Bhagavad Gita: An Introduction

Is it just a ‘Hindu sacred book’ and other questions answered

Bhagavad Gita is well known as the famous dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Mahabharat many thousands of years ago and for those not familiar with its contents, here is a concise summary of the entire book.

The intent of this post is to introduce Gita in a fresh manner by addressing four important questions.

I. Why read the Gita?

In other words, what is the relevance of reading a dialogue that happened thousands of years ago? Other than the fact that old books that are still read by many have a lot more to offer in general than new books that haven’t stood the test of time, Gita is unique in bringing together profound understanding and practical living by distilling the highest philosophy and presenting it as direct, immediate way of living. Thus, it brings about perfect harmony of outer engagement and inner freedom.

II. Who spoke the Gita?

We all know Krishna spoke the Gita to Arjuna and Vyasa recorded. First Vyasa being the organizer of Vedas with Upanishads and other Puranas is eminently qualified in the philosophical questions of life. Then Krishna being the teacher is vital in that he not only taught the Bhagavad Gita but lived it by being supremely active and engaged in the world while being untouched by all the sorrow, anger, pettiness and all other egoic troubles of the world. Thus, the teaching and the teacher are one and the same which is another reason to read the Gita. Finally Arjuna as a sincere student who was very much engaged in the world and that too in a battlefield embodies the truth that this is not meant for renunciates or people living in caves but very much for everyone engaged in many worldly responsibilities.

III. How to read the Gita?

The right attitude to approach any book of learning, especially one that is about the very question of living itself is expressed by the Sanskrit word shraddha — a word that has many meanings. One is faith that is backed by inquiry — that is to give the benefit of doubt to the teaching while testing it for oneself just as one would do with a professor teaching a subject. Second is sincerity — not to simply learn for the sake of acquiring some knowledge but to connect it with one’s own living. Third is confidence — not just in the teaching and teacher, but in oneself that one can embody this teaching just as many others have before done so.

IV. What the Gita is NOT?

It is not a Hindu sacred book but a book of eternal wisdom for all people in all times.

It is not a book offering multiple choices or paths as it were. It offers a holistic way of living that involves action and wisdom with an attitude of love and devotion.

It is not a self-improvement book to enhance certain aspects of one’s life such as relationships, work etc. It offers the entire spectrum of life itself in terms of understanding oneself, the world and who is God and act out of that wisdom. And it will in turn put all aspects of life in the right place.

So it is important to not go to Gita with any preconceived notions but empty handed so that one is fully receptive to what is offered.

This short talk below covers these four questions in more detail and clears many misconceptions in the process.

Going forward, the intent is to explore Gita systematically via talks on the YouTube channel in the context of its relevance to our living as opposed to simply reading another text. I hope you can join this journey and I look forward to any feedback and comments.