Krishna is now explaining the details of the vanaprastha lifestyle, which is centered around denying the body, seeking discomfort, as a means to detach the mind from the bodily identification and bring it to the platform of spiritual freedom. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.3-9.

We finish the topic of the hardcore practices of the vanaprastha and move on to the practices of the sannyasi order of life. We discuss the importance of understanding the true motive of our spiritual practices, the importance of this human life in contact with Krishna’s teachings and the supreme importance of truthfulness and pure actions. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.10-16.

Here we see Krishna give more instructions regarding the life of the renunciant sannyasi, a life of abnegation, solitude and of humbling oneself through the act of begging. The idea is to reduce one’s interest and attachment to material life completely, and thus fully focus the mind on transcendence. In the class, I focus on what lessons we can take from their practices, and how we can incorporate these ideas into our lives now.  In this class, we covered verses 11.18.17-20.

Krishna explains the mentality to be cultivated by the serious spiritual practitioner, who has renounced normal working life and society, the sannyasi. After describing the mental focus on Himself, soul and the nature of illusion, of maya, Krishna speaks of the importance of living in nature, in solitude, avoiding cities and villages. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.21-24.

Krishna here gives further information on the recommendations for advanced renunciation, on the path to transcend the world, ignoring the social standards, rules and regulations of behavior, or rituals and beyond any material consideration. Here we can take some clues to lessen our dependence on society’s demands to seek a life more truly aligned with our own spiritual goals and values. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.25-28.

Using instructions for those wishing for advanced spiritual disciplines, the sannyasis, Krishna teaches us valuable lessons on how to enter a state of mind of full equanimity, shelter in God, and understanding of our true spiritual nature, to help us never be frightened or disturbed, even when facing difficult situations, hunger or insults. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.29-31.

Krishna now explains the final instructions for the sannyasa order of life and then proceeds to give general instructions for the other ashrams as he concludes the topic of varnashrama. In these instructions He emphasizes the importance of maintaining your health to progress well in spiritual life, as well as the importance of proper understanding of the spiritual concepts (jnana) to reach spiritual perfection. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.32-37.

Krishna now explains the final instructions for the sannyasa order of life and then proceeds to give general instructions for the other ashrams as he concludes the topic of varnashrama. In these instructions He emphasizes the importance of maintaining your health to progress well in spiritual life, as well as the importance of proper understanding of the spiritual concepts (jnana) to reach spiritual perfection. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.38-41.

Here Krishna lays out the path to using this human life to attain spiritual perfection and it’s so easy and joyfully performed. Krishna brings to a close His description of the varnashrama system with clear instructions on what the main duty for each type of ashram and this presents the general concept of all of us can become self-realized through our day-to-day lives and go back home, back to Godhead. In this class, we covered verses 11.18.42-48.