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Bhagavad Gita
A simple and concise overview of
the Bhagavad-gita
by
Sutapa das
Based on Bhagavad Gita As It Is by
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
&
Contents
Chapter One - D.O.U.B.T.....................................................................7
Chapter Two - G.I.T.A........................................................................11
Chapter Three - T.R.E.E.....................................................................15
Chapter Four - E.A.R.S.......................................................................19
Chapter Five - S.T.E.P........................................................................23
2011, Bhaktivedanta Manor
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Introduction
Eminent scholars, scientists and philosophers have recognised
the profound wisdom that the Bhagavad-gita offers. Gandhi once
commented, When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me
in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to
Bhagavad-gita and find a verse to comfort me. I immediately begin to
smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. Those who meditate on the
Gita will derive fresh joy and new meanings from it every day.
What follows is a humble attempt to bring together some insights in
the form of a short overview of the Bhagavad-gita. My aim is not to
draw out every single philosophical point, but rather to highlight key
concepts in each chapter. Hopefully this overview will assist readers
in understanding the flow, context and practical application of these
timeless spiritual teachings. It may also assist teachers of the Bhagavadgita in their attempts to share this wisdom with others.
This small booklet is based on the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, translated
by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His translation has
revolutionised modern thinking, and each purport elucidates the
incredibly profound life lessons that Lord Krishna imparts to Arjuna. I
hope this humble attempt to share some of that wisdom will inspire the
reader to study Srila Prabhupadas full translation which can answer
every question, remove every doubt, and ultimately bring one faceto-face with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Above all,
I undertook this exercise for my own spiritual growth, praying that
someday I will genuinely live by these teachings.
Sutapa das
5
The spiritual journey usually starts with a doubt. Over the years,
our friends, family, society and the media paint the perfect picture
of success and we subsequently shape our lives in determined
pursuance of it. At a certain point, however, we begin to doubt whether
that perfect life is achievable or will actually make us happy. We
begin to question the materialistic goals, aspirations and milestones of
success that have become deeply ingrained within us. Could there be
some deeper purpose to life? While this initial doubt can often bring
great uncertainty and confusion, it can also bring us to the start of our
spiritual journey. It is this very doubt that Arjuna expresses at the onset
of this sacred conversation.
O -
U -
B-
T -
G Guru
i Identity
t Two Duties
a Atmarama
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T - Two Duties (Verses 31-53) - One may then ask how such knowledge
practically affects our day-to-day life in the real world. Krishna
addresses this by delineating the two essential duties of the spirit
soul. Dharma loosely translates as duty but in a deeper sense refers
to intrinsic characteristics and qualities of something that cannot be
avoided, neglected or negated under any circumstance. Firstly, the soul
has a sva-dharma, a worldly duty which consists of responsibilities
towards family, friends and society. Secondly, the soul has a sanatanadharma, an eternal spiritual duty which comprises of ones relationship
with God, nature and all spirit souls. One must execute such dharma
side-by-side. Many individuals neglect their sanatana-dharma,
becoming too preoccupied with their sva-dharma. On the other extreme,
individuals can prematurely reject their sva-dharma and falsely try to
absorb themselves in sanatana-dharma. The most progressive path is to
be fully alert to both duties, and in doing so lead a happy and balanced
material and spiritual life.
A-
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3 - Karma-yoga
A tree produces many fruits, but selflessly offers them to others. All
year round, the tree dutifully offers shade and shelter regardless of
mistreatment by man or animal. Even when a tree is cut, it grows back
with determination and strength, ready to serve the world again. The
life and qualities of a tree give us profound insight into the art of living
in this world while simultaneously remaining completely aloof. Chapter
Three defines the practice of karma-yoga - the technique of achieving
spiritual connection with God through our daily work. Describing the
life of a true karma-yogi, the Bible also affirms, Be in the world but
not of it.
T Tyaga (Renunciation)
R Rungs (on the Yoga Ladder)
E Exemplary
E Enemy of the soul
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this level of spirituality break free from all karmic implication and become
peaceful and liberated.
R Rungs (on the Yoga Ladder) (Verses 10-16) To work without any
selfish motivation whatsoever is undoubtedly an advanced stage of
spiritual realisation. Thus, Krishna explains how to progress to such a
level. He describes a yoga ladder with different rungs which represent
progressively higher levels of understanding. On the lowest level an
individual is solely interested in materialistic enjoyment and has no
spiritual inclination. One stage higher is karma-kanda, where one still
desires materialistic enjoyment but now tries to achieve it via religious
observances. When one realises the futility of material enjoyment they
progress to sakama-karma-yoga, where one begins to offer a portion of his
results to God but still maintains some selfish motivation. At the next stage
of niskama-karma-yoga one accepts whatever necessities he requires to
maintain himself and offers everything else to God. Those who progress to
know the best course of action, what is it that impels me time and time
again to act improperly and against my good intelligence? Krishna then
explains the root cause of this phenomenon is the eternal enemy of the
aspiring spiritualist - lust! The inherent quality of the soul is to love;
to selflessly serve without any personal agenda. However, when the
soul descends to this world that pure love perverts into lust, and one
ceaselessly tries to enjoy in a self-centred way without proper regard
for others. The way of lust impels one to seek immediate gratification
and abandon activities that actually benefit them. In this way, lust
cheats one of a progressive and happy life and offers only meagre,
instantaneous and temporary gratification in return.
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4 - Transcendental Knowledge
Aim to see God through the ears rather than the eyes.
E Eternal education
A Accurate Understanding
R Removing Reactions
S Sacrifice
19
the concern that the caste system is unfair and exploitative - Krishna
outlines the true criteria and purpose of such classification.
21
We are active beings constantly making plans for the future. Our
thoughts manifest in actions, repeated actions form habits, those habits
make up our character, and that character determines our destiny. As
Teilhard de Chardin famously commented, We are not human beings
S-
T-
constantly supported by the Supersoul in the heart who provides all the
knowledge, inspiration and facilities to function.
25
6 - Dhyana-yoga
E Enemy or Friend?
A Astanga-yoga
S Success and failure
Y Yogi
27
28
29
Whether its your next holiday destination, the choice of university for
your studies, or the restaurant for next weeks birthday party, most things
in life require some research. While we may value our gut feelings,
we simultaneously utilise our intelligence and exercise discrimination.
The same goes for spirituality. It is not simply a sentimental impulse
or practice; it requires intelligent research and information gathering.
It is an affair of the head and the heart. Einstein once stated that
religion without philosophy was simply sentiment, and in more acute
situations, downright fanaticism. In Chapter Seven, entitled Knowledge
of the Absolute, Krishna delineates certain philosophical truths to instil
confidence and conviction in the process of bhakti-yoga.
H Hearing
E Everywhere
A Accept or Reject
D Demigods
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33
D Doubts
E End of life
A Attaining the Supreme
D Devotion
35
E End of life (Verses 5-8) - Imagine you are going to watch a movie and
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you meet someone who just saw it. Youll never guess what happens,
they say... before they even finish that statement youll interject and
stop them; after all, knowing the end spoils the whole film. Similarly,
for those engaged in worldly pursuits, hearing about, contemplating
and accepting the end (death) is not the most inspiring reflection. It
simply spoils their movie of life in the here and now. For a spiritualist,
however, the end is not a depressing thought since his concept of life
and its purpose is much broader. For one who is born, death is certain,
and for one who dies, birth is around the corner. Krishna explains
how a persons thoughts at death sum up their consciousness and
aspirations cultivated throughout life. Thus, ones state of mind at the
time of death determines their next situation. For those who remember
God at death, they reach the kingdom of God.
K Knowledge
I Inconceivable relationships
N Non-worship
G Glories of Bhakti
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S Source of Everything
E Essence of Gita
E Everywhere
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R Request
U Universal Form
P Prayers of Arjuna
A Armed Form
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12 - Devotional Service
G Godhead
O Options
D Devotees Disposition
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and understanding. Having delineated the topmost practice of bhaktiyoga, He goes on to offer other options, recognising that some may
find it difficult to immediately embrace a devotional path. Progressive
steps towards such a devotional spirit include the practice of regulated
spirituality, worship through ones daily work, and the cultivation of
knowledge. The spiritual path is not all or nothing and one can begin
their journey according to what is feasible and realistic.
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53
W Wise Questions
I Items of knowledge
S Soul & Supersoul
E Enjoyer
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the final two terms prakrti and purusa. The conditioned soul desires
to control and enjoy matter (prakrti) and it is this enjoying spirit that
binds him to the material world. The Supersoul, however, is the actual
enjoyer (purusa) and everything (material nature and the individual
souls) is ultimately meant for His enjoyment. Just as pouring water over
the root of a tree energizes the trunk, branches, and twigs, similarly,
offering worship and service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead
for his pleasure and satisfaction, automatically brings satisfaction to all
living entities, including ourselves.
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T Three Modes
R Race for prominence
A Actions in the modes
P Pure Life
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word guna, which literally means thread or rope. The three modes
influence a persons character, behaviour and approach to life. For
example, if Goodness (sattva) predominates, one will aspire for (and
generally achieve) long-term happiness even if one experiences
temporary inconveniences. The person overtaken by Passion (rajas)
frantically seeks immediate short-term gain and doesnt expect much
more out of life. On the other hand, the person dominated by Ignorance
(tamas) rarely achieves happiness at all. In this way the material world
is populated by living entities in different conditions of life.
R Race for prominence (Verses 10-13) - The modes compete with one
another for supremacy within an individual. In the cycle of a single day,
different modes may achieve prominence at different times. In general,
Goodness clarifies and pacifies the individual since it motivates joy,
wisdom, altruism and kindness. Passion is said to confuse and provoke
the individual, invoking qualities of greed, anger and frustration.
Ignorance is said to obscure and impede ones life, often resulting in
over-sleep, indifference, laziness and inertia.
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Imagine someone checks into their holiday hotel room and then begins
painting the walls, buying new furniture, refitting the bathroom and
hanging up family pictures. It sounds ludicrous - you dont make
arrangements for long-term comfort in a temporary residence. This
world is likened to a hotel room within which people make complicated
plans for security and enjoyment. In Chapter Fifteen Krishna uses a
wonderful analogy to create detachment within the spiritualist and fuel
his desire to re-enter his real home in the spiritual realm.
H Home or Hotel?
O On and On, Over and Over again
M Maintainer of body, mind, soul
E Essence in 3 verses
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O On and On, Over and Over again (Verses 6-11) - Krishna then gives
a glimpse of the spiritual world, showing how its nature is perfect,
complete and fully satisfying to all. Once having gone there, one never
returns to this world. Here in the material realm, an individual hops
from tree to tree, acquiring various material bodies based on the worldly
desires they cultivate throughout life. At the time of death, through the
subtle workings of reincarnation, one receives a body which is tailormade to facilitate such desires. Man proposes, God disposes. Thus,
different life situations are meant to teach us a simple lesson - we are
looking for the right thing (happiness), but we are looking in the wrong
places.
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D Divine or Demoniac
O Opinions & Outlook of Demons
G Gates to hell
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Gates to hell (verses 21-24) - Krishna warns that lust, anger and
greed are the three root qualities that lead one to hell. Such hellish
planets are not eternal prisons for the errant soul, but places of
reformation where stern lessons help one to realign their vision. For
one who wants to avoid such shock treatment, the scriptures act as
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F Faith
A Austerities
C Charity
E Enjoyer of everything
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S Summary of Karma-yoga
M Modes of nature
I Ideal Worker
L Love of God
E End Result
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S-
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E-
A Association
B Books
C Chanting
D Diet
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Association
We all need friends. On the journey of life there are twists and turns,
ditches and dead ends, obstacles and opposition. But as John Lennon
sang I get by with a little help from my friends. Those who embark
on the spiritual journey are brave indeed. They strive for purity in
a world of degradation, they embrace simplicity amongst rampant
materialism, and they cultivate selflessness in an atmosphere charged
with exploitation. Anyone who goes against the grain in such a bold
way will be faced with temptations, doubts, ridicule and moments of
weakness. Without the encouragement, support and good advice of
spiritual friends how can one continue? Srila Prabhupada established
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) to give
people the chance to develop relationships with devotees of Krishna.
This is the best way to gain faith and become enthusiastic in ones
spiritual endeavours.
Tip: Visit a local ISKCON temple on a regular basis, and take advantage
of the classes, festivals and various opportunities for devotional service
offered there. There you can meet friendly devotees of Krishna, who
can answer questions and shed light on the practical aspects of spiritual
life. If you live some distance from a temple, you can attend one of
the Krishna groups that meet regularly in many districts of London
and towns throughout the UK & Ireland. At these gatherings, you can
enjoy uplifting chanting, a lively and informative talk and prasadam
(sanctified vegetarian food).
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Books
Krishna explains that there is nothing in this world as sublime as
transcendental knowledge. Firstly, knowledge is compared to a sword
which cuts down our doubts and helps us remain determined and
confident in the spiritual quest. Secondly, knowledge is likened to a
lamp which warns us of the obstacles and impediments that we may
encounter in our lives. Thirdly, knowledge is compared to a boat which
protects us from the sufferings of this oceanic world, and simultaneously
carries us to the spiritual realm, face-to-face with Krishna. When Srila
Prabhupada spoke into the Dictaphone and translated the timeless
wisdom of the Vedas, Lord Krishna and the great teachers spoke through
him. That spiritual sound was then transformed into the printed word
and made available to all.
Chanting
Five hundred years ago, Krishna incarnated as Caitanya Mahaprabhu
and ushered in the modern age of mantra meditation by popularising
the chanting of Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Krishna has actually
invested His power and presence in these holy names, and therefore
the names are non-different from God Himself. Thus, while chanting
the mantra, we are directly associating with Krishna and being purified
by such communion. Chanting is a prayer that means O energy of the
Diet
The Bhagavad-gita proclaims eating to be an extremely sacred activity
when conducted with care, attention and spiritual consciousness. If we
place an iron rod in a fire, soon the rod becomes red hot and acts just
like fire. In the same way, food prepared for and offered to Krishna with
love and devotion becomes completely spiritualised. Such food is called
Krishna prasadam, which means the mercy of Lord Krishna. Eating
prasadam is a fundamental practice of bhakti-yoga. In other forms of
yoga one must artificially repress the senses, but the bhakti-yogi can
engage his or her senses in a variety of pleasing spiritual activities.
Tip: It is recommended that one offer all their food to Krishna before
eating. From the purchase of the ingredients, to the cooking, then the
offering and finally the eating, every step can be an act of love which
brings one closer to God. The process starts with selecting ingredients,
ideally those which are vegetarian, natural and fresh. In preparing food,
cleanliness, attention to detail and devotion are the main principles.
After cooking, arrange portions of the food on special dinner-ware kept
especially for Krishna. The easiest way to offer food is simply to pray,
My dear Lord Krishna, please accept this humble offering. There
are also special mantras which can be chanted to invoke a devotional
consciousness. Then you can accept that sanctified food and share it
with others!
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