The eighty-third in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, beginning with Chapter 18:01, Swamiji discusses what is meant by renunciation, and the difference between Sannyasa and Tyaga.

Main Topics:

• Arjuna asks Krishna to explain the subtle distinction between sannyasa (renunciation) and tyaga (relinquishment).

• Sannyasa: Giving up actions motivated by desire.

• Tyaga: Renouncing attachment to the fruits of action—even obligatory action is performed, but without desire for results.

• Renunciation does not mean inaction; rather, it’s a conscious withdrawal of ego, attachment, and obsession with outcomes.

• Some duties—like sacrifice, charity, and austerity—must never be renounced, as they purify the heart when done without attachment.

• Krishna warns against tamasic renunciation, such as abandoning responsibilities out of delusion or escapism (e.g., abandoning family duties under the guise of spiritual life).

• True renunciation must be sattwic: wise, intelligent, detached, self-controlled, and dharmic.

• Even unpleasant tasks are accepted calmly; even enjoyable ones are not clung to.

• Real renunciation lies in performing one’s duties skillfully and selflessly, without self-seeking or avoidance.

Key Takeaway:

Real liberation comes not from dropping out, but from dropping the ego.

The eighty-second in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, continuing with Chapter 17:20 to the end of the chapter, Swamiji discusses the threefold kinds of giving, according to the gunas, and the meaning of OM TAT SAT.

Gita Talk #82: Om Tat Sat — Summary

Context: Chapter 17 concludes with Krishna’s explanation of how intention, quality, and sacred vibration affect spiritual acts like sacrifice, giving, and self-discipline.

• True Giving (Dana):

• Should be done with the thought “It is right to give” — without expectation of return or karmic benefit.
• Must be directed toward worthy recipients in a proper place and time.
• Giving out of duty, love, or reverence brings real spiritual merit.

• Improper Giving:

• Given with desire for reward, recognition, or social status = rajasic.
• Given reluctantly or inappropriately = tamasic.
• Even charity done without respect, or with disdain, is spiritually harmful.

• The Sacred Formula: Om Tat Sat:

• Om: The primal sound, cosmic vibration, seed of creation.
• Tat: “That” — denoting selfless action beyond ego or ownership.
• Sat: The Real, the Good, the True — also referring to dharmic action and righteous behavior.
• This threefold mantra signifies purity in intent, method, and purpose.

• Applications:

• All true spiritual actions — sacrifice, austerity, gift — are to begin with Om, offered in the spirit of Tat, and established in Sat.
• Shraddha (faith) is vital: not blind belief, but a deep certainty born of understanding and experience.
• Without faith, such actions are “asat” — unreal, ineffective both here and hereafter.

• Final Thought:

• Om Tat Sat is both the formula and the inner attitude of the seeker walking the path of liberation.

Swamiji concludes with anticipation for the final chapter — the grand summary of the Bhagavad Gita.

The eighty-first in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, continuing with Chapter 17:14, Swamiji discusses tapasya (austerity) of the body, speech and mind according to Krishna, and how to gain tranquility of mind.

In this talk on Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita, Swamiji explores the threefold nature of tapasya (austerity)—of body, speech, and mind—as expressions of spiritual discipline. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity, steadiness, and scriptural grounding in all forms of practice.

Key Points

1. Tapasya of the Body includes:

• Reverence for the gods, teachers, sages

• Physical purity and self-restraint

• Non-injury (ahimsa) and celibacy (brahmacharya)

2. Tapasya of Speech includes:

• Speaking truthfully, kindly, and beneficially

• Avoiding words that cause distress

• Teaching and speaking about the Self and Dharma

3. Tapasya of the Mind includes:

• Tranquility and kindliness

• Observing inner silence and self-control

• Mental purity through japa and meditation

The Threefold Classification

• Sattwic Tapasya: Done with sincere faith, no desire for personal reward, and steady effort

• Rajasic Tapasya: Done for prestige, honor, or admiration—unstable and short-lived

• Tamasic Tapasya: Done with self-torture, delusion, or to harm others—harmful and misguided

Swamiji recounts real-life examples of misguided austerity (including one involving a harmful cult), warning that even meditation can be misused when approached with delusion, self-loathing, or ego.

Closing Insight

True tapasya purifies the heart, aligns us with our divine Self, and must be grounded in kindness, clarity, and higher understanding. Done properly, it brings light. Done wrongly, it brings confusion or harm.