Class Summary from Jan 10
The class began with a powerful quote from Gurudev emphasizing gratitude. The idea shared was that since everything in life is ultimately from God, we should live with an attitude of dedication and gratitude for all experiences, both good and bad. This approach leads to true enjoyment of life. This message ties in with the concept of surrender and recognizing that everything in life, good or bad, is a part of divine will.
The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 13, Verse 23 was referenced to elaborate on how we should surrender our actions to God, offering both the positive and negative experiences of life to Him. By gradually reducing the ego, we make space for God to guide our lives and help us navigate challenges. This teaching encourages self-awareness and humility in recognizing God's presence in all aspects of life.
The class discussed a moment from the Bhagavad Gita where Uddhava asks Krishna why He did not prevent the war. Krishna responds by explaining that as the supreme witness to all actions, He does not intervene because the true cause of wrongdoing is when people forget God and act out of ego. The discussion emphasized the importance of keeping God at the center of one's life to avoid falling into the trap of ego and selfish desires.
Students were encouraged to adopt a mindset of surrender, where they offer their thoughts and actions to God. One suggestion was to write a letter to God and keep it on the altar, symbolizing the surrender of all one's plans, hopes, and challenges to divine will. This exercise fosters a deeper connection with God and cultivates a sense of trust and peace.
The class concluded with a story of a modern entrepreneur who spoke about the importance of staying true to oneself, acting with integrity, and earning the trust and respect of others. It was emphasized that one should maintain humility, especially when facing failure, and always act according to the principles of right conduct. This story illustrated how success, personal growth, and respect come when one consistently stands up for what is right and speaks up when things are not aligned with ethical values.
Paropakaraya Idam shareeram:
This concept from the Bhagavad Gita encourages performing actions that benefit others and contribute positively to society. It emphasizes selfless service and altruism, teaching that the purpose of our actions should be to uplift the community and create positive change in the world around us.
In summary, the class focused on themes of surrender, humility, and gratitude, teaching that living a life of dedication to God and service to others leads to true fulfillment. By reducing the ego and offering our actions and results to the divine, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity. Real-life examples of ethical conduct, as shared by modern entrepreneurs, reinforced the importance of staying true to one's values and doing good for the collective well-being.
