testing many routes. Maam Dhyaayanta - meditating on Him. 12.7 Krishna says He will carry his worshipers across the ocean of Samsaara. In this path it is acceptable if Sama Drishti, universal love, etc. are not yet perfected - He grants these qualities and helps them. Na Chiraat - not after a long time; He does it quickly. Mayyaveshita Chetasa - Chitta (memory) and Chetana (expanded memory) should remain fixed on Him. First the Manas is fixed, though it is prone to doubt. Then the Buddhi becomes fixed, producing conviction. Finally Chetas becomes fixed, allowing remembrance of everything heard about Him in this life (Chitta) and previous lives (Chetana). Chetana refers to expanded memory extending across previous lives. If fixed on Bhagavanta, these memories carry into future births as well. 12.8 Krishna says one must first fix the mind on Him; since the mind doubts, the intellect must then be fixed on Him, creating firm conviction and removing doubt. One then becomes established in Bhagavanta and won't lose track. Anecdote of Govindacharya: when students ask how he remembers so many Shlokas and Mantras without texts, he says he simply tells his mind to remember them with passion. Chitta is naturally meant to remember, just as the mouth is naturally meant to speak truth; we simply fail to use it correctly. Krishna next explains how to work on Chitta (memory).