Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 2 & 3
(Extract)
Bhagavanta
himself has preached Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battle field. Commentary (Bhashya)
is given by Shri Madhvacharya.
Sri Madhvacharya
commentary on the Bhagavad Gita is unique.
In his commentary, he brings out the following key attributes:
1. Bhagavad Gita shows us how to
approach God. Vishnu sahasra nama and
Bhagavad Gita are great presentations of Bhagavanta stotra and the preaching (upadesha)
of God himself. Lord Krishna provides
his upadesha (preaching) to the world using Arjuna as the pretext. Awareness
of God is the most important. Bhagavad
Gita is a treasure (bandar) of tatva jnana.
2. The relationship between Bhagavanta
and Jeeva is that of an object and its reflection. Bhagavanta is the bimba
and Jeeva is the pratibimba. Bimba and jeeva are
inseparable.
3. Bhagavanta reveals that one should strive
for doing karma(duty). Lord
Krishna urges Arjuna to do his duty (karma) with right approach. Knowledge (Jnana) and duty cannot be
compared. Duty must be performed with correct
knowledge. Duty must be done with an aim and real understanding of
objectives. The concept of knowledge is
essential to perform the duty.
Performing something without perfect knowledge amounts to corruption.
4. Authorization and Right are two
different aspects. One is authorized to
do the duty. Eg. The Postman is
authorized to give money in the Money Order and that is his duty. Performing a duty does not imply that one has
the Right to expect perks beyond the normal remuneration. One should not think
that there is entitlement (Right) for positive results (phal) for the one’s
duty (karma). “Maa phalEshu
kadaachana”. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna
that it his duty is to participate in the war.
Many have misunderstood that in
Bhagavad Gita it is said that ‘Do your duty but do not expect what you
aspire”. But it is not the correct interpretation. Acharya has interpreted the subtle message and
provided the clarification in his commentary.
When an employer employs an employee, it does not mean that employee
works for the Employer without salary. Shri
Madhvacharya has clarified that there are two types of desires. (i) deserving aspiration (ii) underserving
aspiration. You can wish for the deserving
compensation but not for the undeserving aspiration borne out of greed. One can
Work and ask for the expected salary. However,
one should not ask for a bribe(lancha).
5. The most important desire with
Bhagavanta is to ask for jnana, bhakti, vairagya always. We must get up in the morning before sun rise
with suitable prayer. “yOgakshEmyam
mahaamyamam”. God takes the
responsibility to give justice. After praying we always say “Shri
Krishnaarpanamastu’, “Hari priyataam”.
6. If you ask other desires you are
going away from moksha. Do not divert
your desire. Doing duty will also be an
impetus to higher knowledge. In the beginning
the workload will be more and salary will be less. After experience the workload will be less
and salary will be more. From experience
the knowledge (jnana) increases. In our
present day of life (loukika) everything converts into money whereas in Adhyaatma
(spiritual life) everything converts into knowledge (jnana).
7. If you do not perform duty correctly
then you will not attain knowledge (jnana).
Dharbe is very sharp edged and to bring dharbe one has to be
very careful. This is called “kushala”. You must do your duty with devotion. Dasaru:
Adaaravillada amrutayaake”. One
should get the concept of enjoyment. Doing
work itself is an enjoyment; taking food is itself an enjoyment; praying to God
itself is an enjoyment. To understand
this one should read Bhagavad Gita.
8. Bhagavanta has said that knowledge (jnana)
is incomparably greater than duty (karma).
For example, see the difference between a learned one and a labourer. You cannot substitute to knowledge (jnana). Jnana is invaluable. Doctor gives the prescription and Pharmacist
gives the medicine. The knowledge of
Doctor is greater than the Pharmacist. Bhagavanta has said that that more importance
should be given to knowledge (jnana). A person
does not lose his concentration in his involvement even though there is lot of
disturbance is called a sage (jnani).
Do not compare yourself with others.
9. Everything at every second God is
responsible for what is happening everywhere.
10. Arjuna asks Bhagavanta: Who is aparOksha
jnani and how he lives after obtaining aparOksha jnana. Bhagavanta answers that the one who completely
departs from lusty desires will be nearer to moksha. Mental age is different from physical age.
Shri Madhvacharya says that there are two types of desires(aase): i) Ambition
ii) Over ambition. Acharya says that one
should be ambitious but must not be over ambitious. This shows the maturity of mind. Dushkaamane, that is, manassina
kAmane is bad. Svarupada kaamane
leads to moksha. If you do Ekaadashi vrata it purifies
body and mind. When the mind is fresh
(Prasanna) we become aparOksha jnani.
If ego (ahankaara) and selfishness (everything is mine) are
non-existent, he is aparOksha jnani. See Bhagavanta in your antaranga.
Based on
the discourse of Dr. V. Prabhanjanacharya