Gita-jayanti.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Krishna speaking Bhagavad-Gita, some 5,000 years ago. We will be celebrating Gita-jayanti at the temple on Sunday. You are very welcome to come and hear why Krishna spoke the Gita and the importance of His teachings for us today.

Although our Vaishnava tradition has many important literatures, the Gita is usually the first book which newcomers and devotees read to gain an understanding of the 'science of self-realisation'. As it was spoken (or rather sung!) in simple Sanskrit verses, devotees like to memorise key verses as an aid in the day-to-day practise of Krishna-consciousness.

Here are some favourite verses by Belfast devotees:

Shyama devi dasi

This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realisation, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed. B-G 9.2

This is one of my favourite verses. Having knowledge is a great treasure, it gives one freedom and this verse is saying that this knowledge is the king of education and the purest knowledge. I don't need to look elsewhere or to find out in a few years time that what I have learned is useless and has now been proven wrong by another theory or experiment. It is everlasting. It reassures me that to apply this knowledge in my life isn't a chore but a joyful experience.

***

Nitai-sachinandana das

(Arjuna said) The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it , I think, is more difficult than subduing the wind...(Krishna said)For one whose mind is unbridled, self-realisation is difficult work. But he whose mind is controlled and who strives by appropriate means is assured of success. That is My opinion. B-G 6.34&36

These are the verses which most often come to my mind. I see the truth of them every day. The mind is a powerful force, and by controlling it and using it for spiritual life instead of for sense-gratification we can become peaceful and spiritually strong.

***

Mayeshvara das

The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy. 18.61

I like to contemplate this verse; there's a lot in it. The description of the body as a machine is intriguing and I use it often when preaching, to illustrate the difference between spirit and matter.

More verses tomorrow...