5. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 9-10: What are My Duties & Responsibilities (Svadharma)?
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Chapter 12, Verse 9: Emotional and intellectual development is a lifelong practice (abhyāsa) requiring constant vigilance against arrogance and dismissiveness. Practice works by training the prefrontal cortex to intercept impulsive emotional responses from the amygdala, creating new neural pathways. Bhakti means repeatedly bringing the mind back to Ishvara‘s order when it goes off track. Verse essence: If unable to maintain steady absorption in the Divine, pursue continuous practice (abhyāsa) to reach that goal.
Chapter 12, Verse 10: Actions dedicated to Ishvara require understanding one's svadharma (duties/responsibilities) and samanya-dharma (universal values). Every role (parent, spouse, employee) comes with specific duties that must be performed with vigilance, setting appropriate boundaries while considering both self and others' wellbeing. Success comes from transforming from a mere recipient to an active participant in Ishvara‘s interconnected order. Verse essence: When practice is difficult, perform all actions with attitude that it's a service to the Divine.
See notes for this episode at: https://www.YesVedanta.com/bg-ch12/
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