Bhagavad Geeta 156 - Chapter 12 - Bannanje Govindacharya (12.19 - 12.20)

12.19 Krishna describes the nature of these social relationships but also adds Bhakti in the end - referring to the relationship towards Bhagavanta. Social relationships are represented by a horizontal line while the relationship to Bhagavanta is a vertical line. Both are really important. This is the meaning of a Christian cross or Hindu Swastika. Without Bhakti and towards Bhagavanta, the reason for ethics is just personal and selfish - we impose social rules just to protect ourselves. But it becomes unselfish when we do it with Bhagavat Prajnya. All social advise that Krishna gives is futile without Bhakti - therefore he mentions it at the end of every shloka. Tulya Ninda Stuti - Praise and criticism doesn't affect you when you know what you are. You can just laugh off false praise/criticism. Anecdote from Bannanje Govindacharya life - Rumors that he drinks heavily before giving Pravachanas. Rumor that Karna Pishachi sits in him and makes him speak. He just laughs at them. Mouni - Krishna says speak as little as possible. Speech cannot be undone. So think and rethink before you speak. Mouni also means Manana - deep contemplation (Madhwacharya gives this meaning). One must contemplate deeply about any matter they hear or read before they can comment or talk about it. Any Grantha or Pravachana is not understood on initial reading or listening. Only when one repeatedly contemplates it can they truly understand the subject. This is especially true for teachers. Teachers are not eligible to teach the next day after they graduate. It takes years of deep contemplation before they can become eligible to teach. Misconception that Sudha Mangala is the end of studies. It is actually the beginning - one must begin contemplating what they studied and continue it throughout their life. Swapravachana - teach ourselves. We must first teach ourselves before being able to teach others. Also, Mouna (silence) and Mouna (contemplation) are related - those who contemplate more remain more silent (can't speak while contemplating). Santushto Yena Kena Chit - Krishna says one must be content with whatever they have. Current modern capitalism encourages dissatisfaction; ads spark desires for things we don't really need. Example of how people used to wash with mud earlier and how it's healthier than modern soaps. But people want modern soaps because of the way they are sold. Inexpensive things might be better for you. Aniketa - Without a permanent residence. No property, no hoarding wealth. It will just cause more problems than is worth it and distracts from Saadhana. Example from Bhagavata which says one must learn from a snake that doesn't build a home but lives in an ant-home. Madhwacharya never recommended building an institution/mutt. It will lead to selfish initiatives and politics at some time or other. Without property, things go smoothly. Sthira Mati - Stable minded. One main requirement for Vedanta. Anecdote from Govindacharya's life where a good man started reading philosophy without proper guidance and became paranoid. Thus, one needs guidance from people that have experienced Vedanta (not just read Vedanta). Finally Krishna says Bhakti is required (reiteration). 12.20 Krishna says those who follow this path of Dhama that takes you towards Moksha, with Shraddha Dharma - one that supports you (Dharana) and also elevates you taking you closer to Bhagavanta (who is Dharma - Dhaaraka carrier all). Shraddha - With faith. Not because it is mandatory and out of fear but with faith. Anecdote from Bannanje Govindacharya's life - A woman came from Bangalore to Udupi to speak with Acharyaru because she was told that her saying Vishnu Sahasra Nama was harmful to her husband. Acharyaru told her nothing would happen and she could continue. Anecdote from Bannanje Govindacharya's life - A boy felt it was difficult to do Upavasa when two days of fasting (Ekadashi) occured simultaneously. Some scholars told him he had to fast even if it led to death. Such advice just instills fear, not Shraddha. Acharyaru told him Saadhana was not possible if he died so he could take food the second day. Mat Parama - with knowledge of Bhagavanta's greatness. Both faith and knowledge are required. Bhaktaa - Krishna reiterates that devotion is the most important requirement. Ateeva Me Priyaah - Extremely dear. Krishna so far said those who have even some of these qualities are dear to him. Here, in the end, he uses "extremely dear" to indicate those who have all of these qualities are extremely dear to him.