The forty-third in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, starting with Chapter 8:00, Swamiji discusses the many questions Arjuna asks Krishna at the beginning of this chapter. Krishna talks of how a person's thoughts at the time of death determine the next birth, and the predominant thoughts throughout a person's life determine the thoughts which will arise at the time of death. He also discussed true bhakti, devotion.

Here's a summary of the main points from the talk "Arjuna's Cosmic Questions" by Swami Nirmalananda Giri:

• Arjuna's Inquiry: Arjuna asks Krishna about the nature of Brahman, the primal self, action, the primal being, and the primal God, seeking to understand the cosmic and spiritual dimensions.
• Brahman and the Primal Self: Brahman is described as the imperishable absolute, while the primal self is the aspect of Brahman dwelling within each individual, highlighting the non-dual nature of existence.
• Action (Karma): Action is linked to the divine; all actions are ultimately God's actions because God is the power behind everything.
• Primal Being and God: The primal being refers to perishable existence, while the primal God is the supreme divine being. Krishna identifies himself as the primal sacrifice, indicating his role in the cosmic order.
• Sacrifice and Consciousness: All existence is seen as a form of sacrifice to God, where every action is an offering. This underscores the spiritual significance of life's actions.
• Death and Consciousness: The state of consciousness at the time of death determines one's next state of being. Those who remember and unite with God in consciousness at death attain God's being, emphasizing the importance of spiritual practice and control over one's mind.
• Yoga and Devotion: The practice of yoga (spiritual discipline resulting in Divine Union) is crucial for maintaining a steadfast mind focused on God. True devotion is not emotional but involves merging one's will with the divine.
• Meditation and the Self: Meditation should be on the 'Seer' or the divine within, which is beyond conception, subtler than the atom, and radiant like the sun. This focus leads one to transcend duality and achieve a state of pure consciousness.
• The Path of the Ascetic: The path to the eternal, as described in Vedic knowledge, involves living a life of discipline (brahmacharya), free from passion, aiming for the highest spiritual realization.
• Practice Over Grace: While grace is acknowledged, the talk stresses the need for personal effort in spiritual practice (sadhana) to achieve yoga power and divine realization.

This discussion essentially revolves around understanding the metaphysical and spiritual aspects of existence, the role of consciousness in one's spiritual journey, and the practice of yoga as a means to transcend the material world.