Scriptures are literature depicting the essence of Religion. I would like to share my views on one of the magnificent Holy scripture THE BHAGAVAT GITA.

The literal meaning of Bhagavat Gita is Song of the Lord. Lord Krishna himself narrated this benovalent message of Spirituality to Arjuna in the battle field of Kurukshethra.

At the end of every chapter in Bhagavat Gita there is a description. It says that Bhagavat Gita is Upanishad, it is Brahmavidya, it is Yogasasthram,It is the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna.

The Vedas which contains knowledge about everything is divided into two portions which is the Karma portion and Jnana or Knowledge portion. Karma Kanda by which name it is called contains all those elaborate explanations about conducting different sacrifices, Homas etc. Whereas the Jnana Kanda is called Upanishad which exclusively discuss the ultimate truth and the methods to achieve it.

So in this light, The Bhagavat Gita is Upanishad which deals with the essence of Universe. There are 18 chapters in Gita and each titled as Jnana Yoga, Bhakthi Yoga, Karma Yoga, Dhyana Yoga etc. The word Yoga should be understood as that which helps us to unite ourselves with the supreme Lord of this Universe. So in that context Lord Krishna discusses the multifarious paths available for a sincere seeker to delve into the realms of Metaphysical truth.

There is a dramatic setting for the deliverance of this great message. Arjuna who is a hero in warfare, who has learnt the art of war, who can send arrows with both hands suddenly becomes the centrepoint of depression seeing his relatives, teachers, grand parents arrayed in the opposition seeking war. He got deluded. At a situation which warranted vigilant and constant action, Arjuna becomes the victim of Inaction. He loses his vigour of warfare. He sinks to the abyss of disappointment and sorrow. Arjuna who is a Kshathriya, whose main duty is to fight the evil and protect the people opines that Sannyasa is much better than this diabolic war.He forgets his real nature for the moment.

Throwing the Bow and arrows down, he sits with his head hung down like a coward. The Hero whose mere name sents shivers down the spine of warriors like Karna and Duryodhana is now sitting quiet in a melancholy mood. Lord Krishna is surprised.The Pandavas are in rare crisis.

Lord Krishna starts the great conversation which has ever since influenced and impressed millions of mankind. Bhagavan calls Arjuna to shed his unmanliness and warrants him to be aware of his valour and kingmanship.

There upon through the 18 Chapters of this Great Message, flows the mighty Ganga of Knowledge which can purify, influence, inspire and energise any sincere reader. There is a systematic, methodical presentation of Facts. In the 2nd Chapter Lord Krishna tells about the Nature of Atman or Ultimate Truth. He also explains very elaborately the Nature of Sthitha Prajna or the person who is always engrossed in the Almighty.Sthitha Prajna means who is rock firm in the knowledge of Atman.

Then we find the principles of Karma Yoga or the Path of Action vividly described. Then the path of Knowledge or Jnana is discussed in detail. In the coming chapter of Dhyana yoga or the Path of Meditation, the techniques and methodology of meditation is
narrated with lucid phrases.

The path of devotion or Bhakthi is discussed in further chapters. At last the mind of Arjuna is released from the clutches of delusion and he tells Sri Krishna that he will do according to Lord's directions.

There are inspiring verses in Bhagavat Gita which has universal relevance. Bhagavat Gita is not confined to any Religion. It is the life-giving lessons for Mankind as a whole. Gita discusses Human life in general. How to control emotions, How to have a broad vision, How to eliminate negativities, How to cultivate Dynamism all these questions are effectively answered with enormous insight.

In the Modern world, Management schools and teachers rely much on the Bhagavat Gita for adopting a new vision of Management. There was a recent write up about this. American corporate managers seek solace in Bhagavat Gita and take refuge in this grand treatise for stress management and finding solutions to their complex life riddles.

We are richly indebted to Adi Sankara for the great commentry he has written for Bhagavat Gita. A personality like Sankara can only deal effectively , discuss thoroughly and deliver such a beneficial commentry. His own personal experiences has contributed immensely for this great work.

There are numerous commentries available for the Bhagavat Gita. This itselves shows the glory of this great message.

Let the World read the Bhagavat Gita, imbibe the message, practice it in their daily lives so that world will be a peaceful and useful place to live.

Let God's Grace be showered on all.

JAI BHAGAVAT GITE