THE
BHAGAVAT GITA
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TheBhagavatGita.com
The Handbook of Spiritual Enlightenment
CHAPTER CONTENT SUMMARY
Chapter
1
Despondency in this world
(The Armies
face each other at Kuruksetra). Seeing his world at war Arjuna becomes bewildered and confused. What can
he do ?
Summary of the teachings
The experience awakens Arjuna thirsts for spiritual knowledge as a disciple, and
he begins by learning the basic distinction
between our temporary body and the eternal soul, the process of
transmigration (reincarnation), the nature of
selfless service and the signs of an enlightened person.
Those in the world must undergo activity for it underlies this world and can either bind
us or liberate us. By acting without
selfish motive one can be released from karma
(action and reaction) and attain enlightenment.
Chapter
4
Guru as means of knowledge
How to obtain spiritual knowledge of the soul,
of God, through approaching a Guru, a realised
teacher.
How to act in purity and thereby obtain spiritual bliss.
Chapter
6
Meditative Visualisation
How to control
the mind and senses through disciplined practice of meditation and attain samadhi,
absorption in bliss of the Creator.
Chapter
7
Knowledge/Wisdom of the Creator
There are many possible objects of worship but only the Creator is worthy of surrender.
Chapter
8
Reaching the Creator
Life is for remembering the Creator so that we return to Him at death.
Chapter
9
The Secret of life
The secret of life is to worship the Creator
Chapter
10
The Creator owns all
As owner of all before us the Creator is the supreme object of worship.
The Creator may be perceived only through divine vision.
Devotional activity is an attractive means of seeking the Creator.
Chapter
13
States of consciousness
Enlightnment is a state wherein one understands the levels of consciousness
in the body, the soul
and the Creator .
Chapter
14
The Three types of material form.
Living beings are under the control of three types of material nature: goodness, passion and ignorance.
Enlightenment comes when one transcends them.
The enlightened being is one with the Creator.
Chapter
16
Good and Evil Natures
Those who live regulated lives, abiding by scriptural authority,
gradually attain spiritual perfection.
Chapter
17
The three types of Faith
Enlightenment comes in stages, corresponding with the type of faith and
discipline.
Chapter
18
Conclusion -- The Path of Enlightenment
Enlightenment gives one the ultimate union with the Creator.
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