The Bhagvad Gita is one the most well-known scriptures, but not many know what it really contains, or the depth of the knowledge that it provides.
Besides being the most well read and significant Hindu text, and the summary of the Upanishads, it is the core of the deepest levels of spiritual knowledge.
It is also like a handbook for life; a manual that guides one through every step, every turn of life.
It also tells us what the purpose of this life is and how to use it accordingly. It provides the basic answers to the many questions that most people have about life, and the universal spiritual truths that can be used by anyone, anywhere, and at any time in history.
In this way it is timeless.
THE CONTEXT OF THE BHAGVAD GITA
The Bhagvad Gita, the 'Song Of God', is a part of the Mahabharata, a story of the enmity and ensuing war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas at Kurukshetra.
Just before the war, when Arjun's confidence takes a downward plunge on the battlefield, Lord Krishna comes to his rescue. At this point, we can understand and sympathize with Arjun’s agony at facing his own kinsmen and teachers at war, thus feeling the impulse to give up!
Krishna decides to make him understand the real meaning of life, and reveals to him the Ultimate Truth of Advaita (oneness with God). Krishna further inspires Arjun, telling him to go ahead, discharge his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior) and fight to destroy wrongdoers without having hatred for them in his heart.
Krishna explains the Ananta Prakriya - how the process of creation is endless and continues as a cycle in between birth and death. The human Soul (Jeevatma), which is but a part of the Universal Soul (Paramatma), is not affected by death and so, cannot actually be killed. Hence, Krishna says, what is truly important to achieve in life is only right action, without concern about the result.
After having related how the soul is permanent, immortal and never dies, Krishna asks Arjun to shed his anxiety and reticence that inhibit his duty on the battlefront and co-operate to reinstate the dharmic balance of the universe. Krishna warns him that if he were to leave the battlefield at this point of time, he would fail miserably in his duties, wiping out good from the face of the earth.
Krishna displays his Vishwaroopa (massive avatar) and reveals Himself as but one aspect of the Supreme Mahavishnu. He shows him the cycle of life and how souls live and die and pass through the various stages between the process, while in this mortal world.
The whole essence of the Bhagvad Gita lies in the various types and theories of Dharma it expounds. Additionally, Krishna talks of universal harmony and strict, unflinching adherence towards duty.
Everyone who reads the Bhagvad Gita finds in it a part which they can completely identify with, in his or her own personal life. All of us go through a dilemma at some point of time or the other. This is where the Gita comes to our aid, guiding us to do what is right and prevent us from treading the path of wrong or sin.
- RAJALAKSHMI JOSHI
