The seventh 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 on Chapter 2:49 Swamiji discusses Self-surrender, and the tangles of the mind preventing this. He also talks about the sequence of obstacles which leads to a spiritual downfall.

For those wishing to make a deeper study of the Gita, Swamiji's commentary on the Gita, "The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life" can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732526605

Here is a summary of This commentary beginning with Gita verse 2: 50

• The Concept of Self-Surrender: Swami Nirmalananda explains how self-surrender frees one from duality and attachment.
• Union with Brahman: Krishna speaks of uniting with Brahman through calm and non-attachment.
• Action and Non-Attachment: Stressing performing actions without attachment to avoid creating binding karma and to achieve enlightenment.
• Intellectual Clarity: Conflicting scriptural interpretations can confuse, but true wisdom clarifies.
• Meditation for Self-Realization: Constant spiritual practice is the means of experiencing one's true self.
• Identifying an Enlightened Being: Arjuna asks for signs of one united with Brahman; Krishna describes inner and outer characteristics.
• Attributes of Enlightenment: Krishna discusses traits like inner bliss, no fear or anger, as indicators of enlightenment.
• Desire and Enlightenment: True enlightenment involves leaving desires behind, not just avoiding them.
• Mind's Challenges: Swamiji talks about the mind's tendency to stray from spiritual paths.
• Sensory and Mental Control: It is important to controlling senses to prevent attachment and addiction.
• Emotional Reactions: Thwarted desires lead to anger and confusion, disrupting wisdom.