Namaste Swamiji and guru bandhus,

We began this series on the Chapter 17 with the analysis of the disposition of the mind with the gunas of satva rajas and tamas. This mind can be our friend or our enemy, an obstacle to our natural state of happiness. May we understand that I am the cause of my happiness as well as the cause of my sorrow, and that being unhappy is not my true nature, and in fact makes me uncomfortable.

With the help of the GPS Gita Positioning system, may we be firm in our shradhha in the teaching of Lord Krishna knowing full well that they are for my benefit alone. We must consciously choose that which is right and not that which is convenient by exercising our free will as human beings in every situation. Our convictions, our shaddha are reflected in our mind, thoughts and actions. These tendencies arise naturally based on the karma phalas of previous janmas but we can be vigilant and view them objectively to see if they reflect the satvic, rajasic or tamasic tendencies in our mind. The goal of this transformation is to make our mind more and more satvic, to neutralize the rajasic and tamasic tendencies with pratipaksha bhavana. The more satvic the mind, the more sensitive is the mind, the more sensitive the mind the more comfortable the mind is with the Self, thus able to revel in the abiding sense of happiness and freedom which is my true nature.When atma gyanam is taught to such a satvic mind, the knowledge is assimilated without any doubt.

If our choices of food that we consume not just through the mouth but through all our senses are satvic, our mind becomes more satvic , so we must strive to change our food habits from tamasic and rajasic to satvic foods, because the food that we consume is like a yagna, an offering to the Lord who resides within us as the digestive fire.

May we have the attitude of contribution in all our yagnas, our offerings to society and in turn to the Lord. May I strive to be a contributor rather than a consumer by using only what I need and not wasting any resources thus practicing the value of ahimsa. May our satvic tapas include self-restraint and service to all our gurus with respect and reverence. Swamiji with your teaching and grace may we strive to be like the transformed person with a satvic mind, ready for the teaching to be assimilated, one who maintains equanimity and poise and does not give in to elation or despair.

That being our goal, we must pursue this knowledge with shraddha, emulating the role models such as Rama, Krishna, and Mahatmas such as you, inspired by values and convictions, living a noble, simple life with kindness and compassion for all. Swamiji we pray that we remain worthy of your teaching and we look forward to our visit with you next year.

Zarina Kaji