Bhagwad Gita (ભગવદ ગીતા)

(Samay+Samaj+Sanjog=Santosh)
(Time+Understanding+Situation=Satisfaction)

 

Bhagavad Gita has 700 verses in 18 chapters. It contains dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna on the battle field 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 counvinces him that he has to fight, there is no other way. (samay) Time has come – (samaj) understanding is required (sanjog) situation is created and now the out come as reasult, is the (santosh) Satisfaction.

 Gita:  The essential nature of man as “Atma” (self witness). The essential nature of the “Universe” as Brahmand. (God manifesting as everything). Maya is the reason why this essential nature remains hidden. Relationship between “AtmaandBrahmand”. Ideas about: Reincarnation / law of karma, Gunas (Three qualities), four pathways to God or self-realization. Idea of God as the creator and preserver who descends (avatars) on earth for the good of mankind.

Path of Devation:  Worship, Prayers & Meditation is the best path and the easiest to build a relationship with God.

Bhakti and Parabhakti:  Devotion to God in orders to gain something from Him is Lower Form of Love (Bhakti). Love for the sake of love is the Higher Form of Devotion and is called Parabhakti. It does not matter what is offered to God; a fruit, a flower or a leaf. He accepts all offerings given with love. It is the love of the devotee that counts rather than any formal worship.

Path of Action: Action is better than inaction. But every action should be to deep knowledge, to the best of your ability suited to your circumstances (Sanjog – Situation). We have to bear in mind that we are not the real doers-the real “I” is just a witness to all these activities. (Shakshi bhava).

Reincarnation: Atma (soul) does not die with the Body & Mind. The body is just the outer garment, a house (rented house) for the soul, which is discarded when worn out. Wheel of rebirth goes on. The Spiritual progress made in each lifetime is not wasted but helps in the next life. The only things that comes with us when we die are the fruits of our actions and the character we have developed. Reincarnation only stops when we merge with God (Paramatma) also realization of our true self. That is called “Moksha”.

Desire: From desire comes attachment. From attachment comes passion. When passion is not satisfied, it generates anger, from anger arises delusion that causes loss of memory, with loss of memory, wisdom is lost and that brings complete ruin.

Vairagya & Vivek:  Develop a detached attitude. Do not run after objects of senses. Let the mind act as the reins controlling the senses. Let the discriminating faculty direct the mind and keep the desire for objects of pleasure under control. Thus use Vairagya and Vivek and about your primitive nature in search of the “divine”.

Renunciation: The central theme of the Gita is Renunciation. “Work away, but offer the fruits of your actions to God.” We have to realize that the essential “I” is the witness. Renounce the trival – worldly things in order to gain the spirituality.

God can be reached through paths of Knowledge, Action, Devotion and Meditation. One can choose one pathway or any combination of pathways to suit one’s own abilities. We have to begin with ‘0’ (zero) & we have to merge with ‘•’ (dot), understand the real meaning of your life and be happy. . Jai Shree Krishna

Dr.Sudhir Shah