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He also wanted the kingdom. The king- THE BHAGAVAD-GITA dom was divided into two halves be- (For Children and Beginners) tween the Pa ndavas and the Kauravas. Duryodhana was not satisfied with his INTRODUCTION share. He wanted the entire kingdom for himself. He tried several evil plots to kill Jai: Grandma, I have a hard time the Pa ndavas and take away their king- understanding the teachings of the dom. Somehow he took over the entire Bhagavad-Gita. Would you help me? kingdom of the Pa ndavas and refused to give it back without a war. All peace Grandma: Of course, Jai, I will be talks by Lord Krishna and others failed, glad to. You should know that this holy so the big war of Maha bha rata could not book teaches us how to live happily in be avoided. the world. It is an ancient holy book of The Pa ndavas didn’t want to fight, Hindu Dharma (also known as Sana tana but they had only two choices: fight for Dharma or Hinduism), but it can be un- their right because it was their duty or derstood and followed by people of any run away from war and accept defeat for faith. The Gita has eighteen (18) chap- the sake of peace and nonviolence. Ar- ters and a total of only 700 verses. Any- juna, one of the five Pa ndava brothers, one can be helped by daily practice of faced this choice in the battlefield. only a few of its teachings. He had to choose between fight- The word ‘Bhagavad’ means God ing the war and killing his most revered or The Supreme Lord, Bhagava n in San- guru, who was on the other side; his very skrit. ‘Gita’ means song. Thus The dear friends, close relatives, and many Bhagavad-Gita means the Song of God innocent warriors; or running away from or the Sacred Song, because it was sung the battlefield to be peaceful and nonvio- by Bhagava n Shri Krishna himself. lent. The entire eighteen chapters of the Here is the introduction to the Gita are the talk between confused Ar- Gita: juna and his best friend, mentor and In ancient times there was a king cousin, Lord Krishna --- an incarnation who had two sons, Dhritara shtra and of God --- on the battlefield of Kuruk- Pa ndu. The former was born blind; shetra near New Delhi, India, about therefore, Pa ndu inherited the kingdom. 5,100 years ago. This conversation was Pa ndu had five sons. They were called reported to the blind king, Dhritara shtra, the Pa ndavas. Dhritara shtra had one by his charioteer, Sanjay. It is recorded hundred sons. They were called the Kau- in the great epic, Maha bha rata. ravas. Duryodhana was the eldest of the All lives, human or nonhuman, Kauravas. are sacred, and nonviolence or Ahimsa is After the death of king Pa ndu, his one of the most basic principles of Hin- eldest son, Yudhisthira, became the law- duism. So when Lord Krishna advises ful King. Duryodhana was very jealous. Arjuna to get up and fight, this may con- SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 2 International Gita Society fuse you about the principle of Ahimsa if Jai: What does compassionate mean, you don’t keep in mind the background Grandma? of the war of Maha bha rata. This spiritual talk between the Grandma: Compassion does not mean Supreme Lord, Krishna, and His devo- pity, Jai. That would be looking down on tee-friend, Arjuna, occurs not in a tem- others as poor, pitiful creatures. Arjuna ple, a lonely forest, or on a mountain top, was feeling their pain and their unlucky but on a battlefield on the eve of a war. situation as his own. Arjuna was a great warrior, who had fought many wars and Jai: This is an interesting story, was well prepared for the war, but sud- Grandma. Can you tell me more? denly his compassion made him not want to fight. He spoke of the evils of Grandma: If you come to where I sit war and sat down on the seat of his char- every evening, Jai, I will tell you the iot, his mind full of sorrow. He saw no whole story, one chapter each day. Just use in fighting. He did not know what to make sure your homework is done and do. you have time to listen. If you agree, let’s start tomorrow. Jai: I don’t blame him. I wouldn’t want to fight either. Why do people Jai: Thank you, Grandma. I’ll be fight, Grandma? Why are there wars? there to hear more. Grandma: Jai, there are not only wars CHAPTER 1 between nations, but quarrels between ARJUNA’S CONFUSION two people, quarrels between brothers and sisters, between husband and wife, Jai: I would like to know first how between friends and neighbors. The Lord Krishna and Arjuna happened main reason is that people are not able to to talk on the battlefield, Grandma. let go of their selfish motives and de- sires. Most wars are fought for posses- Grandma: It came about in this way, sion and power. But all problems could Jai. The war of Maha bha rata was about be solved peacefully if people could see to begin after peace talks by Lord both sides of the problem and work out Krishna and others failed to avoid the an agreement. War should be the last re- war. When the soldiers were gathered on sort. Our holy books say: One should not the battlefield, Arjuna asked Lord commit violence towards anyone. Un- Krishna to drive his chariot between the justified killing is punishable in all cir- two armies so that he could see those cumstances. Lord Krishna urged Arjuna who were ready to fight. Seeing all his to fight for his rights, but not to kill relatives, friends, and soldiers on the bat- needlessly. It was his duty as a warrior to tlefield and fearing their destruction, he fight a declared war and establish peace became compassionate. and law and order on earth. SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 3
We humans also have wars going robber must be looking for somebody to inside all of us. Our negative and posi- rob and kill, so he faced a big problem. tive forces are always fighting. The If he told the truth, the merchant would negative forces within us are represented certainly be killed. If he lied, he would by the Kauravas and the positive forces incur the sin of lying and lose his reputa- by the Pa ndavas.The Gita does not have tion. Any immoral act that may harm stories in it to illustrate the teachings, so others is called sin. Ahimsa (nonvio- I will add some stories from other lence) and truthfulness are two most im- sources to help you. portant teachings of all religions that we Here is a story about negative and must follow. If we have to choose be- positive thoughts fighting each other that tween these two, which one should we Lord Krishna Himself told to Arjuna in choose? This is a very difficult choice. Maha bha rata. Because of his habit of telling the truth, the hermit said: “Yes, I saw some- 1. Mr. Truthful one going that way.” So the robber was able to find the merchant and kill him. There once lived a great hermit, The hermit could have saved a life by who was famous for telling the truth. He hiding the truth, but he did not think very had taken a vow not to lie and was popu- carefully and made a wrong decision. larly known as “Mr. Truthful.” No mat- Lord Krishna’s purpose in telling ter what he said, everyone believed him Arjuna this story was to teach Arjuna because he had earned a great reputation that sometimes we have to choose be- in the community where he lived and did tween a rock and a hard place. Lord his spiritual practices. Krishna told Arjuna that the hermit One evening, a robber was chas- shared with the robber the sin of killing a ing a merchant to rob and kill him. The life. The robber could not have found the merchant was running for his life. To es- merchant if the hermit had not told the cape from the robber, the merchant ran truth. So when two noble principles con- towards the forest where the hermit lived flict with each other, we have to know outside the village. which one is the higher principle. The merchant felt very safe be- Ahimsa has the highest priority, so the cause there was no way the robber could hermit should have lied in this situation find out where he was hiding in the jun- to save a life. One may not tell a truth gle. But the hermit had seen the direction that harms a person in any way. It isn’t in which the merchant went. easy to apply Dharma (or righteousness) The robber came to the hermit’s to real life situations because what is cottage and paid his respects. The robber Dharma and what is Adharma (or un- knew that the hermit would tell only the righteousness) can sometimes be very truth and could be trusted, so he asked difficult to decide. In such a situation, him whether he had seen somebody run- expert advice should be sought. ning away. The hermit knew that the SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 4 International Gita Society
Lord Krishna gave another exam- respected. But the scriptures also say that ple of a robber coming to a village to rob anyone who acts wrongly or unlawfully and kill the villagers. In this situation, against you or others, or anyone who killing the robber would be an act of supports such deeds, should no longer be nonviolence because killing one person respected, but punished. may save many lives. Lord Krishna Arjuna was confused about his Himself, on several occasions, had to duty and asked guidance from Lord make such decisions to win the war of Krishna. Lord Krishna then instructed Maha bha rata and put an end to all the him on the true knowledge of Atma and evil-doers. the physical body. Remember, Jai, do not tell a lie, and do not kill any living being or hurt Jai: What is Atma , Grandma? anybody, but saving a life comes first. Grandma: Atma is also called the Chapter 1 summary: Arjuna asked his Spirit, or the soul. Atma is never born, charioteer friend, Lord Krishna, to drive never dies, and is everlasting. Our body his chariot between the two armies so takes birth and dies, but not Atma . Atma that he could see the Pa ndava’s army. supports the body. Without Atma , the Arjuna felt great compassion to see his body becomes dead. Atma supplies the friends and relatives on the opposite power to our body, mind, and senses, side, whom he must kill to win the war. just as air burns and supports fire. He became confused, spoke of the evils Weapons cannot cut Atma , fire cannot of war, and refused to fight. burn it, wind cannot dry it, and water cannot make it wet. Therefore, we CHAPTER 2 should not grieve over death of the body KNOWLEDGE OF GOD because the Atma inside the body never dies. (Gita 2.23-24) Jai: If Arjuna felt so kind-hearted for everyone he was supposed to kill in Jai: What is the difference between the war, how could he go out and Atma (Spirit), soul, and body fight, Grandma? Grandma?
Grandma: That is exactly what Arjuna Grandma: One and the same Atma asked Lord Krishna. He said: “How shall dwells inside all bodies. Our body I strike my grandfather, my guru, and all changes with time. Our old-age body is other relatives with arrows in battle? different from our childhood body. But They are worthy of my respect.” (Gita Atma does not change. Atma takes a 2.04) childhood body, a youth body, and an Arjuna had a good point. In Vedic old-age body during this life, then takes culture, gurus, the elderly, honorable another body after death. (Gita 2.13) The persons, and all other superiors are to be Sanskrit word Atma is translated as SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 5
Spirit in English. Spirit is universal and defeat, success and failure. If you are all pervading. The English word spirit or constantly worried about the results of soul also means the Spirit residing in in- your studies, you will not be able to put dividual bodies. In Sanskrit language, we your heart and soul into them for fear of call this individual soul Jiva tma or Jiva failure. (also spelled as Jeeva). If Spirit is com- pared to a forest, the individual soul Jai: But Grandma, how could Ar- (spirit or Jiva) can be compared to the juna fight his best if he wasn’t fighting tree in the forest. to win and gain something? The body is called a garment of Atma . Just as we get rid of an old, worn- Grandma: Arjuna must fight to win, out garment and put on a new one, simi- but he should not weaken his will by larly, Atma gets rid of the old body and worrying about the result while he is takes a new one after death. So death is fighting. He should put all his attention like changing the garment of Atma . (Gita and energy into every minute of the 2.22) All beings are visible between fight. That energy is what will bring the birth and death; they can’t be seen before greatest result. birth or after death and remain in their Lord Krishna tells us that we have invisible form. (Gita 2.28) Therefore, we full control over our action, but no con- should not grieve over death of the body. trol over the results of our action. (Gita We are not the body. We are Atma with 2.47) Harry Bhalla says: A farmer has a body. Death just means our soul passes control over how he works his land, yet from one body to another new body. no control over the harvest. But he can- not expect a harvest if he does not work Jai: Then why did Arjuna grieve his land with best effort and with tools over deaths of loved ones on the bat- he has. tlefield? Why didn’t he want to fight? We should do our best at the pre- sent moment and let the future take care Grandma: Arjuna was a very tough of itself. warrior, Jai, but he wanted to run away from the horrors of war and lead an easy Jai: Could you tell me more about life of a Samnya si, a wandering hermit. the secret of success as told by Lord Krishna taught us to face the battle Krishna to Arjuna? of life by giving Arjuna the beautiful science of KarmaYoga, the art of peace- Grandma: We should be so com- ful and prosperous living. Chapter 3 of pletely absorbed in work or study as to the Gita tells us more about this. Arjuna become unaware of everything else, was worried about the results of the war, even of its results. To achieve the best but Lord Krishna asks us to do our duty results from what we do, we should be without worrying too much about the re- focused on the action with undivided at- sults, such as gain and loss, victory and tention. SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 6 International Gita Society
Action should be done sincerely ship without its rudder. The desire for without worrying about its results. The pleasure takes one to the dark alley of results of the action will be greater if we sin, gets us in trouble, and prevents our put all attention and energy into the ac- progress. (Gita 2.67) As a student, you tion itself and do not allow our energy to should set a higher goal for yourself than be diverted by thinking of results. The pleasure. Put forth your best effort and result will depend on energy put into ac- concentrate on your studies. tion. We are asked not to worry about Arjuna was a very good example results during the course of action. This of such concentration. Here is a story does not mean that we should not care about him. about results. But we should not expect only positive results all the time. 2. The Graduation Test The secret of living a meaningful life is to be very active, and do our best Guru Drona was the military without thinking of our own selfish mo- teacher for both the Kauravas and the tives or even the results. A Self-realized Pa ndavas. At the end of their military person works for the good of all. training came final examination time. Drona put a wooden eagle on the branch Jai: What is a Self-realized person of a nearby tree. Nobody knew it was like, Grandma? just a doll. It looked like a real eagle. To pass the graduation test, every one of the Grandma: A Self-realized person is a students was supposed to cut off the ea- perfect person, Jai. Lord Krishna tells us gle’s head with one arrow. the mind of a perfect person is not Guru Drona first asked Yudhist- shaken by difficulties, does not run after hira, the eldest of the Pa ndavas: “Get pleasures, is free from fear, desire, ready, look at the eagle, and tell me what greed, and attachment, and has control you are seeing.” over mind and senses. (Gita 2.56) A Yudhisthira replied: “I see the Self-realized person does not get angry, sky, the clouds, the tree trunk, the is peaceful and happy. branches, the leaves and the eagle sitting there” Jai: How can we keep from getting Guru Drona was not very pleased angry, Grandma? with this answer. He asked the same of all the students, one by one. Every one Grandma: We get angry if our desire of them gave a similar answer. Then is not fulfilled. (Gita 2.62) So the best came Arjuna’s turn for the test. way to control anger is to control or limit Drona asked Arjuna: “Get ready, our desires. We should not want too look at the eagle, and tell me what you many things. Desires begin in the mind, are seeing.” so we should control our mind. If we Arjuna replied: “I only see the ea- don’t control our mind, we drift like a gle and nothing else” SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 7
Drona then asked a second ques- tween Atma and body. We are Atma tion: “If you are seeing the eagle, then with a body. Atma is unborn and inde- tell me how strong is its body and what structible. One and the same Atma is the color of it’s wings?” dwells inside all bodies, human or non- Arjuna replied: “I am only seeing human. Thus we are all connected with its head and not the entire body.” each other. We should do our duty to the Guru Drona was much pleased best of our ability without worrying with Arjuna’s answer and asked him to about success or failure. We must learn go ahead with the test. Arjuna easily cut from our failures and go forward without off the head of the eagle with one arrow letting our failures defeat us. To become because he was concentrating on his aim a perfect person, we need to control or with a single mind. He passed the test limit our desires. with flying colors. CHAPTER 3 Arjuna was not only the greatest KARMA-YOGA, THE PATH OF warrior of his time, but also a compas- DUTY sionate KarmaYogi. Lord Krishna chose Arjuna as a medium to impart the Jai: Why do we have to control our knowledge of the holy Gita. desires, Grandma? We all should follow the example of Arjuna. Read the Gita and be like Ar- Grandma: When you choose wrong juna. “Arjuna Bano, Arjuna Bano,” my behavior for sense enjoyment, you also dear grandson! Whatever work you do, choose its results. That is why work has do it with single-minded attention and to be done for the welfare of all and not put your whole heart and mind into it. just to satisfy your desires or for per- This is the main theme of KarmaYoga of sonal gain. One who practices Kar- the Gita and the secret of success in any- maYoga is called a KarmaYogi. A Kar- thing you do. maYogi finds the right way to serve and turns her or his work into worship. In A word for the youth from Swa mi KarmaYoga, no work is more important Vivekananda: or less important than other work. "Whatever you are doing, put your whole mind on it. If you are shooting, Jai: Uncle Hari left his family and your mind should be only on the target. home and went to an Ashram last year Then you will never miss. If you are to find God. Do we have to leave home learning your lessons, think only of the to seek God? lesson. In India boys and girls are taught to do this". Grandma: No, we do not. In the Gita, Lord Krishna has given us different Chapter 2 summary: Lord Krishna taught paths to God-realization. The path you us, through Arjuna, the difference be- choose depends on your individual na- SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 8 International Gita Society ture. In general, there are two types of They give up selfish motives and do all people in the world: the inward (or stu- work for the greater good of society, in- dious, introvert) type and the outward or stead of just for themselves. active type. For the introvert like Uncle Hari, the path of spiritual knowledge is Jai: But people will work harder if best. Followers of this path go to a spiri- they have selfish motives, won’t they, tual master or a guru where they study Grandma? Vedic scriptures under proper guidance. In this path, we learn who we are and Grandma: It is true that people may how we can lead a happy and peaceful earn more if they work for selfish gain, life. but they will not find permanent peace and happiness. Only those who do their Jai: Do we have to read all the scrip- duty selflessly for the good of all people tures to understand and find God? will find real peace and satisfaction.
Grandma: There are many scriptures Jai: If people don’t work for per- in our religion, such as the 4 Vedas, 108 sonal gain, will they still do their best Upanishads, 18 Pura nas, Ra ma yanas, and not become lazy? Maha bha rata, various Sutras and many others. Reading all of them would be a Grandma: A true KarmaYogi works difficult task. But Lord Krishna has hard even without personal gain. Only given us everything we need to know the ignorant work just for personal gain. about God in the Gita. The Gita has the The world runs smoothly because people essence of all the Vedas and Upanishads do their duty. Parents work hard to sup- for the modern time. port their family, and the children do their part. Nobody can remain inactive or Jai: Uncle Puri is a farmer and has idle all the time. Most people engage in no interest in studying the Gita. He some activity and do what they can. says the Gita is difficult and not for Brahma , the creator, gave his first teach- common people like him. So how can ing to humanity when he said: Let all of Uncle Puri realize God? you progress and prosper by helping each other and by doing your duty prop- Grandma: Uncle Puri should follow erly. (Gita 3.10-11) the second path, the path of KarmaYoga that is described in this chapter of the Jai: What happens if people work Gita. This is the path of duty or selfless hard just for their own benefit? service. This path is better for most peo- ple who work hard to support a family Grandma: They commit sin, Jai. It is and have no time or interest to read wrong to perform any action selfishly scriptures. Followers of this path do not without considering its effect on others. have to leave work and go to an Ashram. Lord Krishna calls such a person a thief, SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 9 useless, and sinful. (Gita 3.12-13) We son came to the door of the family hovel. should never live and work just for our- "Is that your son?" the nobleman selves. We should help and serve each asked. other. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly. "I'll make you a deal. Let me pro- Jai: What does a person gain who vide him with the level of education my follows the teaching of Lord Brahma own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything and works for the good of society? like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." Grandma: Such a person attains peace And that he did. Farmer Fleming's and success in this life, reaches God, and son attended the very best schools and in does not take birth again on this earth. time graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Here is a true modern story of Medical School in London and went on how selfless service, discussed in Chap- to become known throughout the world ter 3, works wonders in life. as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. 3. Sir Alexander Fleming Years afterward, the same noble- man's son who was saved from the A poor Scottish farmer one day, swamp was stricken with pneumonia. while trying to make a living for his What saved his life this time? Penicillin. family, heard a cry for help coming from The name of the nobleman? Lord a nearby swamp. He dropped his tools Randolph Churchill. and ran to the bog. There, sunk to his His son's name? The famous Sir waist in the swamp, was a terrified boy, Winston Churchill. screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what Someone once said: What goes could have been a slow and terrifying around comes around. This is the univer- death. sal law of Karma, the law of cause and The next day, a fancy carriage effect. Help fulfill someone’s dream, and pulled up to the Scotsman's simple your dream shall be fulfilled too by the home. A well dressed nobleman stepped Lord! out and introduced himself as the father of the boy that Farmer Fleming had Jai: Please give me more examples saved. of true KarmaYogis, Grandma. "I want to thank and repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's Grandma: You have read the story of life." Ra ma yana. Lord Ra ma’s father-in-law "I can't accept payment for what I was Janaka, the King of Janakapur. He did," the Scottish farmer replied, reject- attained God by serving his people as his ing the offer. own children, selflessly and without at- At that moment, the farmer's own tachment to the results of his action. He SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 10 International Gita Society did his duty as worship of God. Work work just for themselves. The wise work done without any selfish motive, as a for the welfare of all. The ignorant work matter of duty, becomes worship of God to enjoy the result of their labor and be- because it helps God run the world. come attached to it because they think they are the doer. They do not realize Maha tma Gandhi was a true Kar- that all work is done by the power sup- maYogi, who worked selflessly all his plied to us by God. With the power to do life without any personal motive, just for our duty and the intellect to choose be- the good of society. He set an example tween right and wrong action, we be- for other world leaders to follow. There come responsible for our actions. People are many other examples of selfless per- act wrongly because they don’t use their sons. intellect and don’t think of the results of their action on others. Jai: Is that how our leaders should The wise offer all their work to work? God with no selfish desire of their own. The ignorant work only to fulfill their Grandma: Yes, a true KarmaYogi personal desires. (Gita 3.25) shows by personal example how to lead a selfless life and attain God by follow- Jai: Can a common person like me ing the path of KarmaYoga. (Gita 3.21) do what great people like King Janaka and Maha tma Gandhi have done? Jai: If I want to become a Kar- maYogi, what do I have to do? Grandma: With a little effort, anybody can follow the path of KarmaYoga. Grandma: KarmaYoga requires doing Think of whatever work you are doing as our duty in life the best we can, unsel- your gift to society. If you are a student, fishly, without attachment to the results your duty is to attend school, do your of our work. A KarmaYogi remains calm homework, respect your parents, teach- in both success and failure and has no ers, other elders, and help your brothers, likes or dislikes for any person, place, sisters, friends, and classmates. In stu- object, or work. Work done as selfless dent life, prepare yourself to be a good, service for the welfare of humanity pro- productive citizen by getting a good duces no good or bad Ka rmic bondage education. and leads one to God. Jai: What kind of work should I do Jai: It would be hard to work with- when I graduate, Grandma? out wanting to gain something person- ally from it. How do we do this, Grandma: Choose the work that you Grandma? like and can do well. The work should be suited to your nature. (Gita 3.35, 18.47) Grandma: Spiritually ignorant persons If you choose work for which you don’t SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 11 have a natural skill or attraction, your because it leads to sinful and illegal ac- chances of success are limited. You tivities. Always remember that desire know what you can do best. Trying to be never ends after you get what you want. someone you’re not is the greatest cause It just leads to new desires and creates of failure and unhappiness. greed. And if you don’t get what you want, you feel angry. People do bad Jai: But shouldn’t I try to find good things when they are angry. work, like engineering, teaching, or government service? Jai: How can we control our desire for pleasures? Grandma: There is no such thing as good or bad work. All types of workers Grandma: One way is by the knowl- are needed to keep society running. edge given in the Gita and by the power Some work pays more than others, but of thinking. Before you act from desire, higher paying jobs are usually more dif- always think first of the results of that ficult and stressful if you are not quali- action. Desires start in the mind and stay fied for them. If you are qualified for a there. You can control your mind by in- lower paying job, lead a simple life and tellect and reasoning. avoid unnecessary items. A simple life When you are young, your mind means not desiring too many material becomes dirty just as the clear water of a things. Limit yourself to the basic needs pond becomes muddy during the rainy of life. Keep your desires under control. season. If your intellect doesn’t control Lord Buddha said: Selfish desire is the your mind, your mind will run towards cause of all evils and misery. sense pleasures. This will keep you from achieving the higher goals of life. So set Jai: Is selfish desire the reason why a high goal in life to keep your mind people do bad things? from getting dirty by sensual pleasures like smoking, alcohol, drugs, and other Grandma: Yes Jai, our selfish desire bad habits. Bad habits are very hard to for enjoyment is the cause of all evils. If get rid of, so avoid them to start with. we don’t control our desires, our desires Always keep good company, read good will control us, and we will become the books, avoid bad people, and think of the victims of our own desires. Control your long-term result of your actions. wants because whatever you want, wants you also! Jai: Since we know right from wrong, Grandma, why can’t we just Jai: Then are all desires bad? avoid doing wrong?
Grandma: No, all desires are not bad. Grandma: If we don’t control our The desire to serve others is a noble de- mind, it will try to weaken our will and sire. The desire to enjoy pleasures is bad take us for a ride to the wrong road of SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 12 International Gita Society sensual pleasures. We have to watch our of the Gita? mind and keep it on track. Grandma: Yes, Lord Krishna is the Chapter 3 Summary: Lord Krishna men- author of the Gita. It was put together by tioned two major paths to peace and sage Vaya sa who also edited the four happiness in life. The path chosen de- Vedas. Sage Vaya sa had the power of pends on the individual. It is easy for recalling events of the past and future, most people to follow the path of Kar- but he could not do the work of both re- maYoga, the path of selfless service. To calling the Gita spoken by Krishna on help each other is the first teaching of the battlefield as well as writing it down. the creator. This keeps society going and He needed a helper to write the Gita. progressing. We should all do our duty Lord Ganesha, the lord of wisdom, of- to the best of our ability. Choose the ca- fered to do the work of writing. reer best suited to your nature. No job is The Gita was first translated from small. It’s not what you do, but how you the original Sanskrit poetry to Sanskrit do it that is important. Finally, Lord prose and fully explained in Sanskrit by Krishna tells us we must control our de- great guru Adi Sankara cha rya in the year sire for pleasures. Uncontrolled desires 800 A.D. for pleasure lead us to failure and suffer- ing in life. We must think about the re- Jai: Why is Lord Krishna so impor- sults of an action before taking it up. tant? Avoid bad company at all costs. Grandma: Lord Krishna is considered CHAPTER 4 the eighth incarnation of the Supreme THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION God. The Supreme God comes to earth WITH KNOWLEDGE in different forms from time to time whenever the forces of evil try to disturb Jai: The Gita reports what was spo- and destroy the world peace. Lord comes ken on the battlefield, but who wrote to set everything right. He also sends it, Grandma? prophets and teachers to help mankind. His birth and activities are divine and Grandma: The teachings of the Gita each incarnation (Avata ras) has a pur- are very old. They were first given to the pose. The Shrimad Bha gavatam (or the Sun-god in the beginning of creation by Bha gavad-Pura na) gives details of all ten Lord Krishna. Over time, this knowledge major Avata ras of God. Lord Buddha, got lost. The Gita in its present form is Moses, Jesus, Mohammad and saints and the teaching by the Supreme Lord, sages of other religions are also consid- Krishna, to Arjuna about 5,100 years ered minor incarnations of God. At the ago. end of the present time period, known as KaliYuga, the Kalki incarnation will Jai: So is Lord Krishna the author happen in the very distant future. SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 13
Jai: Will Lord Krishna give us of our deeds. Karma is like depositing whatever we want in prayer or wor- money in the form of good and bad ac- ship? tion in the bank. We do not take birth when all our Karma is used up. This Grandma: Yes, Lord Krishna will give freedom from the cycles of birth and what you want (Gita 4.11), such as suc- death is called liberation, Nirva na, Mok- cess in your study, if you worship Him sha or Mukti. In Mukti one becomes one with faith. People may worship and pray with God. to God by using any name and form of God. The form of God is called deity. Jai: How can we avoid Karma when One can also worship God without the we live and work in society? help of a deity. Grandma: The best way not to earn Jai: Will we still have to study if we any Karma is not to do anything just for want to do well in examinations? yourself, but do it for the good of soci- ety. Always keep in mind that Mother Grandma: Yes, you must do the work. Nature does everything; we are not the Do your best and then pray. The good real doer of any action. If we strongly Lord will not work for you. You will believe this and work as a servant of have to do your own work. Your work God, we will not earn any new Karma, should be free from selfish desires, and and all our past Karma will be wiped out you should not hurt anybody. Then you by Self-knowledge. When all Karma is will not earn any Karma. finished, we become liberated. This method of uniting with God is called the Jai: What is Karma, Grandma? path of selfless action (KarmaYoga).
Grandma: The Sanskrit word Karma Jai How do we get rid of the Karma means action. It also means the results of from our past lives? an action. The word Karma is most commonly mispronounced as Karma . Grandma: A very good question! True Every action produces a result called knowledge of the Self (or God) acts like Karma, which can be good or bad. If we fire that burns away all Karma from our do our work only to enjoy the results past lives. (Gita 4.37) Selfless service ourselves, we become responsible for the (KarmaYoga) prepares one to receive results. If our action harms anyone, we Self-knowledge. A KarmaYogi auto- get bad Karma, called sin, and we will matically gets Self-knowledge in due have to suffer in hell for it. If we do course of time. (Gita 4.38) One who has good to others, we earn good Karma and true knowledge of the Self or God is get rewarded by a trip to heaven. called a Self-realized or a God-realized Our own Karma is responsible for person. our rebirth to enjoy or suffer the results SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 14 International Gita Society
Jai: Are there other ways to get lib- and Pa ndava brothers. Many other eration, Grandma? princes also took military training under him. Drona was very much pleased by Grandma: Yes, Jai, there are different Arjuna’s personal service and devotion methods or ways to reach God. These to him, and he promised him: “I will methods are called spiritual practices or train you to be the best archer in the Sa dhana . Any action that is beneficial to world.” society is also called Yajna, Seva or sac- One day a very gentle boy named rifice. Different types of Yajna are: (1) Ekalavya from a nearby village came to giving money as charity for a good Drona and wanted to learn archery from cause, (2) doing meditation, worship and him. He had heard from his mother yogic exercises, (3) reading the scrip- about master archer Drona cha rya, who tures to gain knowledge of God, and (4) was the son of the sage Bha radwa ja and having control over the mind and other a disciple of sage Parashura ma. five senses. (Gita 4.28) Ekalavya was a jungle boy, be- Lord is pleased by those who sin- longing to the hunters' community. cerely perform any one of these Yajna Then, and even today, such communities and gives them the gift of Self- were considered socially inferior. Drona knowledge to reach God. Such a person was worried how he could teach a jungle becomes happy and peaceful. (Gita 4.39) boy along with the royal children. So he decided not to keep the boy with him Jai: How about those who just wor- there, and told him: “Son, it will be very ship a deity everyday? Can they also difficult for me to teach you. But you are reach God? a born archer. Go back to the forest and practice well with deep interest. You too Grandma: Yes, those who worship the are my disciple. May you master archery deity with full faith also get whatever as you wish!” they want. (Gita 4.11-12) Most Hindus Drona's words were a great bless- worship God in the form of a chosen de- ing to Ekalavya. He understood his help- ity to fulfill their desires. This path is lessness and felt confident that the Mas- known as path of worship and prayer. ter’s good wishes were with him. He There is a story in the Maha bha rata of a made a clay idol of Drona cha rya, in- devoted KarmaYogi and an ideal student stalled it in a nice place, and began to who worshipped his guru and got what worship it respectfully by offering flow- he wanted. ers, fruits, etc. He worshipped this idol of his guru everyday, practiced the les- 4. Ekalavya, the Ideal Student sons in archery in the Master's absence, and mastered the art. Guru Drona cha rya (or Drona) was Ekalavya would get up early in the military teacher (guru) appointed by the morning, bathe himself and offer grandfather Bhishma for all the Kaurava worship to the master’s idol. He cher- SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 15 ished the words, actions, and training found Ekalavya. methods of Drona that he had seen at Arjuna said: “Your skill in arch- guru Drona’s Ashram. He faithfully fol- ery is great. Who is your guru?” lowed the instructions and continued his “My guru is Drona cha rya,” re- practice. plied Ekalavya humbly. While Arjuna had personally mas- Arjuna was shocked at the men- tered archery from Drona, learning from tion of Drona's name. Was this true? him firsthand, Ekalavya achieved Could his dear teacher teach so much to equally impressive skill while worship- this boy? If so, what about the Master's ing the Master from far away. If he could promise to him? When did Drona teach not do a particular technique, he would the boy? Arjuna had never seen rush to Drona's image, present his prob- Ekalavya before in his class. lem, and wait in meditation until a solu- When Drona heard this story, he tion appeared in his mind. He would remembered Ekalavya and went to see then proceed further. him. Drona said: “Your learning has The story of Ekalavya demon- been very good, son. I am deeply satis- strates that one can achieve anything in fied. With devotion and practice, you life if one has faith and works sincerely have done very well. May your to reach the goal. The story continues: achievement become an example for all to follow.” The Kaurava and Pa ndava princes Ekalavya was very happy and once went to the forest on a hunting trip. said: “Thank you, oh Gurudeva! I too am Their leading dog was running forward. a disciple of yours. Otherwise, I do not Ekalavya, a dark-skinned young man know whether I could have done this dressed in a tiger skin and wearing much.” strings of conch-beads, was engaged in Drona said: “If you accept me as his practice. The dog, on approaching your Master, you must pay my fee after him, began to bark. Probably wishing to your training. Think it over.” show off his skill, Ekalavya sent down a Ekalavya smilingly replied: series of seven arrows in the direction of “What is there to think over, Sir? I am the barking dog, and his arrows filled its your disciple, and you are my guru. mouth. The dog ran back to the princes, Please say what you wish, Sir. I will ful- who were surprised at this skill in arch- fill it even if I have to sacrifice my life in ery and wondered who the archer was. the effort.” Arjuna, seeing this, was not only “Ekalavya, I have to demand a surprised but also worried. He wanted to supreme sacrifice from you to fulfill my be known as the world's best archer. word to Bhishma and Arjuna that no- The princes went in search of the body would ever equal Arjuna in arch- archer who had hit their dog with so ery. Pardon me, son! Can you give me many arrows in such a short time, and the thumb of your right hand as my fee?” SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 16 International Gita Society
Ekalavya stared at Drona cha rya false guru, a SadGuru and a Parama- for a while. He could understand the Guru. There are many false gurus who Master's problem. He then stood up, just pose as a guru. SadGuru is a God- walked to the Drona’s idol with determi- realized master and is very hard to find. nation, placed his right thumb upon a Lord Krishna is called the JagadGuru or stone, and cut it off in an instant, using ParamaGuru, the world-teacher. his left hand and an arrow. When you graduate from a college Drona, while feeling sorry for the and enter family life, you will need to injury he had caused Ekalavya, was at find a guru or a spiritual guide. Mean- the same time deeply touched by such while, follow your scripture and culture great devotion. He hugged him saying: and never accept defeat in life. “Son, your love for guru is unmatched. I feel a sense of fulfillment in having had Chapter 4 summary: Lord comes to earth a disciple like you. May God bless you!” from time to time in a life-form to set Ekalavya got victory in defeat! things right on the earth. The Lord ful- With the right thumb gone, he could no fills the desires of those who worship longer use the bow effectively. But he Him. There are four types of spiritual continued his practice using his left arm. practices or Yajna. Both selfless service By virtue of his supreme sacrifice, he and Self-knowledge free the soul from received the grace of God and achieved the bondage of Karma. The Lord gives distinction as a left-handed archer. He Self-knowledge to those who do selfless proved that nothing could stop a totally service. Self-knowledge burns all our sincere effort. By his actions and behav- past Karma and frees us from the wheel ior, Ekalavya, showed that your inferior or cycles of birth and death. or superior status is not determined by the community you belong to but by CHAPTER 5 your vision and qualities of mind and THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION heart. Jai: Previously, you mentioned two Drona was a great guru, Jai. But paths. Which path is better for most there are many false gurus in the world people, Grandma, the path of spiritual who will try to cheat you. knowledge or the path of selfless ser- vice? Jai: Do we need a guru to reach God? Grandma: A person who has the true knowledge of God believes that all work Grandma: We definitely need a is done by the energy of Mother Nature teacher to learn any subject, spiritual or and he or she is not the real doer of an material. But to find a real guru is not so action. Such a person is called a easy. There are four types of gurus: the Samnya si or renunciant and has Self- knower of a subject or a teacher (guru), a knowledge. SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 17
A KarmaYogi works without a Samnya si and thinker. His name is Adi selfish motive for the fruits of work. Sankara cha rya. A student of the Gita KarmaYoga prepares one to receive owes him great respect and honor. Self-knowledge. (Gita 4.38, 5.06) Self- knowledge leads to renunciation. Thus 5. Adi Sankara cha rya selfless service or KarmaYoga forms the basis of renunciation (Samnya sa). Both Adi Sankara cha rya (or Sankara) is paths finally lead to God. Lord Krishna the author and promoter of non-dualistic considers KarmaYoga the better of the philosophy of Vedanta. It states that en- two paths because it is faster and easier tire universe is nothing but God. He was for most people to follow. (Gita 5.02) born in the state of Kerala in the year 788 A.D. By the age of eight, he had Jai: Doesn’t the word renunciation learned all four Vedas, and by the age of usually mean leaving worldly posses- twelve, was well versed in all Hindu sions and living in an Ashram (monas- scriptures. He is believed to be Lord tery) or in a lonely place? Shiva in human form. He wrote many books, including a Grandma: The word Samnya sa in the commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita, strict sense means renouncing (or giving Upanishads, BrahmaSutra and many up) all personal motives, worldly posses- others. The holy Bhagavad-Gita was sions and objects. But it also means liv- hidden in Maha bha rata as a chapter be- ing in society and serving society by do- fore Sankara brought it out to us. ing one’s duty without any personal mo- Sankara took the Gita from Maha b- tive. Such a person is called Karma- ha rata, gave it chapter headings, and Samnya si. wrote the first commentary of the Gita in Some spiritual leaders, such as Sanskrit. The first English translation of Adi Sankara cha rya, consider the path of the Gita was done by a British ruler in renouncing all worldly possessions as the 19th century. the highest path and the goal of life. He Sankara established four main himself became a Samnya si when he monasteries in different corners of India: was a young boy. at Shringeri, Badrina th, Dva rka , and Lord Krishna says: “An enlight- Puri. He stopped the spread of Buddhism ened person or a Samnya si (or hermit, over Hindu ideals, and restored Hindu- one who has given up all personal mo- ism to its past glory. According to his tive) sees the Lord in all. Such a person non-dual philosophy, the individual soul looks at a learned person, an illiterate (Jiva) is Brahma (God), and the world is person, the rich, the poor, an outcast, the play of Ma ya , the illusory kinetic en- even a cow, an elephant, or a dog with ergy of Brahma. an equal eye.” (Gita 5.18) He certainly was a Self-realized I am going to tell you the story of man. But at first, he had the feeling of a great spiritual leader, hero, guru, duality, of high and low caste. His faith SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 18 International Gita Society in the absolute God (Brahma) was not attached to them. An enlightened person very firmly established in his heart. sees the Lord in all beings and treats One day, he was going to the everybody equally. Shiva temple in the holy city of Bana ras after bathing in the holy Ganga river. He CHAPTER 6 saw an untouchable, a butcher, carrying PATH OF MEDITATION a load of meat. The butcher came on his way and tried to touch Sankara's feet in Jai: Grandma, you said there are respect. several paths leading to God. You told Sankara shouted angrily: “Get out me about the path of duty and the of the way! How dare you touch me? path of spiritual knowledge. Please tell Now I have to take a bath again.” me about other paths. “Holy sir,” said the butcher, “I have not touched you, nor have you Grandma: The third path is called the touched me. The pure Self cannot be the path of meditation. body or the five elements out of which One who is united with God is the body is created.” (There are more de- called a yogi. The mind of a yogi is tails in Chapter 13.) peaceful and completely united with Then Sankara saw the vision of God. A yogi has control over his mind, Lord Shiva in the butcher. Lord Shiva senses, and desires. He is free from an- had Himself come to Sankara to firmly ger and greed. A clod, a stone, and gold implant the non-dualistic philosophy in are the same to a yogi, who sees God in him. Sankara was a much better person everything and everything in God. (Gita from that day by the grace of Lord 6.08, 14.24) A yogi sees every being Shiva. with an equal eye, whether friend, en- emy, hater, relative, saint, or sinner. This story illustrates that equality (Gita 6.09) The mind of a yogi remains with all beings is difficult to practice all calm even during the worst time. (Gita the time. To have such a feeling is the 6.19) mark of a truly God-realized person or a perfect Samnya si. Jai: Is there a method of meditation simple enough for children, Chapter 5 summary: Lord Krishna con- Grandma? siders the path of Selfless service (Seva ) to humanity without attachment to its Grandma: Yes, there is, Jai. The mind results as the best path for most people. is your best friend as well as your worst Both paths, the path of Self-knowledge enemy. The mind is a friend for those and the path of Seva , lead to a happy life who have control over it and an enemy here on the earth and Nirva na after for those who do not control it. (Gita death. Samnya sa does not mean leaving 6.05-06) So you should try to control worldly possessions. It means not being this enemy. The mind is like wind, very SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 19 restless and difficult to control, but you Dhruva was deeply hurt by his can control it by regular practice of step-mother’s insulting words. He went meditation. (Gita 6.34) Guru Nanak said: to his mother, weeping. His mother con- Master the mind, and you master the soled him and told him to take his step- world. mother's words seriously and pray to Lord Vishnu, who is the helper of all be- A Simple Method of Meditation ings. Dhruva left the kingdom for the The best time to meditate is in the forest with a determined mind to see morning before going to school. Sit in Lord Vishnu and reach a higher place. your meditation or Pooja room. Hold On the way, he was met by the celestial your waist, spine, chest, neck, and head sage Na rada. Na rada gave him the 12- erect, motionless and steady. Close your syllable mantra: "Om namo bhagavate eyes, take a few slow, deep breaths. Re- va sudeva ya" for worshiping the Vishnu member your favorite deity and ask his form of Lord Krishna. Dhruva wor- or her blessing. Mentally chant OM for shipped Vishnu for six months, and Lord five minutes. If your mind starts to wan- Vishnu appeared before him. Vishnu der here and there, bring it back gently to promised that Dhruva's wishes would be concentrating on your favorite deity. fulfilled and he would reach the highest There is a story of a child named heavenly seat of the Polestar, which is Dhruva in our scriptures who got his not destroyed even when all the worlds wishes fulfilled using the path of medita- are destroyed. tion. Dhruva returned to the kingdom. When the King grew old, he decided to 6. The Story of Dhruva crown Dhruva as the King. Dhruva ruled for many years and in the end reached Dhruva was the son of king Ut- the Polestar granted by Lord Vishnu. It ta napa da and Suniti. King Utta napa da is said that the entire Zodiac is made up was very fond of his second wife, Su- of planets, stars, etc. All rotates around ruchi, and used to be mean to Suniti, the Polestar. To this day, when Indians Dhruva's mother. One day, when Dhruva see the Polestar, they remember Dhruva, was five years old, his step-brother was the devotee of perfect purity of mind and sitting on his father's lap. Dhruva also firm determination. wanted to sit there. But his step-mother stopped him and dragged him aside. Jai: What happens to a yogi who She spoke rudely to Dhruva, say- does not become successful in this life? ing: "If you want to sit on your father's lap, you should have been born to me Grandma: No spiritual practice per- instead of to your mother. At least now, formed by a yogi ever goes to waste. The pray to Lord Vishnu, so that He will unsuccessful yogi is reborn into a rich or make this happen." spiritually advanced family. The unsuc- SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 20 International Gita Society cessful yogi regains the knowledge he names. In a real sense, God is not the had in the previous life and tries again to creator of the universe, but He Himself become perfect from where he or she left becomes everything in the universe. He off. No spiritual effort is wasted. manifests as Brahma , whom we call the creator. Actually, Brahma and all other Jai: How can I become the best yogi, deities (gods and goddesses) are just Grandma? names of different powers of the one and only One God. People think Hindus wor- Grandma: To be the best yogi, see all ship many gods and goddesses, but that beings as yourself and feel their pain and is due to lack of true knowledge. The en- pleasure as your own. Lovingly think of tire universe is a manifestation of God. God with supreme faith, and always This is the highest philosophy that you keep your mind on Him. (Gita 6.47) may not understand completely now.
Chapter 6 summary: The third path to Jai: How does one God become so God is yoga of meditation. To be the many things in the universe? best yogi, see every being as yourself, and feel the pain and pleasure of others Grandma: According to the Sa mkhya as your own. A very simple method of theory of creation, God’s energy (Atma meditation uses the sound vibration of or Spirit) itself becomes Nature or mat- OM. No spiritual practice is ever wasted. ter, made up of the five basic elements. The entire creation is born and sustained by different combinations of these two CHAPTER 7 energies: Spirit and Matter. (Gita 7.06) SELF-KNOWLEDGE AND He is in the form of light in the Sun and ENLIGHTENMENT the Moon; He is in the form of mind and strength in human beings. He digests our Jai: How was our whole universe food and supports our life. We are all formed, Grandma? Does it have a connected by the same Spirit as jewels in creator? a necklace are connected by the same thread. (Gita 7.07) Grandma: There is a creator behind any creation, Jai. Nothing can be created Jai: If God is everywhere and in without somebody or some power be- everything, why doesn’t everyone un- hind it. Some power is needed, not only derstand and love and worship Him? to create it, but also to support and run it. We call that power God, the Absolute, Grandma: That is a good question, Jai. the Supreme in English, and Krishna, Generally, people have a false idea of Ishvara, Bhagava n, Shiva in Sanskrit. God because everyone is not given the Other religions call that power Allah, Fa- power to understand Him. Just as some ther, Jehova , Devi and many other people can’t understand calculus or even SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 21 elementary mathematics, so people who Grandma: Lord Krishna is the name have no good Karma, can’t know, under- of the Supreme God. Some sects of Hin- stand, love, or worship God. duism call the Supreme God as Lord Shiva. People of other religions call Him Jai: Then who are the ones who un- Buddha, Jesus, Allah, Father, etc. Other derstand God? deities (gods) are a part of His power. Just as all rain water goes to the ocean, Grandma: There are four types of so worship of any deity goes to Krishna, people who worship or seek to under- the Absolute. But a beginner should stand God: (1) those who are sick or in chose just one of the many deities and some kind of trouble or seek help in do- establish a personal relationship by do- ing well in their studies or work, (2) ing Pooja , or at least Namaska ra, every- those who are trying to get the knowl- day to the chosen deity. The personal de- edge of God, (3) those who want money, ity then becomes your personal guide and (4) the wise ones who know God. and protector. The personal deity is (Gita 7.16) Lord Krishna considers all called IshtaDeva or IshtaDevi, your per- four types of people as devotees. The sonal god. wise one is the best because a wise per- son worships God without wanting any- Jai: You said that the entire uni- thing from Him. Even such wise ones verse is only another form of God. Is completely know God only after many God formless or can God take forms? births. (Gita 7.19) Grandma: This big question not only Jai: If I worship Krishna, can I get confuses children, but also puzzles good grades in an examination or get adults. Answers to this question created rid of sickness? various sects or groups in Hinduism. One sect, called Arya Sama j, believes Grandma: Yes, He fulfills the desires that God cannot have forms and is form- of all who believe in Him and who al- less. Another group believes God has a ways worship and pray with firm faith. form. A third group believes God is God is both our Father and Mother. You formless and takes forms. Still others be- should ask God what you want in a lieve God is both with form and without prayer. He fulfills the desires of His sin- form. cere devotees. (Gita 7.21) I believe everything has a form. Nothing in the world is formless. God Jai: Then why doesn’t everybody has a form, which is invisible to our worship Krishna? Why do we worship physical eyes. He cannot be understood Lord Ganesha, Shri Hanuma na, by the human mind or described by Mother Sarasvati and many other dei- words. Supreme Being has a transcen- ties? dental (or out of this world) form and a Supreme Personality. He has no origin SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 22 International Gita Society but is the origin of everything. He has no taught us that God is in all beings, ani- beginning or end. The invisible God is mals as well as human. Therefore, I the cause of the visible world. Invisible thought it was only the elephant-god that does not mean formless. Everything we was coming, so I didn’t run away.” see is another form of God. At this the guru said: “Yes, my Here is a story about practical ap- child, it is true that the elephant-god was plication of seeing the Supreme in all be- coming; but the mahout-god asked you ings as mentioned in Gita 7.19. to get out of way. Why didn’t you trust the mahout’s words? Also, the elephant- 7. See God in All Beings god does not have the Self-knowledge that all are God!” In a forest lived a holy man who God dwells in all beings. God is had many disciples. He taught them to even in the tiger; but you cannot hug the see God in all beings and to bow down tiger on that account! Be close only with before them. One day a disciple went good people, and keep away from the into the forest to get wood for fire. Sud- evil-minded. Keep away from the un- denly he heard a shout. holy, the evil, and the impure. “Get out of the way! A mad ele- phant is coming!” 8. The Unseen Everyone but the disciple of the holy man ran away. He saw the elephant One day a 6-year-old girl was sit- as God in another form, so why should ting in a classroom. The teacher was go- he run away from it? He stood still, ing to explain evolution to the children. bowed before the elephant, and began The teacher asked a little boy: meditating on God in the form of the “Manav, do you see the tree outside?” elephant. Manav: “Yes.” The mahout (trainer) of the ele- Teacher: “Manav, do you see the phant shouted: “Run away! Run away!” grass outside?” But the disciple didn’t move. The Manav: “Yes.” animal grabbed him with its trunk, threw Teacher: “Go outside and look up him to one side, and went on its way. and see if you can see the sky.” The disciple lay unconscious on the Manav: “Okay. (He returned a ground. Hearing what had happened; his few minutes later.) Yes, I saw the sky.” god-brothers came to him and carried Teacher: “Did you see God any- him to the hermitage. With the help of where?” some herbal medicine, he regained con- Manav: “No.” sciousness. Teacher: “That’s my point. We Then someone asked, “When you can’t see God because he isn’t there. He knew the mad elephant was coming, why just doesn’t exist.” didn’t you leave the place?” A little girl spoke up and wanted He answered: “Our guru has to ask the boy some questions. The SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 23 teacher agreed, and the little girl asked knowledge. the boy: “Manav, Do you see the tree out- CHAPTER 8 side?” THE ETERNAL BRAHMA Manav: “Yes.” Little Girl: “Manav, do you see Jai: I don’t have a big spiritual vo- the grass outside?” cabulary, Grandma, so I don’t under- Manav: “Yessssss!” stand many words that I hear at the Little Girl: “Did you see the temple. Can you explain some of them sky?” in a simple way? Manav: “Yessssss!” Little Girl: “Manav, do you see Grandma: I will explain some of the the teacher?” Sanskrit words, so listen very carefully. Manav: “Yes” You may not completely understand Little Girl: “Do you see her mind these terms at your age. or her brain?” The Spirit that is inside all living Manav: “No” beings is called Brahma in Sanskrit. Little Girl: “Then according to Brahma not only supports living beings what we were taught today in school, she but also supports the whole universe. must not have one!” This is the formless nature of God, the Absolute. Brahma is beginningless, end- God cannot be seen with our less (or everlasting) and changeless; physical eyes. He can be seen by the therefore, it is also called Eternal eyes of knowledge, faith, and devotion Brahma. The word Brahma often gets only. (Gita 7.24-25) For we walk by confused with the word Brahma , the faith, not by sight. He answers our creative force or creator of this universe. prayer! The word Brahma is also spelled as Brahm or Brahman. The word Brahman Chapter 7 summary: There is only one often gets mixed up with another term, God, who is called by many names. Bra hmana, also spelled as Bra hmin, Devas, Devis, or deities in our religion which refers to the upper caste or intel- are nothing but the names of different lectual class of people in India. I will ex- powers of One Absolute God. Deities are plain this term later in Chapter18. different names and forms of God’s ParaBrahma, Parama tma , Father, powers to help us worship and pray. Mother is the Supreme Being, Who is Four types of people worship God. The the origin of everything, including entire creation is made up of five basic Brahma (Spirit or Atma ). elements and the Spirit. God is both The word Karma has several formless and with form. God can take meanings. Generally, it means to do or any form. One cannot know the true na- work. It also means the stored up fruits ture of God unless one has spiritual of one’s work over past lives. SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 24 International Gita Society
Various powers of Brahma are called Daiva (or Deva, Devi, Devata ). 9. The Story of King Bharata We worship these powers to get our worldly desires fulfilled. When Sage Vishva mitra was busy Ishvara is the power of God that creating his own universe; Indra, the stays in the bodies of all living beings to King of heaven could not tolerate that. guide and control us. So he sent a beautiful heavenly dancer, Bhagava n simply means power- Menaka , to disturb him from his work. ful. This term is used for God. We call She succeeded and bore sage Vishva mi- ShriKrishna also Bhagava n Krishna. tra's daughter, Shakuntala . She was Jiva or Jiva tma means living be- raised in the hermitage of sage Kanava ings that take birth, have a limited life after Menaka left for heaven. span, and die or change form. One day a King named Dushyanta wandered in the hermitage of sage Jai: How often should I remember Kanava. There he met and fell in love and worship God to make sure that I with Shakuntala , whom he secretly mar- remember God when I die? ried in the hermitage. Afterwards, she gave birth to a baby boy named Bharata. Grandma: We should form the habit He was very handsome and strong, even of remembering God before taking our during his childhood. Bharata looked food, before going to bed, after getting like the son of a Deva. When he was up in the morning, and before starting only six years old, he used to play in the any work or study. jungle by tying up baby wild animals, such as tigers, lions, and elephants. Bharata became the king after Jai: Are we always reborn as human Dushyanta. Bharata was the greatest beings? king of the land. Even today we also call India Bha rataVarsha, the land of King Grandma: Human beings can take any Bharata. He had nine sons, but none of one of the 8.4 million life-forms on them seemed fit to rule after him, so he earth. Hindus believe in life after death. adopted a qualified child, who took over Lord Krishna said: “Whatever object one the kingdom after Bharata. Thus, King remembers at the time of death, that ob- Bharata laid the foundation of democ- ject one gets after death. During death, racy. one remembers whatever thought existed There have been several other rul- during most of one’s lifetime.” (Gita ers by the name of Bharata such as 8.06) Therefore, one should always re- Bharata, the younger brother of Lord member God and do one’s duty. (Gita Ra ma and Maha ra ja Bharata. Here is a 8.07) story of Maha ra ja Bharata: Here is a story to illustrate the theory of transmigration of souls. A devotee named Maha ra ja SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 25
Bharata, the son of a saintly King heaven and live there forever? Rishabha Deva, also ruled over our en- tire planet. He ruled for many years but Grandma: Those who have done good eventually renounced everything to take work here on earth go to heaven, but up spiritual life of an ascetic. Although they have to come back after enjoying he was able to give up his opulent king- the pleasures of heaven. (Gita 8.25, 9.21) dom, he became attached to a baby deer. Those who have been naughty and bad Once when the deer was absent, Maha - go to hell for punishment and also come ra ja Bharata was so disturbed that he be- back to earth. Those who have gained gan to search for it. While searching and salvation (Nirva na) do not take birth lamenting the deer's absence, Maha ra ja again. They become one with God and Bharata fell down and died. Because his go to His Supreme Abode, called Pa- mind was fully absorbed thinking of the rama-Dha ma). The Supreme abode is deer at the time of his death, he naturally higher than heaven. took his next birth from the womb of a deer. Jai: How can we gain the Supreme This is the theory of transmigra- Abode, the house of God? tion of the soul, which we believe. Some western philosophers believe in reincar- Grandma: Those who have the true nation. The reincarnation theory is based knowledge of God are called God- on the assumption that a human soul realized and reach the house of God. takes birth only as humans, not as ani- They do not reincarnate. This is called mals. The theory of transmigration the path of no return. (Gita 8.24) This seems more universal than the theory of path is blocked for the ignorant and per- reincarnation. sons without the necessary qualities, Jai: If living beings go through cy- such as austerity, faith in God, and cles of birth and death, how about the knowledge of God. Only those who have Sun, Moon, Earth, and stars? Do they these qualities will walk this path of no also take birth and get destroyed? return. Those who have not realized God, but have done good work, go to Grandma: The entire visible creation heaven by virtue of their good Karma has a life span. The visible worlds, such and take birth on earth again until they as stars and planets, have a life span of perfect themselves and become Self- 8.64 billion years. During this period, the realized. (Gita 8.25) entire visible cosmos is created and de- stroyed. (Gita 8.17-19) But Brahma is Chapter 8 summary: Some of the com- everlasting and is never destroyed. mon Sanskrit terms have been explained, which you will understand better as you Jai: If some people do not come grow older. The theory of transmigration back to this world after death, what and the cycle of creation and destruction happens to them? Do they go to of the universe were also explained. A SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 26 International Gita Society very simple and easy method of God- the Moon, and the wind; fire, trees, realization is to always remember God earth, and stones, in the same way as and do your duty. everything made of gold is gold. That’s why Hindus see and worship God in the CHAPTER 9 stone and the tree as if these are God SUPREME KNOWLEDGE AND Himself in that form. THE BIG MYSTERY Jai: If everything comes from the Jai: If God comes sometimes on Lord, then will everything become the earth, is He the same as we are, or is Lord again, as everything made of He different from us? gold can be melted into just gold again? Grandma: This is a very good ques- tion, Jai. It has been answered both Grandma: Yes, Jai, the cycle of crea- ways. For example, look at my chain and tion and destruction keeps on going. It’s my ring and this gold coin. They are all like turning my chain and ring and coin made of gold, so you can see them as into gold again and then using the gold gold. And you can see everything else to make new jewelry and coins. (Gita made of gold as gold. They are different 9.07-08) The entire creation appears and forms of gold. But you can also think of disappears again and again. them as separate things --- a chain, a ring, or a coin. The chain, the ring, and Jai: If Lord is us, and we all come the coin are nothing but different shapes from the Lord, then why doesn’t eve- and forms of gold. In the same way, we ryone love and worship Lord? can look at the Lord and His creation as nothing but an expansion of the Lord Grandma: Those who understand this Himself. This viewpoint is known as truth worship God. They know the Lord non-dualistic (or Advaita) philosophy. is our Lord, and we are from Him, for The other viewpoint sees God as Him, and we depend on Him, so they one reality and creation as a different re- love and worship Him. But the ignorant ality but dependent on God. This dualis- do not understand or believe in universal tic (or Dvaita) philosophy considers ob- God. jects made of gold (such as a chain and a ring and a coin) different from gold. Jai: If I pray to God everyday and (Gita 9.04-06) love Him and offer Him flowers or fruit, will He be pleased and help me Jai: Is that what people mean when in my studies? they say God is everywhere and in everything? Grandma: Lord Krishna said in the Gita that He takes care of all the needs of Grandma: Yes, Jai, God is the Sun, His devotees who worship Him with SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 27 strong faith and loving devotion. (Gita Me through those deities.” (Gita 9.23) 9.22) We can worship any deity we feel close to. That favorite deity is called Ishta- Jai: Does that mean that God loves Deva, our own personal god (or the only those who pray and worship guardian angel) who becomes our per- Him? sonal guide and protector.
Grandma: God loves all of us the Jai: Why do we offer fruits and same, but if we remember Him and pray flowers to God? to Him, we come closer to God. So we all should think of God, worship Him, Grandma: Lord Krishna said in the meditate, and bow down to Him with Gita that anyone who offers Him a leaf, faith, love, and devotion. a flower, a fruit, water, or anything with love and devotion, He not only accepts Jai: I would like to be close to the it, but eats the offerings! (Gita 9.26) Lord Krishna, Grandma. How can I That’s why we always offer our food to have more faith in Him and love Him God with a prayer before we eat it. Food more? offered to God is called Prasa da or Prasa dam. Anybody can reach God who Grandma: Just think of all the nice worships Him with faith, love and devo- things God does for us. He gives us so tion. This path of devotion is open to all many different foods we enjoy. He gave of us. us the Sun for heat and light. Look at the Here is a story about the power of beautiful sky with the Moon, the stars faith. and clouds in the night. This is all His beautiful creation, so think how beautiful 10. A Boy Who Fed God the creator Himself must be! Worshiping God is saying thank you for His kind- A noble man used to worship his ness. Praying is asking for what we need family’s deity everyday with food offer- from God. Meditating is connecting with ings. One day he had to go out of his vil- the Supreme power to get help and guid- lage for the day. He said to his son, Ra- ance. man: Give the offering to the deity to- day. See that God is fed. Jai: If there is only one God who The boy offered food to the deity gives us everything, why do you have in the shrine, but the image would nei- so many deities in your prayer (Pooja ) ther eat nor drink nor talk. Raman waited room, Grandma? Why don’t you just a long time, but still the image did not worship the one Lord Krishna? move. But he totally believed that God would come down from His throne in Grandma: Lord Krishna said: “Those heaven, sit on the floor and eat. who worship other deities, also worship Again and again he prayed to the SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 28 International Gita Society deity, saying: “O Lord, please come comes a saint because he or she has down and eat the food. It is already very made the right decision. (Gita 9.31) late. Father will get angry if I did not Here is a story about such a rob- feed you.” The deity did not say a word. ber. The boy wept and cried: “O Lord, my father asked me to feed you. Why 11. The Great Highway Robber Sage won’t you come down? Why won’t you eat from my hands?” We have two very popular epics The boy wept for some time with or historical tales. The first one is the a longing soul. At last the deity came Holy Ra ma yana. The other one is Ma- down smilingly from the altar in human ha bha rata. The Bhagavad-Gita is a part form and sat before the meal and ate it. of the Maha bha rata. It was written about After feeding the deity, the boy 3,100 years B.C.E. Originally, the Holy came out of the prayer room. His rela- Ra ma yana may have been written about tives said: “The worship is over. Now 1.75 million years ago, according to lat- bring the Prasa dam for us.” est findings of NASA. The original The boy said: “God has eaten eve- writer of Ra ma yana was a sage named rything, He did not leave anything for Va lmiki. After Va lmiki, many other you today.” saints have written Ra ma yana, the story They entered the prayer room and of Lord Ra ma that all children should were speechless with wonder to see that read. The legend is that Va lmiki was the deity had really eaten every bit of the given the power by sage Na rada to write offering. the entire episode before the event actu- ally happened. The moral of the story is that God In the early part of his life, does eat if you offer food with full faith, Va lmiki was a great highway robber. He love, and devotion. Most of us don’t made a living by robbing travelers. One have the faith Raman had. We don’t day, the great celestial saint Na rada was know how to feed Him! It is said that we passing by when Va lmiki attacked him must have faith in God like a child or we and tried to rob him. Na rada asked shall not enter the supreme abode, the Va lmiki why he was doing that. Va lmiki house of God. said that this is how he supported his family. Jai: Grandma, what if a person is a The sage told Va lmiki: “When sinful thief or robber. Can that person you rob a person, you commit sin. Do also love God? your family members want to share that sin also?” Grandma: Yes, Jai. Lord Krishna has The robber replied: “Why not? I said in the Gita: If even the most sinful am sure they do.” person decides to worship Me with lov- The sage said: “All right, go home ing devotion, such a person soon be- and ask everyone if they will share your SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 29 sins along with the money you are bring- footprints in the sand. He noticed that ing home.” many times along the path of his life The robber agreed. He tied the there was only one set of footprints. He sage against a tree and went home and also noticed that it happened at the very asked each member of his family, say- lowest and saddest times in his life. ing: “I bring you money and plenty of This really bothered him, and he food by robbing people. A sage told me questioned the Lord about it. that it is sinful to rob people. Will you “Lord, You said that there is no share my sins?” one hateful or dear to You, but You are No one in his family was willing always with those who worship You to share his sin. They all said: “It is your with love and devotion. (Gita 9.29) I duty to support us. We can’t share your have noticed that during the most trou- sin.” blesome times in my life, there is only Va lmiki realized his mistakes and one set of footprints. I don’t understand asked the sage what to do to atone for his why, when I needed You most, You left sins. The sage gave Va lmiki the most me alone.” powerful and the simplest “Ra ma” man- The Lord replied, “My dear child, tra to chant and taught him how to wor- you are my own soul. I love you, and I ship and meditate. The highway robber would never leave you, even if you leave gave up his sinful activity and soon be- Me sometimes. During your time of trial came a great sage and writer by the and suffering, when you see only one set grace of guru Na rada, the power of man- of footprints, that was because then I tra, and his sincere spiritual practice. carried you. When you have trouble, it is caused by your own Karma. That is Here is another story, Jai, that you when you are tested and can grow should always remember. It illustrates stronger.” the verses of the Gita that say Lord Krishna takes care of all of us. (Gita The Lord Krishna said in the Gita: 9.17-18) “I personally take care of the needs of devotees who always remember and love 12. The Footprints Me.” (Gita 9.22)
One night, a man had a dream. He Chapter 9 summary: The dualistic phi- dreamed he was walking along the beach losophy sees God as one reality and with the Lord. Across the sky he saw creation as a different reality dependent scenes from his life. For each scene, he on Him. Non-dual philosophy sees God noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; and His creation as One. God loves all of one belonging to him, and the other to us the same, but He takes personal inter- the Lord. est in His devotees because such a per- When the last scene of his life son is closer to Him. It is like one gets came before him, he looked back at the more heat if one sits close to the fire. SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 30 International Gita Society
There is no unforgivable sin or sinner. but another form of God. The creation The fire of sincere repentance burns all has come out of God’s energy called sins. Ma ya . Everything comes from Him and eventually goes back to Him. God is CHAPTER 10 One, but has become many. He is eve- MANIFESTATION OF GOD rywhere and in everything. (Gita 10.19- 39) He is the Generator or creator, Op- Jai: If Lord Krishna said He will erator or maintainer, and Destroyer of all take care of us if we always remember beings. He creates everything, including and adore Him, then I want to know the sun, moon, stars, wind, water, air, and love God. How do I do that, fire, and even our thoughts, feelings, in- Grandma? tellect, and other qualities. We can see His glory and greatness throughout crea- Grandma: The love of God is called tion. The beautiful sky with earth and all devotion (Bhakti). If you have devotion, the planets you see is only a small part of God will give you the knowledge and His glory. Seeing God everywhere puri- understanding of the Self. (Gita 10.10) fies our mind and makes us a better per- The more you know and think about son. God’s glory, power and greatness, the Here is a story about why we stronger your love will grow. Thus the know very little about God. (Gita 10.15) knowledge and love of God go together. 13. The Four Blind Men Jai: God is so great, and powerful, how can I really know Him? Four blind men went to see an elephant. Grandma: Nobody can fully know One touched the leg of the ele- God. He is the cause of cosmic energy phant and said, “The elephant is like a and power, a cause that will remain a big pole.” mystery. God is unborn, without begin- The second touched the trunk and ning or end. Only God can really know said, “The elephant is like a thick club.” God! (Gita 10.15) If anyone says, I The third touched the belly and know God, that person does not know. said, “The elephant is like a big jar.” Anyone who knows the Truth says: I do The fourth touched the ear and not know God. said, “The elephant is like a big hand fan.” Jai: Then what can we know about Thus they began to quarrel God, Grandma? amongst themselves as to the shape of the elephant. Grandma: God knows everything, but A passer-by, seeing them thus nobody can know God. According to quarreling, said, “Why are you all quar- Sankara, the entire creation is nothing reling?” They told him the problem and SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 31 asked him to be the judge. and has no beginning or end. The entire The man said: “None of you has universe is the expansion of a tiny frac- seen the elephant. The elephant is not tion of His energy. (Gita 10.41-42) All like a pole; its legs are like poles. It is deities are just the names of His various not like a thick club; its trunk is like a powers. Worshiping God with faith, us- thick club. It is not like a big jar; its belly ing any name, form, and method gives us is like a big jar. It is not like a fan; its ear what we want and helps us become good is like a fan. The elephant is all these --- and peaceful. legs, trunk, belly, ears and much more.” CHAPTER 11 In the same way, those who argue THE VISION OF GOD about the nature of God have known only a small part of His Reality. That’s Jai: You said we can know a little bit why sages say God is “neither this, nor about God. Is it possible for people to that.” see God, Grandma?
Jai: What about people who do not Grandma: Yes, Jai. But not with our believe in God? physical eyes. God does not have hands and legs like we have in our world. But Grandma: Such people are called when God is pleased by our selfless ser- atheists or disbelievers. They do not be- vice (Seva ) and devotion, He may appear lieve in the existence of a creator be- in a vision in dream. He can show Him- cause they cannot comprehend how such self in any form, or in the form of one’s a cosmic person or power can exist. So personal god (IshtaDeva). they question and doubt the existence of God. Their doubts may be erased some- Jai: Is there any other way to see day when they find a real spiritual mas- God? ter or guru by the grace of God. Atheists are those whose journey towards God Grandma: The best way to see has not yet begun. Doubts arise even in God is to feel His presence in everything the minds of believers; therefore, just because everything is part of God. Yogis have faith, believe in God, and do your see the whole world as God’s expansion. duty. Everything is just another form of God. Knowing this, we can see God all around Chapter 10 summary: Nobody can know us. The entire universe is God, and we God, the Supreme Being, because He or are His children and tools. (Gita 11.33) She is the origin of all beings, the cause God uses us to do His work. He is within of all causes. Everything, including our all of us. body, mind, thoughts, and feelings, Here is a story about God being comes from God. He is the creator, sup- always with us, but we cannot see Him porter, and destroyer of all. He is infinite with our physical eyes. (Gita 11.08) SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 32 International Gita Society
great soul and a very dear friend of 14. God Is with You Krishna, Lord showed him His cosmic form. What Arjuna saw is described in A man wanted to smoke and went great detail in Chapter 11 of the Gita. to a neighbor’s house to get fire to light Here is a brief description of the his charcoal. It was in the dead of night, cosmic form of Krishna that Arjuna saw. and the householder was asleep. After he He saw the whole world with all gods, had knocked and knocked, the neighbor sages, Lord Shiva, as well as Lord finally came down to open the door. Brahma , seated on the lotus in the body At the sight of the man he asked, of Krishna. Lord had many arms, “Hello! What’s the matter?” mouths, stomachs, faces, and eyes. His The man replied, “Can’t you body had no beginning or end. Bright guess? You know I am fond of smoking. light was shining all around Him. Arjuna I have come here to get fire to light my also saw all his cousins, along with charcoal.” many other kings and warriors, quickly The neighbor said, “Ha! Ha! You entering into Lord’s fearful mouths for are a fine neighbor, indeed! You took the destruction. This cosmic form of Krishna trouble to come and do all this knocking was very frightful to see, so Arjuna at the door in the dead of night! Why? wished to see Krishna in the four-armed You have a lighted lantern already with Vishnu form with a crown, holding a you!” conch, discus, club and lotus in His hands. Krishna then showed His four- What we seek is very near and all armed Vishnu form to Arjuna. around us. Everything is God in different Afterwards, Krishna showed His forms. Everything in creation is within beautiful human form and comforted Ar- His gigantic form! juna, who was afraid. Then Arjuna be- Another way to see God is to de- came peaceful and normal again. Lord velop devotion and good qualities. Lord Krishna said that He can be seen in this Krishna said if we have no attachment, four-armed form only through devotion. selfish desires, hatred, enmity, or vio- (Gita 11.54) lence towards any being, we can reach and see God. (Gita 11.55) Chapter 11 summary: We cannot see God with our human eyes. We can see Jai: Has anybody seen Krishna as Him only in a vision or trance God? (Sama dhi). We can also see Him all around us. The entire creation is nothing Grandma: Yes, many saints and sages but the body of the creator, and we are have seen Lord Krishna in various part of the cosmic form of God. forms. Mother Yashoda saw Krishna’s cosmic form. Arjuna also wanted to see CHAPTER 12 Krishna as God. Because Arjuna was a PATH OF DEVOTION SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 33
concentrate my mind, Grandma. My Jai: Should we worship or meditate mind starts to go everywhere. What every day, Grandma, or just on Sun- should I do? days? Grandma: Don’t worry, this even Grandma: Children should do some happens to adults. Try to concentrate or form of worship, prayer, or meditation focus again and again. With practice, everyday. Good habits must be formed you will be able to focus your mind well, early. not only on God but also on your study materials. This will help you get good Jai: You said that God is formless grades. You can also pray to God and but also has forms. Should I worship worship by offering fruits, flowers, etc. God as Ra ma, Krishna, Shiva, Durga , to your IshtaDeva with love. Also, re- or should I worship a formless God? member the Lord of learning, such as Lord Ganesha, Hanuma na, or Mother Grandma: Arjuna asked Lord Krishna Sarasvati before starting your studies. the same question in the Gita. (Gita Don’t be selfish. Work hard. Accept the 12.01) Krishna told Arjuna that worship results of your work without getting up- of God with a form with faith is easier set by bad results. Try to learn from your and better for most people, especially for failures. Never give up and improve beginners. But a true devotee has faith in yourself. everything: the formless God, and God with a form, such as Ra ma, Krishna, Ha- Jai: Is that all I have to do, numa na, Shiva, and the Divine Mother Grandma? Did Krishna say anything Ka li, Durga . else?
Jai: How should I worship, Grandma: You should also develop Grandma? good habits such as obeying your par- ents, helping others in need, not hurting Go to the worship or meditation anybody, being friendly to all, saying room before going to school and pray. sorry or asking forgiveness if you hurt Sit straight, close your eyes, take a few anyone, keeping your mind calm, being slow and deep breaths, remember your grateful to those who have helped you, IshtaDeva and ask his or her blessing. and saying thank you. God loves and Focusing your mind on your IshtaDeva helps those who act in this way. Such with eyes closed is called meditation. people are called devotees or Bhakta. You may also silently repeat a mantra (Gita 12.13-19) If you don’t have any such as ‘OM’ or ‘Ra m, Ra m, Ra m, Ra m, one of these good habits, try hard to de- Ra m’ a few times. velop them. (Gita 12.20)
Jai: When I start to meditate, I can’t Jai: Is it possible for a child to be a SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 34 International Gita Society
Bhakta? shouted the King. “Not unless it is the wish of Lord Grandma: I already told you the story Vishnu,” replied the child. of Dhruva. Now I will tell you the story The King tried his best to get of another child Bhakta. His name was Prahla da to change his mind, but nothing Prahla da. worked. He then ordered his guards to 15. The Story of Bhakta Prahla da throw Prahla da into the ocean, hoping that would frighten Prahla da into prom- Hiranyakasipu was the king of ising not to worship Vishnu anymore. demons. He performed a very difficult But Prahla da remained loyal to Vishnu spiritual practice, and Lord Brahma gave and kept praying to Him in his heart with him a boon that he could not be slain by love and devotion. Guards tied him to a man or beast. The boon made him arro- huge rock and threw him into the ocean. gant, and he terrorized all the three By God’s grace, the rock fell away and worlds, saying that there were no gods Prahla da floated safely to the surface of other than himself and everybody must the water. He was surprised to see worship him. Vishnu on the shore. He had a son named Prahla da, a Vishnu smiled at him and said, religious child who always worshipped “Ask me anything you want.” Lord Vishnu. This angered his father Prahla da, replied, “I don’t want greatly; he wanted to drive the thought kingdom, wealth, heaven, or a long life. I of Vishnu from his son’s mind, so he just want the strength to always love turned him over a strict teacher to train You and never turn my mind away from him to worship only Hiranyakasipu as You.” God and not Vishnu. Lord Vishnu granted Prahla da’s Prahla da not only refused to listen wishes. to the teacher, but started teaching the When Prahla da returned to his fa- other students to worship Vishnu. The ther’s palace, the King was stunned to teacher was very angry and reported this see him alive. to the King. “Who brought you out of the The King burst into his son’s sea?” he demanded. room, and shouted, “I hear you have “Lord Vishnu,” said the child, been worshipping Vishnu!” simply. Trembling, Prahla da said softly, “Do not say that name before “Yes father, I have.” me,” shouted his father. “Where is your “Promise me that you will not do Lord Vishnu? Show him to me,” he chal- that again!” demanded the king. lenged. “I cannot promise,” Prahla da “He is everywhere,” replied the immediately answered. child. “Then I will have you killed,” “Even in this pillar?” asked the SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 35
King. our body, is made of five basic elements “Yes, even in this Pillar!” replied or matter. These elements are: earth, wa- Prahla da confidently. ter, fire, air, and ether or an invisible “Then let him appear before me in element. We have eleven senses: five whatever form he wants,” cried Hiran- sense organs (nose, tongue, eye, skin, yakasipu and broke the pillar with his and ear); five organs of action (mouth, iron club. hand, leg, anus, and urethra); and a Out from within the pillar jumped mind. We smell through our nose, taste a being called Narasimha, who was half through our tongue, see through the man and half lion. Hiranyakasipu, stood eyes, feel touch through skin, and hear helplessly before him. Frightened, he through our ears. We also have a sense called out for help, but none came. of feeling by which we feel pain and Narasimha picked up Hiranya- pleasure. All these give our body what it kasipu and placed him on his lap, where needs to work. (Gita 13.05-06) The he mauled his body and tore it apart. Spirit or Atma inside our bodies is also Thus Hiranyakasipu met his end. called Pra na. It supplies power to the God blessed Prahla da for the deep body to do all work. When Pra na leaves faith he placed in Him. After the death of the body, we are dead. Hiranyakasipu, demons were crushed, and the Devas took over the world once Jai: You said God is the creator of again from demons. To this day, the the universe. How do we know there is name of Prahla da is counted among the a creator or God? great devotees. Grandma: There has to be a creator Chapter 12 summary: The path of devo- behind any creation, Jai. Somebody or tional love of God is very easy to prac- some power made the car we drive and tice. This path consists of daily deity the house we live in. Somebody or some worship, offering fruits and flowers, power created the sun, the earth, the singing hymns (Bhajans) in praise of the moon and the stars. We call that person glory of God, and developing certain or power God or the creator of this uni- good habits. verse.
CHAPTER 13 Jai: If everything has a creator, then CREATION AND THE CREATOR who created God?
Jai: Grandma, I can eat and sleep Grandma: This is a very good ques- and think and talk and walk and run tion, Jai, but there is no answer. God has and work and study. How does my always existed and will always exist. body know how to do all this? God is the origin of everything, but God has no origin. Good Lord is the source of Grandma: The whole world, including everything, but He or She has no source! SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 36 International Gita Society
ocean of His reality. Jai: Then, what is God like, We can’t describe Brahma. In a Grandma? Can you describe Him? trance we can know Brahma, but in trance reasoning and intellect stop alto- Grandma: It is impossible to describe gether. This means one does not retain God directly. The Supreme Being can the memory of experiences in trance only be described by parables, and in no (Sama dhi). One who knows Brahma be- other way. His hands, feet, eyes, head, comes Brahma-like (Gita 18.55) and mouth, and ears are everywhere. He can does not talk, just as the salt doll melted see, feel, and enjoy without any physical into the ocean and could not report the sense organs. He does not have a body ocean’s depth. Those who talk about like us. His body and senses are out of God have no real experience. Thus, this world. He walks without legs, hears Brahma can only be experienced and without ears, does all works without felt. hands, smells without a nose, sees with- out eyes, speaks without a mouth, and Jai: Then how can we know and un- enjoys all tastes without a tongue. His derstand God? actions are wonderful. His greatness is beyond description. God is present eve- Grandma: You can’t know God by rywhere at all times, so He is very near mind and intellect. He can be known (living in our heart) as well as far away only by faith and belief. He can also be in His Supreme Abode. He is the creator known by Self-knowledge. One and the (Brahma ), the sustainer (Vishnu) and the same God lives in the body of all beings destroyer (Shiva), all in one. (Gita as spirit and supports us. That is why we 13.13-16) must not hurt anybody and must treat The best way to illustrate why no everybody equally. (Gita 13.28) Hurting one can describe God (Gita 13.12-18) is anybody is like hurting your own Atma . the story of the salt doll. The spirit in the body is the witness, the guide, the supporter, the enjoyer, and the controller of all events. (Gita 13.22)
16. The Salt Doll Jai: What is the difference between the creator and His creation? Once a salt doll went to measure the depth of the ocean so it could tell Grandma: From a non-dualistic point others how deep the ocean was. But of view, there is no difference between every time it got into the water, it the two. The difference between the melted. Now, no one could report the creator and creation is like the difference ocean’s depth. That’s how impossible it between the sun and the sun’s rays. is for anyone to describe God. Whenever Those who have Self-knowledge truly we try, we melt into the big, mysterious understand the difference between the SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 37 creator and the creation and become not take it and began to make the sound God-realized. (Gita 13.34) The entire of a sheep again. Gradually, however, it universe is His expansion, and every- got the taste for blood and began to like thing is nothing but Him. God is both the meat. creator and the creation, the protector Then the wild tiger said: “Now and the protected, the destroyer and the you see, there is no difference between destroyed. He is within us, outside us, you and me. Come along and follow me near, far, and everywhere. into the forest. ” If God’s blessing comes to you, He will let you know who you really are We have been thinking that we and what your real nature is like. are this body which is limited in time Here is a story how Supreme Soul and space. We are not this body. We are becomes individual soul (Jiva), forgets the all-powerful Spirit in the body. its real nature and tries to finds out its real nature. (Gita 13.21) Chapter 13 summary: Our body is like a miniature universe. It is made up of five 17. The Vegetarian Tiger basic elements and powered by the Spirit. Any creation must have a creator Once a tigress attacked a herd of or some creative power behind it. We sheep. She was pregnant and very weak. call that power by various names such as As she sprang on her prey, she gave birth Krishna, Shiva, Mother, Father, Ishvara, to a baby tiger and died within a couple Allah, God, Jehova , etc. God cannot be of hours. The baby tiger grew up in the known, seen, described, or understood company of the lambs. The lambs ate by a human mind. The creator Himself grass, so the baby tiger followed their has become the creation like the cotton example. When they made sounds, the has become the thread, the cloth, and the baby tiger also made sounds like a dress. sheep. Gradually it grew to be a big ti- ger. One day another tiger attacked the CHAPTER 14 same herd of sheep. The tiger was sur- THREE MODES OF NATURE prised to see a grass-eating tiger in the herd. Running after it, the wild tiger at Jai: Grandma, sometimes I feel lazy, last grabbed the cub, and the grass-eating and at other times I am very active? cub began to make sounds like a sheep. Why is that? The wild tiger dragged it to the water and said: “Look at your face in the Grandma: We all pass through differ- water. It is just like mine. Here is a little ent states in order to do certain things. meat. Eat it.” These states or modes (Gunas) are three Saying this, the wild tiger put types: the mode of goodness (Sattva), the some meat into the vegetarian tiger’s mode of passion (Rajas), and the mode mouth. But the vegetarian tiger would of ignorance (Tamas). We come under SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 38 International Gita Society the influence of these three modes. and we treat everybody like ourselves. Sometimes one mode becomes more Such a person depends on nobody but powerful than the other two. God. The mode of goodness makes you peaceful and happy. In this mode you Jai: It must be very hard to rise will study scriptures, will not harm any- above these three modes. How can I body, and will work honestly. When you rise above the three Gunas, are in the mode of passion, you become Grandma? greedy for wealth and power. You will work hard to enjoy material pleasures Grandma: To rise above the three and will do anything to satisfy your self- Gunas is not very easy, but it can be ish desires. When you are in the mode of done with a little effort. If you are under ignorance, you can’t tell the difference the mode of ignorance, you must stop between right and wrong action, and will being lazy, stop putting off what you do sinful and forbidden activities. You should be doing, and start helping others. become lazy and careless, lack intelli- This will bring you to the mode of good- gence, and have no interest in spiritual ness. If you are under the mode of pas- knowledge. (Gita 14.05-09) sion, you must give up being selfish and greedy and help others. This will bring Jai: Do these three modes of nature you to the mode of goodness. After control us, Grandma, or do we have reaching the mode of goodness, you can control over what we do? rise above the three Gunas by devotion to God. Lord Krishna said: One who Grandma: Actually, these three modes serves Me with love and devotion rises are the doers of all the actions. (Gita above the three Gunas and becomes fit 3.27) When we are under the influence for God-realization. (Gita 14.26) of the mode of goodness, we do good Here is a story about the nature of and right actions; under the influence of three Gunas. the mode of passion, we do selfish ac- tions; and under the influence of the 18. Three Robbers on the Path mode of ignorance, we do bad things or become lazy. (Gita 14.11-13) We must Once a man was going through a rise above the three Gunas to attain lib- forest when three robbers jumped on him eration (Nirva na). (Gita 14.20) and robbed him. One of the robbers then said, Jai: What are we like when we have “What is the use of keeping this man risen above the three Gunas? alive?” He was about to kill him with his Grandma: When we have risen above sword when the second robber stopped the three Gunas, we are not affected by him, saying: “What is the use of killing pain and pleasure, success and failure, him? Tie him to a tree and leave him SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 39 here.” tion. You can escape the influence of The robbers tied him to a tree and three Gunas by sincere effort, devotion went away. to God and His grace. After a while, the third robber re- turned and said to the man: “I am sorry; CHAPTER 15 are you hurt? I will untie you.” THE SUPREME PERSON After setting the man free, the thief said: “Come with me. I will take Jai: Grandma, I am confused by the you to the public highway.” difference between Supreme Spirit, After a long time, they reached Spirit, Divine Beings and individual the road. souls. Will you please explain them Then the man said: “Sir, you have again? been very good to me. Come with me to my house.” Grandma: Yes, Jai, these are terms “Oh no!” replied the robber, “I you should understand well. can’t go there. The police will know it.” The Supreme Spirit is also called The forest is this world. The three the Supreme Person, the Supreme Being, robbers are the three Gunas: goodness, the Supersoul, the Absolute, Father, passion and laziness. It is they who rob Mother, God, Ishvara, Allah and by us of Self-knowledge. Laziness wants to many other names. The Supreme Spirit destroy us. Passion ties us to the world. is called ParaBrahma, Parama tma , Pa- Goodness frees us from the grasp of pas- ramaShiva, or Krishna in Sanskrit. The sion and laziness. Under the protection Supreme Spirit is the source or the root of goodness, we are rescued from anger, of everything. There is nothing higher passion, greed, and laziness. Goodness than the Supreme Spirit. also loosens the bonds of the world. But Spirit (Brahma or Atma ) is a part goodness is also a robber. It cannot give of the Supreme Spirit that expands and us the pure knowledge of God. It can supports the entire cosmos. only show us the path leading to the Divine Beings (Devas, Devis), house of God. We have to rise above the such as Vishnu, Brahma , Shiva, and three Gunas and develop love of God. many others, are the expansions of Brahma (Spirit). Chapter 14 summary: Mother Nature Individual Souls (soul or Jiva), such puts us into these three modes or gears to as all living beings, are the expansions of get her work done through us. Actually, Divine Beings. all work is done by these three Gunas of The Supreme Spirit and Spirit do nature. We are not the doers, but we are not change and last forever. Divine Be- responsible for our actions because we ings come out of Spirit and have a very are given a mind and free will to decide long life span. Individual souls or the and choose between right and wrong ac- living beings have a very limited life SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 40 International Gita Society span. 19. A Story of Baby Krishna If you compare the creation with a tree, then the Supreme Lord Krishna (the Baby Krishna had an elder half- Supreme Spirit) is the root of the tree. brother named Balara ma. Both played Atma or Brahma (also spelled as Brah- together in the village of Gokul. man, Brahm) is the trunk of the tree. The Krishna’s birth mother’s name was cosmos are the branches of the tree, and Devaki. His father’s name was the holy books, such as the Vedas, Vasudeva. Krishna is also called Upanishads, and Gita, Dhammapa da, Va sudeva. Krishna spent His childhood Torah, Bible, Koran, etc. are its leaves. years under the care of Aunty Yashoda . Individual souls, such as living beings, Both Balara ma and Krishna were the fa- are the fruits and flowers of the tree. Do vorites of the village milkmaids. Their you see how everything is connected and mothers loved them proudly. Yasoda and part of the Supreme Being? Rohini (Balara ma’s mother) dressed their young boys colorfully, Krishna in Jai: How about planets, such as the yellow with a crown of peacock feathers Sun, and the Moon and the stars? in His hair, and Balara ma in blue. The two boys went from place to place, mak- Grandma: The entire visible world, ing friends wherever they went. Most of such as the Sun, Moon, Earth, other the time they got into a lot of trouble! planets, and galaxies, was created by One day, they were playing out- Lord Brahma and is supported by Lord side with a few of the other village boys, Vishnu and is destroyed by Lord Shiva. digging in the dirt, making mud pies, and Remember that Brahma , Vishnu, and getting very dirty. After a while, one of Shiva are a part of the energy of the the older boys ran to mother Yashoda Spirit or Brahma. The light energy of the and said, “Krishna has been a bad boy, Sun also comes from Brahma, and He has been eating clay!” Yashoda was Brahma is a part of the Supreme Being, annoyed with her young son. She had Lord Krishna. The sages tell us that eve- also been hearing other complaints from rything is nothing but another form of villagers that Krishna had been stealing Lord Krishna, the Supreme Being. butter from their houses. Krishna is inside and outside everything. She came out of her house and He has actually become everything. The asked Krishna angrily, “Did you really One has become all. He also comes to eat clay, Krishna? How many times have earth in human form to establish law and I told you not to put things in your order (Dharma) when needed. (Gita mouth!” 4.07-08) Krishna didn’t want to be pun- Here is a story when the Supreme ished, so he played a trick on mother Ya- Lord Himself incarnated as Krishna shoda . He opened His mouth wide and about 5,100 years ago. said, “See, Mother, I haven’t been eating anything. These boys are just lying to get SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 41 me in trouble.” you are from his “Tales and Parables of Yashoda looked inside Krishna’s Shri RamaKrishna.” Swami Vivekan- mouth. There, in the little boy’s mouth, anda was one of his most famous disci- she saw the whole universe --- Earth and ples. Swami Vivekananda was the first stars, the wide empty space, the entire Hindu monk who came to the USA in galaxy and the Milky Way, the oceans 1893. He established the Vedanta Soci- and the mountains, the Sun and the ety in New York. RamaKrishna led a Moon. All were contained within His very simple life, depending on God for mouth. She realized then that Krishna his daily food and other necessities of was Lord Vishnu incarnate, and she was life. He would not accept any money. He about to fall before Him and worship. was married to Sa rada Ma, whom he But Krishna didn’t want her to treated like his mother and never had any worship Him. He just wanted her to love child. Sa rada Ma used to tell her disci- Him the way mothers love their children. ples: “If you want peace of mind, do not He could have come to earth in any form look into others’ faults; rather, look into to fight the demons, but He liked being a your own. No one is a stranger; the little boy to a mother and a father who whole world is your own.“ Sa rada Ma had performed many difficult spiritual also warned her disciples not to be too practices to have God as their child. close with persons of the opposite gen- Baby Krishna realized that His trick had der, even if God came in that form. been a big mistake! RamaKrishna worshipped Goddess Kali Quickly, He spread His power of as his personal deity in a temple at Dak- Ma ya over her. The next minute Ya- shineshvar near Kolkatta. This temple shoda was holding her son as usual, with still exists today. no memory at all of what she had just seen in Krishna’s mouth. Chapter 15 summary: The creation is changeable and does not last forever. It You should read interesting sto- has a limited life span. Brahma or Atma ries of Krishna’s adventures and tricks does not change and is eternal. It is the with village milkmaids when you get cause of all causes. Krishna is called time. ParaBrahma or the Supreme Being. He is The Lord also comes as a saint or also called the Absolute because He has a teacher to teach us from time to time. no origin. He is the source of Brahma. Here is a story of such a saint: Everything in the universe comes out of Brahma. The entire visible world and its 20. The Story of Shri RamaKrishna creatures are created by Brahma , the creative power; sustained by Vishnu’s The Lord came to this earth as sustaining power and destroyed by RamaKrishna, born on February 18, Shiva. 1836, in the village Kamarpukur of West Bengal. Most of the stories I have told CHAPTER 16 SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 42 International Gita Society
DIVINE AND DEMONIC QUALITIES Desire, anger, and greed are very destructive. Lord Krishna calls these the Jai: I meet different types of stu- three gates to hell. (Gita 16.21) dents in the class. How many types of Here is a story about how greed people are there, Grandma? leads to sorrow.
Grandma: Generally, there are only 21. The Dog and the Bone two types (or castes) of people in this world, the good and the bad. (Gita One day a dog found a bone. He 16.06) Most people have both good and picked it up in his mouth and went to a bad qualities. If you have more good lonely corner to chew it. He sat there and qualities, you are called a good person, chewed the bone for some time. Then and if you have more bad qualities, you the dog felt thirsty and picked up the are called a bad person. bone in his mouth and walked over a small wooden bridge to drink water from Jai: If I want to be a good person, the creek what qualities must I have? When he saw his own reflection in the water, he thought there was an- Grandma: You must be honest, non- other dog with a bone in the river. Be- violent, truthful, without anger, calm, coming greedy, he wanted to have the without harmful talk, kind, not greedy, other bone also. He opened his mouth to gentle, forgiving, and humble. These are bark and take the bone from the other also called divine qualities because they dog. As soon as he opened his mouth to lead us to God. grab the other bone, the bone dropped out of his mouth and fell into the creek. Jai: What bad habits should I The dog realized his mistake, but it was avoid? too late.
Grandma: Hypocrisy, telling lies, ar- Greed can be overcome by being rogance, pride, jealousy, selfishness, an- satisfied with what one has. A satisfied ger, greed, harshness, ungratefulness, person is a very happy person. A greedy and violence --- these are bad qualities person cannot find true peace and happi- because they lead us away from God. ness in life. Bad qualities also lead us to do bad things and get us into trouble. Do not be Jai: How can I know what to do and friends with people who have bad quali- what not to do? ties because they do not know what to do and what not to do. Always be grateful Grandma: Follow your holy books, to those who have helped you. Ingrati- Jai. Saints and sages tell us what to do tude is a great sin for which there is no and what not to do in our holy books. remedy. Have faith in God, and listen to your SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 43 parents and elders. parents, and her five husbands cheerfully We should develop as many good accepted what fate had given them and habits as possible. But no one has only lived happily. good habits and no bad habits. Good Lord usually puts good and bad habits in The moral of the story is that one the same package. cannot find a husband or wife with all Here is a story about how Queen good or bad qualities, so one must learn Draupadi discovered this truth from her to live with whatever is given by fate. own experience. There is no perfect spouse because no one has only good habits and no bad 22. The Story of Queen Draupadi habits.
Draupadi was the common wife Chapter 16 summary: Generally, there of five Pa ndavas. She was the daughter are only two types of human beings: the of a Rishi in her past life. She was very good or divine and the bad or demonic. beautiful and virtuous, but in her past Most people have both good and bad life, due to her past Karma, she had been qualities. Getting rid of bad habits and unable to get married. This made her un- cultivating good habits are necessary for happy. So she started austerity to please spiritual progress. Lord Shiva. After a long and difficult austerity, she pleased Lord Shiva, who CHAPTER 17 asked her to choose a blessing of her THREEFOLD FAITH choice. She asked for a husband who would be very religious, strong, a very Jai: Grandma, how do I know what good soldier, good looking, and gentle. foods to eat? Lord Shiva granted her wish. In the next life, she was married Grandma: There are three types of to five brothers, but she was not very foods, Jai. (Gita 17.07-10) The foods happy with this strange situation. Drau- that bring long life, virtue, strength, padi was a great devotee of Lord health, happiness, and joy are juicy, Krishna, who knows the past, present smooth, substantial, and nutritious. Such and future of all beings. He knew of her health foods are the best. They are called sorrow and explained what she had Sattvik or healthy food. asked for in her past life. Lord Krishna Foods that are very bitter, sour, said it was impossible for one man to salty, hot, oily, and acidic are called Ra - have all the qualities she wanted in her jasika or undesirable foods. Such junk husband, so she was married to five hus- foods are unhealthy, cause diseases, and bands in this life, who shared all these should be avoided. qualities among them. Foods that are not well cooked, After hearing this explanation spoiled, tasteless, rotten, burned, left- from the Lord Krishna Himself, she, her over, and impure (such as meat and al- SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 44 International Gita Society cohol) are called Tamasik or bad foods. think about it and pray to God with faith. One should not eat such foods. (Gita 17.03) Always think about what you want to be, and your dream can Jai: How should I speak to others? come true. Here is a story about a crow that Grandma: You should never tell a lie. had faith. Your words should not be harsh, bitter, nasty, or insulting. They should be 23. The Thirsty Crow sweet, useful, and truthful. (Gita 17.15) One who speaks politely wins the heart It was a hot summer day. A crow of all and is liked by everybody. A wise was very thirsty. He flew from place to person should speak the truth if it is place looking for water. He could not helpful and keep quiet if it is harsh. To find water anywhere. Ponds, rivers, and help those in need is the universal teach- lakes were all dry. The water in the well ing. was too deep. Crow was very thirsty for water. He flew and flew. He was getting Jai: How should I help others? both tired and thirsty, but he did not give up the search. Grandma: It is our duty to help those At last he thought death was near who are less fortunate and can’t help and remembered God and started to pray themselves. Help anyone who needs for water. He saw a pitcher of water near help, but never expect anything in return. a house. This made him very happy as he Charity is not only the best, but also the thought there must be water in the only use of wealth. We all should help a pitcher. He sat on the top of the pitcher good cause. Give back what belongs to and looked into it. To his great frustra- the world. But there are responsibilities. tion he found that the water was at the Money given in charity should be earned bottom of the pitcher. He could see the by lawful means. And we must make water, but his beak could not reach the sure that the receiver is not a person water. He became very sad and started to likely to use the gift for evil purposes. think how he could reach the water. (Gita 17.20-22) Suddenly an idea came into his mind. There were stones near the pitcher. He Jai: Will God give us what we want picked up stones from the ground, one if we sincerely pray for it? by one, and started dropping them into the pitcher. The water began coming up. Grandma: Full faith in God makes Soon the crow could reach it easily. He things happen. There is nothing impossi- drank the water, thanked God, and hap- ble for faith. Faith works miracles. One pily flew away. must have faith before starting any work. It is said in the Gita that we can become Thus it is said, “Where there is a whatever we want to be if we always will, there is a way.” The crow did what SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 45 we all should do. He did not give up. He You can succeed in any work if had faith that his prayer would be an- you work hard with strong faith. Be en- swered. thusiastic about what you want, and you Here is another good story: will get it. We are the creation of our own thoughts and desires. Thoughts cre- 24. The Rabbit and the Turtle ate our future. We become what we al- ways think of. So never think a negative A turtle always moves very thought or allow doubt to enter your slowly. His friend, the rabbit, often mind. Keep going toward your goal. You laughed at the slow turtle. One day, the cannot get anything through laziness, turtle could not bear the insults and chal- negligence, and delay. Keep your dream lenged the rabbit to run a race with him. alive in your heart, and it will come true. All the animals in the jungle laughed at All difficulties can be removed by faith the idea because a race is usually be- in God and a firm determination to suc- tween equals. A deer volunteered to be ceed. But the fruits of success must be the judge. shared with others. If you want your The race started. The rabbit ran dream to be fulfilled, help fulfill some- fast, and soon he was ahead of the turtle. one else’s dream! As the rabbit came closer and closer to Here is a story of a man who the winning post, he felt sure of winning. learned that God helps those who help He looked back at the slow moving tur- themselves. tle, who was far behind. The rabbit was so sure of winning 25. A Man Who Never Gave Up that he thought, “I will sit under the tree and wait for the turtle. When he comes Yava was the son of a sage who here, I shall run fast and cross the finish practiced hard penance to get the bless- line before he does. This will make turtle ings of Indra, the King of Devas. He tor- angry, and it will be fun to see the turtle tured his body with austerities and thus insulted.” awakened the sympathy of Indra. Indra The rabbit then sat under a tree. came before him and asked why he was The turtle was still far behind. A cool hurting his body. wind was blowing gently. After some Yava answered: “I wish to be a time passed, the rabbit fell asleep. When great scholar of the Vedas. It takes a he woke up, he saw the turtle crossing long time to learn the Vedas from a the finish line. The rabbit had lost the teacher. I am practicing austerities to get race! All the animals in the jungle were that knowledge directly. Bless me.” laughing at the rabbit, and he learned a Indra smiled and said: “Son, you valuable lesson: are on the wrong path. Return home, find a good teacher, and learn the Vedas from “Slow and steady wins the race.” him. Austerity is not the way to learn; the path is study and study alone.” With SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 46 International Gita Society these words, Indra went away. time and never give up until you get But Yava would not give up. He what you want. Do not let negative did his course of spiritual practice (aus- thoughts, such as delaying to start work, terities, penance) with even greater ef- laziness, and carelessness stand in your fort. Indra again came before Yava and way. warned him again. Yava announced that Before starting or ending any if his prayer was not answered, he would work or study, repeat OM TAT SAT, the cut off his arms and legs one by one and threefold names of Brahma. offer them to the fire. No, he would never give up. He continued his penance. Jai: What does OM TAT SAT mean, One morning, during his austerities, Grandma? when he went to bathe in the holy Ganga River, he saw an old man on the bank Grandma: It means Krishna, the Al- throwing handfuls of sand into the river. mighty God, only exists. OM is used be- “Old man, what are you doing?” fore starting any work or study. OM asked Yava. TAT SAT or OM Shantih, Shantih, The old man replied: “I am going Shantih, is also used at the end of any to build a dam across the river so people act. can cross the river easily. See how diffi- cult it is now to cross it. Useful work, Chapter 17 summary: There are three isn’t it? ” types of food --- Sa ttavik, Ra jasik and Yava laughed and said: “What a Ta masik --- and they affect our well- fool you must be to think you can build a being. Tell the truth in a pleasant way. dam across this mighty river with your Give charity to a deserving candidate, handfuls of sand! Go home and do some and give it wisely to avoid its misuse. other useful work.” You can become whatever you want to The old man said: “Is my work be if you work hard towards your goal. more foolish than yours of learning the Vedas, not by study, but by austerities?” CHAPTER 18 Yava now knew that the old man LIBERATION THROUGH was Indra. Yava earnestly begged Indra RENUNCIATION to grant him learning as a personal wish. Indra blessed him and comforted Jai: Grandma, I am confused by dif- Yava with the following words: “I grant ferent terms you used. Please explain you the wish you want. Go and read the to me clearly what is the difference be- Vedas; you will become learned.” tween renunciation (Samnya sa) and Yava studied the Vedas and be- selfless work (KarmaYoga)? came a great scholar of the Vedas. Grandma: Some people think renun- The secret of success is to keep ciation means walking away from fam- thinking about what you want all the ily, home, possessions, and living in a SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 47 cave or the forest or any other place out- and Shudra --- were based on the mental, side society. But Lord Krishna defined intellectual, and physical abilities of per- Samnya sa as giving up the selfish desire sons. The worth of the individual --- not behind all work. (Gita 6.01, 18.02) In the birth or social level one was born KarmaYoga one gives up the selfish de- into --- was the deciding factor. But sire of enjoying the results of one’s these four orders are often mistaken for work. Thus a Samnya si is an advanced the caste system of modern times in In- KarmaYogi who does not do anything dia and elsewhere. The caste system is for personal benefit. based on birth only. Those who were interested in Jai: Does that mean I can’t do any- learning, teaching, preaching, and guid- thing for myself that gives me pleas- ing people in spiritual matters were ure? called Bra hmanas or intellectuals. Those who could defend the country, establish Grandma: That depends on what kind law and order, prevent crime, and ad- of pleasure you have in mind. Actions minister justice were called Kshatriyas, such as smoking, drinking, gambling, the warriors. Those who were good in and taking drugs appear enjoyable in the farming, cattle-raising, business, trade, beginning, but definitely produce harm- finance, commerce, and industry were ful results in the end. Poison may taste known as Vaishyas or businessmen. delicious when you drink it, but you Those who were very good in service know its deadly results when it is too and labor work were classed as Shudras late. On the other hand, actions, such as or workers. meditation, worship, and helping the People are born with certain abili- needy, seem difficult or boring in the ties or could develop them through train- beginning, but give very useful results in ing and effort. Birth into a family at a the end. (Gita 5.22, 18.38) A very good certain social level, whether high or low, rule to follow is to avoid any activity does not decide one’s worth. that seems pleasurable in the beginning The four Varna system was work but causes harmful effects in the end. assigned according to individual’s skills and ability. Unfortunately, the four work Jai: What kinds of activities in soci- classifications became degraded into ety are available, Grandma? hundreds of rigid castes to the detriment of this great Dharma. Swami Vivekan- anda considers modern day caste system Grandma: In the ancient Vedic way of in India as a big blot on the face of our living, activities of human beings were great way of life (Dharma). Even some divided into four universal types of hu- of our educated immigrants from India man labor described by Lord Krishna. are forming caste-based associations (Gita 4.13, 18.41-44) These four divi- here in the USA! sions --- Bra hmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com 48 International Gita Society
Jai: How can anybody living and Some time later, he went as usual working in society attain liberation? to beg for food and stood before the door of a house. The housewife was busy Grandma: Work becomes worship serving her husband with food and when done as a service to the Lord and seemed to forget the holy man waiting without selfish attachment to the results. outside. After her husband had been fed, If you work honestly for which you are she came out with food, saying, “I am suited, you incur no Ka rmic reaction and sorry to have kept you waiting long. attain God. Forgive me.” If you take on work that was not But Kaushika, burning with anger, meant for you, such work produces said: “Lady, you have made me wait for stress, and you will not be very success- a long time. This is not fair.” ful. It is important to find proper work “Kindly forgive me,” said the that best suits your own nature. So you woman. “I was serving my sick husband should know yourself before you can de- and hence the delay.” cide on the job that will be suitable for “It is good to attend the hus- you. (Gita 18.47) Then your work will band,” replied Kaushika, “but you seem not produce stress and will encourage to be an arrogant woman.” creativity. “I kept you waiting only because I There is no perfect job. Every job was dutifully serving my sick husband,” has some faults. (Gita 18.48) You should she replied. “Please do not be angry with not be concerned about such faults in me. I am no crane to be killed by your your duty in life. You can attain God by angry thought. Your anger cannot harm a doing your duty with devotion to God woman who devotes herself to service of and keeping your senses under control her husband and family.” by some spiritual practice. Kaushika was surprised. He won- The following story illustrates that dered how she knew of the crane inci- one can attain Self-realization by sin- dent. cerely doing one’s duty. (Gita 18.46-58) She continued: “O great one, you do not know the secret of duty, or that 26. I am no Crane anger is the greatest enemy that dwells in human beings. Go to the village Rampur A holy man named Kaushika had in Mithila and learn the secrets of doing acquired great spiritual powers. One day, one’s duty with devotion from Vya dha he sat under a tree meditating. A crane at Ra j” the top of the tree soiled his head with its Kaushika went to the village and droppings. Kaushika looked up at it an- met the man named Vya dha Ra j. He was grily, and his angry look killed the bird surprised to learn he was selling meat at instantly. The holy man was pained a butcher’s shop. The butcher got up when he saw the dead bird lying on the from his seat and asked: “Honored sir, ground. are you well? Did that pure lady send SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 49 you to me? I know why you have come. Chapter 18 summary: Lord Krishna said Let us go home.” that there is no real difference between a The butcher took Kaushika to his KarmaYogi and Samnya si. A Kar- house where Kaushika saw a happy fam- maYogi gives up the selfish attachment ily and was greatly amazed at the love to the fruits of work, whereas a and respect with which the butcher Samnya si does not work for any per- served his parents. Kaushika took his sonal gain at all. There are two types of lesson from the butcher on doing one’s pleasures --- helpful and harmful. Soci- duty. Vya dha Ra j did not kill the ani- ety has different work to suit different mals; he never ate meat. He just carried people. One should choose work wisely. on his family business after his father You can get God-realization while living retired. in society by following the three D’s --- Afterwards, Kaushika returned to Duty, Discipline and Devotion to God. his house and began to serve his parents, a duty which he had neglected before. OM TAT SAT
The moral of this story is that you can reach spiritual perfection by honestly doing whatever duty is yours in life. This is a true worship of God. (Gita 18.46) Lord Krishna lives within all of us and guides us to work out our own Karma. (Gita 18.61) Put forth your best effort, and gladly accept the results as His will. This is called surrendering to God. (Gita 18.66) The gift of spiritual knowledge is the best gift because the absence of spiritual knowledge is the cause of all evil in the world. Spreading spiritual knowledge is the highest devo- tional service to Lord Krishna. (Gita 18.68-69)
Everlasting peace and wealth are possible only when you do your duty well and also have the spiritual knowl- edge given in the Holy Gita by Lord Krishna. (Gita 18.78)
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Writer: Ramananda Prasad, Ph.D. Editor-in-chief: Doret Kollerer Graphic design:
Editorial Board:
Alka Sood C. J Chionh Devaki Wagle Jay Mazo Kalavati Patel Nikhil Raina Sadhana Prasad Sanjay Prasad Sean Wilmut Usha Gupta Ved Vatuk
A note on pronunciation: "a ” is hard “a” sound as in Ra ma. letter “a” in Sanskrit or Hindi words is soft “a” different from “a ” SHRI VIDYA NIKETAN SCHOOL AND COLLEGE http://www.svnsc.com
The Bhagavad-Gita for Children 51
INDEX of STORIES
Story no. and name Page No. 1. Mr. TRUTHFUL 2. GRADUATION TEST 3. SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING 4. EKALAVYA 5. ADI GURU SANKARACHARYA 6. DHRUVA 7. SEE GOD IN ALL BEINGS 8. THE UNSEEN 9. THE STORY OF KING BHARATA 10. A BOY FED GOD 11. THE GREAT HIGHWAY ROBBER 12. THE FOOTPRINTS 13. THE FOUR BLIND MEN 14. GOD IS WITH YOU 15. BHAKTA PRAHLADA 16. THE SALT DOLL 17. VEGETARIAN TIGER 18. THREE ROBBERS ON THE PATH 19. A STORY OF BABY SHRIKRISHNA 20. THE STORY OF SHRI RAMAKRISHNA 21. THE DOG AND THE BONE 22. THE STORY OF QUEEN DRAUPADI 23. THE THIRSTY CROW 24. RABBIT AND THE TURTLE 25. A MAN WHO NEVER GAVE UP 26. I AM NO CRANE