Shreeguru Dr. Balaji Tambe has worked extensively on the Shreemad Bhagawad Geeta, producing an exhaustive commentary on Lord Shri Krishna’s message for mankind. Peacock Feathers is an ongoing series of 18 books on the Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta, one book for each chapter. In this issue of the Echo we highlight Book Two – Yoga of Knowledge and Logic.
This book has been translated from the original in Marathi called Shree Geeta Yog – Shodh Brahmavidyecha. Both language versions are available on santulan.in at the links given below. An introduction to the contents is available in the note below, reproduced from the cover of the book.
Note From the Book Cover
The peacock is associated with Goddess Saraswati who represents Knowledge. It has unique and vibrant feathers that signify the Cosmic Eye. It is a creature of high evolution. Its call is the reference for the base note in Indian music – Sa – which represents the Sun. Its feathers, affixed in any cap, carry the splendor of a crown, and thus Shri Krishna acquired it as His symbol.
One Truth – Tat Twam Asi (You Are That) – is expressed in a thousand different ways in the Vedas. Shri Krishna has distilled those expressions in the Geeta. Every verse, like the peacock’s plume, mirrors the Sun’s inspiring rays – the distribution of energy from a single source to countless receivers. Therefore, this journey to understand the Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta has been called Peacock Feathers.
BOOK TWO – YOGA OF KNOWLEDGE AND LOGIC – SAANKHYA
The most difficult obstacles to taking clear decisions are emotional relationships. Arjuna had to take the decision to fight his brothers, uncles and teachers. In this chapter of the Geeta, Shri Krishna explains the immortality of the soul – the individual program. The death of the body, and the soul’s acquisition of another one, is compared to changing old clothes for new ones. That which has been born will surely die. However, if one decides to fight against exploiters for the Natural Way of Life to be established in the interest of mankind, one should not be worried about death. From this chapter, we learn how to take decisions without any risk of repentance as a result. For this, one learns how to enjoy every action.
Book Two, the Yoga of Knowledge and Logic – Saankhya, explains these concepts so that they may be brought into practical life. After the above guidance, action becomes inevitable.