Ultimate Guide to Bhagavad Gita | Journey of Self Discovery

The Bhagavad-gītā, or Gītopaniṣad, is not just another book; it's a profound guide to life, offering solutions to the anxieties and sufferings of material existence. It's a conversation between Lord Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, a dialogue that addresses the fundamental questions of life. If you are drawn to the Gītā but feel unsure how to begin, this guide will offer you direction.

Understanding the Bhagavad-gita

The Bhagavad-gītā is a conversation between Lord Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna. It occurs on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra, just before a major war, when Arjuna is faced with a moral dilemma.
It is a part of the Mahābhārata, an epic history of the ancient world.
It is considered the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upaniṣads.
The Bhagavad-gītā is meant to deliver mankind from the nescience of material existence.

Why Should You Read the Bhagavad-gita?

The Bhagavad-gītā provides answers to fundamental questions about life:

It helps you understand your true identity and purpose.
It explains your relationship with the Supreme Lord.
It clarifies the nature of the material world and how to transcend its limitations.
It provides a path to overcome suffering and attain lasting happiness.
It guides you towards liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
It explains the five basic truths of existence:
- īśvara (the controller)
- jīva (the living entities)
- prakṛti (material nature)
- kāla (time)
- karma (activity)

The Bhagavad-gītā aims to deliver mankind from the nescience of material existence. It helps us understand:

Our true identity and purpose.
Our relationship with the Supreme Lord.
The nature of the material world and how to transcend its limitations.
How to overcome suffering and attain lasting happiness.
The path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Challenges in Approaching the Bhagavad-gita

Many people encounter difficulties when trying to read the Bhagavad-gita:

Misinterpretations: Many commentaries on the Gītā express personal opinions, deviating from the true spirit of the text. Some try to make it fit their concepts, moving away from the core message.
Lack of a Submissive Attitude: The Gītā is a great mystery, and understanding it requires a submissive spirit, accepting Lord Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Approaching it with pride or a sense of equality with Krishna will hinder true understanding.
The Complexity of Concepts: The Gītā discusses profound philosophical concepts that require focused study.
The Language Barrier: The original text is in Sanskrit, which can be a challenge for many readers. A good translation, particularly one that maintains the original intent, is essential.

How to Effectively Approach the Bhagavad-gita

Here are steps to help you effectively read and understand the Bhagavad-gītā:

Accept the Speaker: Begin by acknowledging that Lord Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the starting point for understanding the Gītā’s true meaning. As Arjuna did, accept Kṛṣṇa as paraṁ brahma, the Supreme Brahman.
Seek an Authoritative Edition: Choose a translation and commentary that presents the Bhagavad-gītā as it is, without adulteration. The goal should be to direct the reader to Krishna, not away from Him. Look for editions that provide:
- The original Sanskrit verses.
- English transliteration.
- Word-for-word Sanskrit-English equivalents.
- Accurate translations.
- Purports or explanations based on the paramparā (disciplic succession).
Read with a Submissive Attitude: Approach the Gītā with humility and devotion. Do not think you are equal to Kṛṣṇa or that He is an ordinary being.
Study with a Devotional Spirit: The Bhagavad-gītā is a treatise meant for the devotee. The best way to understand it is through devotion. As Kṛṣṇa told Arjuna, this knowledge is for those who are His devotees and friends.
Understand the Five Basic Truths: Recognize the five fundamental concepts discussed in the Gītā:
- Īśvara (the supreme controller).
- Jīva (the living entities).
- Prakṛti (material nature).
- Kāla (eternal time).
- Karma (activity).
Follow the Disciplic Succession (Paramparā): Understand that the knowledge of the Gītā is passed down through a lineage of spiritual masters. This paramparā ensures the teachings are presented without distortion. This edition follows the disciplic succession which includes Lord Krishna, Brahma, Narada, Vyasa and other great acharyas
Read Regularly and Carefully: Make it a practice to read the Gītā regularly. Engage with the text thoughtfully, not just superficially.
Apply the Teachings: The real purpose of the Gītā is to apply its wisdom in your life. Strive to live by the principles of the text, and see how they transform you.
Seek Guidance: If you find it difficult to understand some verses or concepts, seek guidance from someone who is knowledgeable in the Gītā and follows its teachings. You may also want to seek help from those who are part of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
Engage in Devotional Practices: Incorporate practices that help you focus on the Lord, such as chanting His names (kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ) and engaging in service to Him.

The Importance of "As It Is"

The phrase “As It Is” is crucial. It means understanding the Gītā in its pure, unadulterated form. The sources make it clear that:

The true intent of the Bhagavad-gita is to guide you back to God, and to your eternal relationship with Krishna.
Many interpretations of the Bhagavad-gītā have deviated from the original intent to fulfill the personal ambitions of the interpreter.
The Gītā is not a poetic device or a collection of ideas from an anonymous genius, but rather a direct teaching from the Supreme Lord.

Gītā-māhātmya: The Glories of the Bhagavad-gita

The Gītā-māhātmya emphasizes the profound benefits of reading the Bhagavad-gita:

Freedom from Misery: Those who follow the instructions of the Gita can be freed from all the miseries and anxieties of life (bhaya-śokadi-varjitaḥ).
Purification from Sin: By sincerely reading the Gita, you can overcome the reactions of your past misdeeds.
Transcendental Cleansing: Just as a bath in the Ganges cleanses the body, even one reading of the Gita can eradicate the dirt of material life (saṁsara-mala-naśanam).
Essence of Vedic Wisdom: The Bhagavad-gita is the essence of all Vedic scriptures, and it contains all the knowledge you need for spiritual progress.
The Nectar of Immortality: The Gita is the nectar of the Mahabharat, spoken by Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself, granting one freedom from rebirth (punar janma na vidyate)
A Complete Guide: Just as a cow gives milk, the Gita, milked by Krishna, is the nectar of the Upaniṣads and offers all knowledge. Arjuna, like a calf, drinks it, and learned scholars are invited to drink it too.
The Essence of Oneness: The Gita advocates for one scripture, one God, one mantra, and one service (ekaṁ śastraṁ devaki-putra-gitam, eko devo devaki-putra eva).

Overcoming Challenges

If you face specific challenges, here are some solutions:

Time Constraints: If you have limited time, start by reading a few verses daily. Even a little regular engagement is valuable.
Difficult Concepts: If you find some concepts difficult, read them multiple times or seek explanations from those who understand them. Don't give up!
Lack of Focus: Practice techniques to focus your mind, such as chanting the Lord's names. This can help center your attention on the Gita.

The Path to Realization

The ultimate goal of reading the Gītā is to revive our sanatana-dharma, our eternal function of serving the Lord. This involves:

Understanding that our true nature is to serve the Supreme Lord, not our own material desires.
Realizing that we are not the body but eternal spiritual beings.
Purifying our consciousness by engaging in bhakti or devotional service.
Remembering the Lord at the time of death to attain the spiritual realm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of the disciplic succession (guru shishya parampara)?

Ans. The parampara ensures the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagawatam are passed down without distortion. It's a lineage of spiritual masters who have realized the truth and guide others accurately.

Q2. Why is it important to accept Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead?

Ans. The Bhagavad-gītā is spoken by Kṛṣṇa, and to understand it fully, one must accept His position as the Supreme. This foundational understanding provides the proper context for all other teachings.

Q3. How can I apply the teachings of the Gita in my daily life?

Ans. Integrate the principles into your actions and thoughts by striving to serve others without ego, recognizing the divine presence in all things, and dedicating your activities to the Supreme.

Q4. What is sanātana-dharma?

Ans. Sanātana-dharma is the eternal function of the living entity in relationship with the eternal Supreme Lord. It is not a sectarian religion but the essential activity of service that cannot be changed.

Q5. How does the Bhagavad-gita define liberation (mukti)?

Ans. Liberation (mukti) means freedom from the contaminated consciousness of the material world and being situated in pure consciousness.

Q6. What is the role of karma according to the Gita?

Ans. Karma refers to the activities we perform and their reactions. The Gītā explains how to change our activities to achieve liberation from the cycle of karma.

Q7. What does the Bhagavad-gita say about the material world?

Ans. The material world is a temporary reflection of the spiritual world. It is full of suffering, and one should strive to transcend it.

Q8. How can I develop love for the Supreme Lord?

Ans. By engaging in devotional service (bhakti) which includes chanting His names, studying the scriptures, and associating with devotees.

Q9. Is it necessary to renounce all worldly activities to follow the Bhagavad-gita?

Ans. No, the Gita does not advise giving up one’s responsibilities. Instead, it encourages dedicating your work to the Lord and remembering Him in all your activities.

Q10. What is the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra and why is it important?

Ans. The Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra (Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare) is a powerful tool for remembering and connecting with the Lord. It can help purify the contaminated mind and foster love for God.

Conclusion

The Bhagavad-gita is a treasure of spiritual wisdom, but it requires a sincere and dedicated approach. By following these practicle guidelines, you can navigate its profound teachings and unlock its transformative power which will give you lasting peace and happiness. Remember to approach the Gita with humility, devotion, and a desire to understand it as it is. The journey you take will not only give you great knowledge, but ultimately, bring you closer to the Supreme Lord. The path is open to all, and by engaging with the Gītā, you can make your life perfect.

A Guide to Reading the Bhagavad-gita: Unlocking its Timeless Wisdom