101 – God, the Indweller | Swami Tattwamayananda

10th chapter: 13th verse to 20th verse<br /><br />The central thesis of the 10th chapter is in the 20th verse. It says: “O Arjuna, I am present in the heart of all beings as the indweller– residing there I regulate and function everything. I am the beginning; I am the middle; and I am the end of all beings.”<br /><br />Based on this verse, Swami Vivekananda defined religion. “Religion is the manifestation of divinity already in man.” Body mind complex is distinct from the divine – it is an instrument for the manifestation of the divine.<br /><br />In modern times, it is more appropriate to replace religion with spirituality in Swamiji’s quote. Religion is a man-made structure comprising of a book, a place of worship, a set of rituals and an intermediary between God and man. Swamiji was defining spirituality, which is the essence of all religions, and which is the manifestation of divinity within us.<br /><br />How do we recognize spirituality in a person? When a person lives a spiritual life, it will reflect in his character. The more we live a spiritual life, the more the divinity within expresses itself.<br /><br />In the 20th verse, Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna as Gudakesha – one who is alert, has sense control and is fit for spiritual enquiry. Vedanta prescribes four-fold spiritual disciplines called sadhana chatusthaya to become fit for spiritual enquiry. The four disciplines are: (1) a proper understanding of what is real and what isn't real (2) a sincere renunciation of worldly desires (3) self-restraint and control of the senses and mind (4) a strong urge for spiritual liberation. Nitya anitya vastu viveka Ihāmutra phala bhoga virāga Śamādi ṣatka sampatti Mumukṣutvam. <br /><br />And after one becomes desirous of spiritual pursuit, there are three additional disciplines he should pursue. He should listen to spiritual instructions, focus on their meaning and finally he should meditate and realize their meaning. It is called Sravana, Manana, Nididhyāsana.<br /><br />It is important to properly understand