At the beginning of the 14th chapter, Uddhava enquires of the Lord whether of the many courses of discipline leading to liberation, including that of devotion, there is one, which is prominent. In reply the Lord traces the lineage of Vedic instructions from the Lord to Brahma and then from Brahma downwards on to the other created beings. Due to differing natural tendencies of different created beings, their thoughts too differ, and in conformity with their nature, diverse interpretations of the Vedas flow.
Chapter 15. Names and characteristics of siddhis or mystic powers acquired through yoga.
In the 15th chapter, the Lord tells Uddhava that siddhis (mystic powers) of various kinds wait upon the yogi of steady mind who has subdued his senses and controlled his breath and concentrated his mind on the Lord. The siddhis are listed and then described.
Chapter 16. Powerful manifestations (vibhutis) of the Supreme Lord.
In the sixteenth chapter Uddhava wants to know from the Lord, those particular activities, by contemplation through which on the Lord with devotion, men of wisdom are able to attain the highest perfection. Uddhava wants to know all of those powerful manifestations of the Lord, invested with divine glory that may exist on earth, in the quarters, in heaven or in the subterranean regions.
Continue reading Chapter 16. Powerful manifestations (vibhutis) of the Supreme Lord.
Chapter 17. The duties allotted to the four varnas and four ashramas.
In the 17th chapter, Uddhava enquires of the Lord how human beings observing the rules of conduct laid down for the various varnas and ashramas may perform devotional service to Sri Hari by performing duties allotted to them.
Continue reading Chapter 17. The duties allotted to the four varnas and four ashramas.
Chapter 18. The duties of anchorities and recluses.
In the eighteenth chapter, the Lord continues the narration of the dharmas (duties) of the different varnas. Silence (or measured speech),desirelessness and pranayama(breath control) are the three cudgels respectively for speech, body and mind.
Continue reading Chapter 18. The duties of anchorities and recluses.
Chapter 19. A dissertation on devotion – spiritual enlightenment and yogic discipline – yamas and niyamas.
In the 19th chapter, the Lord tells Uddhava that the threefold manifestations starting with birth etc, that crops up in the jeevas as per their past karmas, is a product of Maya (prakriti) and is not the inherent character of the jeeva, which is one of eternal knowledge and bliss.
Chapter 20. Jnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga – an analysis.
In the 20th chapter, Uddhava tells the Lord that he is bewildered, since it is by His word (the Vedas) alone that the distinction between good and evil is to be determined; and again it is by His word that the distinction is negatived. How then is an aspirant to attain liberation (moksha) without taking into consideration this distinction?
Continue reading Chapter 20. Jnana yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga – an analysis.
Chapter 21. The criterion for determining purity/impurity auspiciousness or otherwise, virtuosity / wickedness etc. – understanding the language of the Vedas what they prescribe and their ultimate objective.
The 21st chapter is a continuation of the discourse started in the 20th chapter. The Lord tells Uddhava that those who abandon all the three paths of jnana, karma and bhakti, and enjoy the trifling pleasures of senses undergo transmigration.
Chapter 22. Resolving confusion regarding the number of categories (tattvas) – distinction between prakriti and purusha-nature of birth and death for the Jiva and experiences under gone in the body – need to compose the mind.
In the 22nd chapter Uddhava asks the Lord as to the number of categories or fundamental principals (tattvas) involved in creation. The Lord himself referred to 28 categories (in chapter 19); some say it is 26,others 25,some others 7,9,6 and 4,while others mention 11,17,16,13,etc. Why this confusion in numbers,? asks Uddhava. In reply, the Lord says that whatever brahmins, well versed in the Vedas, declare, is right.
Chapter 23. The ballad of the forbearing Brahman who remained calm and composed in the face of extreme abuse.
In the 23rd chapter, the Lord concedes that there is scarcely any pious soul in this world who can remain calm and composed in mind when agitated by abusive words uttered by the wicked, which wrankle in his heart and torment him. The Lord then narrates the story of a rich brahmin who lived in Avanthi and who was very miserly.