|| Shri Hari ||

Taking Refuge in Gita

continued....

Gita cannot be known where there is pride of scholarliness. Such cases have also come before me.   There was a good doctor, who knew the deep meanings of Ramayana.   On Gita Jayanti day,  I shared some points from Gitaji, so he became interested in Gitaji.  He said that whenever I listen to anyone reciting a verse,  I am able to remember it (rote memorize it); I therefore would like to know the deeper meaning of Gita.  I said to him to memorize the twelfth chapter,  and come back,  at which time I will explain its proper meaning.   After a few days he returned saying, that 'I am making a significant effort in trying to memorize the Gita, but I cannot remember the Gita !'   As I understand, the reason for this inability to memorize is  that he had pride within that he is very knowledgeable and  that he is able to very quickly memorize the verses !  Pride is a great obstacle in the path of spirituality.    He who being free of pride,   with a simple-straightforwardness takes refuge in Gitaji,   he begins to understand the feelings and sentiments of Gita.   I have seen that those who have taken refuge in God,  experience such exceptional feelings, that it occasionally appears even in the literary works and scriptures.

  Therefore taking refuge in God is a main point that has been emphasized in Gita.

Gita begins with “Sharanagati”  (taking refuge) and ends with “Sharanagati".  Lord Krishna and Arjuna were together all the time.  In Srimad Bhagavat,  Arjuna says  -  

Shayyaasanaatanvikathnbhojanaadi - shvaikyaad vayasya rutvaaniti vipralabdhah |

sakhyuh sakheva pitruvattnayasya sarvam sehe mahaan mahitayaa kumater dham me ||  

(Srimad Bhagwat 1/15/19)  

“While sleeping, sitting, wandering, chit-chatting,  and eating with Lord Krishna,  I developed such spontaneity with him, that I often called him “O’  friend!  you are my very own!”   Saying so I used to even attack him.  But with dignity and greatness, the great Lord,  used to tolerate all those scorns and contempt from my limited intellect,  just like a friend tolerates all the insults and scorning of his friend,  and a father does the same for his son.”   (continued....)

From book in hindi “Jit Dekhu Titi Tu” by Swami Ramsukhdasji

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