Bhagavad Gita
Chapter 9: The Royal Path
Monday 24 June 2013
Meditation
20 m.
Two Reflections
“The goal ever recedes from us. The greater the progress the greater the recognition of our unworthiness. Satisfaction lies in the effort, not the attainment. Full effort is full victory.”
–Mohandas Gandhi
Let nothing upset you; Let nothing frighten you. Everything is changing; God alone is changeless. Patience attains the goal. Who has God lacks nothing; God alone fills all her needs.
–Saint Teresa of Avila
For Paired Discussion
Any reactions to the two reflections?
Read and discuss verses 11-14.
Compare the Dhammapada (sayings of the Buddha), chapter 1: The deluded, imagining trivial things to be vital to life, follow their vain fancies and never attain the highest knowledge. But the wise, knowing what is trivial and what is vital, set their thoughts on the supreme goal and attain the highest knowledge.
What do you make of the counsel, “Whatever you do, make it an offering to me…”?
From Easwaran’s commentary: “There is a limit to the new things we can do in this world, and the more restlessly we search for novelty, the less likely we are to be successful at anything we take up.” [157] Reactions?
Group Practice
“They worship me with a one-pointed mind….”
Fruit meditation
Open Forum on The Royal Path
On what from the text or Easwaran’s notes and/or commentary would you like to comment? Anything you’ve found challenging, helpful, or inspiring?
Next Meeting
Monday 14 July
Chapter 10: Divine Splendor
