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Introduction

© S.Kavita

'O Divine! Lead me from unreal to the real Lead me from darkness to light Lead me from death to immortality'

The Bhagawad Gita contains the essence of Vedic Knowledge. The seven hundred and odd verses that make up this text, aim at achieving absolute Liberation of mankind.

There are four main marga (paths) to attain higher knowledge.

(i) Karma marga (Path of Duty) (ii) Jnana marga (Path of Wisdom) (iii)Bhakti marga (Path of Devotion) (iv) Yoga marga (Yoga means UNION or disciple.)

This sacred text caters to people in all of the above mentioned paths.

'Some are enlightened by sacrificing their material possessions in severe austerities and taking strict vows and practicing the yoga of eight fold mysticism. While others study the Vedas for the advancement of transcendental knowledge. However, when one is enlightened and ignorance is destroyed, then his knowledge reveals everything, as the sun lights up everything in the daytime.' -Bhagawad Gita

The Bhagawad Gita, also referred to as the Lord's song was imparted to Arjuna, a warrior, by Lord Krishna, the Supreme being on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

The events described in the epic Mahabharata lead to the battle of Kurukshetra. I will give a brief summary of the epic.

The noble and righteous brothers, the Pandavas are denied their fair share of the kingdom by their cousins, the Kauravas. The Pandavas are five brothers, of whom Arjuna is a valiant archer. The Kauravas are one hundred wicked brothers. They take pleasure in tormenting the weak and depict the evil side of humanity.

They finally meet at the battlefield of Kurkshetra. Lord Krishna, the Supreme being takes the side of the good, that is the Pandavas. Upon persuasion by the Kauravas, Lord Krishna pledges not to take up arms against them. Therefore he assumes the role of the charioteer of Arjuna, the bravest of the Pandavas. Through the war, Lord Krishna gives Arjuna valuable tips in warfare and boosts his morale.

In the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the armies of Pandavas and Kauravas meet face to face. The Kauravas have the support of all their teachers, brave warriors and many other relatives. Arjuna has second thoughts when he sees his own gurus and blood relatives, anxious to fight. He is reluctant to shed the blood of his own cousins, even for a just cause.

This when Lord Krishna, delivers the Baghawad Gita. It is a dialogue between Arjuna and the Lord, where Lord Krishna reveals the essence of life to Arjuna. He talks about righteousness, one's duty, salvation and liberation.

Arjuna is enlightened. He fights bravely and wins the battle.

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