Essence OF Bhagavad Gita – Bhagavad Gita is one of the most popular books for spiritual knowledge in the world. It is a 700-verse scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata (chapters 23–40 of Bhishma Parva). It has caught the attention of various leaders, scientists, philosophers, and theologians across the globe. In today’s busy life, people don’t have the time and intellectual ability to study the entire Bhagavd Gita scrutinizingly and hence they often ask the question, ” What is the essence of Bhagavad Gita”
The Gita is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna right before the start of the climactic Mahabharat war at Kurukshetra. Two massive armies have gathered to destroy the other. The Pandavas prince Arjuna asks his charioteer Krishna to drive to the center of the battlefield so that he can get a good look at both the armies and all those “so eager for war”. He sees that some among his enemies are his own relatives, beloved friends, and revered teachers. Does not want to fight to kill them and is thus filled with doubt and despair on the battlefield. He drops his bow, and wonders if he should renounce and just leave the battlefield.
Kit X11 Tubular Resistance Bands Fitness Exercise tbol before and after girl performs yoga exercises on the beach during sunset. yoga, fitness and healthy lifestyle stock photo – alamyHe turns to his charioteer and guides Krishna, for advice on the rationale for war, his choices, and the right thing to do. The Bhagavad Gita is the compilation of Arjuna’s questions and moral dilemma, Krishna’s answers, and insights that elaborate on a variety of philosophical concepts.
In the eighteen chapters of Bhagavad Gita, a variety of topics have been discussed. The five main topics of Bhagavad Gita are jiva ( individual soul), isvara ( Supreme Lord), prakriti ( material nature), kala ( eternal time), and karma ( acions). Yoga is a process to connect the individual soul to Krishna. various types of yoga are discussed such as bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and karma yogi has been discussed. It is said that :
- Chapters 1–6 covers Karma yoga
- Chapters 7–12 covers Bhakti yoga
- Chapters 13–18 covers Jnana yoga
Although Bhagavad Gita has only 700 verses, there is lot confusion about essence of Bhagavad Gita. Some people consider that karma is the essence of Bhagavd Gita. Some say that the essence of Gita is ” Whatever is happening around is good as it is happening by the Will of God and whatever will happen in future will be good”. According to this logic, the current COVID pandemic is also good !
However, if one systematically studies Bhagavd Gita, he will reject such immature conclusions. The author is the best person to present the essence of book. Similarly, the speaker of Bhagavd Gita Himself presents the essence of Bhagavad Gita towards the end of chapter 18, the concluding chapter of Bhagavd Gita.
In 18.64 He says that “Because you are My very dear friend, I am speaking to you My supreme instruction, the most confidential knowledge of all. Hear this from Me, for it is for your benefit.” Then He speaks two verses, which is the essence of Bhagavd Gita.
man-manā bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yājī māḿ namaskuru
mām evaiṣyasi satyaḿ te
pratijāne priyo ‘si me
Translation: “Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.” (BG 18.65)
sarva-dharmān parityajya
mām ekaḿ śaraṇaḿ vraja
ahaḿ tvāḿ sarva-pāpebhyo
mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
Translation: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear. (BG 18.66)
The essence of Bhagavad Gita is very clear. Lord Krishna wants everyone to surrender to Him and become His devotee. Unfortunately, many scholars and philosophers don’t accept this simple essence of Bhagavd Gita. Hence, Lord Krishna came again in the form of His devotee as Lord Chaitanya and practically demonstrated how one can follow the essence of Bhagavad Gita by surrendering to Krishna and chanting Krishna’s Holy Names : Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
