#2.16 internal dialogue

[crapyouknowme]

Prompt: Alec’s POV from episode 2.16 + a Malec scene that I wish was included and alludes to the dinner date in the 2.17 promo.

“Downworld cabinet has been holding secret meetings at the Seelie court.” Alec stated, tore his gaze away from Clary to set a watchful eye on Jace- who, besides holding himself up in the stout composure he was privy to, wore a thin glower as he shifted beside Clary.

He hadn’t spoken to Magnus since the night before. Chaos erupting in the institute would have been an understatement of the century. By the Angel, he’d imagined for a chyron to be plastered over the institute dictating how repentance would be a sentiment too minimal compared to the fuckery that had just transpired.

Alec only wondered what was happening amongst the others. The wolves, vampires, warlocks, seelies-all of them. There was not much to have been said in an effort to assuage their concerns because shadowhunters were unable to safely transfer Valentine to Idris. The very people who were sworn to protect and defend were unable to do so-if there were any who were dubious of their capabilites, they would surely be confident in their choice of which side to take in the brewing conflict. If there were those who were never gave credence to the shadowhunters, their convictions would be validated. If there were any left to yet have faith in them all-

Well.

Shit.

Alec curled his hands into a fist, the other firmly gripping onto the frame of the slab of table. He lowered his gaze, hovering his hand over the projection.

The projection of the layout was pixelated from his angle and yet, he could still discern the roads as if they had been ingrained into his mind. The musty asphalt on the corner of sixth. The nascent tinge of budding flowers at the nursery a block away. The glaring neon lights up above on the holster with red blotted words to this day, he has a hard time-or rather, indifference concealed as curiosity- as he tried to discern whether the words were strung together in arbitrariness or whether there was a purpose to it, afterall.

The jury was still out on that one.

“Well that’s not good.” Jace maintained somewhat of a  fortitude as he sternly said, undeniably self-evident of making the most obvious statement to Alec’s disclosure.

Clary glanced leisurely at Jace. “You think anything good happens at the Seelie Court?” It was rhetorical. Alec noticed the way Jace avoided her gaze as he leveled his eyes in Izzy’s direction-almost to the point where Alec made a mental note to ask him later what exactly happened when they were down there-which at the looks of it, seemed like a pertinent question.

“The clave isn’t going to let this go unpunished.” Alec bristled silently under his breath, took a sharp restrained breath as he continued. “The inquisitor sent an envoy to assess the situation-chances are they will be the one replacing me as the head of the institute.” Which seemed like the inevitable route of actions. Alec had reigned authority of the institute, keen on upholding every single task and  responsibility to the best of his ability.

He snorted under his breath. Being unable to successfully aid in the transport of Valentine-that should be a swell representation on how much of a good leader he was.

After that colossal blunder, Alec mentally prepared himself for the repercussions. Whether it would be as minimal as removing him as the head of the institute or somehow escalating to a deruning in retribution for his inability to handle the task at hand-although severe and had him swallow an aching choke at the thought of it-nothing was exactly unlikely.

The Clave needed someone to take responsibility.

Alec was well aware of the pragmatism in the assessment that they were to make if he had to be the one to deal with the consequences of his sheer ineptitude.

“Not if we can recapture Valentine.” Isabelle insisted, a glint of optimism she wore so resolutely, Alec almost smiled. If it only were that easy. Having spent years not knowing the possibility of his existence to then knowing that he lurked in some abyss, practicing his unruly prudish methods against anyone and everyone he deemed impure to only, finally apprehend him, to then lose him. Yeah-no.

Alec rubbed his temple in an effort to dull the ache in his forehead.

“Sebastian and all available personnel are searching. They already know Duncan managed to hijack the portal.”

Jace nodded, unwaveringly. “If he was the accomplice, he could have been orchestrating the secret transfer all along.” Which at this point, would be the most logical, if not, the most sensible rationale after what had transpired. They haven’t seen Duncan since-and to Alec’s dismay, having known the guy for the brief period of time that he had, he wondered whether his unabashed judgement towards him had been a miscalculation after all.

Seemed reputable, cordial, selfless and had the potential of being one of the best shadowhunters-

Alec stiffened up. The shallow pit that lurched in his stomach only exacerbated at the very thought of his misjudgment.

How could he have not known?

“Listen-“ Alec cut in, well aware of what the two were trying to do. Appreciative but his pragmatism kicked in high gear at their very intentions. “I appreciate the effort, but Valentine escaped on my watch. I deserve to take the heat for it.”

Isabelle whipped around to face Alec, her eyes wavering all over him. “This isn’t your fault, it’s mine.” She emphasized.  “I was in charge of the transfer team.”

Jace shook his head, waving his hands dismissively in the air. “We both were-Look Alec you are a good leader. You can’t just let Imogen fire you over something you didn’t do.”

Alec stifled the urge to snort. When Jace put it like that, Alec briefly pondered how he would just let Imogen fire him. Let, as if he had any choice in the course of action. As if he had tactics to employ and cards to shuffle. As if he was privy to his own discretion.

Let.

Jace had a way with words, most of the time they were appealing in the sense that only Jace could get away with spewing what he had just said. But upon reinspection, one day his words would swallow him whole and Alec hoped that by the Angel, he would be there to see what would become of him.

“Alec will do as he’s ordered.”

Alec turned his head, eyes falling upon his father, observing him keenly.

He was clean-shaven, a weariness settled on his shoulders that enveloped his entire face, if not his demeanor. The black hue of his clothes looked that much more ominous than ethereal. As if his colors reflected his innate sullenness. As if black was not just a routine-workday garb but a sheer representation of his misery.

Alec grinded down on his teeth.

Misery always needed company.

Guess that’s all you need to cheat.

“Dad?” Izzy spurted, her voice perforated with astonishment.

“What are you doing here?” Alec mustered enough vigor to ask. Because-shit.

“I’m the Clave’s envoy.” He responded, as if it was the most obvious answer.  He briefly held his gaze on the others before they fell on Alec. His face congealed as he muttered. “We need to talk.”

Alec slipped his hands behind his back, kneading his fingers together. He gave a firm nod to Jace before he walked in the direction of the foundry, languidly taking rather large steps as he picked up his pace. He doesn’t wait to see if his father followed, instead turning around the corner and twisting the knob of the door in succession.

Alec glanced at the chair behind the desk, then inspected the one beside the wall. The one that spoke volumes of deference and mutual reverence. The one that would have imparted amicable discourse. The one he had yet to use.

So, Alec padded across the wooden floor to sit behind the desk. He dropped his phone on the slab, swiping his thumb across the screen. It brightened up immensely, causing Alec to flicker slightly as he adjusted his focus.

Izzy had told him how to depress the light but if he were being honest, he could have paid more attention when she had told him.

His eyes immediately gravitated to the green box, pursing his lips thinly when he noticed no red bubble hovering over it.

Alec implanted his elbow onto the desk, wrapping his cool fingers around his wrist to abate the throbbing ache underneath his flesh.

Nothing ever good happens at the Seelie court.

His father was at first, halting at the frame of the door, leaning against the fringe in what seemed like hesitance. It was a look so brief, Alec would have missed it in the blink of an eye if he weren’t focusing keenly on him.

“I never expected it to be you.”

His dad wiped his hands on his pants, sighing distinctly.

“You’re my son.” Which, to give him credit where credit was due, was a sobering truth. Because he was his son, Alec’s dismay only exacerbated. Considering the circumstances, he wondered if he had thought when he was younger, there would have been a day where he would have been disappointed in his own father. To his discontent, there was.  

“I felt it was my responsibility to deliver your orders personally.” His voice so monotone, Alec pursed his lips together, biting down on his tongue in an effort to allay his temper.

He glanced down as the screen brightened up, frowning when no bar appeared across his screen. As if it was his phone’s ill-attempt at diverting his attention for no reason other than employing a cheap tactic to get him flustered. As if to be only reminded that he was waiting for a message- that he had been waiting for hours.

Not that he was taking notice of that.

“Allowing Valentine’s escape was a lapse in leadership-“ Alec tore his gaze away, pressing his nimble fingers into his flesh simultaneously, “-but our top priority is tracking him down. We believe he may still be in New York. And I convinced Imogen you know the city better than anyone in Idris.”

Alec lifted his head up, briskly catching his eye.

“You will remain head of the institute,” his father reminded him, as if that was Alec wanted to hear. And maybe he did, yet as those words were said to him, they fell on deaf ears. Alec wavered his eyes across the room, his breath abated.

Alec glanced at the walls, observed their sturdiness.

He wondered just how loud his voice would have ricocheted off of the walls if he were to shout in the confines of the room.

The door was open, sure. But, the room was further from the main op floor than any other. Maybe one or two would have overheard the commotion but those were risks he was willing to take.

Yet risks were uncanny to him as well as incongruous with his usual course of action. He never did find it to be conducive because in the larger scheme of things, being the loudest one in the room meant nothing if he had nothing to back him up.

It was as futile as engaging in a discourse with someone who hid behind an inaudible wall.

“That’s it?” He questioned, well-aware of it being the most obvious rebuttal but considered it futile to wait for his father to say anything else.

“For now, but Imogen is keeping you on a tight leash. Don’t give her an excuse to give Aldertree his old job back.” He continued, as if to only validate Alec’s unsurprisingly precise thoughts.

That’s all you have to say?

You can’t even justify your actions?

Which would have been excuses nevertheless. But if he were to even do that, at least he was making the effort to atone for his indiscretions.

Are you even sorry?

Does it even matter that you might be sorry?

Were you thinking of us when you did this?

Huh.

Did you!

“I appreciate the help.” He ended up saying, swallowing any spontaneous outburst in an effort to salvage whatever composure he could muster and sustain. “Don’t think this makes up what you did to mom.” He added, unaware of them spewing out of his mouth until they do. But he doesn’t regret them.

“Alec.” The trite voice caused Alec to shut his eyes closed, grit his jaw for what was to come.  “Your mother and I have always had a complicated relationship-“

“-It’s not complicated. You cheated on her.” Like, there. You. Cheated. On. Her. There was no way to circumspect around it. “There’s a reason she returned to Idris as soon as you got here.” As it had just clicked why his mother was quick to offer goodbyes earlier that day, packaging nothing but minimal baggage as she departed. She said something about the Clave wanting to discuss institute code of conduct and then needing to engage in formalities with other dignitaries.

Alec snorted quietly under his breath as he diverted his gaze.

It was to avoid him.

There was much to be said of his father’s imprudence. It was one thing to have utmost reverence towards his father but to have that shadowed by distrust and disappointment had him furl in rage.

He had always wondered whether he was under the illusion that he was being trained the hardest, rarely forgiven for even the slightest indiscretion and upheld to the most stringent expectations, growing up- inspite of it all, he committed with unwavering deference as he exceeded all their tacit expectations, he was sure of it. He made sure of it.

Yet-it meant nothing when the person employing those expectations was nothing more than a callous and untrustworthy person.

“I made a mistake.” Which only had Alec bristle, “I never meant to hurt you. But I fell in love.”

Alec glanced up at him once again.

The words seamlessly slipped past his mouth, as if he had practiced this. As if he wanted to convey his emotions in the most articulate way possible. As if were trying to be careful without being unabashedly indifferent to Alec’s innate dismay.

“You of all people should know what that’s like-“

Yet, despite however much deliberateness was taken into consideration, it was a slip Alec could not ignore.

“Magnus isn’t an affair!” He found himself yelling, curling his hand into a fist to soften his voice. That assumption had his nerve endings light up. Conflating the two seemed like the most bogus and misleading connection to make.

His chest ached with precision as he absorbed the words. His breath got caught in his throat as he prickled the sole of his palm with the nails of his fingers.

What he had with Magnus was anything but.

Sometimes Alec found himself shoved into a corner and for the first time in ever, he had found a hand reaching out to him, pulling him back. Sometimes Alec would find himself drowning and at the very instance of Magnus’ voice, he was grounded by commiseration.

There were days where Alec had nothing more to look forward to than scurrying to sit on the brown-leathered couch and waiting as Magnus finished with his work. He would avoid overtly paying attention as to not disturb him but Alec was keen on just knowing what Magnus did when it came to work.

He would watch unabashedly as Magnus flicked his finger, a blue, red, sometimes green flare appearing on the frisk of his hand, hovering over his fingers for the faintest or longest of times before disappearing.

Alec found himself contemplating just how to get Chairman Meow to stop frisking past him as if there was nothing Alec could offer him. He’d taken the extra initiative to buy yarn, obscure food that he was told would satiate any feline-he had failed and yet he looked forward to failing yet again. Magnus had told him that Chairman was one of his oldest, that he had been a dependable confidant through it all and Alec wanted that cat to know that he had appreciated that.

That someone was there for Magnus when it mattered. Sometimes he wondered whether he had flurried into a world of insanity as he tried to glean the trust from a cat and yet, he somehow found a way to convince himself that it didn’t matter.

So he’d return with catnips and lints from the floor-something Chariman had shown prior interest in.

To have those occasions be falsely equated to a rendezvous had Alec shifting around his seat, as if the very bottom of the chair had burned his bottom in ablaze.

“I shouldn’t have said anything. We can argue all about family drama once we find Valentine but until then, I have an institute to run.” He dismissed, resuming a sense of decorum in his voice as to indicate to his father that whether that had been a freudian slip or an essence of his true intentions, those words would not taut him in anyway. If anything, he wanted to avoid saying something that would could not be taken back.

“Alec-“

“You can go.” Alec said tightly.

From his periphery, he took notice of how his father hesitated as he shifted around in his spot. His face glowered as he wiped his hands on his pants, stagnated in his position. He looked down at his feet for the briefest of seconds before moving in the direction of the door. He paused momentarily as he twist the knob but gave the slightest of a languid nod as he disappeared around the corner of the hallway.

Alec settled against the seat, throwing his head back. He pressed his hand into his temple, squeezing his eyes shut. He drew out a sharp exhale as he swiped his hands across his eyes.

As he stretched his legs out in front of him, he tilted his head as the buzzing of his phone caught his attention.

He hovered over the screen, noticed Magnus’ name appear in a tinted black hue.

Alec swiped his thumb across the screen as he pressed the cell to his ear.

“Alexander.” Magnus emoted, drawing a short chuckle.

It was amazing, how Magnus was capable of just easing his nerves that swiftly.

Alec settled into his posture as he sighed. “Magnus.” He repeated, with the same mutual fondness. He hoped it was conveyed and he settles for it when Magnus hummed a ‘yes’ in response.

I miss you.

I want to see you later.

I miss you.

“How are you?” He settled for, curling his free hand around his neck to itch just above his collarbone.

“Well-“ his voice sounded distant, “anyone and everyone here is distressed by the course of events.” Magnus leveled his tone, pausing as the sounds of shuffling and scuffles had him muttering a quick ‘pardon me’ here and there before the racket died down.

“I’m sorry if I’m bothering you.”

Magnus laughed, Alec picturing the grin that enveloped his mouth as he did.

“Alexander, I called you.”

Oh.

Right.

Alec whisked his lips in a loose smirk.

“I know.” He said, flustered. “Still.”

He was met with absolute silence, a quietness that doesn’t feel forced nor uncomfortable. It was easy and brisk, causing Alec to settle into the reticence. He held his breath as he listened closely to Magnus’ abated breath, the low inhales with the sparse exhales.

“Alexander.” Magnus tried, as if he too was taking keen interest in Alec’s breathing yet was unable to pick it up. “You still there?”

Alec gripped his cell. “Yeah.” He croaked. “I’m here.”

Even though he couldn’t see him, Alec could imagine Magnus nodding languidly. He could imagine the crease that formed in his forehead, in curiosity if not weariness.

“I think I’m going to have to stick around here for a couple of days, until things die down.” Alec said, quickly trying to think of ways to mitigate the situation so things could be expedited and days would not be formed into anything longer than a week because that’s way too long. “So.”

Magnus hummed in response.

“Would you be able to find some time to get dinner with me?”

Alec picked up on footsteps outside of the room. He leaned forward, his wandering eyes taking notice of Jace’s boots as he padded into the room, settling against the wall.

Alec rolled his eyes, turning his back to Jace.

“Yeah.” He couldn’t think of anything better to look forward to. “I have to go.” Yet he made no effort to end the call. Alec tapped his fingers in verbatim on the rail of the seat, swiping his hand over a chip of bark that peeled at the edge of the hook.

“Okay.” Magnus responded with, his voice meager and low.

“Okay.” Alec repeated.

Alec felt the flush of warmth that seeped into his cheeks, his chest aching as the air in his throat coagulated, the tremors in his hand picking up in prickles that only had him heaving quietly under his breath when he felt a pang push against his ribcage.

“I’m going to hang up.” He stated, gripping even harder onto the phone.

Magnus chuckled. “Okay.” Like, do it-hang up.

Shit.

His ears perked when the floor creaked beside his desk, Alec being swift as he pressed the side button before slipping his cell into the crevice inside of his jacket. He was languid as he picked his head up, opting to move around some things on the desk in an attempt to resume the rudimentary color back into his face.

Jace lurked beside Alec, crossing his hands begrudgingly across his chest.

Alec glared at Jace in response.

“You forgot how to knock on the door?”

Jace snorted. “Knock?” As if that was an absurd thing for Alec to ask of him to do. “Right.”

Alec lifted himself up, holding onto the railing of the seat as he nudged Jace with the heel of foot. Jace feigned pain as he muttered a barking ‘what’ at him, void of any malice but perforated with annoyance.

“So what exactly happened at the Seelie Court?”

[maximumstrangerconnoisseur]

Bhagavad Gita 2nd Chapter In Kannada

In this chapter, Arjun reiterates to Shree Krishna that he is unable to cope with his current situation, where he has to kill his elders and teachers. He refuses to take part in such a battle and requests Shree Krishna to be his spiritual teacher and guide him on the proper path of action. Then the Supreme Lord starts imparting divine knowledge to Arjun. He begins with the immortal-nature of the soul, which is eternal and imperishable. Death only destroys the physical body, but the soul continues its journey. Just as a person discards his old clothes and adorns new ones, the soul keeps changing bodies from one lifetime to another.

The Lord then reminds Arjun that his social responsibility as a warrior is to fight for upholding righteousness. He explains that performing one’s social duty is a virtuous act that can take him to the celestial abodes, while dereliction only leads to infamy and humiliation.

Labels: Bannanje Govindacharya, Bhagavad Gita in Kannada, Bhagavad GitA phalashruti, GitA e-Book, GitA pdf, ಭಗವದ್ಗೀತಾ ಫಲಶ್ರುತಿ 86 comments: Anonymous February 2, 2012 at 9:54 AM.

These are few sample Bhagavad Gita mp3 kannada recitations distributed by ISKCON on account of Gita Jayanthi - The International Society for Krishna Consciousness - which constantly works in propagating Shri Krishna's teachings. Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12.

BG 2.47: You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Commentary: This is an extremely popular verse of the Bhagavad Gita, so much so that even most school children in India are familiar with it. The Second Chapter, in the Upanishad of the Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta, on the Knowledge of the Supreme Spirit, the Science of Yog, is the Dialogue between Krishn and Arjun, entitled: “Karm-Jigyasa,’’ or “Curiosity About Action.’’ #Krishna #Mahabharata #Yoga #Meditation 2 hrs 18 min 30 JAN 2017.

At first, Shree Krishna tries to motivate Arjun at a mundane level. Then he moves deeper and starts explaining to Arjun the Science of Work. He asks Arjun to perform his deeds without any attachment to their fruits. This science of working without desire for rewards is called the yog of the intellect or buddhi-yog. He further advises that the intellect should be used to control the desire for rewards from work. By working with such intent, the bondage-creating karmas get transformed into bondage-breaking karmas and a state beyond sorrows can be attained.

Arjun is curious to know more about those who are situated in divine consciousness. Shree Krishna, therefore, describes how persons who have attained transcendence are free from attachment, fear, and anger. They are undisturbed and equipoised in every situation. With their senses subdued, they keep their minds always absorbed in God. He also explains the progression of afflictions of the mind—such as greed, anger, lust, etc. and advises how these can be overcome.

Bhagavad Gita 2.1 View commentary »

Sanjay said: Seeing Arjun overwhelmed with pity, his mind grief-stricken, and his eyes full of tears, Shree Krishna spoke the following words.

Bhagavad Gita 2.2 View commentary »

The Supreme Lord said: My dear Arjun, how has this delusion overcome you in this hour of peril? It is not befitting an honorable person. It leads not to the higher abodes, but to disgrace.

Bhagavad Gita 2.3 View commentary »

O Parth, it does not befit you to yield to this unmanliness. Give up such petty weakness of heart and arise, O vanquisher of enemies.

Bhagavad Gita 2.4 View commentary »

Arjun said: O Madhusudan, how can I shoot arrows in battle on men like Bheeshma and Dronacharya, who are worthy of my worship, O destroyer of enemies?

Bhagavad Gita 2.5 View commentary »

It would be better to live in this world by begging, than to enjoy life by killing these noble elders, who are my teachers. If we kill them, the wealth and pleasures we enjoy will be tainted with blood.

Bhagavad Gita 2.6 View commentary »

We do not even know which result of this war is preferable for us—conquering them or being conquered by them. Even after killing them we will not desire to live. Yet they have taken the side of Dhritarasthra, and now stand before us on the battlefield.

Bhagavad Gita 2.7 View commentary »

I am confused about my duty, and am besieged with anxiety and faintheartedness. I am your disciple, and am surrendered to you. Please instruct me for certain what is best for me.

Bhagavad Gita 2.8 View commentary »

I can find no means of driving away this anguish that is drying up my senses. Even if I win a prosperous and unrivalled kingdom on the earth, or gain sovereignty like the celestial gods, I will be unable to dispel this grief.

Bhagavad Gita 2.9 View commentary »

Sanjay said: Having thus spoken, Gudakesh, that chastiser of enemies, addressed Hrishikesh: “Govind, I shall not fight,” and became silent.

Bhagavad Gita 2.10 View commentary »

O Dhritarashtra, thereafter, in the midst of both the armies, Shree Krishna smilingly spoke the following words to the grief-stricken Arjun.

Bhagavad Gita 2.11 View commentary »

The Supreme Lord said: While you speak words of wisdom, you are mourning for that which is not worthy of grief. The wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead.

Bhagavad Gita 2.12 View commentary »

Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.

Bhagavad Gita 2.13 View commentary »

Just as the embodied soul continuously passes from childhood to youth to old age, similarly, at the time of death, the soul passes into another body. The wise are not deluded by this.

Bhagavad Gita 2.14 View commentary »

O son of Kunti, the contact between the senses and the sense objects gives rise to fleeting perceptions of happiness and distress. These are non-permanent, and come and go like the winter and summer seasons. O descendent of Bharat, one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.

Bhagavad Gita 2.15 View commentary »

O Arjun, noblest amongst men, that person who is not affected by happiness and distress, and remains steady in both, becomes eligible for liberation.

Bhagavad Gita 2.16 View commentary »

Of the transient there is no endurance, and of the eternal there is no cessation. This has verily been observed by the seers of the truth, after studying the nature of both.

Bhagavad Gita 2.17 View commentary »

That which pervades the entire body, know it to be indestructible. No one can cause the destruction of the imperishable soul.

Bhagavad Gita 2.18 View commentary »

Only the material body is perishable; the embodied soul within is indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal. Therefore, fight, O descendent of Bharat.

Bhagavad Gita 2.19 View commentary »

Neither of them is in knowledge—the one who thinks the soul can slay and the one who thinks the soul can be slain. For truly, the soul neither kills nor can it be killed.

Bhagavad Gita 2.20 View commentary »

The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die; nor having once existed, does it ever cease to be. The soul is without birth, eternal, immortal, and ageless. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.

Bhagavad Gita 2.21 View commentary »

O Parth, how can one who knows the soul to be imperishable, eternal, unborn, and immutable kill anyone or cause anyone to kill?

Bhagavad Gita 2.22 View commentary »

As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one.

Bhagavad Gita 2.23 View commentary »

Weapons cannot shred the soul, nor can fire burn it. Water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it.

Bhagavad Gita 2.24 View commentary »

The soul is unbreakable and incombustible; it can neither be dampened nor dried. It is everlasting, in all places, unalterable, immutable, and primordial.

Bhagavad Gita 2.25 View commentary »

The soul is spoken of as invisible, inconceivable, and unchangeable. Knowing this, you should not grieve for the body.

Bhagavad Gita 2.26 View commentary »

If, however, you think that the self is subject to constant birth and death, O mighty-armed Arjun, even then you should not grieve like this.

Bhagavad Gita 2.27 View commentary »

Death is certain for one who has been born, and rebirth is inevitable for one who has died. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable.

Bhagavad Gita 2.28 View commentary »

O scion of Bharat, all created beings are unmanifest before birth, manifest in life, and again unmanifest on death. So why grieve?

Bhagavad Gita 2.29 View commentary »

Some see the soul as amazing, some describe it as amazing, and some hear of the soul as amazing, while others, even on hearing, cannot understand it at all.

Bhagavad Gita 2.30 View commentary »

O Arjun, the soul that dwells within the body is immortal; therefore, you should not mourn for anyone.

Bhagavad Gita 2.31 View commentary »

Besides, considering your duty as a warrior, you should not waver. Indeed, for a warrior, there is no better engagement than fighting for upholding of righteousness.

Bhagavad Gita 2.32 View commentary »

O Parth, happy are the warriors to whom such opportunities to defend righteousness come unsought, opening for them the stairway to the celestial abodes.

Bhagavad Gita 2.33 View commentary »

If, however, you refuse to fight this righteous war, abandoning your social duty and reputation, you will certainly incur sin.

Bhagavad Gita 2.34 View commentary »

People will speak of you as a coward and a deserter. For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death.

Bhagavad Gita 2.35 View commentary »

The great generals who hold you in high esteem will think that you fled from the battlefield out of fear, and thus will lose their respect for you.

Bhagavad Gita 2.36 View commentary »

Your enemies will defame and humiliate you with unkind words, disparaging your might. Alas, what could be more painful than that?

Bhagavad Gita 2.37 View commentary »

If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to the celestial abodes, or you will gain victory and enjoy the kingdom on earth. Therefore arise with determination, O son of Kunti, and be prepared to fight.

Bhagavad Gita 2.38 View commentary »

Fight for the sake of duty, treating alike happiness and distress, loss and gain, victory and defeat. Fulfilling your responsibility in this way, you will never incur sin.

Bhagavad Gita 2.39 View commentary »

Hitherto, I have explained to you Sānkhya Yog, or analytic knowledge regarding the nature of the soul. Now listen, O Parth, as I reveal Buddhi Yog, or the Yog of Intellect. When you work with such understanding, you will be freed from the bondage of karma.

Bhagavad Gita 2.40 View commentary »

Working in this state of consciousness, there is no loss or adverse result, and even a little effort saves one from great danger.

Bhagavad Gita 2.41 View commentary »

O descendent of the Kurus, the intellect of those who are on this path is resolute, and their aim is one-pointed. But the intellect of those who are irresolute is many-branched.

Bhagavad Gita 2.42 – 2.43 View commentary »

Those with limited understanding, get attracted to the flowery words of the Vedas, which advocate ostentatious rituals for elevation to the celestial abodes, and presume no higher principle is described in them. They glorify only those portions of the Vedas that please their senses, and perform pompous ritualistic ceremonies for attaining high birth, opulence, sensual enjoyment, and elevation to the heavenly planets.

Bhagavad Gita 2.44 View commentary »

With their minds deeply attached to worldly pleasures and their intellects bewildered by such things, they are unable to possess the resolute determination for success on the path to God.

Bhagavad Gita 2.45 View commentary »

The Vedas deal with the three modes of material nature, O Arjun. Rise above the three modes to a state of pure spiritual consciousness. Freeing yourself from dualities, eternally fixed in truth, and without concern for material gain and safety, be situated in the self.

Bhagavad Gita 2.46 View commentary »

Whatever purpose is served by a small well of water is naturally served in all respects by a large lake. Similarly, one who realizes the Absolute Truth also fulfills the purpose of all the Vedas.

Bhagavad Gita 2.47 View commentary »

You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.

Bhagavad Gita 2.48 View commentary »

Be steadfast in the performance of your duty, O Arjun, abandoning attachment to success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yog.

Bhagavad Gita 2.49 View commentary »

Seek refuge in divine knowledge and insight, O Arjun, and discard reward-seeking actions that are certainly inferior to works performed with the intellect established in Divine knowledge. Miserly are those who seek to enjoy the fruits of their works.

Bhagavad Gita 2.50 View commentary »

One who prudently practices the science of work without attachment can get rid of both good and bad reactions in this life itself. Therefore, strive for Yog, which is the art of working skillfully (in proper consciousness).

Bhagavad Gita 2.51 View commentary »

The wise endowed with equanimity of intellect, abandon attachment to the fruits of actions, which bind one to the cycle of life and death. By working in such consciousness, they attain the state beyond all suffering.

Bhagavad Gita 2.52 View commentary »

When your intellect crosses the quagmire of delusion, you will then acquire indifference to what has been heard and what is yet to be heard (about enjoyments in this world and the next).

Bhagavad Gita 2.53 View commentary »

When your intellect ceases to be allured by the fruitive sections of the Vedas and remains steadfast in divine consciousness, you will then attain the state of perfect Yog.

Bhagavad Gita 2.54 View commentary »

Arjun said : O Keshav, what is the disposition of one who is situated in divine consciousness? How does an enlightened person talk? How does he sit? How does he walk?

Bhagavad Gita 2.55 View commentary »

The Supreme Lord said: O Parth, when one discards all selfish desires and cravings of the senses that torment the mind, and becomes satisfied in the realization of the self, such a person is said to be transcendentally situated.

Bhagavad Gita 2.56 View commentary »

One whose mind remains undisturbed amidst misery, who does not crave for pleasure, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.

Bhagavad Gita 2.57 View commentary »

One who remains unattached under all conditions, and is neither delighted by good fortune nor dejected by tribulation, he is a sage with perfect knowledge.

Bhagavad Gita 2.58 View commentary »

One who is able to withdraw the senses from their objects, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, is established in divine wisdom.

Bhagavad Gita 2.59 View commentary »

Aspirants may restrain the senses from their objects of enjoyment, but the taste for the sense objects remains. However, even this taste ceases for those who realizes the Supreme.

Bhagavad Gita 2.60 View commentary »

The senses are so strong and turbulent, O son of Kunti, that they can forcibly carry away the mind even of a person endowed with discrimination and practicing self-control.

Bhagavad Gita 2.61 View commentary »

They are established in perfect knowledge, who subdue their senses and keep their minds ever absorbed in me.

Bhagavad Gita 2.62 View commentary »

While contemplating on the objects of the senses, one develops attachment to them. Attachment leads to desire, and from desire arises anger.

Bhagavad Gita 2.63 View commentary »

Anger leads to clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of the memory. When the memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined.

Bhagavad Gita 2.64 View commentary »

But one who controls the mind, and is free from attachment and aversion, even while using the objects of the senses, attains the Grace of God.

Bhagavad Gita 2.65 View commentary »

By divine grace comes the peace in which all sorrows end, and the intellect of such a person of tranquil mind soon becomes firmly established in God.

Bhagavad Gita 2.66 View commentary »

But an undisciplined person, who has not controlled the mind and senses, can neither have a resolute intellect nor steady contemplation on God. For one who never unites the mind with God there is no peace; and how can one who lacks peace be happy?

Bhagavad Gita 2.67 View commentary »

Just as a strong wind sweeps a boat off its chartered course on the water, even one of the senses on which the mind focuses can lead the intellect astray.

Bhagavad Gita 2.68 View commentary »

Therefore, one who has restrained the senses from their objects, O mighty armed Arjun, is firmly established in transcendental knowledge.

Bhagavad Gita 2.69 View commentary »

What all beings consider as day is the night of ignorance for the wise, and what all creatures see as night is the day for the introspective sage.

Bhagavad Gita 2.70 View commentary »

Just as the ocean remains undisturbed by the incessant flow of waters from rivers merging into it, likewise the sage who is unmoved despite the flow of desirable objects all around him attains peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy desires.

Bhagavad Gita 2.71 View commentary »

That person, who gives up all material desires and lives free from a sense of greed, proprietorship, and egoism, attains perfect peace.

Bhagavad Gita 2.72 View commentary »

O Parth, such is the state of an enlightened soul that having attained it, one is never again deluded. Being established in this consciousness even at the hour of death, one is liberated from the cycle of life and death and reaches the Supreme Abode of God.

Bhagavad Gita Full Pdf

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच | धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः | मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ||1||

dhṛitarāśhtra uvācha dharma-kṣhetre kuru-kṣhetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāśhchaiva kimakurvata sañjaya

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dhṛitarāśhtraḥ uvācha—Dhritarashtra said; dharma-kṣhetre—the land of dharma; kuru-kṣhetre—at Kurukshetra; samavetāḥ—having gathered; yuyutsavaḥ—desiring to fight; māmakāḥ—my sons; pāṇḍavāḥ—the sons of Pandu; cha—and; eva—certainly; kim—what; akurvata—did they do; sañjaya—Sanjay

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Pdf

Translation

BG 1.1: Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjay, after gathering on the holy field of Kurukshetra, and desiring to fight, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do?

Commentary

The two armies had gathered on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, well prepared to fight a war that was inevitable. Still, in this verse, King Dhritarashtra asked Sanjay, what his sons and his brother Pandu’s sons were doing on the battlefield? It was apparent that they would fight, then why did he ask such a question?

The blind King Dhritarashtra’s fondness for his own sons had clouded his spiritual wisdom and deviated him from the path of virtue. He had usurped the kingdom of Hastinapur from the rightful heirs; the Pandavas, sons of his brother Pandu. Feeling guilty of the injustice he had done towards his nephews, his conscience worried him about the outcome of this battle.

The words dharma kṣhetre, the land of dharma(virtuous conduct) used by Dhritarashtra depict the dilemma he was experiencing. Kurukshetra is described as kurukṣhetraṁ deva yajanam in the Shatapath Brahman, the Vedic textbook detailing rituals. It means “Kurukshetra is the sacrificial arena of the celestial gods.” Hence, it was regarded as the sacred land that nourished dharma.

Bhagavad Gita In Kannada Language

Dhritarashtra feared that the holy land might influence the minds of his sons. If it aroused the faculty of discrimination, they might turn away from killing their cousins and negotiate a truce. A peaceful settlement meant that the Pandavas would continue being a hindrance for them. He felt great displeasure at these possibilities, instead preferred that this war transpires. He was uncertain of the consequences of the war, yet desired to determine the fate of his sons. Therefore, he asked Sanjay about the activities of the two armies on the battleground.

[homestuckhomestuckhomestuck]

hussie formspring trivia 3/?

oh god what is this with sweet bro and hella jeff do you do ANYTHING without tying it into the main plot anymore?

SBaHJ is absolutely inseparable from HS, and has been almost from the start. If you don't understand this, then you don't understand HS very well. SBaHJ is like the mentally handicapped step brother of MSPA, requiring special attention, but no less cherished as a part of the family. It was originally intended as the chief source of in-house memes for dialogue, but this is ultimately a superficial purpose. Though it only has 20+ strips, it contains a pretty dense and internally consistent language of recurring symbols and typo-driven grammars, applicable as a rich sub-cognitive lexicon for highlighting elusive elements woven into the mythology of the story which tend to be shrouded in the unconscious. Many times events in SBaHJ "foreshadow" what happens in HS, but this is practically never intentional. It is always retroactive on my part, and quite convenient. Like the vampire strip I drew shortly before Kanaya's death and resurrection. The correlation was convenient, and was emphasized in the comic as a gag. Same with the one with Bro achieving LIFDOFF, passing a cloud labeled "cloun". Soon after, John flew his car by a cloud that showed Gamzee in it. This was unintentional while drawing the SBaHJ, but the connection was soon made in the comic serendipitously. SBaHJ as a creative process is probably a pretty accurate reflection of my subconscious at work. This may be why it often ties into HS themes yet to develop. It is like I am a prophet of my own story, and these shitty comics are my cryptic messages. I submit to the trance of the JPEGothics, while quaking in the losseldritch throes of the artifact tongues. The resulting imagery is troubling, and AGGRESSIVELY PREGNANT with meaning. Though most aspects of HS's story construction is exceedingly meticulous, with multi-threaded plot connections established months or years in advance, intuition plays a powerful role too, and may be even more important than the maniacal, overly cerebral stuff. There are occasions where something will just FIT, in a weirdly perfect way, even though I didn't quite intend it. I always seems to be working favorably with the grain of positive coincidence. Strange things with numbers happen all the time, for example, and this is certainly not because I'm a skilled numerologist. The troll's number is 612 because I started Hivebent on 6/12, a tale of 12 6 sweep-olds (13 year-olds). Their names are 6 and 6 letters, like mine. Why is one sweep = 2.16 years? Weird. Why is 6/12/11 exactly one sweep from 4/13/09, the start date of HS??? Also weird. These occurrences are everywhere, and I can only assume they have their root in the turbulent void from which all this comes. The story is in part driven furiously by high level cerebral machinations, and in part at the mercy of the whims of my waking coma. And I, personally, am at the mercy of it all. Anyway, if for no other reason, this is why you should like SBaHJ, or at least find it intriguing. Frankly, I am quite suspicious of anyone who doesn't find it funny. I am suspicious of their judgment and quality of perception. This is probably because it means their minds are incompatible with mine on a such a profound level. They are at odds with my subconscious.

[rolandfontana]

China’s Position on the China-US Economic and Trade Consultations: The Full Text of China’s White Paper

The below is China’s White Paper on the US-China trade dispute, as put out by China’s State Council Information Office. We are posting it here because it is important. If you want to see the original, go here.

If China actually believes what they wrote in this White Paper, the chances of their being a trade agreement are essentially zero. What are your thoughts?

  Preface

The China-US commercial relationship serves as both the ballast and the propeller of the overall bilateral relationship. At stake are the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and the prosperity and stability of the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US, bilateral trade and economic relations have come a long way, with expanding fields of cooperation at higher levels. A mutually beneficial and win-win relationship with strong complementarity and interlinked interests has been forged, benefiting not only the two countries but also the entire world.

Given the differences in stage of development and economic system, it is inevitable that the two countries will experience differences and friction in their commercial cooperation. The history of China-US trade and economic relations has seen twists and turns and difficult situations. By adopting a rational and cooperative attitude, the two countries have managed to resolve previous conflicts, bridge differences, and render the bilateral commercial relationship more mature through dialogue and consultation.

Since it took office in 2017, the new US administration has threatened additional tariffs and other measures and provoked frequent economic and trade friction with its major trading partners. In response to the economic and trade friction unilaterally initiated by the US since March 2018, China has had to take forceful measures to defend the interests of the nation and its people. At the same time, committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, China has engaged in multiple rounds of economic and trade consultations with the US in an effort to stabilize the bilateral commercial relationship. China’s position has been consistent and clear – that cooperation serves the interests of the two countries, that conflict can only hurt both, and that cooperation is the only correct choice for both sides. Concerning their differences and frictions on the economic and trade front, China is willing to work together with the US to find solutions, and to reach a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement. However, cooperation has to be based on principles. There are bottom lines in consultations. China will not compromise on major issues of principle. China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one and it will fight one if necessary. China’s position on this has never changed.

To provide a comprehensive picture of the China-US economic and trade consultations, and present China’s policy position on these consultations, the Chinese government hereby issues this White Paper.

I. Economic and trade friction provoked by the US damages the interests of both countries and of the wider world

Trumpeting “America First”, the current US administration has adopted a series of unilateral and protectionist measures, regularly wielded tariffs as a “big stick” and coerced other countries into accepting its demands. The US has initiated frequent investigations under the long-unused Sections 201 and 232 against its main trading partners, causing disruption to the global economic and trade landscape. Specifically targeting China, in August 2017 it launched a unilateral investigation under Section 301. Turning a blind eye to China’s unremitting efforts and remarkable progress in protecting intellectual property and improving the business environment for foreign investors, the US issued a myriad of slanted and negative observations, and imposed additional tariffs and investment restrictions on China, provoking economic and trade friction between the two countries.

Turning a blind eye to the nature of the economic structure and the stage of development in China and the US, as well as the reality of the international industrial division of labor, the US insists that China’s “unfair” and “non-reciprocal” trade policies have created a trade deficit in bilateral commercial exchanges that constitutes “being taken advantage of”, leading to unilateral imposition of additional tariffs on China. In fact, in today’s globalized world, the Chinese and American economies are highly integrated and together constitute an entire industrial chain. The two economies are bound in a union that is mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. Equating a trade deficit to being taken advantage of is an error. The restrictive measures the US has imposed on China are not good for China or the US, and still worse for the rest of the world.

(I) The tariff measures the US imposed harm others and are of no benefit to itself

The US administration has imposed additional tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US, impeding two-way trade and investment cooperation and undermining market confidence and economic stability in the two countries and globally. The US tariff measures lead to a decrease in the volume of China’s export to the US, which fell by 9.7 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2019,[4] dropping for five months in a row. In addition, as China has to impose tariffs as a countermeasure to US tariff hikes, US exports to China have dropped for eight months in a row.[5] The uncertainty brought by US-China economic and trade friction made companies in both countries more hesitant about investing. China’s investment in the US continues to fall and the growth rate of US investment in China has also slowed down. According to Chinese statistics, direct investment by Chinese companies in the US was US$5.79 billion in 2018, down by 10 percent year-on-year.[6] In 2018, paid-in US investment in China was US$2.69 billion,[7] up by only 1.5 percent year-on-year compared with an increase of 11 percent in 2017. With the outlook for China-US trade friction unclear, the WTO has lowered its forecast for global trade growth in 2019 from 3.7 percent to 2.6 percent.[8]

(II) The trade war has not “made America great again”

The tariff measures have not boosted American economic growth. Instead, they have done serious harm to the US economy.

First, the tariff measures have significantly increased production costs for US companies. The Chinese and US manufacturing sectors are highly dependent on each other. Many American manufacturers depend on China’s raw materials and intermediary goods. As it is hard for them to find good alternative suppliers in the short term, they will have to bear the costs of the tariff hikes.

Second, the tariff measures lead to domestic price hikes in the US. The import of value-for-money consumer goods from China is a key factor behind the long-term low inflation in the US. After the additional tariffs were imposed, the final selling price of Chinese products increased, leaving American consumers effectively bearing some tariff costs. According to research by the US National Retail Federation, the 25 percent additional tariffs on furniture alone will cost the US consumer an additional US$4.6 billion per year.[9]

Third, the tariff measures have an impact on US economic growth and people’s livelihood. A joint report by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Rhodium Group in March 2019 showed that, under the impact of China-US economic and trade friction, US GDP in 2019 and the next four years could decrease by US$64-91 billion per year, about 0.3-0.5 percent of total US GDP. If the US imposes 25 percent tariffs on all Chinese goods exported to the US, US GDP will decrease by US$1 trillion in the next ten years cumulatively.[10] According to a research report in February 2019 by Trade Partnership, an American think-tank, if the US imposes 25 percent additional tariffs on all imported Chinese goods, US GDP will decrease by 1.01 percent, with 2.16 million job losses and an additional annual burden of US$2,294 on a family of four.[11]

Fourth, the tariff measures lead to barriers to US exports to China. The 2019 State Export Report, published by the US-China Business Council on May 1, 2019, stated that in the ten years from 2009 to 2018, US exports to China supported over 1.1 million jobs. The Chinese market continues its importance to US economic growth. Forty-eight states of the US have increased their goods exports to China during the last decade – 44 of them by double digits – while in 2018, when economic and trade friction worsened, only 16 states increased their goods exports to China. Thirty-four states exported fewer goods to China, with 24 of them seeing a double-digit decrease. The Midwestern agricultural states were hit particularly hard. Under tariff measures, exports of American agricultural produce to China decreased by 33.1 percent year-on-year, including a 50 percent drop in soybeans. US businesses are worried that they might lose the Chinese market, which they have been cultivating for nearly 40 years.

(III) US trade bullying harms the world

Economic globalization is a firmly-established trend of the times. Beggar-thy-neighbor unilateralism and protectionism are unpopular. The trade protectionist measures taken by the US go against the WTO rules, damage the multilateral trading system, seriously disrupt global industrial chains and supply chains, undermine market confidence, and pose a serious challenge to global economic recovery and a major threat to the trend of economic globalization.

First, the US measures are undermining the authority of the multilateral trading system. The US has launched a series of unilateral investigations, including those under Sections 201, 232 and 301, and imposed tariff measures. These are a serious breach of the most fundamental and central WTO rules, including most-favored-nation treatment and tariff binding. Such unilateralist and protectionist actions have harmed the interests of China and other WTO members. More importantly, they have undermined the authority of the WTO and its dispute settlement system, and exposed the multilateral trading system and international trade order to peril.

Second, the US measures threaten global economic growth. With the shadow of the international financial crisis still lingering over the global economy, the US government has escalated economic and trade friction and hiked additional tariffs, provoking corresponding measures by the countries involved. This disrupts global economic and trade order, dampens world economic recovery, and undermines the development of companies and the well-being of people in all countries, plunging the world economy into the “recession trap”.

Global Economic Prospects released by the World Bank in January 2019 revised its forecast for global economic growth down further to 2.9 percent, citing continuous trade friction as a major downward risk.[12] The International Monetary Fund also marked down its projection of world economic growth for 2019 to 3.3 percent from the 2018 estimate of 3.6 percent in its World Economic Outlook report published in April 2019, suggesting that economic and trade friction could further depress global economic growth and weaken already anemic investment.[13]

Third, the US moves disrupt global industrial and supply chains. China and the US are both key links in global industrial and supply chains. Given the large volume of intermediary goods and components from other countries in Chinese end-products exported to the US, US tariff hikes will hurt all the multinationals – not least those from the US – that work with Chinese companies. The tariff measures artificially drive up the costs of supply chains, and undermine their stability and security. As a result, some businesses are forced to readjust their global supply chains at the expense of optimal resource allocation.

It is foreseeable that the latest US tariff hikes on China, far from resolving issues, will only make things worse for all sides. China stands firm in opposition. Recently, the US administration imposed “long-arm jurisdiction” and sanctions against Huawei and other Chinese companies on the fabricated basis of national security, to which China is also firmly opposed

The US has backtracked on its commitments in the China-US economic and trade consultations

In response to the economic and trade friction started by the US, China has been forced to take countermeasures, as bilateral trade and investment relations took a hit. For the well-being of the Chinese and American people and the economic development of the two countries, both sides deemed it necessary to come to the negotiating table to seek a solution through consultation. Since they were launched in February 2018, the economic and trade consultations have come a long way with the two sides agreeing on most parts of the deal. But the consultations have not been free of setbacks, each of them being the result of a US breach of consensus and commitments, and backtracking.

(I) The first US backtracking

China had advocated resolving economic and trade friction through negotiation and consultation from the start. In early February 2018, the US government expressed the wish that China send a high-level delegation to the US to engage in economic and trade consultation. Demonstrating great goodwill and positive efforts, China held several rounds of high-level economic and trade consultations with the US, characterized by in-depth exchanges of views on trade imbalance among other major issues. The two sides made substantial progress as they reached preliminary consensus on expanding China’s imports of agricultural and energy products from the US. However, on March 22, 2018, the US government unveiled the so-called report on Section 301 investigation of China, falsely accusing China of “IP theft” and “forced technology transfer”, and subsequently announced an additional tariff of 25 percent on US$50 billion of Chinese exports to the US.

(II) The second US backtracking

Taking a big-picture view of the bilateral relationship, the Chinese government sent a working team again to the US to engage in genuine consultations. On May 19, 2018, China and the US issued a joint statement, agreeing to refrain from fighting a trade war, to continue high-level communications, and to actively seek solutions to respective economic and trade concerns. The US publicly announced that it would suspend the plan for additional tariffs on Chinese goods. On May 29, 2018, despite the opposition of its domestic business community and the general public, the US administration tore up the consensus just ten days after the joint statement, gratuitously criticizing China’s economic system and trade policy, while announcing the resumption of the tariff program. Starting from early July 2018, in three steps, the US imposed additional tariffs of 25 percent on Chinese exports worth US$50 billion, and additional tariffs of 10 percent on US$200 billion of Chinese exports, which, according to the US, would be raised to 25 percent on January 1, 2019. In addition, the US threatened further tariffs on all remaining Chinese exports, leading to quick escalation of the economic and trade friction between the two countries. In defense of its national dignity and its people’s interests, China had to respond in kind and raised tariffs on imports worth US$110 billion from the US.

(III) The third US backtracking

On November 1, 2018, US President Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and proposed a summit meeting. On December 1 the two presidents had a meeting on the margins of the G20 Summit in Argentina. In accordance with their important consensus on economic and trade issues, the two sides agreed to halt new additional tariffs for 90 days to allow for intensive talks geared toward the full elimination of all additional tariffs. In the ensuing 90 days, the working teams of China and the US held three rounds of high-level consultations in Beijing and Washington D.C., reaching preliminary consensus on many matters of principle for the China-US economic and trade deal. On February 25, 2019, the US announced the postponement of the additional tariffs scheduled for March 1 on US$200 billion of Chinese exports to the US. From late March to early April, the working teams of the two countries held another three rounds of high-level consultations and made substantial progress. Following numerous rounds of consultations, the two countries had agreed on most of the issues. Regarding the remaining issues, the Chinese government urged mutual understanding and compromise for solutions to be found.

But the more the US government is offered, the more it wants. Resorting to intimidation and coercion, it persisted with exorbitant demands, maintained the additional tariffs imposed since the friction began, and insisted on including mandatory requirements concerning China’s sovereign affairs in the deal, which only served to delay the resolution of remaining differences. On May 6, 2019, the US irresponsibly accused China of backtracking on its position to shift the blame for the inconclusive talks onto China. Despite China’s fierce opposition, the US raised the additional tariffs on US$200 billion of Chinese exports to the US from 10 percent to 25 percent, which represented a serious setback to the economic and trade consultations. On May 13 the US announced that it had launched procedures to slap additional tariffs on remaining Chinese goods, which are worth around US$300 billion. These acts contradicted the agreement reached by the two presidents to ease friction through consultation – and the expectations of people around the world – casting a shadow over the bilateral economic and trade consultations and world economic growth. In defense of its own interests, China had to take tariff measures in response.

(IV) The US government should bear the sole and entire responsibility for this severe setback to the China-US economic and trade consultations

The US government accusation of Chinese backtracking is totally groundless. It is common practice for both sides to make new proposals for adjustments to the text and language in ongoing consultations. In the previous more than ten rounds of negotiations, the US administration kept changing its demands. It is reckless to accuse China of “backtracking” while the talks are still under way. Historical experience has proved that any attempt to force a deal through tactics such as smears, undermining and maximum pressure will only spoil the cooperative relationship. Historic opportunities will be missed.

A civilized country turns to forceful measures only when gentler approaches have failed. After the US issued the new tariff threat, the international community was widely concerned that China might cancel the consultation visit to the US. It kept a close watch on the future direction of the China-US trade negotiations. Bearing in mind the broader interests of trade and economic relations between the two countries, China remained cool-headed, exercised restraint, and sent a senior delegation to the US, as agreed, for the 11th round of economic and trade consultation from May 9 to 10. In doing so, China demonstrated the greatest sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility for resolving trade disputes through dialogue. In the following candid and constructive discussions, the two sides agreed to manage differences and continue consultations. China expressed strong opposition to the unilateral tariff increase by the US and stated its firm position that it would have to take necessary countermeasures. China emphasized once again that trade deals must be based on equality and mutual benefit. China will never compromise on major principles concerning China’s core interests. One prerequisite for a trade deal is that the US should remove all additional tariffs imposed on Chinese exports and China’s purchase of US goods should be realistic while ensuring that a proper balance in the text of the agreement is achieved to serve the common interests of both sides

  III. China is committed to credible consultations based on equality and mutual benefit

The Chinese government rejects the idea that threats of a trade war and continuous tariff hikes can ever help resolve trade and economic issues. Guided by a spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, the two countries should push forward consultations based on good faith and credibility in a bid to address issues, narrow differences, expand common interests, and jointly safeguard global economic stability and development.

(I) Consultations should be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit

It is only natural for China and the US, the two largest economies and trading nations in the world, to experience some differences over trade and economic cooperation. What truly matters is how to enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation and manage differences. For the good of the common interests of the two countries and global trade order, and in a strenuous effort to push forward the economic and trade consultations, China remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, responding to US concerns with the greatest patience and sincerity, properly handling differences while seeking common ground, and overcoming obstacles to practical solutions. During the consultations, in accordance with the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China’s only intention is to reach a mutually acceptable deal.

Mutual respect means that each side should respect the other’s social institutions, economic system, development path and rights, core interests, and major concerns. It also means that one side should not cross the other’s “red lines”. The right to development cannot be sacrificed, still the less can sovereignty be undermined. As regards equality and mutual benefit, we must ensure that the two sides in the consultations operate on an equal footing, that results are mutually beneficial, and that any final agreement is a win-win one. Negotiations will get nowhere if one side tries to coerce the other or if only one party will benefit from the outcomes.

(II) Consultation involves working toward the same goal in good faith

Consultation calls for mutual understanding and genuine effort from both sides. Consultation is a process where the parties concerned seek consensus or make compromise through discussion. Many factors are at play in consultation. It is perfectly normal during consultations for the parties to react differently to various changes at different stages based on their own interests.

The Chinese government believes that economic and trade consultation is an effective way to solve issues. None other than engagement with goodwill and a full understanding of the other’s position can contribute to success. Otherwise, it will be hard to reach a sustainable and enforceable deal as the parties will not find the ground for a long-term and effective agreement.

Good faith is the foundation of consultation. The Chinese government has engaged in these consultations with the US with the utmost credibility and the greatest sincerity. Attaching great importance to US concerns, China has worked hard to look for effective paths and find ways to address differences. The 11 rounds of high-level consultations have made significant progress. The outcomes of the consultations have not only served the interests of China, but also those of the US, as a result of both sides’ efforts to pull in the same direction. China has kept its word during the consultations. China has emphasized repeatedly that if a trade agreement is reached, it will honor its commitments sincerely and faithfully.

(III) China will not give ground on issues of principle

Every country has its own matters of principle. During consultations, a country’s sovereignty and dignity must be respected, and any agreement reached by the two sides must be based on equality and mutual benefit. On major issues of principle, China will not back down. Both China and the US should see and recognize their countries’ differences in national development and in stage of development, and respect each other’s development path and basic institutions. While no one expects to resolve all issues through one single agreement, it is necessary to ensure that any agreement will satisfy the needs of both sides and achieve a balance.

The recent US move to increase tariffs on Chinese exports does not help to solve bilateral trade issues. China strongly opposes this and has to respond to safeguard its lawful rights and interests. China has been consistent and clear on its position, that it hopes to resolve issues through dialogue rather than tariff measures. China will act rationally in the interests of the Chinese people, the American people, and all other peoples around the world. However, China will not bow under pressure and will rise to any challenge coming its way. China is open to negotiation, but will also fight to the end if needed.

(IV) No challenge will hold back China’s development

China’s development may not be all smooth sailing. Difficulties or even perils are inevitable. Whatever the future might bring, China is confident of meeting challenges head on, turning risks into opportunities, and opening new chapters.

China remains committed to its own cause no matter how the external environment changes. The fundamental solution to economic and trade tensions is to grow stronger through reform and opening up. With the enormous demand from the domestic market, deeper supply-side structural reform will comprehensively enhance the competitiveness of Chinese products and companies. We still have sufficient room for fiscal and monetary policy maneuvers. China can maintain sound momentum for sustainable and healthy economic development, and its economic prospects are bright.

China will continue to deepen reform and opening up. China��s door will not be closed; it will only open even wider. President Xi Jinping announced in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China would adopt a number of major reform and opening-up measures, strengthen institutional and structural arrangements, and promote opening up at a higher level. Measures to be taken include expanding market access for foreign investment in broader areas, strengthening international cooperation on intellectual property protection, increasing imports of goods and services, implementing more effective international coordination on macro-economic policies, and putting more focus on the implementation of opening-up policies. A more open China will have more positive interactions with the world, which in turn will advance the development and prosperity of both China and the world.

Conclusion

Cooperation is the only correct choice for China and the US and win-win is the only path to a better future. As to where the China-US economic and trade consultations are heading, China is looking forward, not backward. Disputes and conflicts on the trade and economic front, at the end of the day, need to be solved through dialogue and consultation. Striking a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement serves the interests of China and the US and meets the expectations of the world. It is hoped that the US can pull in the same direction with China and, in a spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, manage economic and trade differences, strengthen trade and economic cooperation, and jointly advance China-US relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability for the well-being of both nations and the world.

  Box 1: China’s technological innovation is based on self-reliance. Accusing China of intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer is utterly unfounded.

China is an innovative and diligent nation. It has created a highly-sophisticated civilization and contributed significantly to human progress over the course of 5,000 years. Since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, and in particular since the beginning of reform and opening up in 1978, China’s scientific and technological undertakings have passed through a series of phases. They started from a difficult beginning, forged ahead in the course of reform, and have now achieved multiple breakthroughs featuring a variety of innovations. These achievements have won worldwide recognition. Historical records confirm that China’s achievements in scientific and technological innovation are not something we stole or forcibly took from others; they were earned through self-reliance and hard work. Accusing China of stealing intellectual property to support its own development is an unfounded fabrication.

China is fully committed to intellectual property protection. It has established a legal system for the protection of intellectual property that is consistent with prevailing international rules and adapted to China’s domestic conditions. China values the leading role of judicial measures in protecting intellectual property, and has achieved impressive results. The understanding of the importance of intellectual property among the general public and business community in China has increased, the value of royalties paid to foreign rights-holders has risen significantly, and the number of intellectual property applications and registrations has surged.

The effective impact of China’s intellectual property protection has won broad international recognition. Former WIPO Director General Arpad Bogsch spoke highly of China’s legal framework for intellectual property protection, noting that China’s achievements are “unmatched in the history of intellectual property protection”. The US Chamber of Commerce recognized that China is making concrete progress in creating an intellectual property environment appropriate to the 21st century.[1] In its 2018 China Business Climate Survey Report, the American Chamber of Commerce in China noted that among the main challenges facing its member companies operating in China, concern over intellectual property dropped from 5th place in 2011 to 12th place in 2018. An article in The Diplomat predicted that China will become a leader in global intellectual property. Many of the concerns raised by foreign firms doing business in China have already been addressed through judicial reform and a strengthened enforcement mechanism.

Respecting the laws of the market economy, China has been actively improving the policy system for innovation, continuously increasing investment in research and development, accelerating the development of innovators, and strengthening international cooperation on technological innovation in an all-round way. In terms of some key innovation indices, China is already among the world’s leading players. As China continues to witness a series of major scientific and technological achievements, its industries are gravitating toward the middle and high end, and the country’s international influence is markedly increasing. In 2017, total R&D investment in China reached RMB1.76 trillion, ranking second in the world. The number of patent applications reached 1.382 million, ranking No. 1 in the world for the seventh consecutive year. The number of invention patents granted reached 327,000, up by 8.2 percent year-on-year. China ranks third in the world in terms of valid invention patents held.[2]

China has always pursued international technical cooperation with mutual benefit and win-win as the basic value orientation. China’s economic development has benefited from international technology transfer and dissemination. International holders of technology have also reaped enormous benefits from this process. China encourages and respects voluntary technical cooperation between Chinese and foreign firms based on market principles. It strongly opposes forced technology transfer and takes resolute action against intellectual property infringement. Accusations against China of forced technology transfer are baseless and untenable.

Box 2: The Chinese and American economies are interlinked, and bilateral trade and investment are mutually beneficial

China and the US are each other’s largest trading partner and important source of investment. In 2018, bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded US$750 billion, and two-way direct investment approached US$160 billion. China-US commercial cooperation has brought substantial benefits to both countries and both peoples.

According to China Customs, the trade in goods between China and the US grew from less than US$2.5 billion in 1979 when the two countries forged diplomatic ties to US$633.5 billion in 2018, a 252-fold increase. In 2018, the US was China’s largest trading partner and export market, and the sixth largest source of imports. According to the US Department of Commerce, in 2018 China was the largest trading partner of the US, its third largest export market, and its largest source of imports. China is the key export market for US airplanes, soybeans, automobiles, integrated circuits and cotton. During the ten years from 2009 to 2018, China was one of the fastest growing export markets for American goods, with an annual average increase of 6.3 percent and an aggregate growth of 73.2 percent, higher than the average growth of 56.9 percent represented by other regions in the world.[3]

Trade in services between China and the US is flourishing and highly complementary. The two countries have conducted extensive, in-depth, and mutually-beneficial cooperation in tourism, culture, and intellectual property. China is the largest destination for US tourists in the Asia-Pacific and the US is the largest overseas destination for Chinese students. According to Chinese figures, two-way trade in services rose from US$27.4 billion in 2006, the earliest year with available statistics, to US$125.3 billion in 2018, a 3.6-fold increase. In 2018, China’s services trade deficit with the US reached US$48.5 billion.

Over the past forty years, two-way investment between China and the US has grown from near zero to approximately US$160 billion, and this cooperation has proved fruitful. According to MOFCOM, by the end of 2018 accumulative Chinese business direct investment in the US exceeded US$73.17 billion. The rapid growth of Chinese business investment in the US has contributed to local economic growth, job creation, and tax revenues. According to MOFCOM, the paid-in investment by the US in China was US$85.19 billion by the end of 2018. In 2017, the total annual sales revenues of US-invested companies in China were US$700 billion, with profits exceeding US$50 billion.

Therefore, if trade in goods and services as well as two-way investment are taken into account, China-US trade and economic relations are mutually beneficial, rather than the US “being taken advantage of”.

  [1] In February 2018, the Global Innovation Policy Center of the US Chamber of Commerce published the International Intellectual Property Index 2018, noting that in 2018, China with a score of 19.08 rose to 25th among the 50 ranked economies, two places up from where it had been in 2017. http://bit.ly/2Z0kkEc

[2] On January 18, 2018, CNIPA press conference on key statistics of the work in 2017 and related updates. http://bit.ly/2EMO4N9

[3] USCBC: 2019 State Export Report, http://bit.ly/2Z3CG7s, May 1, 2019.

[4] General Administration of Customs of China, http://bit.ly/2EOPYgs, May 8, 2019.

[5] General Administration of Customs of China, http://bit.ly/2EOPYgs, May 8, 2019.

[6] MOFCOM statistics.

[7] MOFCOM: National FDI Briefing for January to December, 2018, http://bit.ly/2Z5sxXM, January 15, 2019.

[8] WTO: “WTO trade forecasts: Press conference”, http://bit.ly/2ER3BeX, April 2, 2019.

[9] US National Retail Federation: “NRF Warns USTR Tariffs Would Cost Americans Billions, Releases New   Study on Consumer Impact”, http://bit.ly/2Z2TJ9J, August 22, 2018.

[10] US Chamber of Commerce and Rhodium Group: Assessing the Costs of Tariffs on the U.S. ICT Industry: Modeling U.S.-China Tariffs, http://bit.ly/2EQIpWF, March 15, 2019.

[11] Trade Partnership: Estimated Impacts of Tariffs on the U.S. Economy and Workers (2019),

http://bit.ly/2Z8qKS6, February 5, 2019.

[12] World Bank: Global Economic Prospects, http://bit.ly/1GfjyW1, January 8, 2019.

[13] IMF: World Economic Outlook, http://bit.ly/2Vz8xLY, April 2, 2019.

China’s Position on the China-US Economic and Trade Consultations: The Full Text of China’s White Paper syndicated from https://immigrationattorneyto.wordpress.com/