This is a talk from the Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita series, exploring the possibility of knowing God from the Vedic perspective. Knowing God is indeed possible but requires a transformation of consciousness. Material consciousness is characterized by self-centeredness, whereas spiritual consciousness is a state of manifesting selflessness.
In the quest to know God, one must recognize the limitations of our physical senses and mind in perceiving spiritual reality. The ancient teachers of Vedic knowledge describe that which is spiritual with the word adhokṣaja which means "that which is beyond the measurement of our senses." It was acknowledged that spiritual reality is beyond the range of worldly experimental knowledge.
The Vedas, however, taught that despite the limitations of the body and mind, God is discoverable, but it requires a major change or purification of our consciousness. In the current age the transformation of consciousness necessary to know God can be achieved through meditation on spiritual sound, particularly through kirtan (congregational chanting).
The quotes used in the talk:
All of them-as they surrender unto Me-I reward accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā. - Bg 4.11
I am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them I am covered by My eternal creative potency [yoga-māyā]; and so the deluded world knows Me not, who am unborn and infallible. - Bhagavad-gītā 7.25
But you cannot see Me with your present eyes. Therefore I give you divine eyes. Behold My mystic opulence! - Bhagavad-gītā 11.8
That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend; therefore you can understand the transcendental mystery of this science. - Bhagavad-gītā 4.3
The Supreme Lord said: My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall impart to you this most secret wisdom, knowing which you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence. - Bhagavad-gītā 9.1
Because you are My very dear friend, I am speaking to you the most confidential part of knowledge. Hear this from Me, for it is for your benefit. - Bhagavad-gītā 18.64
Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. - Bhagavad-gītā 18.65
The form you are seeing with your transcendental eyes cannot be understood simply by studying the Vedas, nor by undergoing serious penances, nor by charity, nor by worship. It is not by these means that one can see Me as I am. - Bhagavad-gītā 11.53
My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My understanding. - Bhagavad-gītā 11.54
