What's your relationship status????

Read the final chapters (6/7/8) of The Perfection of Yoga considering these points....

• Why is Krishna referred to as Bhagavan? What does this name mean?
• Prabhupada uses the example of Visvamritra Muni when discussing Yoga, what does this illustrate?
• Think about the ups and downs our own devotional life has taken and reflect on how we dealt with them, what has hind-sight taught us about those times?
• The Absolute Truth is realised in what 3 stages?
• What is our personal relationship with Krishna, What does the word 'relationship' mean to you. How are relationships maintained and how does this relate to our role as 'servant'.

The final paragraph of this fantastic book is definitely worth reading and re-reading so I'll write it again here for contemplation. 

'Krsna consciousness is the last link in the yogic chain, the link that binds us to the Supreme Person, Lord Sri Krsna. Without this final link, the chain is practically useless. Those who are truly interested in the perfection of the yoga process should immediately take to Krsna consciousness by chanting Hare Krsna, understanding Bhagavad-gita, and rendering service to Krsna through this society for Krsna consciousness and thereby surpass all other systems and attain the ultimate goal of all yoga - love of Krsna.'

A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Perfection of Yoga, 1972.

What type of Yogi am I?

Please read chapters Four and Five of The Perfection of Yoga. Consider these points before during and after reading.

• What outlines does Krishna give for disciplining the body?
• How does one control the mind? What is 'samadhi'?
• Is it possible to become free from desire? How should a devotee approach this?
• What is the real meaning of 'Rama' when chanted in the Maha Mantra?
• Association - reflect on your own life, think about all those whom you mix/socialise/work most with, how do they make you feel? Why is association with devotees important? What is the role of Guru in one's life?
• What are jnana and vijnana? How do we address these in life, How much time do we spend on each and how does it relate to sadhana?

Always try to reflect on your own spiritual life after the reading. Please feel free to write realisations, discussion points and quotes both here and on the BBG facebook page.

Welcome!

The first book on our list this year is 'The Perfection of Yoga' By A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Please read chapters 1-3 Yoga as Rejected by Arjuna, Yoga as Work in Devotion, Yoga as Meditation on Krsna.
Whilst reading please consider these points...

• Why does Arjuna refer to Krishna as Madhusudana?
• What was Arjuna's qualification to hear the Bhagavad Gita?
• What are the 3 types of yoga as mentioned in chapter 2?
• What are the 9 processes of the Bhakti Yoga system? - How can we apply these to our lives?
• What have we understood from these chapters?  

Please post comments, realisations and discussion points on both the blog and facebook page.

Hare Krishna

BBG