Bhagavad Gita is one of the most sought-after scriptures of all time. Far beyond a religious book, Gita offers a comprehensive guide to life, with profound wisdom and is a philosophical masterpiece that delves into the intricacies of human existence.
Whether you are facing a complicated relationship issue, or are confused about the purpose of your life, it is said that delving into the Bhagavad Gita can offer you any response you intend to find. Every page and verse of the Gita has profound wisdom on karma, death, soul, intent, vices and virtues, the evolution of the soul, and more. What makes Bhagavad Gita special is that it encompasses not just a set of beliefs or teachings, but a practical philosophy that resonates with the complexities of the human experience.
The Mythology Behind Bhagavad Gita
When did the Bhagavad Gita come into existence? When was it shared or when was it written? Bhagavad Gita which is literally translated to the song of God is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. Dated over 5000 years ago, the Bhagavad Gita includes a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna just before the Mahabharat war began, a war between two groups of princely cousins, the Kauravas and the Pāṇḍavas.
To simplify the message portrayed by Gita, consider Gita as a conversation between the Universal energy or the source as Krishna, and the seeker of knowledge as Arjuna. While Gita is thousands of years old, the timeless wisdom shared by Krishna still holds relevance in making difficult, life-changing decisions, finding purpose in life, and living our true selves.
Bhagavad Gita is divided into 18 chapters, each of which has 700 verses. Initially, spoken and written in Sanskrit the Bhagavad Gita is available in 175 languages today.
Interesting Facts on the Bhagavad Gita
Significance of 18 Chapters of Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is divided into 18 chapters, with each chapter having 700 verses. The number 18 though holds greater significance as the Mahabharata or Kurukshetra war lasts for 18 days. Moreover, in the first chapter of the Gita, Arjuna surveys the battlefield and counts the various warriors on both sides. The count totals 18 divisions of soldiers, symbolizing the complexity and diversity of life’s challenges.
Time-bound or symbolic?
The question of whether the events described in the Bhagavad Gita actually unfolded in real-time, with fully armed soldiers poised on either side before the commencement of the war, remains a subject of debate. Some contend that the narrative is a factual account of historical events, supported by archaeological findings and references in ancient texts. However, others interpret the Bhagavad Gita as conveying a psychological or subjective truth, viewing it as a symbolic and allegorical representation rather than a literal occurrence.
The first English Edition of Bhagavad Gita
Charles Wilkins translated the first English version of the Bhagavad Gita in London in 1785. Notably, this translation occurred a mere 174 years after the completion of the King James Bible in 1611.
Behavioral, Emotional, and Intellectual Lessons by Bhagavad Gita
Did you know that Bhagavad Gita is divided into three parts, with six chapters each on
Karma Yoga: The six chapters on karma yoga include everything on relevance of karma and fruits of your action.
Bhakti Yoga: Relevance of emotions, faith, divine energy
Gnana Yoga: Developing the ability to identify with wisdom and intellect
Profound, Timeless Life Lessons by Bhagavad Gita
While there are countless learnings you can derive from the Bhagavad Gita, we are presenting the most profound 15 lessons
1. Embrace Change
“The nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”
According to the Bhagavad Gita, change is an inherent and inevitable aspect of life. Just like there is a change in seasons, there is a constant flux between happy and sad moments. Yet, Gita highlights that our role in the ever-changing life patterns is to continue performing our duties and remain focused on the purpose of our lives. And more importantly, remember that after all challenging phases, the promise of favorable ones looms around the corner.
2. The soul is timeless and can never be destroyed
“For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.”
The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that the soul, often referred to as the Atman, is indestructible and transcends the physical realm. Regardless of your physical ailments, emotional turmoil, or trauma, the soul remains unaltered and cannot be destroyed or impacted. The message of the Gita helps us understand the dimensions of our energy and vibrations outside of our physical bodies.
The Gita also indicates the immortality of the soul and rebirth by stating that just as the body discards old clothes to don new ones, the soul departs from its current physical form at the end of life to enter another body.
3. Be free from fear and anger
“From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost.”
The Gita emphasizes the understanding of the eternal nature of the self (Atman) as a means to overcome fear. By recognizing that the true self is beyond the changes and challenges of the material world, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner resilience. Gita also acknowledges anger as a powerful and destructive emotion that can cloud judgment and lead to negative consequences.
4. Stay detached from results
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
The Bhagavad Gita reminds us to give our undivided attention to every task we undertake and cultivate detachment from the outcomes. Emphasizing the need to distance ourselves from future consequences, this approach not only shields us from unnecessary stress but also fosters mindfulness in everything we do.
5. Meditate and Stay Mindful
“For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.”
How can Gita not include the transformative power of meditation? The section on Dhyana yoga describes at length about how to meditate, and the relevance of meditation in ensuring spiritual growth. Going beyond meditation, dhyana yoga also encourages the practice of relinquishing negative emotions such as envy, fear, anger, and attachment and compulsive habits like over-eating.
6. Regard Everyone as an Equal
“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and an outcaste”
The Bhagavad Gita teaches the profound concept of considering everyone equal. In its verses, it emphasizes that true wisdom leads to a perspective where individuals see beyond external differences such as social status, knowledge, or species. According to the Gita, enlightened beings view every person and creature impartially, recognizing the shared spiritual essence that unites all of creation. This teaching encourages us to treat everyone with equality, respect, and compassion, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all living beings. In essence, the Gita guides us to embrace a perspective that values the inherent divinity in each individual, promoting a harmonious and inclusive way of life.
7. Seeing divinity in every aspect of life
“I am the sweet taste in pure water, O Arjuna; I am the radiance of the sun and the moon. I am the sacred syllable Om in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in the ether and the ability in humans. I am the fragrance in the earth, and I am the brilliance in the fire. I am the life in every living being, and the austerity in the ascetics.”
To find divinity in everything means seeing the sacredness in people, places, and the beauty of creation and its creator. When you see someone doing better than you, don’t feel jealous. The universe has given them a special gift. Being jealous or trying to harm them is like insulting the creator.
Instead, get inspired by that person. Appreciate their unique gifts and talents. Understand that everyone is a special part of the divine. See the good in the world, and let it inspire you to be better.
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