Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture that comprises of 18 chapters that have up to 700 verses in them. The book is referred to as song of god or Gita and is part of Mahabharata an ancient Hindu epic. The book is considered as one of the most key essential texts in the history of literature due to its form which comprises of a greater broad Vedic tradition. At times it is seen as Upanishad because its nature consists of broad Vedic tradition. Most importantly, lord Krishna a teacher of this book is a manifestation of God according to the Hindus.
Reviews about book
The Bhagavad Gita has been the subject of various contemplative readings and translations. Let’s explore a few notable reviews:
“The Bhagavad Gita” by Bibek Debroy:
- This translation provides a verse-by-verse rendering, with Sanskrit shlokas on one page and English translation on the facing page.
- It avoids interpretation or commentary, aiming for a literal translation.
- Over 800 footnotes offer additional context without disrupting the flow of the text.
- The challenge lies in capturing the nuances of Sanskrit, as some words defy complete translation to English.
“Bhagavad Gita As It Is” by Swami Prabhupada:
- This version emphasizes surrendering to the Supreme Being and avoiding materialism.
- Its timeless message resonates with readers, urging them to connect with a higher purpose.
“Critical Review of Bhagavad Gita” by Soham Swami:
- This critical review highlights inconsistencies and deviations from the Vedas and Upanishads, which form the foundation of Hinduism.
The Mahabharata (Incorporating Bhagavad-Gita):
- The Mahabhrata includes the Bhagavad-Gita, a sacred Hindu text.
- In this philosophical dialogue, Krishna instructs Prince Arjuna on ethics and the nature of God.
Bhagavad Gita or simply Gita is talk or conversation taking place between two people in a battle field. Lord Krishna the teacher and the prince of pandava prince Arjuna are having a conversation just before the start of kurukshetra war. Well, prince Arjuna is confused due to the dilemma the kurukshetra war poses. He is to fight his cousins who are in command of the dictatorship regime forced in on a concurred state. Lord Krishna responds to Arjuna’s confusion by enlightening him concerning his core duties as a prince and a warrior too. He does this by elaborating on various yogic, examples including vedantic philosophies. The immediate audience of Lord Krishna’s talk of Bhagavad Gita include prince Arjuna in this case the addressee, Sanjaya who is gifted to watch and later narrate a war, Lord Hanuman and Barbarika son of Ghatotkacha who has spend quite some time in Kurukshetra war.
Bhagavad Gita happens in Bhishma parva of Mahabharata. The Mahabharata revolves around two families of royal cousins. These two cousins, Pandavas and Kauravas originated from two brothers Pandu and Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra was born blind and because of his condition Pandu inherited the ancestral kingdom.Pandu died at an early age so his children were left under the care of his elder brother. They were brought together thus the pandavas and the kauravas.
War became inevitable when the pandavas who had been exiled to the forest came back demanding the returning of the previous legitimate kingship. But Duryodhana who had send them to exile is defiant and does not want to cave in. the Pandava prince Arjuna upon realizing that he was to fight his own relatives, friends, teachers he seeks advise from, Krishna including his charioteer and guide (Eknath, 2007).
Krishna advises Arjuna of a better idea of dharma thus the general harmony and obligation. Krishna strengthens his point of view by expounding on several examples of Yoga processes. He describes yoga ways are those comprised of, devotional service, action, mediation, and knowledge. This is some of the themes highlighted in Bhagavad Gita. However, Krishna does not exclude the physical world and does not propose it to be left out.
Purpose of Bhagavad Gita
The book consists of a smooth flow of events that brings out it relevance and meaning to the whole theme that knowledge is better than physical world or actions. At first he was prepared to battle and ordered Krishna to take his chariot in between the armies. Then he acquires advice a warrior has a duty to hold the Yoga path by trying to solve issues through welfare. Krishna directs his teachings on the path of knowledge. Krisma summarizes the Yogas through eighteen chapters but there are three key yogas that have been particularly emphasized. They include; bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Karma Yoga (Selfless action) Jnana Yoga (Self transcending knowledge). Although each path differs in its own way, the good thing is that they all lead towards a specific target or goal. The Bhagavad Gita gives three stages that give direction towards self realization. They include Brahmaam which is the impersonal universal energy, The Paramatma which is the supreme soul that is in the hearts of people, Bhagavan thus God as a personality. The main purpose is to show that knowledge is better than strength.
The issue of universal relevance and applicability of the gospel in terms of place, time and person is also brought out in the article “How to Live and Leave”. Another article also takes after and it talks about the dhuma and archaradi margas. This is the dark and bright paths that an individual takes after exiting from the body. This is noteworthy for the unconventional construct placed on “Uttarayana” and “Dakshinayana”; the terms are used to refer to the northward and southward movement of the Sun. The Sun is referred by the author as the one within the body called the Brahman in reference to the mahavakya in the “Krishna Yajur Veda”.
The Bhagavad Gita imparts profound spiritual wisdom and guidance
Bhagavad Gita is a book with lots of teachings and very good guide lines that can be used in real life. The story is relevant to what happens in the present day to day activities and especially how to relate with different people. Importantly, it has a moral lesson concerning how to make decision in accordance to evaluating issues.
Here are its key teachings:
Duty and Righteous Action (Dharma):
- The Gita emphasizes performing one’s duty (dharma) without attachment to the results.
- Arjuna, the warrior prince, faces a moral dilemma on the battlefield. Lord Krishna advises him to fulfill his duty as a warrior, regardless of personal desires.
Self-Realization and Detachment:
- The Gita teaches self-awareness and realization of the eternal soul (atman).
- Detachment from material possessions and outcomes leads to inner peace and spiritual growth.
Yoga Paths:
- The Gita outlines different paths to attain union with the divine (yoga):
- Karma Yoga: Selfless action and service.
- Bhakti Yoga: Devotion and surrender to God.
- Jnana Yoga: Knowledge and self-inquiry.
- Raja Yoga: Meditation and control of the mind.
Equality and Non-Discrimination:
- Krishna emphasizes that all beings are equal, regardless of caste, gender, or social status.
- True knowledge transcends external differences.
- The Universal Form (Vishvarupa):
- Krishna reveals his cosmic form to Arjuna, demonstrating the divine presence in all creation.
- This vision underscores the interconnectedness of all existence.
The Gita’s teachings are multifaceted, and interpretations may vary.