Gita Study Group

Verses to honour Pope Francis

As we approach a new term, and as Spring is being seen a felt around us, I am reminded that Krishna says that he is the flower baring spring. This makes the joy of seeing a bluebell’s bud open, or noticing the scent of Verbena a meditation on the Supreme. Each wonderful thing being a spark of his splendour. Lovely thoughts.

However, the verses I thought we could begin the term considering are from the second chapter of the Gita. I choose them in honour and celebration of the life of the late Pope Francis. He was a sincere and humble man of God, and I think we can see his dedication to a spiritual life reflected in how he restrained and retrained himself, as these verses suggest for us all. They also graphically illustrate how easily we fall short of our ideals, further illustrating the committent of Pope Francis.

Chapter 2, verses 59-63

Verse 59
Though the embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness.

Verse 60
The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavouring to control them.

Verse 61
One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.

Verse 62
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.

Verse 63
From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool.

Our next Bhagavad-gita Study Group meets on Tuesday, 29th of April, 5-6pm. We will host hybrid sessions, both in person, at the OCHS, 13-15 Magdalen Street, OX1 3AE, and also online at:

Email secretary@ochs.org.uk to get on the Gita Study Group mailing list and receive a Zoom link.

I look forward to seeing you.

Warm regards,
Shaunaka