The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering

Embracing the Blissful Journey: The Ever-Relevant Gita – A Present-Day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada

Now available in various online store fronts, such as: Amazon InternationalINDEUKAUNLCAFRESPLITBRMX

*The paperback version is not available on Amazon India.

Part 1: Preface and Introduction + Chapters 1-6

The preface and introduction lay the foundation for your exploration. Don't be tempted to skip these initial chapters; they are the compass guiding you through the intricate terrain of the Gita's philosophy. Understand the core teachings, and you'll find yourself motivated to delve deeper, perhaps into the rich Bhashyams or commentaries of Shri Adi Shankara and other great teachers.

Part 2: Chapters 7-12

As you progress through these chapters, absorb the profound insights that unfold. The clarity of understanding achieved in the earlier sections becomes the stepping stone for an even more profound comprehension of Krishna's teachings.

Part 3: Chapters 13-18 + Outro

The culmination of your journey awaits in the final chapters. The outro ties the threads together, offering a comprehensive view of the Gita's timeless wisdom. This concluding section is not to be missed; it holds the key to empowerment and self-confidence.

Namaste Seekers,

Embark on a profound journey into the timeless wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita with ‘The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada.’ Below, I’ll elucidate the profound significance of this work and its potential to illuminate the path to self-realisation.

In a fast-paced world fraught with complexities, the solace found in ancient wisdom often remains unexplored. 'The Ever-Relevant Gita – A Present-day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada’ endeavours to bridge this gap, bringing forth the profound teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to everyone, irrespective of age, background, or familiarity with ancient scriptures.

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

The main challenge involves dispelling misconceptions that surround the Srimad Bhagavad Gita—misconceptions about its perceived depth, religious connotations, and its relevance limited to the elderly or devout individuals. In this modern interpretation, we untangle myths and present timeless wisdom in a manner that aligns with the sensibilities of the contemporary mind.

A Unique Approach: Audio, Video, and E-book Formats

Understanding the daunting nature of lengthy translations, a unique approach has been taken by creating easily digestible audio recordings of each chapter. These recordings allow listeners to absorb the essence of the Gita at their own pace, breaking down barriers that often deter individuals from exploring this ageless scripture.

Beyond presentation, this initiative is a call to embark on a blissful journey of self-discovery. In my life, which has been shaped by numerous challenges and life-altering situations, the importance of a well-trained instinct and a balanced mindset has become crystal clear to me. A clear understanding of the fundamental principles of the teachings in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita certainly plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes, cultivating fearlessness, and fostering rational thinking during critical moments.

Practical Insights for Daily Application

The true power of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita lies in its application in everyday life. The focus is not merely on delivering a rendition or chanting Shlokas, but on providing practical insights that enable individuals to apply these teachings in their daily lives, leading to a more fulfilling and blissful existence.

In essence, the mission is to make the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita easily accessible, relatable, and applicable to everyone, fostering a deeper understanding of life's intricacies. Join me on this enlightening journey, and let's journey through the supreme scripture together.

Those who would like a promo code for a free download of the Audiobook version of the ‘The Ever-Relevant Gita – A Present-Day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada’ may email their request to tavamithramoffice@gmail.com

Jai Shri Krishna

Krishna Jayanti – Janmashtami: Celebrating the Unborn and Eternal

Krishna Jayanti, or Janmashtami, marks the celebrated ‘birth’ of Bhagavan Shri Krishna, an event cherished across the globe. But how does this celebration reconcile with Krishna’s own words in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, where he declares that He was never born, nor will He ever die?

Consider this profound Shloka:

नत्वेवाहं जातु नासं
न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः |
न चैव न भविष्यामः
सर्वे वयमतः परम् || २ १२ ||

na tvevaaham jaatu naasam
na tvam neme janaadhi-paaha
na chaiva na bhavishyaa-maha
sarve vayam-ataha param

SBG 2:12

“There never was a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings. We will also never cease to exist.”

In this Shloka, Krishna emphasises the eternal nature of the Atman. The physical birth and death that we observe are but mere transitions in the infinite existence of the SELF. Krishna, as the Supreme Being, transcends these limitations of time and space.

Arjuna, puzzled by this concept, continues with his questions and, in Chapter 4, asks Krishna as follows:

अर्जुन उवाच |
अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः |
कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति || ४ ४ ||

arjuna uvaacha
aparam bhavatho janma
param janma vivasvathaha
katham-etha-dhvijaa-niiyaam
tva-maadhau proktavaa-nithi

SBG 4:04

Arjuna said: “Your birth was after the birth of Vivasvaan. How should I understand when You say that You taught this Yoga to him?”

To this, Krishna responds, illuminating the mystery of His divine nature:

श्रीभगवानुवाच |
बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन |
तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परंतप || ४ ५ ||

sri bhagavan uvaacha
bahuuni me vyatii-taani
janmaani tava-chaarjuna
taan-yaham veda sarvaaNi
na tvam vettha parantapa

SBG 4:05

Sri Krishna said: “Many births of mine as well as yours have passed. I know all of them, but you don’t, O Parantapa (Arjuna – destroyer of enemies).”

Here, Krishna acknowledges the cyclical nature of birth and rebirth, highlighting that while He is aware of all His incarnations, Arjuna remains unaware.

Krishna then reveals the ultimate truth of His existence:

अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा
भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन् |
प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय
संभवाम्यात्ममायया || ४ ६ ||

ajo ‘pi san-navya-yaathma
bhuuthaanaa-miishvaro ‘pi san
prakrthim svaa-madhisht-haaya
sambhavaa-myaathma-maayayaa

SBG 4:06

“Though I am unborn and imperishable, and although I am the Bhagavan of all beings, I do incarnate by my own Maya or My Divine Energy.”

Krishna’s ‘birth’ is not conventional; it is a divine descent, an incarnation born of His own will and energy, symbolising the emergence of pure intellect after dispelling layers and layers of ignorance. Krishna Jayanti, while celebrating His appearance, also invites us to reflect on the deeper spiritual truths He embodies.

In this short video I’ve created, I delve into the essence of Krishna Janmashtami and how embracing these teachings can transform your life and lead to enduring bliss:
At the end of the short video, I have translated Shloka SBG 2:12 into six Indian languages apart from English.

It is crucial to remember that taking scriptural texts literally can lead one astray from the true path of Self-Realisation, potentially fostering rigid belief systems or cult-like thinking. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom—absorb its philosophy, and use it to cultivate a life of fulfilment and spiritual growth.

A ‘disclaimer’ from Srimad Bhagavatam (not Srimad Bhagavad Gita)

Canto 12, Chapter 3, Shloka 14
Shloka 12:3:14 Srimad Bhagavatam

कथा इमास्ते कथिता महीयसां
विताय लोकेषु यशः परेयुषाम् ।
विज्ञानवैराग्यविवक्षया विभो
वचोविभूतीर्न तु पारमार्थ्यम् ॥ १२.३.१४॥

kathaa imaaste kathita mahiiyasaam
vitaaya lokeshu yashah pareyushaam
vignyaana-vairaagya-vivakshayaa vibho
vachovibhootiirna tu paaramaartham

Shukadeva Gosvami spoke: O mighty King Parikshith, I have shared with you the accounts of these illustrious kings, whose fame and great deeds echoed worldwide before their departure. However, my fundamental intention has always been to impart the wisdom of the transcendental and the path of renunciation. Although the stories of kings embellish these narratives with grandeur and opulence, they, in and of themselves, do not represent the ultimate essence of knowledge.

Feel free to explore the resources I offer to sincere seekers on this journey.
Srimad Bhagavad Gita Resources

Jai Shri Krishna

Amritabindu Upanishad on Substack

The MIND – Man’s Greatest Tool

*SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK – IT’S FREE*

Learning to use the MIND as a Churning Stick to realise your TRUE DIVINE SELF!

The Amritabindu Upanishad, part of the Krishna Yajur Veda, is a concise and powerful text for true seekers of spiritual wisdom. CONTINUE ON SUBSTACK
 

 

Treat Insults and Setbacks as ‘ROCKET FUEL’

Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!


The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

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The Greatest Gift to Yourself for 2024 and the Future

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Anger – your greatest ally?

Harness Your Rage and Redefine Your Reality

TheTriple ‘Z’ 

What if I told you that anger isn’t something to be feared or suppressed, but rather a powerful force that, when harnessed wisely, can drive incredible change in your life?

Well, some people are happy with their lives, not so happy, sad, or even sick of their lives. If everything is going well, and you are happy, just continue doing what you are doing and living the way you are. I don’t propagate the ideas of ‘good and bad’ or ‘right and wrong,’ which I consider dogmatic. Common sense alone tells us that something is good and right if it makes us happy and in no way harms our health, surroundings, nature, or others.

However, many are unhappy, dissatisfied, depressed, weak, or scared and would like to change their lives for the better. For those who genuinely want to make changes, however big or small, here are some steps you might want to follow:

  1. Identifying the Problems

Write down what you don’t like about your current situation, whether it’s your appearance, living circumstances, work, mindset, or any other area of your life. Be as specific as possible. I have given some easy and practical hacks in my video titled ‘Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!’

  1. Setting Clear Goals

Next, think about what you want to achieve. What does your ideal self look like? How do you want to feel or think differently? Write down these goals so that you have a clear target to aim for. Be absolutely specific and describe your ideal self in detail.

  1. Execution

Once you’ve identified your problems and set your goals, begin outlining the steps or strategies needed to achieve them. This might involve altering your habits, seeking guidance, or acquiring new skills. Concentrate on taking small, manageable actions that will steadily progress you towards your objectives.

By breaking it down into these steps, you’ll have a clearer path to follow, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated along the way.

Sitting alone, fretting, fuming, or complaining will only lead to self-pity, and that will ensure that your life stays exactly the way it is now, if not worse.

A Personal Story of Transformation

Thirty years ago, during a 48-hour self-imposed retreat, I conceived and meticulously crafted ‘Project KR’, where I defined and redefined exactly how I wanted my life to unfold.

Almost everything I described in Project KR has been happening so far. This includes the realisation of far-fetched aims, such as meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, and many other things that would have seemed impossible at that time.

I must emphasise that the goals and strategies I outlined in my playbook, which I boldly committed to nearly 30 years ago – defying all conventional thought processes and career planning – have not only materialised but have done so with astonishing precision, even in the finer details. Keep in mind, Rhonda Byrne’s ‘The Secret’ hadn’t even been written back then!

Likely Source of My Determination

My determination likely stemmed from the intense anger I harboured due to the wrongs inflicted upon me by others, which I now recognise as a result of my own naïveté or even foolishness. It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and my ‘necessity,’ or rather my overwhelming drive to transform my life, was so powerful that I was able to create possibilities out of seemingly nothing.

The Triple ‘Z’: Zeal, Zest, and Zing

Around the time I embarked on my 48-hour self-reflection, I was teaching French at several management colleges. I closely observed the mindsets of my students, aged 18 to 20. Among them, only a few exhibited a profound, intense drive to set ambitious goals, achieve them, and pursue a more fulfilling life. This further reinforced my belief that not everyone possesses a high level of drive. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it can result in either a lacklustre future or a life devoid of Zeal, Zest, and Zing – qualities I was highly driven to attain and live my life to the fullest, which I had almost lost in some major accidents earlier.

In the biographies of many great individuals I’ve read, one common thread stands out: they never blamed others for their circumstances. Instead, they took full responsibility, charted their own paths, and forged ahead with determination.

Final Thoughts:

Some people write to me saying that they want to improve their lives, looks, happiness, relationships, etc., but are unable to achieve them.

My question to them is, “Who is stopping you?”

Treat Insults and Setbacks as ‘ROCKET FUEL’

Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!


The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

Nonduality #Vedanta #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Spirituality #TruthSeeker”

Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!

Break Free from Fate and Change Your Life Instantly

Karma Hacks

The concept of karma, often misunderstood or shrouded in superstition, is essentially about the patterns and outcomes in our lives that are heavily influenced by our own attitudes, actions, and reactions. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how Karma functions and impacts our lives and even those of our descendants:


The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

FREE PROMO CODES: LIMITED OFFER

The Greatest Gift to Yourself for 2024 and the Future

Nonduality #Vedanta #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Spirituality #TruthSeeker”

Chasing Shadows: The Myth of Falling in Love Twice

Loving the ‘Ghosts’ of the Past

The Illusions of Rekindled Love

To rekindle love with the same person is to engage not with the individual afresh but with the echoes of memories. This profound realisation speaks to the heart’s intrinsic tendency to seek comfort in the familiar, often failing to distinguish between past and present.

When you attempt to fall in love a second time with the same person, it is not the person themselves that you are drawn to, but rather the nostalgic recollections of who they once were in your life. The heart, in its yearning, seeks not the present reality but the cherished illusions of the past. This longing is similar to chasing a mirage, where the closer you believe you are to reclaiming that love, the further you drift from the truth of the now.

mirage 02

Memories hold a powerful sway over us. They encapsulate moments of joy, connection, and intimacy, making them seem far more vibrant than the reality might have been. Everyone changes in life. Their looks, likes, dislikes, attitudes, expectations from others, and overall philosophy of life keep changing. When a person endeavours to rediscover a lost love, the truth is that they are not engaging with the person as they are in the present moment, with all their growth, changes, and complexities. Instead, they entwine themselves with the shadows of what once was, rather than the essence of what is.

This pursuit is fraught with peril. It sets us on a path where the idealised past overshadows the potential of the present. The beauty of memory lies in its ability to preserve moments, yet its danger resides in its capacity to imprison us within them. By constantly looking backwards, we risk missing the opportunities for genuine connection and growth that exist in the present.

To truly understand the nature of love is to recognise its fluidity. Love is not a static entity that can be perfectly recaptured once lost; it is an evolving force that thrives in the present moment. Embracing this perspective allows us to honour our memories, all of which are learning experiences, without becoming enslaved by them, and opening ourselves to the possibility of new experiences and deeper connections.

In the end, the quest to fall in love again with the same person teaches us a poignant lesson: the past, with all its beauty and pain, should be cherished but not clung to. The essence of true love lies in its ability to adapt, to grow, and to find beauty in the present, rather than in the shadows of what once was.


The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

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The Greatest Gift to Yourself

LAUNCHED: Vegan Guardian

Transform Your Life with Plant-Based Living

Ready to Ditch the Rut and Reignite Your Life? Or do you still want to continue your same old boring life?

Let’s face it, life can get stagnant. We all get stuck in routines, feeling sluggish and uninspired. But what if I told you there’s a way to break free, reclaim your energy, and become a force of nature – just like me? 

Dedication and Discipline

(McFit is the name of the gym in Germany where I train.)

Nearly 60, and I can still outwork most youngsters at the gym! I bench press 100 Kg. My secret? It’s not some magic potion (although delicious smoothies come close!). It’s attitude and a powerful lifestyle I call Vegan Guardian.

Intrigued? You should be! Vegan Guardian isn’t your typical vegan blog. It’s about transforming yourself from the inside out.

It’s about:

  • Unleashing Plant-Based Power: Ditch the animal products and discover a new level of vibrant health.
  • Awakening Your Inner Beast: Get moving! Because exercise is your body’s natural fountain of youth.
  • Realising Universal Oneness: Discover the peace and clarity of Vedanta philosophy.

For ten years, I’ve shared my experiences on this blog. But sometimes, inspiration needs a little nudge. That’s why I’m launching a brand-new project: Vegan Guardian!

This dedicated space is all about empowering YOU to take control of your life. It’s about feeling amazing, having boundless energy, and living life to the fullest.

Inspired by my incredible dad, a beacon of joy, and the wisdom of an ancient Tamil poet sage called Tirumoolar, who said in Tamil: “யாம் (யான்) பெற்ற இன்பம் பெறுக இவ்வையகம்” “yaam (yaan) pettra inbam peruga ivvayagam” May the Ultimate bliss received by me, be received by everyone.” What a generous statement!

Ultimate bliss isn’t some far-off dream. It’s a state of profound well-being that’s closer than you think. All you need is the will to make it yours! YEP! That is the ONLY REQUIREMENT.

Ready to embark on this exciting adventure? Head to my (OUR) new blog, Vegan Guardian, and unleash the vibrant, healthy, youthful, strong, and powerful you!

Get ready to ditch the limitations and redefine what it means to truly live.

I’ll be sharing AWESOME VEGAN RECIPES, killer workout routines, and deep dives into each pillar of the Vegan Guardian Lifestyle.

Can there be anyone who does not want to look and feel youthful and possess excellent and robust health?

Take a moment to reflect: Is it right to put dead animals or animal secretions into your mouth?

Are you ready to awaken the Vegan Guardian within? Let’s go!

Continue reading “LAUNCHED: Vegan Guardian”

The Silent Observer

Quest for Inner Peace

Discover the Hidden Power Within: “The Silent Observer” Unveils Your Boundless Consciousness

Have you ever felt there’s more to life than meets the eye? A deeper truth that lies beyond the daily grind and surface-level emotions? My latest video, “The Silent Observer: Unveil Your Boundless Consciousness,” invites you on a journey into the heart of your existence.

In our lives, which are filled with distractions and constant noise, finding inner peace and clarity can seem like an impossible task. But what if the key to unlocking a profound sense of calm and understanding was already within you, waiting to be discovered?

This captivating video introduces the concept of the “Silent Observer,” a hidden aspect of your consciousness that remains unaffected by external events and emotions. By tapping into this boundless awareness, you can transcend the limitations of your everyday experiences and connect with a deeper, more stable state of being.

Why You Should Watch “The Silent Observer”

  • Intriguing Insights: Uncover the mysteries of your subconscious mind and how it shapes your perceptions and emotions.
  • Spiritual Awakening: Dive into ancient wisdom that reveals the true nature of your existence.
  • Empowerment: Learn simple yet profound techniques to gain mastery over your mind and emotions.

What Awaits You

Prepare to embark on a journey that challenges your understanding of reality and opens the door to a new way of perceiving the world. This video will leave you pondering deep questions and eager to explore the vast potential of your own consciousness.

Join the Journey

This isn’t just another video; it’s an invitation to transform your life. As you watch, you’ll begin to see glimpses of a deeper truth that can bring lasting peace and fulfillment. Are you ready to unveil your boundless consciousness and connect with the Silent Observer within?

Watch the video now and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.


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The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

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The Greatest Gift to Yourself

Nonduality #Vedanta #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Spirituality #TruthSeeker”

Holy Cow! Echoes of Despair

The Silent Cry of Bovine Suffering

The Unspoken Suffering: A Wake-Up Call for Compassionate Living

The daily rush drowns out a different kind of sound: the quiet cries of pain. Bovine animals, those once majestic creatures who grazed peacefully in our fields and fed our families, now endure a hidden world of suffering. We rush past it, oblivious to the silent desperation in their eyes, and to the echoes of their cries that go unnoticed in the corridors of human indifference.

For centuries, cows and their kin have been steadfast companions to humanity, serving not only as a source of nourishment but also, in a nation like Bharat or modern-day India, as symbols of reverence in pastoral cultures. However, right since the beginning of the 20th century, the landscape has shifted, and with it, the treatment of these gentle giants has taken a grim turn.

In the relentless pursuit of productivity, international milk industries have reduced cows to mere commodities, neglecting their intrinsic worth and relegating them to the confines of profit margins. The consequence? Once these noble creatures cease to produce milk, they are callously abandoned, left to wander the unforgiving Indian streets in search of sustenance. 

Whitewashing all the horrible things done to cows in the name of religious traditions is an even greater crime against nature. Where in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita does Krishna ask a devotee to pour milk on His ‘vigrahas’?

Picture the heartbreaking sight of aged cows, once cherished, now forced to scavenge for scraps, their proud stature diminished by neglect and apathy. It’s a stark reminder of our collective failure to uphold the values of compassion and empathy that lie at the core of our humanity. Many Indians accord cows the status of a mother because they ‘give’ milk. Would these same people send their own mothers to the streets to find food? Why is there such hypocrisy when it comes to bovine animals? Humans steal baby cow food and claim that the cow ‘gave’ them her milk? When did a cow ever ring the doorbell of a farmer and offer her milk for human consumption?! 

I personally use the term ‘white blood’ for mammary milk. You might want to Google the question, ‘Why is milk white?’

But there is hope, flickering like a candle in the darkness of indifference. Each of us holds the power to make a difference, however small, in the lives of these sentient beings. By choosing to embrace compassion and extend a helping hand to those in need, we can rewrite the narrative of suffering and create a world where kindness reigns supreme.

To those who champion vegetarianism as a symbol of purity and ethical living, I urge you to confront the uncomfortable truth: your consumption habits, albeit plant-based, still greatly contribute to the suffering of bovine animals. Watch the short video linked below to gain a deeper understanding of how your choices resonate far beyond your plates.

While this post focuses on the exploitation of bovine animals, it serves as a call to awaken compassion in the hearts of people for all living beings. Every living being has the right to live its full natural life.

When humans consume meat, dairy, or any other animal product, it is merely one drink, snack, or meal for them, but for the poor, voiceless animals, it is their whole life.

Being vegetarian alone does not absolve the consumer of being a part of the system of mass animal torture and slaughter. Going 100% Vegan is the only way and the highest stage in the process of human dietary evolution.

Let us not turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow beings. Let us stand united in our commitment to uphold the rights of all creatures, great and small. For in our collective compassion lies the promise of a brighter, more humane future for future generations.

NO! Meat and other animal products are not necessary for a healthy, disease-free, peaceful, and happy life. Research for yourself if you so wish, try, yes, at least try to emerge out of the cognitive dissonance that shrouds the intellect of masses, and leads them towards unimaginable diseases.

Watch the heart-rending short video below, as well as the other videos I have shared on this post, and take a step towards compassionate living. Together, we can make a difference.

Visit TVM Vegan to watch more informative videos on the subject.

If you care for your own health and that of your loved ones, please don’t miss the film ‘What the Health?’

‘Ma Ka Doodh’/’Mother’s Milk’: Rethinking the Milk Myth and Cultural Beliefs