Studying the Gita is nothing but learning about God and eventually becoming One with God. To learn about God means first knowing and then becoming God. That means eradicating self­-love, ego, selfishness, and possessiveness.

 

This level of humility is essential to realize that you yourself are God. The process is slow and requires a lot of practice, but it can be done. It is feasible in this very life and in this very world. It would be nice if you could go to a secluded place and learn from a saint. Or, you can stay with your family, fulfill your obligations and learn along the way. Either way, it requires total dedication, lots of worldly sacrifices and constant practice.

The reward? Even the impossible transforms to the attainable. Such is the power of dedication and sincerity.

 

Learning is an art. It should be adopted properly and under the supervision of an expert. The teacher can be a human, the teachings of a saint, or mother nature. It is our misfortune that today genuine saints are very few and far between. And to make things worse, most people are crazy after only materialistic comforts. They long to enhance their wealth and power in this life and secure a seat in heaven thereafter. They do not have any time or desire for spirituality.

 

This generates a unique opportunity to breed a class of thugs who claim to have the passport to happiness. Masses approach these self-proclaimed gurus for words of wisdom. And these oddballs ramble some rhetoric to dazzle their audience. In a nutshell, there is no substance. The entire process consists of talking and listening. It doesn't lead to anything.

 

To understand learning, let us take a scientific approach. Learn from a teacher instead of listening to a talker. Any serious learning requires a genuine desire to acquire that skill. Then a search begins for a capable teacher who is willing to accept you as a disciple. He may first analyze your background, examine your physical and mental condition, and test your resolve. Next follows a course custom made for you.

 

We are not talking about a modern university where hundreds of students listen to a single teacher, try to learn at the same pace and are judged by the same grading yardstick. The spiritual teacher develops a unique one-to-one relationship with his student. He knows his strengths and weaknesses. The relationship does not end in an hour or terminate when the semester is over. There evolves a rapport between the student and his teacher. They spend countless hours together, practicing and re-practicing. The routine lasts for months and sometimes for years. As the time lapses, the student emerges as a protege to his own master. He becomes ready to take on this world. Yet, he remains humble and eternally grateful to his mentor.

 

This is true even today when someone wants to learn a rare form of music, acquire the fancy footwork of classical dancing, or excel in the fiercely competitive world of the Olympics. There is only one student and one teacher. History is full of such examples: Shivaji and Ramdas, Gandhiji and Gita, Arjuna and Krishna, Uddhava and Krishna. So, stay away from crowds. There is no spirituality where gatherings are large and noisy.

 

Learning the Gita is not a child's play. One must have an intense desire to learn and adopt it. If you are sincere, you will find a teacher to guide you. If nothing else, the force of God will be with you through a holy scripture like the Gita. Once your Atma is awakened, you will see numerous tips from mother nature. Do not be tempted by the mystical powers of meditation and psychic powers. Begin with thoroughly cleansing your life. Purify your mind, body and intellect. Observe Yama and Niyama. Live a simple life. Abolish hatred, jealousy and dislike. Love everyone alike. Associate with the wise and noble. Read and contemplate spiritual teachings. Help the unfortunate.

 

Your transformation begins the moment you begin to pay attention to these spiritual commandments. As your desires evaporate, you will get a glimpse of True Joy, Peace and Bliss. You start slowly but steadily merging with your True Self.

 

There is a word of caution here: Any accomplished athlete or artist must keep practicing or he falls out of shape very fast. Similarly, the pursuit of enlightenment needs lots of discipline and a firm resolve not only in the beginning but forever.

 

The Gita teaches us how to do this through four types of initial yogas: Jyana, Karma, Dhyana and Bhakti. While pursuing any path of yoga, one must be vigilant, discriminative and free of temptations. Only then is there a possibility of success. However, the means are more important than the end itself. If you pay attention to the means, the end will take care of itself.

 

The best thing that can happen to us is to acquire a desire to love each and everyone alike.