The ninetieth 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, continuing with Chapter 18:53, Swamiji discusses what is necessary to realize the Self, what renunciation is, and what devotion is.Main Theme: Realizing the Self through renunciation, devotion, and steadfast inner transformation.The Path of Realization – Key Practices • Forsake egotism through inner observation and meditation. • Renounce pride, anger, and possessiveness, replacing them with detachment. • Be free from “mine-ness”: true ownership leads to spiritual bondage. • Become peaceful and content inwardly – only then are you fit (kalpate) for union with Brahman. • Adapt your life to the higher, not the higher to your life.Devotion & Union with Brahman • Absorption in Brahman brings serenity—no grief or desire. • Seeing the Self in all beings doesn’t mean blind association; discernment is necessary. • Supreme devotion leads to true knowledge of the Divine—not just belief. • Japa and remembrance unite the mind with the Divine (e.g., Soham). • “Instead of going to heaven at last, I’m going all along.” — the way of the yogi. • Union with the Divine is our reality; the spiritual path is awakening to it.Mental Renunciation and Inner Strength • Renounce all actions mentally in God—not just physically. • Hold the Supreme as the highest goal—always choose Brahman over worldly distractions. • Use Buddhi Yoga (intelligence + discrimination) to guide your life, not sentimentality. • Constantly fix your mind on God—this is both the method and the goal.Warning Against Egotism • If you refuse to listen or act through egotism, Krishna says: “You shall perish.” • Don’t rely on shallow religious feeling or superficial piety—it must be rooted in Self-effort and realization.Closing Insight • Strict self-discipline, steadfast meditation, and inner alignment are non-negotiable. • Success is by grace, but grace is awakened through right effort. • The Self is already present—yoga makes us ready to live in that truth.