Gita Group Discussions - Summary of the problem statement, diving in human psychology

In this episode, we revise the first few chapters of Swami Dayananda's book, The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. We discuss: 1. What is the human problem? Can we live with conflicts? 2. What is the sorrow of Arjuna? 3. Why did Arjuna search for solution? Are we also searching for a solution? 4. Is happiness found outside us? Inside our body? If not, then what is happiness? We also discuss why some (like Duryodhana) are compelled to follow their own way (and not the right way) despite knowing what is the right way. Some of the specific topics covered: 1. Why are we conflicted unlike animals? 2. Can humans live with conflicts? Why not? 3. How does being aware of oneself (self-consciousness/ self judgement) play in our conflicts, misery, unhappiness? 4. Why do we keep wishing to be different than who we are? 5. What is pravritti marga and nivritti marga? Can the fundamental problem of 'lacking' be solved by either? If so, which one? If not, why? 6. What is the purpose of life? 7. What are topical problems and fundamental problem? 8. What exactly was Arjuna's conflict? What was his sorrow in the midst of the battlefield? 9. How does Arjuna articulate his true problem, arising from the conflict in his mind? What exactly was it? 10. Who is a guru? What is the definition of guru?