Talks on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Nirmalananda Giri
About the Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is the most popular of the scriptures of Hinduism. In this series of talks on India’s spiritual classic, Swami Nirmalananda illumines its importance for all spiritual seekers, and for yogis in particular.
The Bhagavad gita is the immortal dialog between Sri Krishna and the yogi-warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra on the eve of the Mahabharata war.
In 700 verses, the sage Vyasa relates the teachings of Sri Krishna on the foundational philosophy and practices necessary to succeed in spiritual life.
In these talks Swami Nirmalananda gives explanations of Sri Krishna’s teachings in the Gita which will be of practical value both to beginners and also to experienced students in spiritual life. Most talks are about 20 minutes long, though some are longer.
About the Speaker
These talks are by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke), the founder and director of the Atma Jyoti Ashram (Light of the Spirit Monastery) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, USA. His writings are featured on the monastery’s website, OCOY.org.
Swamiji has over a half a century of background in study of the world’s religions. During his first trip to India in 1963 he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.
In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma.
Swami Nirmalananda is the author of numerous books on practical spiritual life, including his own translation of the Bhagavad Gita, and his commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening.
The ninety-third and final in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.In this talk, continuing with Chapter 18:67, Swamiji concludes his commentary on the Gita. He discusses what Krishna says about who to share these teachings with, and who not to, and talks about the benefits of studying the gita. Sanjaya then wraps up what has gone before in the Gita.The Gita Is a Living Revelation • The Bhagavad Gita should be read daily—a chapter a day is manageable and transformative. • Genuine scripture is ever fresh: it reveals new meanings as our understanding deepens. • Swamiji first read the Gita in 1960 and still finds it alive and deeply personal:“I felt as if my true Self was speaking to me.”Whom Not to TeachKrishna warns Arjuna not to share these teachings with: • Those without tapasya (no spiritual discipline or purification) • Those not devoted or living contrary to dharmic principles • Those who do not wish to hear • Those who mock or speak evil of GodThis isn’t punishment—just a warning not to waste sacred energy or provoke attack.Whom to Teach—and the Reward • If you share the Gita’s truths with sincere devotees, • You are pleasing God more than any other service • You become dear to God—equal to saints and avatars • You perform the highest sacrifice of knowledge (Jnana Yajna)The Power of Hearing with Faith • Even listening to the Gita with faith and openness leads toward liberation. • But it must be deep listening—from the heart, not just the ears.Krishna’s Final QuestionsKrishna asks: • “Did you listen with one-pointed mind?” • “Has your ignorance been destroyed?”Arjuna replies:“My delusion is gone. I remember now. I will live according to your word.”Sanjaya’s Closing WordsSanjaya (the seer narrating to Dhritarashtra) concludes: • Hearing the Gita dialogue brought awe and joy again and again. • He praises Krishna as Yogeshwara (Lord of Yoga) and Arjuna as the ideal seeker. • Wherever the truth of the Gita is lived and taught, there will be: • Splendor (shri) • Victory (vijaya) • Wealth (bhuti) • Righteousness (dharma)“This is my firm conviction.”Final Reflection • The Gita ends not just with teaching, but transformation. • The path is remembering, not learning. • Now that truth is known—go and live it.
19 Jun 2025
Gita Talk 92–Love of God (Both Ways)
The ninety-second in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.In this talk, continuing with Chapter 18:64, Swamiji discusses the love of God for us, and how we should respond with love for him, and what real divine love is. He recounts what it was like to sit in the presence of Anandamayi ma. He also talks about the result of taking refuge in God.Krishna’s Final and Most Sacred Teaching • Krishna declares this final teaching the most sacred—because Arjuna is deeply loved by God. • Love of God is not mere emotion; it is a magnetic force drawing the soul into divine union. • When someone chooses God, it is a sign that God has already chosen them.Divine Love Is Mutual • Love flows both ways: God seeks the soul, and the soul must also seek God. • Swamiji quotes Yogananda: “God is running after human beings.” • But humans often reply: “I don’t have time for you.” • This is man’s inhumanity to God—willful separation.Divine Love Is Personal and Complete • All beings have all the love of God, but not all are aware or responsive to it. • Example from Ma Anandamayi: Every person felt entirely known and loved by her at once. • The problem is never in God, only in our lack of receptivity and response.How to Respond to Divine Love • Krishna urges: • Fix your mind on Me • Be devoted to Me • Sacrifice and bow down to Me • Abandon all lesser dharmas (even those that are “good” but distract from God) • These are not symbolic—this is the path to union with God.True Refuge and Release • Krishna invites the soul to take refuge in Him alone. • Not “surrender” to gurus or cults, but Sharanam—refuge in the Divine. • Doing so, Krishna promises: • Release from all karmic demerits • Freedom from grief • Final union with GodThe Cost—and the Reward • True spiritual life asks everything: like Mirabai, we must “sell all” to “buy God.” • The world will say the price was too much—or too little—but only the devotee knows:“It was everything I had.”
18 Jun 2025
Gita Talk 91–The Battle for Higher Consciousness
The ninety-first in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.In this talk, continuing with Chapter 18:59, Swamiji discusses the battle for higher consciousness. He shares stories about Mirabai and Yogananda. Context and Setup • Krishna has just finished his sweeping teachings in the Gita and now addresses Arjuna’s inner resistance to fighting. • The “battle” is symbolic for spiritual aspirants—it represents the struggle for higher consciousness against inner negativity.Inner Conflict & Dharma • If Arjuna (or anyone) refuses their duty (dharma) due to egotism, they will still be compelled to act according to their innate nature (svabhava). • Karma will drive action—if not consciously chosen, it may manifest compulsively, even unwillingly. • We are “bound by our karma born of our own nature,” and eventually, divine nature pushes us onward—even if through many lives.The Mechanism of Evolution • Krishna uses a powerful image: the Lord dwells in the heart and causes all beings to revolve “as if mounted on a machine” (like a spiritual gear system). • We cycle through countless lives, from simple organisms to self-aware human beings, on a long evolutionary journey toward self-realization.The Call to Liberation • True liberation only comes by making the conscious choice to unite with the Supreme. • “Fly unto Him alone” means to rush—not hesitate—to seek refuge in the Divine with one’s whole being.False Paths & Fake Yoga • Mere philosophy, metaphysical tricks, or superficial spiritual gimmicks (e.g., fake pranayama, gimmicky mantras) will not lead to liberation. • Only sincere effort, rooted in dharma, devotion (bhakti), and inner purification, brings lasting change.Real Renunciation • Real letting go is mental and emotional—not just physical. • The yogi must abandon attachment, aversion, and egotistical resistance, and conform the life to the higher path.Grace and Inner Drive • We already have divine grace—but it is our own grace (our own will and discipline) that is usually lacking. • Grace meets us when we align ourselves completely with Truth.Ultimate Instruction • Krishna emphasizes personal responsibility: “Having reflected on this fully, act as you wish.” • No coercion—only the deep invitation to self-reflection and free will.Mirabai’s Insight • The talk closes with Mirabai’s beautiful line:“I have sold everything in the marketplace of the world to buy my Beloved.”Whether the price seems too high or too low to others—it must be everything you have.
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