“The message of the Bhagavad Gītā is:
The vision of the lord is certain through
singular devotion developed by honouring ones Dharma
in a spirit that leads to clarity and detachment.”
– TKV Desikachar on Gītārtha Saṃgraha of Śrī Yāmunācārya Śloka One

“The next six chapters emphasise that
devotion is the basis for seeing the truth.
This truth is, the Lord.
But devotion must grow from following ones duty
in a spirit of selflessness and search.”
– TKV Desikachar on Gītārtha Saṃgraha of Śrī Yāmunācārya Śloka Three

Question to T Krishnamacharya:
Who is competent to teach Yoga and what are the responsibilities involved?
“Competence requires a deep study of the texts (Śāstra) and
also taking all of one’s duties and responsibilities seriously (Svadharma).”

“Once I am very clear about what is to be known – Svadharma,
then I can be clear about what is universal Dharma.”
– TKV Desikachar England 1998

“There is an image in the world today that the Guru has a following
and his students follow him like the Pied Piper.
This is not good. The true Guru shows you the way.
You go your way and then you’re on your own,
because you know your place and you are grateful.
I can always thank my Guru naturally and enjoy the relationship,
but I do not have to follow him around, because then I am not in my own place.
Following the Guru’s destination is another way of losing yourself.
The Yoga concept of Svadharma means ‘your own Dharma‘ or ‘your own way’.
If you try to do somebody else’s Dharma, trouble happens.
The Guru helps you find your own Dharma.”
– TKV Desikachar

Links to Related Posts:

• Reflecting on the relationship between Svadharma and Dharma
• TKV Desikachar talks on Śraddhā in the light of the Yoga Sūtra……
• Yoga Sūtra on Stress – An interview with TKV Desikachar