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Bhagavad Gita - October 16, 2009 Chapter 4, Verses: 32-34 Swami Yogatmananda Vedanta Society of Providence     Please click the 'Play' button to start. It may take a minute.   Launch in external player   To download the lecture, please right-click here and then click "Save Target As..."     IV.32: Thus, various kinds of sacrifices lie spread at the mouth of the Vedas. Know them all to be born of action. Knowing thus, you will become liberated. IV.33: O destroyer of enemies, Knowledge considered as a sacrifice is greater than sacrifices requiring materials. O son of Prtha, all actions in their totality culminate in Knowledge. IV.34: Know that through prostration, inquiry and service. The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart Knowledge to you.   The above image is from Gita Darshan by courtesy of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad.   To Order Audio/ Video CDs : bookstore@vedantaprov.org   List of Audio/Video CDs, DVDs

Summary of this lecture: Sacrifice is a crucial element of the spiritual aspirant's search for Self-knowledge. The false distinction between enjoyer and enjoyed is due to the ignorance which makes one run unendingly after things of this world. These acquisitions of ignorance must be sacrificed "in the fire of knowledge" thus ridding oneself of ignorance. Ramakrishna emphasizes that God-realization, that is, Self-knowledge, is the only goal worthy of pursuit in life, because it alone brings total fulfillment. The question then comes: how shall we acquire Self-knowledge? The Gita explains that this knowledge is to be gained by prostrating oneself before a spiritual teacher, deep and authentic inquiring, and rendering service to the teacher and others with an attitude of surrender. Prostration or salutation encourages humility, which is a precondition to learning. Deep and authentic spiritual inquiry flows from the aspirant's genuine spiritual aspirations and concerns, and, thereby, establishes a clear-line of communication between the teacher and himself. Service with an attitude of surrender enables the wisdom of the teacher to seep into the aspirant's soul.