Modern expositions · Bhakti traditions · Vedanta
स्वामी रामसुखदास
Swami Ramsukhdas
20th century; c. 1904–2005 CE (birth date reported variously).
Editorial overview
Historical context
Swami Ramsukhdas was a Hindi-speaking renunciate teacher from Rajasthan, closely associated with the Gita Press of Gorakhpur and the circle of Jayadayal Goyandka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar. For decades he gave discourses across North India, focused on the Bhagavad Gita and practical spiritual life for householders. His major work, Sadhak Sanjivani, is a detailed Hindi commentary on the Gita written for practitioners (sadhakas). He was known for discouraging personal veneration and for avoiding founding an organisation around himself.
Core ideas
- The self is an eternal part of God and is essentially distinct from the body, which is always changing
- Disidentification from body and possessions, and use of them in service of others, as the basis of karma yoga
- Surrender (sharanagati) to God as the easiest and highest means, open to everyone
- Performing one's own duty without desire for its fruit leads to equanimity
- Knowledge, action and devotion are all valid paths, and the Gita addresses each
Major works
Textसाधक-संजीवनीSadhak SanjivaniA verse-by-verse Hindi commentary on the whole Bhagavad Gita, written for practitioners (sadhakas) rather than scholars.Textश्रीमद्भगवद्गीताBhagavad GitaA 700-verse dialogue in which Krishna counsels the warrior Arjuna, who has collapsed in despair on the battlefield, on action, the Self and devotion.
Also: Gita Prabodhani (a shorter Gita commentary) · Numerous Hindi discourses and booklets published by the Gita Press
Concepts
ConceptशरणागतिSharanagatiTaking refuge in God; total surrender.Conceptनिष्काम कर्मNishkama karmaAction performed without selfish desire for its results.Conceptस्वधर्मSvadharmaOne's own duty, suited to one's nature and situation.Conceptसमत्वSamatvaEquanimity: evenness of mind in gain and loss, success and failure.ConceptविवेकVivekaDiscernment between the real and the unreal, the Self and the not-Self.Conceptत्यागTyaga — relinquishmentLetting go of attachment to action and its fruit, rather than of action itself.Conceptआत्मन्Atman — the SelfThe innermost Self — what you are beneath body, mind and personality.ConceptशरीरShariraThe body; in Vedanta, understood as gross, subtle and causal layers distinct from the Self.Conceptभक्तिBhakti — devotionLoving devotion to God, as a path and as an end in itself.
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