U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
In response to Uddhava’s heartfelt request, Krishna advised him to embrace renunciation and prepare to leave this world. Seeking guidance on how best to do this, Krishna began His explanations on a variety of topics, focusing in on the glory of pure devotional service. Particularly interesting passages include the instructions of the twenty-four gurus, the Bhiksu-gita and the Aila-gita. There is also an exposition on Varnasrama-dharma, as well as an explanation of the various constituents of material nature. These profound teachings are famed as the Uddhava-gita.
Previous Happiness of Service Next Twenty-Four Gurus
Last updated 1 year ago
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
In response to Uddhava’s heartfelt request, Krishna advised him to embrace renunciation and prepare to leave this world. Seeking guidance on how best to do this, Krishna began His explanations on a variety of topics, focusing in on the glory of pure devotional service. Particularly interesting passages include the instructions of the twenty-four gurus, the Bhiksu-gita and the Aila-gita. There is also an exposition on Varnasrama-dharma, as well as an explanation of the various constituents of material nature. These profound teachings are famed as the Uddhava-gita.
Previous Happiness of Service Next Twenty-Four Gurus
Last updated 1 year ago
Avanti Brahmana and Bhiksu-Gita
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Avanti Brahmana and Bhiksu-Gita
Chapter 23
Krishna narrated the story of a brahmana from Avanti who was plagued by greed and miserliness, and later found himself being exploited by his very own family members. Aside from them, his wealth was snatched away by thieves, governments, time and ultimately the will of providence. In that dire condition, stripped of everything, left poverty-stricken and alone, a deep feeling of renunciation developed within him.
In an outpouring of spiritual realisation, he described the evils that arise with the acquisition of wealth; one loses their character and their relationships, spiralling into more and more misery. He concluded that the time had come to embrace detachment, and thus entered the sannyasa order of life. Begging from door to door, he was often verbally and physically attacked by ignorant persons unaware of his spiritual calibre. The Avanti brahmana , however, was completely fixed. In one celebrated verse, he described how the mind is the cause of all distress, and in another famous verse, known as the ‘sannyasa-mantra,’ he described how one can cross the insurmountable ocean of the material world through unbreakable determination in devotional service.
Previous Understanding Material Nature Next Pururava – Aila-Gita
Last updated 2 years ago
Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga
Chapter 27, 28, 29
Uddhava requested Krishna to detail the process of deity worship. In response, Krishna first explained the different ways in which the deity can appear. The worshipper ( pujari ) must be clean, chant appropriate mantras , use the best paraphernalia possible, recite the holy name, and most of all, offer the worship with genuine devotion.
Uddhava was confused: “The material body is dull, while the spirit soul is full of knowledge, so who actually experiences material existence?” Krishna explained that when the soul falsely identifies with the body, this material consciousness manifests, although it is actually like a dream state. Jnana-yoga assists one in distinguishing the spiritual from the material, the eternal from the temporary, and true happiness from fleeting sense enjoyment. Such clarity is required to remain steady and focused on the journey to purity. Krishna then described the yoga practice, which can afford one psychophysical benefits and mystic perfections.
After hearing these descriptions, Uddhava requested Krishna to give a conclusive answer on the most effective means of perfection. Krishna again highlighted the supremacy of bhakti-yoga: “Always remembering Me, one should perform all his duties for Me without becoming impetuous. With mind and intelligence offered to Me, one should fix his mind in attraction to My devotional service.” He went on to describe the activities and consciousness of a bhakti-yogi .
Krishna then instructed Uddhava to renounce the world and travel to Badarikasrama. The thought of separation overwhelmed Uddhava, who was in tears, but he installed the Lord within his heart and dutifully departed.
Previous Pururava – Aila-Gita Next Uddhava-Gita
Last updated 1 year ago
Before and After the Uddhava-Gita
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga
Before and After the Uddhava-Gita
The events preceeding the Uddhava-gita and the subsequent history involving Maitreya and Vidura, are described in several sections of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
After the demigods profusely thanked Krishna for fulfilling His mission on earth, they invited Him to depart. First, Krishna arranged for the Yadu dynasty to be cursed, knowing that only by His arrangement could they be removed from the world. When Uddhava, Krishna’s cousin and dear associate, understood these plans, he requested to depart the world with his Lord. Krishna, however, encouraged Uddhava to prepare for sannyasa , and instructed him in transcendental knowledge (Uddhava-gita), the longest philosophical section in the entire Srimad-Bhagavatam.
During His 125 years on Earth, Krishna visited Vrindavana, Mathura, Dwaraka, Hastinapura, other planetary systems, and even Maha Vaikunthaloka. The Lord had not, however, visited Badarikasrama where Nara-Narayana Rishis and the sages were eagerly waiting for Him. Thus, after imparting the knowledge, Krishna instructed Uddhava to travel to Badarikasrama and share the wisdom with them. Uddhava honoured Krishna’s wish and travelled to the North.
While Uddhava was en route to Badarikasrama he heard about the Lord’s journey to Prabhasa. Turning back and following Lord Krishna from behind, he saw the Lord alone just after the withdrawal of the Yadu dynasty. The Lord then revealed further knowledge of Himself. It was at this time that Maitreya was present and heard those conversations. [ 37 ] After enlightening Uddhava, Krishna requested them both to leave; Uddhava to Badarikasrama and Maitreya to Haridwar.
On his way to Badarikasrama, Uddhava halted in Vrindavana and on the banks of the Yamuna he met Vidura. Their conversation ( Canto Three, Chapters 1 - 4 ) revolved around many of Krishna’s pastimes. Vidura was hungry to know more about Krishna’s final instructions, and Uddhava thus directed him to meet Maitreya in Haridwar, since the Rishi had heard the very same instructions. Uddhava then continued to Badarikasrama, while Vidura and Maitreya met in Haridwar and had an enlightening conversation ( Canto Three, Chapter 5 onwards).
Previous Uddhava-Gita Next Essential Similarities
Last updated 1 year ago
Essential Similarities
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga
Essential Similarities
When we examine the Uddhava-gita and Bhagavad-gita, we clearly see that Krishna was teaching the same essential principles in both discourses. Here are some examples:
1) Comprehensiveness of the Knowledge:
Bhagavad-gita 7.2: “I shall now declare unto you in full this knowledge, both phenomenal and numinous. This being known, nothing further shall remain for you to know.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.29.32: “When an inquisitive person comes to understand this knowledge, he has nothing further to know. After all, one who has drunk the most palatable nectar cannot remain thirsty.”
2) Studying the Conversation:
Bhagavad-gita 18.70: “And I declare that he who studies this sacred conversation of ours worships Me by his intelligence.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.29.27-28: “He who loudly recites this supreme knowledge, which is the most lucid and purifying, becomes purified day by day, for he reveals Me to others with the lamp of transcendental knowledge. Anyone who regularly listens to this knowledge with faith and attention, all the while engaging in My pure devotional service, will never become bound by the reactions of material work.”
3) Sharing the Wisdom:
Bhagavad-gita 18.68-69: “For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.29.26: “One who liberally disseminates this knowledge among My devotees is the bestower of the Absolute Truth, and to him I give My very own self.”
4) Concluding Words:
Bhagavad-gita 18.65 - 66 : “Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.29.34: “A person who gives up all fruitive activities and offers himself entirely unto Me, eagerly desiring to render service unto Me, achieves liberation from birth and death and is promoted to the status of sharing My own opulences.”
5) Qualification to Understand:
Bhagavad-gita 18.67: “This confidential knowledge may never be explained to those who are not austere, or devoted, or engaged in devotional service, nor to one who is envious of Me.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.29.30: “You should not share this instruction with anyone who is hypocritical, atheistic or dishonest, or with anyone who will not listen faithfully, who is not a devotee, or who is simply not humble.”
6) Effect on Listener:
Bhagavad-gita 18.72 - 73 :
Krishna: “O son of Prtha, O conqueror of wealth, have you heard this with an attentive mind? And are your ignorance and illusions now dispelled?”
Arjuna: “My dear Krishna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.29.29 / 37 :
Krishna: “My dear friend Uddhava, have you now completely understood this transcendental knowledge? Are the confusion and lamentation that arose in your mind now dispelled?”
Uddhava: “O unborn, primeval Lord, although I had fallen into the great darkness of illusion, my ignorance has now been dispelled by Your merciful association. Indeed, how can cold, darkness and fear exert their power over one who has approached the brilliant sun?”
Previous Before and After the Uddhava-Gita Next M - Mausala-lila (30-31)
Last updated 1 year ago
Uddhava-Gita
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga
Uddhava-Gita
“The word sampatitam indicates that the falldown of the living entity is complete. In other words, he cannot get up again. Sri Uddhava therefore appeals to the Lord to be kind to these poor fallen souls, humbly represented by his own self. If one receives the Lord’s mercy, then even without any further qualification one can go back home, back to Godhead; and without the mercy of Lord Krishna, the most learned, austere, powerful, wealthy or beautiful man will be pathetically crushed by the material world’s machinery of illusion. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, as described here, is mahanubhava , or the greatest, most powerful and most merciful personality, whose influence extends everywhere. The Lord’s mercy is manifest in the form of His nectarean instructions such as Bhagavad-gita and the Uddhava-gita, being spoken here.” (11.19.10)
The Uddhava-gita is an expansion of the Bhagavad-gita. Srila Prabhupada explains: “Undoubtedly, the Bhagavad-gita was spoken by the Lord on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra just to encourage Arjuna to fight, and yet to complete the transcendental knowledge of Bhagavad-gita, the Lord instructed Uddhava. The Lord wanted Uddhava to fulfill His mission and disseminate knowledge which He had not spoken even in Bhagavad-gita.” (SB 3.4.32)
Previous Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga Next Before and After the Uddhava-Gita
Last updated 2 years ago
Entanglement, Liberation and Pure Love
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Entanglement, Liberation and Pure Love
Chapter 10, 11, 12
Sukadeva Goswami continued narrating the instructions of Krishna to Uddhava.
All forms of material enjoyment, even to the point of heavenly pleasures, are limited, temporary and full of duality. In the futile pursuit of such experiences, one degrades himself more and more. The entangled spirit soul begins the journey ‘back to purity’ after receiving transcendental knowledge from a spiritual master. By cultivating the mood and qualities of a true disciple, following transcendental instructions and engaging one’s propensities within the Varnasrama system, one gains release from material entanglement.
Like two birds in a tree, the Lord and living entity reside within the body. The Lord is eternally liberated, sitting as an observer, while the conditioned soul perpetually tries to enjoy the fruits of the tree. When the soul is awakened to real knowledge he becomes liberated, and even though residing within the body, becomes completely detached from the enjoying spirit, never considering himself the ‘doer.’
The ultimate purpose of material detachment and Vedic study is to usher one into a loving relationship with the Lord. Such connection with the Lord, and the subsequent practice of devotional activities, causes numerous saintly qualities to manifest in one’s character. The most essential quality is surrender to Krishna since, it triggers all subsequent qualities to automatically appear.
In conclusion, Krishna glorified the Vrindavana gopis , whose standard of love is beyond compare. Their deep attachment meant that every moment was spent in consciousness of Krishna. More important than gaining volumes of knowledge, Krishna explained, is to follow in their footsteps and develop a similar intensity of surrender and devotion.
Previous Twenty-Four Gurus Next Topmost Yoga System
Last updated 1 year ago
Knowledge to Bhakti
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Knowledge to Bhakti
Chapter 19, 20, 21
Transcendental knowledge of the Lord should translate into an awakening of pure bhakti . All regulations, duties and recommendations of sastra are meant to bring one to this spontaneous devotion. After Uddhava asked a range of wonderful questions, Krishna, amongst other things, described the character of a self-realised soul and the deeper meaning of being tolerant, charitable, austere, heroic and truthful. He explained the real substance of happiness in life and who is actually a genuine friend.
Though unalloyed bhakti is the ultimate goal, scriptures may promote various practices of study, austerity and fruitive work in a bid to gradually elevate the religious practitioner to a higher level of purity. Human birth on the earthly planets is the most wondrous gift, since it affords the soul the best opportunity to perfect life and escape material entanglement. Thus, by good fortune, if one begins the path of bhakti and attains the platform of pure devotion, relative considerations of purity and impurity no longer affect them. Such persons transcend good and bad karma.
Previous Varnasrama Next Understanding Material Nature
Last updated 1 year ago
Pururava – Aila-Gita
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Pururava – Aila-Gita
Chapter 26
Krishna recounted the history of Emperor Pururava, also known as Aila, who was attracted by the heavenly damsel, Urvasi. [ 36 ] After marrying her and later being separated, he was devastated, but eventually developed a deep spirit of renunciation.
He expressed his innermost feelings in a song known as the Aila-gita: Absorbed in sense gratification, one becomes oblivious to the passing of time, neglecting the real purpose of life. Of material pleasures, sexual attraction is overwhelmingly strong, able to trap even the most powerful personalities in a web of illusion. Lust is ever-demanding and never satiated, and only one awakened by spiritual knowledge can break free. Though the body is temporary machinery, it’s packaged in such a way as to attract the mind. Thus, one must be constantly vigilant, avoid material enjoyers, and instead find the saintly souls who can cut such dangerous attachments of the mind with their sharpened words of wisdom.
Freed from his material illusion, the Emperor attained perfect realisation of the Supreme Lord.
Previous Avanti Brahmana and Bhiksu-Gita Next Deity Worship and Bhakti-Yoga
Last updated 2 years ago
Topmost Yoga System
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Topmost Yoga System
Chapter 13, 14, 15, 16
Krishna stressed the necessity of developing the mode of goodness ( sattva ) in one’s mindset, lifestyle and habits, and then eventually transcending it through devotion. Fascinated, Uddhava asked the Lord to repeat the instructions He had previously imparted regarding this.
Once, when Brahma was questioned by his sons, headed by Sanaka, about overcoming desires for sense gratification, the engineer of the universe felt incapable of answering and turned to the Lord for assistance. Appearing in the form of a swan ( Hamsa-avatara ), the Lord explained the nature of the mind. Not only is the mind drawn towards sense objects, but sense objects enter within the mind. Only by fixing the mind on the Lord, can one escape its devious influence. When we see the material energy independently of Krishna, it is likened to a dream state. For such persons, whether in wakefulness, sleep or deep sleep, all three are illusory since their grasp of reality is fundamentally flawed.
Krishna reassured Uddhava that even if one is unable to give up sense gratification, the power of devotional service will eventually elevate them to the perfectional stage. With a vigilant eye, one should guard against the temptations of sense gratification, and learn to practice with the heart. When Uddhava desired clarification on which yoga system is most evolved, Krishna described the various mystic perfections (eight primary and ten secondary) and the processes to obtain them. The Lord then emphasised that practice of devotional service ( bhakti-yoga ) bears all these fruits, and most importantly connects one to the Supreme Person in a very intimate way. The Lord becomes conquered by pure devotion.
Just as Krishna described His opulences to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna explained to Uddhava how He is the essence of everything found in the world.
Previous Entanglement, Liberation and Pure Love Next Varnasrama
Last updated 1 year ago
Twenty-Four Gurus
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Twenty-Four Gurus
Chapter 7, 8, 9
Sukadeva Goswami continued narrating the conversation between Krishna and Uddhava. Krishna confirmed He was indeed leaving the world.
He urged Uddhava to embrace sannyasa and plan his departure too, since Kali-yuga would soon begin. Uddhava, feeling himself lowly and unqualified, requested an injection of transcendental knowledge to awaken his natural detachment.
Krishna first explained how an intelligent person can observe the world around them and decipher powerful lessons to elevate their consciousness. To illustrate this, He narrated the story of an avadhuta brahmana who was wandering carefree in deep spiritual ecstasy. When Maharaja Yadu questioned him on how he attained such an enlightened state, the brahmana replied by delineating the 24 gurus through whom he received profound spiritual instruction. Some key lessons from these gurus are below (not an exhaustive analysis):
• Earth: One should remain undisturbed by aggressors and instead be absorbed in selfless service to others.
• Air: Though surrounded by material objects, and situated within a material body, one must learn to remain aloof and untouched.
• Sky: The individual soul and Supersoul never mix with anything nor can be divided by anything.
• Water: Saintly persons are purifying and pleasing, constantly moving and enlightening others with the beautiful sound of their words.
• Fire: One should absorb things and yet remain untained by them – saintly persons, for example, can incinerate the karmic reactions of their followers and remain unaffected.
• Moon: Apparent changes in the body do not affect the soul, which remains constant and unchanged.
• Sun: One should accept material objects and then utilise them at the appropriate time, remaining unsullied in the process.
• Pigeon: One must be careful of excessive affection and attachment, which inevitably causes suffering.
• Python: One should avoid excessive endeavours for material preservation, and instead remain focused on one’s real spiritual self-interest.
• Ocean: Regardless of success or failure, prosperity or struggle, one must remain steady and serene.
• Moth: One must not fall prey to the allurement of sense objects, of which attraction to the opposite sex is foremost.
• Honeybee: One must guard against greed and over-consumption, only accepting what is required for his daily maintenance.
• Elephant: One should carefully avoid exploiting and enjoying the opposite sex, lest they create more complexities for themselves.
• Honey Thief: If one acquires wealth and greedily stores it, he will inevitably be plundered.
• Deer: Saintly renunciates should avoid mundane entertainment in the form of singing, dance or music.
• Fish: Failing to control the urges of the tongue will likely cause one’s spiritual downfall.
• Pingala: Having unsuccessfully tried to enjoy the material world, one should develop detachment from the illusory pursuits of material family, friendship and love.
• Kurara Bird: By renouncing attachment and possessiveness, one experiences spiritual happiness.
• Child: One who gives up concerns of home, children and reputation can wander freely without any anxiety.
• Young Girl and Bracelets: When people live communally there is inevitably conflict, disagreement and frivolous conversation.
• Arrow Maker: Through yoga practice, one must steady the mind and focus it on the Supreme Lord without deviation.
• Snake: One should avoid making complicated practical arrangements, and rather accept a simple lifestyle for maintenance of the body.
• Spider: The Lord utilises His energies to create the cosmic manifestation, which eventually reenters within Himself again.
• Wasp: Whatever one constantly meditates on, that he will surely become.
Previous U - Uddhava-gita (7-29) Next Entanglement, Liberation and Pure Love
Last updated 1 year ago
Understanding Material Nature
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Understanding Material Nature
Chapter 22, 24, 25
Material nature ( prakrti ), which is constituted of different material elements, is impregnated by the glance of the Supreme ( purusa ). These material elements are analysed and quantified by different philosophers in different ways, since various elements evolve from each other and are closely related.
When the living entity harbours material desires, he becomes entangled in the cycle of samsara , entering various gross bodies according to the different modes of material nature. The mind accompanies the soul through its material sojourn. A wise person disassociates himself from material nature, which is full of frustration, and thus remains on the safe, spiritual platform. The Avanti brahmana is a prime example (narrated in next section).
Sankhya philosophy delineates the evolution of various material elements. After they are manifested, secondary creation is overseen by Brahma, who is born upon a lotus stem. Various planetary realms are created for living entities possessing different karmic configurations. The philosophy of sankhya is ultimately aimed at helping one develop a sense of detachment, seeing that material nature is real, but temporary. All elements eventually merge back into each other, and then ultimately into the body of the Lord.
The modes of nature, each with their unique characteristics, pervade every aspect of the material reality. When a particular mode defeats the others, there are clear, observable symptoms. Krishna goes on to describe the activities, knowledge, environment, approach to work, faith, food, happiness and final destination of those in different modes. The ultimate way to transcend such material influence is through the practice of devotional service.
Previous Knowledge to Bhakti Next Avanti Brahmana and Bhiksu-Gita
Last updated 2 years ago
Varnasrama
U - Uddhava-gita (7-29)
Varnasrama
Chapter 17, 18
Satya-yuga was populated with one class of spotless individuals, known as hamsa , but after the cosmic cycle entered Treta-yuga, the system of Varnasrama was introduced. Each division of occupation ( varna ) and order of life ( asrama ) has its unique role and responsibility, and specific character traits which identify it. In summary, Krishna concluded: “The main religious duties of a sannyasi are equanimity and nonviolence, whereas for the vanaprastha austerity and philosophical understanding of the difference between the body and soul are prominent. The main duties of a householder are to give shelter to all living entities and perform sacrifices, and the brahmacari is mainly engaged in serving the spiritual master.”
Beyond all such divisions is the paramahamsa , who has purified the heart and is intimately connected with the Lord.
Previous Topmost Yoga System Next Knowledge to Bhakti
Last updated 1 year ago
— S.B. Keshava Swami, Book Bhagavata