Srimad Bhagavad Gita : A Journey of Bhakti & Self Discovery

Table of Content

•  Introduction

• What are the Topics Discussed by Srimad Bhagavad Gita?

• Karma Yoga

• Gyana Yoga

• Bhakti Yoga

• Jnana Yoga

• Dharma

• Kala

• Prakriti

• What are the Rules for Reading the Bhagavad Gita?

• Is the Bhagavad Gita a Religious or Spiritual Book?

• Religious Book

• Spiritual Book

• Which is the Best Hindi Translation of the Bhagavad Gita?

• Conclusion

The grand epic Mahabharata, written by Veda Vyasa is the repository of exceptional ancient wisdom, compiled astutely to represent the essence of Indian society. The text is divided into 18 Parvas, in which the Bheeshma Parva contains the famous Srimad Bhagavad Gita, arguably the most powerful gift of the Mahabharata to the world.

Endowed to Arjuna standing on the brink of the war of Kurukshetra, Bhagavad Gita is also known as “Gitopnishad”, equating it to the Upanishads which form a part of the sacred Vedic corpus. Gita in its potencies is compared to the wish-fulfilling Kamadhenu cow and Kalpavriksha tree, since reading the book is believed to satiate one’s spiritual as well as material appetites.

Written in Sanskrit, the text of Srimad Bhagavad Gita is today read across the world in different languages, versions, and through the interpretations of many intellectuals. The original text along with its related books has formed an independent genre of books on Indian culture and religion.

Let us delve deeper into the astute wisdom of Gita, through some of the most commonly posed questions around its components, themes, and meanings.

गीतामृत, श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता का हिन्दी काव्यानुवाद: Gita Amrita, Hindi Poetic Translation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita

What are the Topics Discussed by Srimad Bhagavad Gita?

Srimad Bhagavad Gita comprises 18 chapters or Adhyaya. Out of these the first six are dedicated to Karma-Yoga or union with the divine through action, the last six focus on Gyan-Yoga or the way of knowledge, and the middle part is dedicated to Bhakti or devotion.

Karma Yoga

Sri Krishna reveals the secret of action (karma) in this human realm to Arjuna in the Gita. According to Krishna, Karma should be done by an individual to please Him and all Karma should be dedicated to His lotus feet. Any action done in this manner becomes laced with Bhakti or devotion and is considered the highest level of Karma.

One of the key themes of the Bhagavad Gita is karma yoga, the yoga of action. Karma yoga emphasizes the importance of selfless action and detachment from the fruits of one's actions. The Gita teaches that we should perform our duty without attachment to the results, focusing instead on doing the right thing and leaving the outcome to God.

Krishna tells Arjuna that he must fight the battle before him, regardless of the outcome, because it is his duty as a warrior to do so. Krishna teaches that this attitude of detachment and selfless action is the path to spiritual liberation.

Gyana Yoga

A true seeker of knowledge, who begins the quest for wisdom by putting total faith in the benevolence of Sri Krishna, becomes the recipient of Brahma-gyana or supreme wisdom. Affection and devotion towards Him ensure the achievement of Gyana, thus Bhakti becomes key in the journey towards Brahma-gyana. 

Bhakti Yoga

The crown jewel and the primary message of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita are Bhakti or devotion. The other goals of Yoga (union with the divine) through Karma and Gyana are achievable only through Bhakti. The Vishwarupa of Sri Krishna, seen by Arjuna is comprehensible only to those who look at Him with nothing but devotion.

In any way a person chooses in life, the preeminence of devotion is mandatory. Only in this manner, as per Sri Krishna, one can move towards Him. Devotion to the supreme divine, which is manifested in the Sri Krishna avatar, is the key and binding agent between action and knowledge.

Thus, though Bhagavad Gita talks in great detail about Karma, Gyana, and Mukti (salvation), it gives primacy to Bhakti- pure and unwavering devotion to the divine, as the greatest way to achieve higher consciousness and true knowledge.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge, is another major theme of the Bhagavad Gita. Jnana yoga involves the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom as a means of attaining spiritual liberation. In the Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna that the true nature of the self is eternal and unchanging, and that we must realize this truth through spiritual knowledge.

Krishna also teaches that the ultimate reality is Brahman, the absolute reality that underlies all existence. Jnana yoga involves the pursuit of this ultimate reality through the study of the scriptures, contemplation, and meditation.

Dharma

According to the Gita, every person has a unique dharma based on their innate nature, or svabhava, and their stage in life, or ashrama. Arjuna, the protagonist of the Gita, is a warrior and his dharma is to fight in the battle, as it is his duty to uphold justice and protect his people.

However, he is hesitant to do so, and Krishna explains to him the importance of fulfilling his dharma. Krishna also emphasizes that one's dharma should be performed without attachment to the outcome, but rather as a selfless act of service to the greater good. This idea of performing actions without attachment is known as karma yoga.

The concept of dharma in the Bhagavad Gita is about fulfilling one's duty and living a righteous life while recognizing one's unique nature and stage in life. It is about performing actions selflessly and without attachment to the outcome.

In the Bhagavad Gita, dharma refers to one's duty, righteousness, and ethical code of conduct that upholds the order of the universe. It is often translated as "righteousness" or "duty" and encompasses the idea of fulfilling one's responsibilities and obligations in life.

According to the Gita, every person has a unique dharma based on their innate nature, or svabhava, and their stage in life, or ashrama. Arjuna, the protagonist of the Gita, is a warrior and his dharma is to fight in the battle, as it is his duty to uphold justice and protect his people. However, he is hesitant to do so, and Krishna explains to him the importance of fulfilling his dharma.

Krishna also emphasizes that one's dharma should be performed without attachment to the outcome, but rather as a selfless act of service to the greater good. This idea of performing actions without attachment is known as karma yoga.

Concept of Kala

In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of kala refers to time and its role in shaping the course of human life and actions. Kala is seen as a powerful force that governs the universe and influences the destiny of all beings. The Gita emphasizes the transient and impermanent nature of the material world, which is constantly changing due to the influence of kala.

The Gita describes kala as a manifestation of the divine, and therefore, an aspect of the ultimate reality or Brahman. In chapter 11, verse 32, Krishna says, "I am time, the destroyer of worlds." Here, Krishna is referring to himself as the ultimate reality, which includes the dimension of time or kala.

Kala is also seen as a teacher in the Gita, as it imparts valuable lessons to humans about the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present moment. Krishna advises Arjuna to focus on performing his duty without attachment to the outcome, as the outcome is not in his control and is governed by kala.

Moreover, the Gita emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and how it affects all aspects of the universe. The concept of samsara, or the cycle of birth and death, is also closely linked to kala, as it is time that governs the transitions between these states.

The Gita also talks about the importance of understanding the different yugas, or cosmic ages, and how they are influenced by kala. The four yugas, Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali, are characterized by different levels of morality and spirituality, and they are said to be governed by the influence of kala.

Prakriti

In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of Prakriti refers to nature, the material world, and the physical universe. Prakriti is seen as the primal energy that forms the basis of all existence and is responsible for the manifestation of the universe.

Prakriti is often contrasted with Purusha, which refers to the individual soul or consciousness. The Gita describes how the interaction between prakriti and purusha creates the different forms of life and consciousness in the universe.

Krishna describes prakriti as consisting of three gunas or qualities - sattva, rajas, and tamas. These gunas influence all aspects of the universe and are present in all living beings. Sattva represents purity, harmony, and balance, rajas represents activity, passion, and restlessness, while tamas represents darkness, inertia, and ignorance.

Krishna emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of the gunas on one's actions and behavior. He advises Arjuna to strive for sattva and to avoid being controlled by rajas and tamas. Moreover, the Gita describes how prakriti operates through the three modes of material nature, which are goodness, passion, and ignorance.

These modes determine the quality of one's actions and the fruit that they bear. The Gita also emphasizes the impermanent and changing nature of Prakriti, which is subject to the influence of time and the cycles of creation and destruction. Krishna advises Arjuna to recognize the impermanence of the material world and to focus on attaining the eternal reality of the soul or Purusha.

What are the Rules for Reading the Bhagavad Gita?

The Gita is a pious text for the Hindus who worship it and read it as the words of Lord Krishna himself. It is also read by a vast number of non-Hindus and people who approach it as a philosophical text leading to a contradiction in the ways of interacting with the book.

Though there are no strict rules and rituals for reading Bhagavad Gita, one must be in a hygienic condition, place the book in a clean space and begin reading it with due respect and thoughtfulness. Only by esteeming the Gita as a priceless source of wisdom can one truly experience its magnificence.

गीतापथ: Gitapath

Is the Bhagavad Gita a Religious or Spiritual Book?

Religious Book

Among those who read the Bhagavad Gita as words sprouting from the mouth of Sri Krishna himself, the Gita is undoubtedly a sacred, religious book. In the literary tradition of Hinduism, the category of Vedanta- texts that supplement the Vedas as the last node of Vedic literature contains the Upanishads (Shrauta or heard tradition), Gita (Smarta tradition), and Brahmasutra (Philosophical tradition). In this manner, the Gita is a religious book that is an integral part of Hindu religious thought.

Spiritual Book

A second way of looking at Srimad Bhagavad Gita and its contents is how several world leaders and spiritual beings saw the book. Readers even today find relevant answers to their modern and everyday conundrums in the pages of the Gita.

For them the universality in the message of the Gita is undeniable and its description of metaphysical ideas is beyond the watertight compartments of time, region, or religion. This makes the Srimad Bhagavad Gita a spiritual book, which is used by people belonging to different religions as a guidebook for navigating through their lives.

Which is the Best Hindi Translation of the Bhagavad Gita?

Any translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Gita Press, Gorakhpur can be read if one is looking for translations of the book. Srimad Bhagavad Gita (With Sadhak Sanjeevani Commentary by Swami Ramsukhdas) of Gita Press is an excellent Hindi translation of Bhagavad Gita, which provides the reader with a simple yet powerful version of Krishna’s sacred message. 

Bhagavad Gita in Hindu tradition is a one-of-its-kind book, filled with the holiness of the Vedas. The timelessness of Gita’s message can be seen from the fact that great sages such as Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya read and wrote commentaries on the text, starting a tradition of literature create around Gita which continues to date.

People from different faiths and countries see a reflection of their lives in the pages of the Bhagavad Gita, which speaks for the awe-inspiring wide range of this ancient text. To explore the collection of Srimad Bhagavad Gita's original text, translations, and commentaries, visit Exotic India Art, and take a dip into this perennial stream of heavenly Indian wisdom.

Hindi is one of the official languages of India and is widely spoken and understood by people throughout the country. Reading the Bhagavad Gita in Hindi can help readers better understand the teachings and concepts presented in the text, as it allows them to engage with the text in a language that they are familiar with.

There are many good Hindi translations of the Bhagavad Gita available, and each has its own unique features and strengths. Here are some of the most popular ones:

👉 Geeta Press Gorakhpur: This is one of the most widely read and respected Hindi translations of the Bhagavad Gita. It was published by the Geeta Press Gorakhpur, which is a well-known publishing house that specializes in Hindu religious texts. The translation is known for its accuracy, clarity, and faithful representation of the original Sanskrit text.

👉 Gita Darshan by Osho: This translation by the spiritual teacher Osho is known for its unique and insightful commentary. Osho's interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of meditation, mindfulness, and self-awareness. The translation is known for its lucid and engaging writing style.

👉 Bhagavad Gita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: This translation by the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is known for its devotion and spiritual depth. The translation is based on the author's interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita as a text that teaches the path of devotion to Lord Krishna. The translation is known for its emphasis on bhakti (devotion), and its practical guidance for leading a spiritual life.

👉 Bhagavad Gita by Vinoba Bhave: This translation by the noted social reformer and spiritual leader Vinoba Bhave is known for its simplicity and accessibility. Bhave's interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes its universal message of non-violence, love, and compassion. The translation is known for its use of everyday language and its relevance to modern-day issues.

👉 Bhagavad Gita by Swami Ramsukhdas: This translation by the spiritual teacher Swami Ramsukhdas is known for its depth and detail. The translation is accompanied by detailed commentary that explains the meaning and significance of each verse. The translation is known for its emphasis on karma yoga (the path of selfless action) and its practical guidance for leading a virtuous and meaningful life.

These are just a few of the many good Hindi translations of the Bhagavad Gita available. Each translation has its own unique features and strengths, and readers should choose the one that resonates with them the most. Regardless of which translation one chooses, the Bhagavad Gita is a timeless and transformative text that can inspire and guide readers on their spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways

• The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to attain liberation or moksha, which is achieved by realizing the true nature of the self and the universe.

• The Bhagavad Gita presents various paths to attain moksha, including karma yoga (the path of selfless action), bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), and jnana yoga (the path of knowledge).

• Karma yoga highlights the significance of selfless action.

• Jnana Yoga views wisdom as a medium of achieving spiritual liberation.

• Dharma entails leading a righteous life.

• The material world is temporary and is always varying due to the impact of kala.

• Prakriti is viewed as the main energy that constitutes the foundation of all beings.

• The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and developing devotion towards Him, which helps in overcoming the ego and realizing the true nature of the self.

• The Bhagavad Gita offers a comprehensive and timeless guide for leading a meaningful and fulfilling life, based on the principles of selfless action, devotion, and knowledge.

• The Bhagavad Gita encourages the practice of yoga and meditation as a means of attaining inner peace and spiritual growth.

Sources-

>> Srimad Bhagavad Gita (With Sadhak Sanjeevani Commentary by Swami Ramsukhdas) of Gita Press

>> The Bhagavad Gita: With the Commentary of Sri Shankaracharya