Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Professor B Mahadevan
October 12, 2010
Relevance of Gita
Freedom from fruits of action
Actively engaging in worldly matters is not to
be avoided. However, there is a methodology
to it
The methodology is two fold:
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
The methodology is two fold:
Have a settled state of mind composed, serene,
reflective etc.
Acquire a capability of detached attachment
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Slokas 69 - 70
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When it is darkness for others it is waking state and vice
versa for a Muni
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B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
Hl94PlTP9|6U
BPPl9- 9|4H|-6 46
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The fullness of the ocean is least disturbed by the emptying
of water by the rivers, so is the |F6 9- |F6 9- |F6 9- |F6 9- when it comes to
engaging with the world around
Slokas 71 72
The spirit of detached attachment
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|+PPl |+(l- B Hl|-6P|7|6+2.71.
Without any sense of desire he is able to engage in all
activities, he is also able to distance from his own emotions
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
activities, he is also able to distance from his own emotions
& ego and attain peace
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This state of mind we must reach and stay until the last
moments of life to attain eternal liberation
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B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
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~lP( 4Jl6l Chapter 2
In a nutshell
2.1, 2.9, 2.10 Sanjayas Commentary
2.2 2.3 Krishnas initial reaction to Arjuna
2.4 2.8 Arjunas continued state of confusion
2.11 2.13 Notion of time
2.14 21.5 First introduction to equanimity as an important virtue for a
leader
2.16 2.30 Explanation of quintessential aspect
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
2.16 2.30 Explanation of quintessential aspect
2.31 2.37 Role clarity issues
2.38 Ideas on equanimity
2.39 2.53 Work as a fundamental unit of prosperity
2.39 2.46 Introduction to various aspects of productive work
2.47 2.53 Definition of work, its impact, how to do it
2.51 2.53 How to develop detachment from fruits (introduction)
2.54 Arjunas question
2.55 2.59 Practical ideas to cast away desires
2.60 2.72 More explanation on detachment from fruits of action
~lP( 4Jl6l Chapter 2
In a nutshell
Notion
of time
Role
clarity
Change
Mgmt.
Quintessential
Nature
Sense of
Equanimity
Control of
Sense organs
2.60 2.65
2.11 2.13
2.17 2.30
2.14, 2.15, 2.38, 2.48
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
Work: Basic unit
of prosperity
clarity Mgmt.
Sense organs
Sthitha Prajna
State of Mind
Definition
What is it?
How to do it?
Detachment
from fruits
of action
Practical
Ideas
2.55 2.59
2.60 2.72
2.31 2.38
2.39 2.53
2.55 2.72 2.48
2.39 2.46
2.49 2.53
Some interesting questions
We have come across
If people who have proven credibility and influence
are on the wrong side, what should the leader do?
When pros and cons of almost all alternatives appear
same (or balanced) what should the leader do?
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
same (or balanced) what should the leader do?
What happens when you redefine the notion of
time?
Complicated problems can you broadbase them
and look at it? Is time one dimension for
broadbasing the problem at hand?
Some interesting ideas
We have come across
Reopen the concept of time redefine new
variables crop up
Under very severe conditions, leaders invariably get
eclipsed and get severe confusion about their role
You do not achieve great things in excitement, but
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
You do not achieve great things in excitement, but
rather in a calm state of mind
Strong feeling of neutrality is required for discharging
ones work very effectively
I must enjoy fruits of action else no work will
generate enormous amount of wasteful effort
Some interesting ideas
We have come across
Attachment to fruits have grater propensity to
generate evil
We have a freedom of choice to detach fruits of
action & work (we need nobodys permission to do
so)
B Mahadevan, IIM Bangalore
so)
Good work happens not by leaving the sensory
organs alone but by handling them during work &
when results manifest