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what does krishna argue about the self

by Orie Nicolas Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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To that end, Krishna in The Bhagavad

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Gita —who is an incarnation of Vishnu—begins talking about himself and his true nature. He says that his prakriti—his physical form—is made of eight elements: earth, water, air, fire, akasha (“sky” or “space”), mind, intelligence, and ego. However, beyond his prakriti is another, higher form.

Besides, as Krishna makes clear, the self (atma) never dies. The text argues that the nature of the self is eternal and imperishable; these bodies we have are nothing more than the clothes the self puts on and takes off as it moves from lifetime to lifetime in samsara.

Full Answer

Why does Krishna emphasise the importance of consciousness at death?

Question: Why does Krishna emphasise consciousness at death which is much more uncontrollable than consciousness while living? Answer: Krishna actually emphasises both. And in fact he uses the importance of consciousness at death to stress the importance of consciousness throughout our life.

What is Krishna’s nature?

To that end, Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita —who is an incarnation of Vishnu—begins talking about himself and his true nature. He says that his prakriti—his physical form—is made of eight elements: earth, water, air, fire, akasha (“sky” or “space”), mind, intelligence, and ego. However, beyond his prakriti is another, higher form.

What does Krishna say about thinking about yourself?

Krishna says, “You should always think of Me, and at the same time you should continue your prescribed duty and fight. With your mind and activities always fixed on Me, and everything engaged in Me, you will attain to Me without any doubt.” (Bg. 8.7)

What are the various arguments that Lord Krishna Advances to dispel Arjuna?

The various arguments that Lord Krishna advances to dispel the confusion of Arjuna can be classified as follows: The most fundamental one is the philosophical argument. That is the one with which Krishna begins his whole sermon. Nothing is permanent in this ephemeral world.

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What does Krishna say about himself?

Krishna declares himself The Absolute Truth Multiple Times in Bhagavad Gita. Translation: “O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.”

What does the Bhagavad Gita say about self?

In the dialogue, Lord Krishna explains that the ultimate goal of liberation — freedom from the cycle of birth and death, can only be achieved by realizing your true Self. This true Self is your pure Soul, which is distinct from your body.

What is the embodied self in Bhagavad Gita?

The origin and movements of the jivatman have been described in shlokas 15.7 to 15.9 of the Bhagavad Gita. It has been stated that an eternal fraction of the Supreme Lord having become a living soul acquires five senses and the mind from the nature. It, thus, becomes an embodied soul.

What concept does Krishna seem to be teaching?

It is found that in the 17th Chapter of Gita while referring to the threefold day to day's sacred acts of man such as “daan, tapa and Yajna”, Krishna seems to teach the mankind the true perspective of the term Yajna when he states that performance of every act in life in the sense of true worship to god is sacrifice.

What Krishna says about mind?

In Chapter Six of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Sri Krishna describes in detail about the importance of controlling the mind. He tells Arjuna that by controlling the mind he can attain complete perfection in life. He makes it clear that without mind control, no one can attain peace and bliss in life.

What does Krishna tell Arjuna about establishing himself in yoga?

Krishna is not trying to persuade Arjuna to lead a different kind of life and renounce the world as would a monk or recluse. He tells Arjuna that if he can establish himself in yoga – in unshakable equanimity, profound peace of mind – he will be more effective in the realm of action.

What did Krishna say about soul?

Lord Krishna teaches us that the soul, a very tiny fragmental portion of Him, is the basis of this consciousness. A learned person must learn how to ascertain the difference between a dead body and a living body. Technically, knowledge starts when one introspects the difference between the spirit (soul) and the matter.

Do Hare Krishna believe in reincarnation?

The teachings of the Hare Krishna movement are derived from ancient Hindu scriptures, especially the Srinad-Bhagavatum and the Bhagavadgita. Adherents believe that Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) is the Supreme Lord and that humans are eternal spiritual beings trapped in a cycle of reincarnation.

What does Geeta say about rebirth?

The law of rebirth governs all existence in creation. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the important truth that every human being has a choice to get freed from this cycle of rebirth. The general trend in many is to have certain goals in life and much time and effort is spent in trying to attain them.

What does Krishna wants from us?

Krishna's mercy is more powerful than all the most powerful tidal waves. So yes, Krishna wants us to be happy. His love is our only qualification, His causeless love. He descends into this world again and again and again to give kindness to those who have offended Him unlimited times.

What can we learn from Krishna?

5 life-changing lessons by Lord Krishna5 life-changing lessons by Lord Krishna. Importance of Karma or focus on your duty. ... Importance of Karma or focus on your duty. ... Whatever happens, it happens for good. ... Goodwill always be rewarded. ... No job is big or small. ... Friendship or Everyone needs a true friend.

What did Krishna teach?

That's when Lord Krishna, his friend and philosopher, intervened and gave him wisdom that steered him to action. Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna highlighted, that all wars first exist in the mind. Thus, winning in the mind is the first step to winning on the battlefield, and in real life.

What does Bhagavad Gita teaches us?

In the Bhagavadgita, Krishna teaches that one can kill only the body; the soul is immortal. At death, the soul is reborn in another body, or, for those who have fully grasped the true teachings, it achieves release (moksha) or extinction (nirvana)—that is, freedom from the wheel of rebirth.

What are the main teachings of the Bhagavad Gita?

The essence of Bhagavad Gita can be well understood by knowing its five main topics – Isvara (God), Jiva (living entity), Prakriti (Material Nature), Kala (time) and Karma (Action).

What does Bhagavad Gita say?

Gita says, The person whose mind is always free from attachment, who has subdued the mind and senses, and who is free from desires, attains the supreme perfection of freedom from Karma through renunciation.

How Bhagwad Gita helps us in daily life?

The Bhagavad Gita encourages us to live life with purity, strength, discipline, honesty, kindness and integrity in order to find our purpose and to live it fully.

What does Krishna say about the Bhagavad Gita?

In these chapters, Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita reiterates that he is the source of all things and present in all things, both physical and metaphysical. He goes further to say that he is the true form of the greatest gods in every pantheon worshipped by man. He expounds on how he is the highest mountain, the deepest valley, the mightiest lion; he is the true self inside every person; he is life, death, time, victory, honor, justice, and so on.

Why does Arjuna need to understand Vishnu?

Remember that, along with understanding himself, Arjuna must learn to understand Vishnu in order to escape from karma. To that end, Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita —who is an incarnation of Vishnu—begins talking about himself and his true nature.

What is Vishnu's physical form?

He says that his prakriti—his physical form—is made of eight elements: earth, water, air, fire, akasha (“sky” or “space”), mind, intelligence, and ego. However, beyond his prakriti is another, higher form. This other form created and supports everything that exists, and destroys it when the time comes. Though he has created many mortal bodies, Vishnu’s true self was never born and will never die. He is beyond such things; his true nature is eternal and changeless.

What are the three Gunas of Vishnu?

The three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas —also come from Vishnu, but he is not found in them. They make up his maya, his illusion that deceives the world. Vishnu’s maya is difficult to pass through, but those who seek him through selfless action and self-knowledge are able to cross his maya and rejoin his true self. He says that, while anyone who follows a spiritual path will be blessed, those who seek true union with Vishnu will have it and be considered as part of him.

What is Vishnu's nature?

This higher nature is present in all things, from the taste of water to the light of the sun. Vishnu is people’s intelligence, strength, and honor. He is also the source of desire, as long as such desires are in tune with dharma and Brahman. He claims that the entire universe hangs from him like a necklace.

What is the most important chapter in the Bhagavad Gita?

Religious scholars consider Chapter 11 to be the most important part of The Bhagavad Gita. In this chapter, Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita reveals his true self to Arjuna—not the four-armed, blue-skinned being who commonly appears in art, but his real form: the beginning and end of all existence.

What is the most fundamental argument in Krishna's sermon?

The most fundamental one is the philosophical argument. That is the one with which Krishna begins his whole sermon. Nothing is permanent in this ephemeral world. The only permanent thing is the Self which is untouched and uncontaminated by anything that happens to the non-self.

What is the fourth major argument?

The fourth major one is the argument of Faith. There is not a leaf that moves in this world without the sanction of the Lord of the world and so let no man think that he is the doer. This argument runs through several chapters - from the seventh to the fifteenth - supported by all the metaphysical technicalities that Krishna chooses to bring in. Among these technicalities, there is one that sprouts forth, even as early as the third chapter, as

What is the second argument in GITA?

The second argument, which may be called the svadharmaargument, is based on the duties of one'svarNaandASrama. Though this is mentioned very early in the second chapter itself of the gItA, Krishna makes a real issue of it only in the eighteenth chapter where he links it up with his

Why did Krishna believe in Krishna consciousness?

Perhaps one reason for this was his dissatisfaction with the quality of existing practice, but a more important reason was that he genuinely believed that the process of Krishna consciousness was one designed to attain the pinnacle of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

What is Krishna con sciousness?

In the purport to this verse, Srila Prabhupada notes that “one may not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden; but by gradually developing Krishna con sciousness, one can be situated in a transcendental position without being influenced by the material senses and the mind – by steady intelligence directed toward one’s pure identity.”#N#Here we have a process being prescribed for the elevation of the soul to a higher platform free from the influences of the senses and sense objects. The process is described as requiring constant and determined effort but the execution of change is expected to be gradual. In mathematics, there is a concept of a “unit-step” function. This is a function that goes from state zero to state one in zero time. Practically, however, a change of state in zero time is a recipe for an unstable system. In fact, our understanding of the workings of matter is such that no change occurs in zero time. Often we want to reach a new state in minimal time, ideally in zero time. But the oscillations associated with sudden change makes such systems of no practical relevance. It appears that our empirical understanding of the nature around us shares something in common with the prescription for our nature within.#N#This struggle of the mind is a central theme in the Gita. It is conquered only through the perfection in control, which in turn is only achieved through obedience to divine instructions. The strength and determination required to remain obedient is a gift given to those who express a desire for it through devotional service. There is an explicit inquiry related to this requirement for control, in which the mind is compared to the wind and hence impossible to control. The response to this inquiry is equally explicit. While acknowledging the process of controlling the mind as difficult, it is declared that it is not impossible. The mind is declared as having the potential to be the best of friends or the worst of enemies.#N#So far there is the clear indication that the true self is transcendental to the senses , the mind and the intelligence. Consciousness is presented as a reflection of the soul and hence is part of the true self. So at the time of death, is the soul the only entity that moves on to the next body? If so, to what avail is all the training and strengthening provided to the mind in any given life? The answers to these questions take us to chapter 15 of the Gita.

What does the Bhagavad Gita say about the mind?

The Bhagavad-Gita discusses the composition of the living#N#The Gita then goes on to recommend the source of strength to control the mind. “Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, O might-armed Arjuna, one should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence [Krishna consciousness] and thus – by spiritual strength –

What are the five chains of attachment?

In his book titled “The Science of Self- realization”, Srila Prabhupada speaks of five chains that anchor us in mundane consciousness. Attachment to the material body at the expense of spiritual insight, attachment to kinsmen through relationships, attachment to land through birth and possessions, attachment to material science (science devoid of spiritual insight), and attachment to rituals without recognizing the true personality of Godhead. The key word in all these anchors is “attachment”. The Bhagavad-Gita compares this to a deeply rooted banyan tree, which is ever increasing its hold on the earth, whose real form cannot be perceived, and no one can see where it ends, where it begins or where its foundation is. The metaphorical recommendation given in the Gita and reiterated by Srila Prabhupada is cut down this banyan tree with determination, using the weapon of detachment.

What is the challenge of promoting the ancient Vedic tradition in a modern Christian society?

The challenge of promoting the ancient Vedic tradition in a modern Christian society raises questions on the differences in faith and practice. Any study into Srila Prabhupada’s early days in the west would demonstrate the intensity of this culture shock. To its credit, the western society had, over the generations, developed an openness to accept and entertain concepts and traditions that were radically different from the accepted norms. This demeanor was instrumental to Srila Prabupada’s success in establishing an alternative lifestyle.

What does Krishna mean by "yoga"?

In text 48, chapter 2 of the Bhagavad -Gita, Krishna defines the term “yoga” as the sincere performance of duty without attachment to success or failure. This should not be taken as a license for a lack of passion or lethargy in the execution of duty, as indicated in BG:14-8 and BG:18-28. In the subsequent text (text 49), Krishna recommends devotional service as the way to keep abominable activities (activities

Who is the most effective Maha Mantra?

Of all Holy Names, the Maha-Mantra ( Hare Krishna Hare Krishna – Krishna Krishna Hare Hare – Hare Rama Hare Rama – Rama Rama Hare Hare) is acknowledged by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabu, as the most effective. While there are no limitations on when, where and how many times the Maha –

What is the relationship between Krishna and Arjuna?

The relationship between Krishna and Arjuna changes at this moment. In the beginning of the discussion they were friends, but Arjuna becomes bewildered and does not know what to do so to solve this problem he accepts his friend Krishna as his spiritual master, as his guru and surrenders to Him.

What does Krishna teach Arjuna?

It is widely believed the most important thing Krishna teaches Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita is that "You should do your duty." It is certainly a strong theme.

What is the central point of the Bhagavad Gita?

So the actual central point of the Bhagavad-gita, is really to surrender to Krishna in the mood of Arjuna and to request Krishna, “Please instruct me.”

What does Arjuna say to Krishna?

So the real point here is that Arjuna does not know what his duty is so is surrendering to Krishna and saying to Krishna “Please instruct me .” Arjuna is now Krishna’s disciple, a soul surrenderd to Krishna and he will now do whatever Krishna tells him to do.

What is the message of Bhagavad Gitais?

The real message of Bhagavad-gitais surrender to Krishna and get Krishna to instruct us, “please instruct me,” to let Krishna claify clearly to us what is our duty and exactly what we should be doing.

What is Arjuna confused about?

Therefore Arjuna is completely confused about his duty. So Krishna’s main instruction in Bhagavad-gitais not actually about “doing your duty” at all. Arjuna does not even know what his duty is, so how can he do his duty? We are also in the same position as Arjuna. We are also confused about our duty. So if we do not actually know what our duty is then how can we perfom our duty?

What is Krishna's final message?

So this is Krishna’s real message, the real conclusion of Bhagavad-gita. Surrender to Krishna. This is the main message.

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Bhagavad-Gita Introduced

Constituents of The Body

  • The Bhagavad-Gita discusses the composition of the living The Gita then goes on to recommend the source of strength to control the mind. “Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, O might-armed Arjuna, one should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence [Krishna consciousness] and thus – by...
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Lord Caitanya Introduced

  • Lord Caitanya, also referred to as Mahaprabhu, appeared in Mayapur, India on the 18th of February 1486 A.D. He accepted the renounced order of life (Sannyasa) at the early age of 24 and promoted the philosophy that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is, inconceivably, simultaneously one with and different from His creation (acintya-bhedabheda-tattva) . He promo…
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Srila Prabhupada’s Message

  • Let us revisit Srila Prabhupada’s premise which distinguishes the living body from its eternal Soul and derive the central theme of his message. Srila Prabhupada argues that the soul is eternal and keeps migrating from one body to another, while the body, which serves as a transient covering for the soul in any particular manifestation, appears at the time of birth and vanishes at the time …
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Regulative Principles

  • Regulative principles are aimed at continually minimizing the influence the senses hold over the mind. This reduction in influence is equivalent to an equally increased influence held by intelligence and consciousness over the mind. If we relate this back to the moral philosophies of Socrates and Plato, there is concurrence over the importance in exercising intelligence and cons…
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The Dimension of Time

  • The dimension of time and the associated ages are an integral part of Vedic knowledge. The material universe is said to have days and nights of equal length. Each day of the material universe (also known as “kalpa”), consists of a thousand cycles of four ages or “yugas”. These yugas have varying lengths and characteristics. The first yuga, known as “Satya” yuga which last…
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Chanting The Holy Names

  • The age of Kali is known to offer a shorter life span with less conducive environmen ts for spiritual growth. Hence, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabu prescribes the easier process of engaging oneself in the energy of the Lord invested in His names as the recommend process for self-realization in this age. Of all Holy Names, the Maha-Mantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna – Krishna Krishna Hare Ha…
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Comparative Religion

  • The challenge of promoting the ancient Vedic tradition in a modern Christian society raises questions on the differences in faith and practice. Any study into Srila Prabhupada’s early days in the west would demonstrate the intensity of this culture shock. To its credit, the western society had, over the generations, developed an openness to accept and entertain concepts and traditio…
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Conclusion

  • As we humans sail through life on this planet, some of us will be consumed by the merits and demerits of our social and political systems. A few others will instead contemplate on the deeper subject that relates to the very source of our existence. Scripture, science, metaphysics and mystical revelations will all serve as tools we use in these pursuits. Whichever path you choose, …
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1.Krishna Responds to Everyone According to their Desires

Url:https://krishna.org/krishna-responds-to-his-devotees-according-to-their-desires/

2 hours ago  · Krishna directly states that for the non-devotees — because they do not want to see Him — He does not manifest Himself before them: “I am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them I am covered by My eternal creative potency [yoga-maya]; and so the deluded world knows Me not, who am unborn and infallible.” (Bg. 7.25)

2.The Five Arguments of Krishna to convince Arjuna not to …

Url:http://krishnamurthys.com/profvk/gohitvip/8201.html

15 hours ago  · He says that his prakriti—his physical form—is made of eight elements: earth, water, air, fire, akasha (“sky” or “space”), mind, intelligence, and ego. However, beyond his prakriti is another, higher form. This other form created and supports everything that exists, and destroys it when the time comes.

3.Krishna Consciousness--A Real Science | Krishna.org

Url:https://krishna.org/krishna-consciousness-a-real-science/

4 hours ago  · Arjuna’s Bewilderment. It is widely believed that the most important thing Krishna teaches Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita is that “You should do your duty.”. Krishna’s instructing Arjuna to do his duty as a ksatriya and fight in the battle is certainly a very strong theme in Bhagavad-gita: “Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of ...

4.Arjuna's Bewilderment | Krishna.org

Url:https://krishna.org/arjunas-bewilderment/

13 hours ago  · Answer: Krishna actually emphasises both. And in fact he uses the importance of consciousness at death to stress the importance of consciousness throughout our life. So in BG 8.5 he talks about, anta-kāle ca mām eva smaran muktvā kalevaram . He says, “If you remember me at the time of death, you will attain me.”.

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