Bhagavad Geeta 203 - Chapter 15 - Bannanje Govindacharya (15.19 - 15.20)

15.19 Krishna calls Arjuna Bhaarata. These names that Krishna uses have meanings (not just for meter). Examples of other scenarios where expert usage of words don't match rules. Madhwacharya's usage of certain words like "Ashlishat" - have deeper meanings. Bhaarata - One absorbed (Rata) in knowledge (Bha) or in Bhagavanta (Bha). Or, One who is devotee of Bharata (Vaayu Devaru - one most absorbed in Bhagavanta). Or, one who is devotee of Guru. 15.20 Krishna says this knowledge is Guhya Tama Shastra - highest of secrets (it is to be revealed to only those who are interested). If revealed to anyone, it might reach those trying to misuse it or those who have no respect for it. Knowledge of Ksharas is Guhya (secret), that of Akshara is Guhya Tara (higher secret), that of Bhagavanta is Guhya Tama (highest secret). Even scientists say that the world itself doesn't reveal its secrets easily - this is Kshara Vijnyana. Physicist Fritjof Capra says Upanishad scientists knew better about the world. Shastra - means knowledge that Jnyanis who know must teach others. Krishna says he has revealed this to Arjuna because Arjuna is Anagha - one who is without sins/flaws/defects. We must become sinless to understand Geeta. A pure mind can grasp this knowledge, but one with impurities finds it confounding. Many scholars today say "Vacate your mind" - i.e. remove presumptions and other impurities that we have populated in the mind. Purity of the mind is the actual "Madi". Physical Madi is only important so that mind can be pure. Anecdote of Bannanje Govindacharya seeing a person struggling with Physical Madi - first washing himself with water, then the pipe, tap etc. Another place where they brought a chair and asked if Acharyaru was okay to sit on it or should they wash the chair first. Arjuna first had impurities in his mind (he reasoned that fighting was wrong), but then he surrendered to Krishna and asked Krishna to clarify. Krishna is purifying his mind with Geeta Upadesha. Ahamkaara is the biggest purity, and Arjuna gave that up in the beginning when he surrendered (He said "Shishyasteham Shaadi Maam Te Prapannam" in Chapter 2). Ahamkaara about knowledge is the biggest Ahamkaara. Other egos (wealth, beauty) will go away with time, but that of knowledge remains firmly. So one must gain knowledge but be vigilant not to get Ahamkaara from it. Rabindranath Tagore wrote a story - A person conquers 6 enemies (Kama, Krodha etc) but the 7th enemy of pride of conquering them is not conquered. Story of Bhagavata - a Brahmana requests Krishna to save his baby. Krishna says he can't because of the baby's Karma. Arjuna shows Ahamkaara and says he will do it even if Krishna can't. He fails and learns his lesson. Example of Arjuna swearing that he will kill Jayadhrita by sunset. He was going to fail, but Krishna had to help by covering the sun. Even later, he had Ahamkaara that he was great, so Krishna made Arjuna's son Babruvahana defeat him. Finally, after Krishna ended his Avatara, Arjuna is defeated by common dacoits while trying to rescue women and children from Dwaraka - he realizes he is nothing without Krishna. He tells Yudhishtira he had the same weapons, bow, horses but without Krishna, it proved futile. Thus being free from Ahamkaara is the main meaning of Anagha. It is also Ahamkaara to think we are Brahma ourselves. Anecdote of Avadhoota friend of Bannanje Govindacharya who explained "One will become Brahma after knowing Brahma" beautifully - it is just like son becomes a father - but not the same father. Shishya must test a Guru for Ahamkaara first. Shishya should be tested for lack of Ahamkaara to pass. Mayaa - This secret knowledge has been revealed "by me" - the one who revealed all Shastras in the beginning. Krishna says one who knows this knowledge is the only one who knows. Others may have material knowledge but nothing of importance. Krishna says such a person has achieved everything (Krita Kritya) - done everything there is to do. He has led a productive full life. Bhaarata - One absorbed (Rata) in knowledge (Bha). It is easy to be Anagha (without ego) when one doesn't have knowledge. But having knowledge (Bharata) and yet not having ego is the requirement. Everyone is eligible for this knowledge and must strive to attain it and yet, be free of ego. The main crux of all Shastras ends here with 15th Chapter. But the next Chapter explains Swabhaava of Satvikas/Devatas and Tamasas/Asuras. We all have these qualities and we must learn to increase Satvika remove Tamasa qualities. He starts off the 16th Chapter by listing qualities to inculcate. First is Abhaya - fearlessness. Religion has become synonymous with fear mongering today. Anecdote of a woman who came to speak with Acharyaru because she was told that her saying Vishnu Sahasra Nama was harmful to her husband. Only Asuras like Hiranyakashipu should fear Bhagavanta. We must learn to love Him like Prahlada.