Bhaktisandesam / The Gita

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Bhagavad Gita

 

 

Bhagvad Gita - Is the book of authority for the Hindus. It literally

means 'Song of the Divine'. Although it appears in the mythological

epic 'the Mahabharata', it is given the status of 'Shruti' as it

contains the essence of the Upanishadic teachings of the Vedas. It

has 700 verses in 18 chapters. The Bhagvad Gita is in the form of a

spiritual dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjun on the battlefield

of Kurukshetra. The background is apt as the dialogue concentrates on

the use of spirituality in daily context. Arjun is torn between his

duty to fight for justice and his love for his kinsmen - who he has

to fight. He becomes dejected and debates with Sri Krishna that no

war can be justified on any grounds. Sri Krishna, through this

dialogue convinces him that he has to fight; there is no other way.

The discussion brings into focus various interesting aspects of the

Hindu philosophy.

 

 

Ideas developed in the Gita relate to: -

 

 

The essential nature of man as 'Atman' (The eternal witness - as the

Self).

 

The essential nature of the universe as 'Brahman' (God manifesting as

everything).

 

'Maya' (loosely explained as -ignorance) is the reason why this

Essential nature remains hidden.

 

Relationship between 'Atman and 'Brahman'.

 

Ideas about: Reincarnation/Law of Karma/Gunas-The Universe expressing

itself through three qualities are developed in the Gita.

 

Four pathways to God or Self-realisation.

 

Idea of God as the Creator and Preserver who descends (Avatars) to

earth for the good of mankind.

 

 

Jai Shree Krishna !