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Bhagavad Gita - December 18, 2009 Chapter 5, Verses: 6-9 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..."     V.6: But, O mighty-armed one, renunciation is hard to attain without (Karma-)yoga. The meditative man equipped with yoga attains Brahman without delay. V.7: Endowed with yoga, pure in mind, controlled in body, a conqueror of the organs, the Self of the selves of all beings - he does not become tainted even while performing actions. V.8-9: Remaining absorbed in the Self, the knower of Reality, should think, 'I certainly do not do anything', even while seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, moving, sleeping, breathing, speaking, releasing, holding, opening and closing the eyes- remembering that the organs function in relation to the objects of the organs.   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: Real renunciation does not necessitate giving up all works, but requires having a detached attitude to the work one does. When we understand that all interaction with the world around us means our organs coming in contact with objects, then "we" are not really doing anything when we act. There need not be a division between spiritual and secular life; instead, all works should be done with this spirit of renunciation and detachment. If we work selflessly for others, we shall realize that the one Reality is pervasive in all of creation, and our minds, bodies, and sense organs will come under our control.