WHEN MIND MEETS WISDOM

Chapter 2: Introduction to Shrimad Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 2: Introduction to Shrimad Bhagavad Gita

2.1 Context and Background of the Gita

The Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta, often simply referred to as the Geeta, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is said to be one of the most important and difficult scriptures of the Sanatan religion to understand and implement its theories in daily life. It was the conversation which led between Arjun and Lord Krishna when Arjuna was in a dilemma of whether he should fight this battle of Mahabharat or not. At that moment of time Krishna helped Arjun to understand the concept of dharma and karma. The whole dialogue took place between arjuna and lord krishna at the middle of the battlefield of kurukshetra. . To fully appreciate the Geeta, it is essential to understand its historical, cultural, and philosophical context.

The Geeta was a result of great conflict and turmoil. Geeta came into existence due to the epic war the Mahabharata. It narrates the story of the kuru dynasty. This correctly describes the greed, arrogance and jealousy of the kauravas, while on the other hand it addresses the struggle, and fight for justice of the pandavas. The Geeta specifically addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna, one of the pandavas, because of the fact that he was fighting against his own relatives.

The Mahabharata has a huge and exceedingly multiplex characters and story lots. The Mahabharata is not just a story of war and conflict; it is also a rich mosaic.of mythology, philosophy, and moral teachings.

The Geeta in total consist of 18 chapters in which lord krishna talks about dharma, karma, yoga, bhakti, detachment, difference between the transient body and the eternal self, the transmigration of self, necessity of doing one's duties etc. Kurukshetra is described as a dharmakshetra, or a field of righteousness, where the forces of good and evil fought against each other.

Philosophical Context

The Geeta focuses on the purpose of life, our duties and responsibilities along with our karmic cycles and the concept of Dharma and karma. It addresses the Yoga of Meditation, Detachment, Devotion etc. It focuses on various paths including the paths of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), action (Karma Yoga), and devotion (Bhakti Yog). Geeta is the best motivator and guide which guides an individual on each and every part of life wherever he gets stuck. It helps them to find their purpose in the world and their duties towards themselves and others.

The Main theme of The Bhagavad Geeta revolve around the concept of Dharma, Karma, righteous duty and Devotion. When Arjuna sees his only family members standing against him on the battlefield, Arjuna was in delusion as to how he could kill his own uncles, teacher, brothers and all of them. How could he forget his love for his beloved Bhishma and Drona. Krishna being his charioteer and guide, makes him understand the primary importance of his duty and what the karma wants him to do. He explains to him to perform his duty with attachment to the temporary body and that the soul never dies.

Another important theme of the Geeta is the essential relationship between the atman (self) to the brahman that is the ultimate reality. Kishma explains that the atman that is the true self is indestructible. It is the body which gets deteriorated but the atman never dies and changes body to body.the physical body like the automobile without engine and fuel, the outer metallic body of lets say a car is of no use if there would be no fuel which works like the atman. This teaching is central to the path of Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge and wisdom.

The Geeta also emphasises on the importance of devotion and bhakti. Lord Krishna talks about the divine power of spirituality. In the Bhagavad Geeta Lord Krishna admits that he is the ultimate supreme personality of the universe in fact he is the universe itself. He is into each and every competent of the world. We all irrespective of religion are the part of Lord Krishna. This teaching forms the basis of Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion and love for God.