"Gita Chapter 14 - Day 02/07" Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Mangaluru.

Hari Om! Swami Aparajitananda points out that while verses 1 and 2 inspire, verses 3 and 4 glorify the phalashruti of this Knowledge. The preliminary concepts discussed to enter into verses 3 and 4 are: • Fundamentals of Vedanta - Consciousness and matter (Kshetrajña and Kshetra) • Identification theory • 15 pointers to Consciousness (our true nature) • Reason for not being able to experience our true nature and the only one solution for it. Swamiji reveals that Chp. 14 teaches how disidentification can be efficiently conducted by mind only. The essence of the Chapter as stated by Shankaracharya is: "Purify and drop the mind." Hence, the need to know mind and its moods in depth. Verses 3 and 4: The two principles - Consciousness and matter - explained by a metaphor are simplified further to conclude that these are the constituents in all. To live intelligently, the need of Scriptures is discussed. Verse 5: How 3 (tri-)gunas (prakriti) bind and the bondage is a psychological notion, is logically pointed out. The emphasis is again on analysis of mind and to find the technique of disidentification. Swamiji introduces and summarises the five topics discussed in the Chapter, viz. lakshana, bandhana-prakāra, lingam, phalam and gatihi. Verses 6, 7, 8 deal with lakshana and bandhana-prakāra. Verse 6: A pure, peaceful, Sattvic mind is described. Swamiji leaves no doubt about import of each term and defines healthy body and healthy mind, also pointing out that the practical application of this Knowledge and purpose of spiritual practices lies in purifying mind to make it fit for taking decisions. Swamiji explains the five-point technique to change oneself and to train one part of the mind to always look within. Benefits of Sattvic mind, what is the state of Realisation and the sequence "first prepare and then apply mind" are discussed in detail. (Bhagavad Gītā Chp. 14 - Talk 2 of 7 - Introduction, Verses 3 to 6)