In this class (Class 59 on Sunday, Nov. 29th, 2025), we discuss 7.29–30 and 8.1–4 of the Bhagavad Gita, along with Sri Aurobindo’s commentary on these verses (in the chapter “The Supreme Divine” from his Essays on the Gita).
The double-sided handout for this class can be downloaded here.
Study Questions
1. In 7.29–30 and 8.1–4 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna introduces a number of technical terms: Tad-Brahman, Adhyātmam, Karma, Adhibhūtam, Adhidaivam, and Adhiyajnaḥ. Summarize Sri Aurobindo’s interpretation of each of these six terms and how they interrelate.
2. Which of Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings, if any, are relevant to understanding these technical terms from Sri Aurobindo’s standpoint?
3. Summarize Swami Tapasyananda’s interpretation of the same six technical terms (found on p. 215 and pp. 228–30 of his book), and please compare his interpretation with Sri Aurobindo’s.
4. After all this technical discussion, your heads must be spinning. How, if at all, are any of these technical terms—interpreted as you like—helpful to you as spiritual aspirants and as devotees of Sri Ramakrishna?
5. OPTIONAL QUESTION: Summarize Śaṅkara’s and Rāmānuja’s interpretations of the same six technical terms.
6. Do you have any questions about the reading? Did you have difficulty understanding anything? Do you have any doubts or confusions?