Bhagavad Gita


Bhagavad Gita
The Song of Lord (Bhagvan)

In the present Age of Kalyug, it is next to impossible for the people being absorbed in the mundane activities to read all Sanatana Dharma Vedic Literature. So by all the merciful Nature of Lord Shri Krishna, He Himself descended on the earth planet in His Divine form and gave His instructions in the form of one book which will be sufficient for, we the people of Kalyug, called Bhagavad Gita.

Bhagavad Gita is the transcendental literature, the essence of all Vedic Literature and theme of all the Divine philosophies. It is also called Gitopanishad, being essence of all the Upanishads. The proper conscientiously understanding and following the instructions of Bhagavad Gita will make one freed from all sorts of anxieties and miseries of this earthly life and the for the life here after. Srila Parbhupada summarizes that Bhagavad Gita is the Permanent Solution of All Problems of life, if one follows it whole heartedly.

Lord Shri Krishna Himself summarizes the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as:

 “O Arjuna! You are very dear to Me. So, for your own good, I am telling you the greatest secret of the Divine world. Listen carefully. If you or any soul of the world desires to come to Me and be with Me forever, the easiest path is that he should worship Me, love Me, remember Me all the time and dedicate his life for Me. Then surely he will come to Me. It’s My promise.”                                                                     (Chatper 18, Verses 64, 65)

Lord Shri Krishna takes all responsibility for one who surrenders unto Him.

“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver your from all the sinful reactions. Do not fear”.   (Chapter 18 Verse No. 66)

The Advent of Bhagavad Gita:

The Bhagavad Gita comes under the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata and comprises the 18 Chapters consisting of 700 verses. Its authorship is traditionally ascribed to Sage Vyasa, the compiler of the Mahabharata. The sacred text of Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Lord Shri Krishna and Arjuna (one of the Pandava) taking place at the mid of the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War. Arjuna although having divine weapons and master in Dhanur Vidya but was confused and went in moral dilemma about fighting with his own cousins, elders, teachers etc. on a disputed empire of Hastinapur and Indraprastha.

Lord Shri Krishna then pacify the desponded Arjuna and explain him, his duties as a warrior and being Khastriya; elaborates him on different Vedic  philosophies, and explains different ways in which the soul can reach the Supreme Being with examples and analogies. This has led to the advent of Bhagavad Gita, a concise guide to Sanatana Dharma; a practical, self-contained guide to life. During the discourse, Lord Shri Krishna reveals His identity as the Supreme Being Himself (Supreme Personality of Godhead, Swayam Bhagwan), blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring vision of His Divine Universal Form (Virat Swaroop). 
(Note: Shri Krishna reveals His Universal form in Chapter 11 of BhagavadGita).

The audience who somehow listen the conversation of Lord Shri Krishna with Arjuna on the battle field of Kurukshetra War included:


  • Sanjaya using Divya Drishti gifted by the Sage Veda Vyasa so that he can watch the war and narrates the events to King Dhritarashtra.
  • Lord Hanuman (in the flag of Arjuna’s chariot)
  • Barbarika, son of Ghatotkacha, who also witnessed the complete 18 days of action at Kurukshetra

Contents of Bhagavad Gita (Some Brief Info):

The main philosophical subject matter of the Bhagavad Gita is the explanation of five basic “Truths”:

Ishwara
The Supreme Controller, Super-Soul
Jiva
Living Beings, Individual Soul
Prakarti
Nature, Matter
Kaal
The Time, Destroyer
Karma
Duty in Accordance with Divine Laws

The Four Yogas:

Karma Yoga
A process whereby one performs his work for God.
(Selfless Action)
Jnana Yoga
A process of elevation to spiritual consciousness through cultivation of philosophical knowledge. (Self-Transcending Knowledge)
Astanga Yoga
Mechanical meditation practice meant to control the mind and the senses to help focus one’s  concentration on the supreme
Bhakti Yoga
The yoga of selfless, ecstatic, love of God through transcendental devotional service.

The Three Modes of Material Nature:

SATTVA GUNA 
( Goodness )
RAJO GUNA
( Passion )
TAMO GUNA
(Ignorance )
·         Knowledge
·         Free from sins
·         Conditioned by sense of happiness
·         Unlimited desires
·         Fruitive activity
·         Attraction between  man and woman
·         Madness
·         Laziness
·         Sleep and   intoxication

The Four stages of Life ASHRAMS:                       

Brahamchari
Student life, Celibacy  
Grihasta
Household life
Vanaprastha
Retired life
Sannyasa
Renounced Life

The Four Castes of Society VARNAS:

Brahmins
Teachers and Priests
Kshatriyas
Warriors and Kings
Vaishyas
Businessman, farmers, merchants etc
Shudras
Servants, Labours

The Three Types of Actions i.e. Karma:

Karma
As per Scriptural directions, Pious
Vikarma
As per Scriptural directions, Sinful
Akarma
For which one does not suffer any reaction