#7 Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 2 Continued Part 2/3 in the Kriya Yoga Tradition
In this video, Ryan discusses several verses of the Bhagavad Gita, which advise the yogi to practice equanimity in all circumstances and to skillfully perform his or her duty without attachment to results. He begins with reading the Bhagavad Gita 2:42–44: “The undiscerning people who rejoice in the letter of scriptures, who contend that there is nothing else, whose nature is driven by desire and who are intent upon heaven, proclaim flowery words that result in rebirth as the fruit of actions. They prescribe various specialized rituals for the attainment of enjoyment and power. Of those whose minds are enchanted by these words because of their craving for enjoyment or power, intellectual ability is flawed and meditative insight is not possible.” Ryan explains applying what you have read to your life is the only way that the scriptures will transform you. You have to try them out. When you become enchanted by the words themselves, you are caught up in the thinking mind—the very thing you are endeavoring to know you are not.
He continues with verses 47–50, which state the essence of yoga practice: “You have a right to actions only, not to the results of actions. Let not the results of actions be your motive, neither let there be any attachment to inaction. Firmly established in Self-realization, do the work at hand; giving up attachment to it, be even-minded in both success and failure, for, truly, mental poise is yoga. . . . Those who work for results alone are to be pitied. One who has realized the true Self abandons both the good and the ungood. Therefore, aspire to the yoga of Self-knowledge. Skillful action is yoga.” He points out that even nature illustrates this concept: Plants don’t withhold their seeds because not all of them will grow. Similarly, yoga practice is about participating in life and in meditation without attachment to results. You don’t meditate to fight the mind or experience a state that you are not already in. Don’t chase an idea of what you think enlightenment is supposed to be like. Just wonder what it’s like to be the Self, and then watch and wait.
The video concludes with a discussion of verses 51 and 55–57, which continue the theme of nonattachment in their description of those who are abide in Self-realization.
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