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Gurupoornima Retreat - 2024 - Discourse based on Bhagavad Gita followed by Q/A.

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In this inaugural session of Retreat, Poojya Swamiji presented the backdrop of the Mahabharatha war, focusing on the pivotal interaction between the blind king Dhritarashtra and his trusted aide, Sanjaya. Prior to the war's commencement, Vyasadeva bestowed upon Sanjaya divine sight, enabling him to move unseen on the battlefield and observe all that unfolded in the war camps. On the 10th day, following the fall of the great grandfather Bheeshma, Sanjaya rushed to inform the king.

Dhritarashtra, grappling with disbelief at the fall of the seemingly invincible hero, sought insights into the ethical principles guiding the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna, who executed such actions without hesitation. Sanjaya then began narrating the sequence of events.

Kurukshetra was a field of austerity and purity, where the ancient Kuru had done his penance. It held its sway over both Duryodhana and Arjuna, descendants of the ancient Kuru lineage. Despite commanding a formidable army, Duryodhana was plagued by fear and uncertainty. Conversely, Arjuna approached the war with the intention of achieving unprecedented victory, yet when Krishna positioned their chariot before Bheeshma and Drona, Arjuna faltered.

Overwhelmed by compassion, Arjuna laid down his weapons and declared his refusal to fight. Though possessed of immense physical prowess and sharp intellect, Arjuna lacked understanding of the Soul. He began lamenting the potential consequences of war—an unprecedented moment. Krishna was secretly looking forward to such an oppurtunity to enlighten his friend Arjuna about the immortal Self. He spoke to Arjuna smilingly offering guidance.

Krishna pointed out that true courage and strength for anyone arise from understanding the Self. The entirety of the Bhagavad Gita is aimed at alleviating Arjuna's grief, doubt, delusion, and ignorance — universal challenges of the human mind. Krishna proceeded to expound upon the eternal, immortal, and imperishable nature of the Self, emphasizing that human life is meant for transcending grief through wisdom and introspection.

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Narayanashrama Tapovanam, an Ashram located in Thrissur, Kerala, embodies the unique tradition of Guru-shishya Parampara, disseminating Brahmavidya (Science of Self-knowledge) through regular classes, satsangs, and above all, through learning in the association of a realized spiritual master.