Monday, March 9, 2020

Bhagavad Geeta as I see it - Part 1- Background

Bhagavad Geeta literally means the Song of the Lord - which was written - or narrated around five to seven thousand years ago. 
Originally written in Sanskrit, it is an Indian Holy scripture that is part of the Mahabharata (chapters 23–40 of Bhishma Parva). It has 18 Chapters and 700 Shlokas (verses).
Bhagavad Geeta, apart from being a religious scripture, is considered a scripture of life as well - a book of human psychology - which shows a unique way of life that eases off the tension, so one can enjoy a happier and peaceful life. 
At first look, it may seem to be about a family feud - a war between the cousins and their allies over the territorial dispute of their kingdom. 
Some see it as Pandavas - the good and righteous people fighting for their rights against the wicked, unjust, greedy, and power-hungry Kauravas - and Krishna trying to convince Arjuna to fight for their cause.  
However, just like the other Scriptures, if we view this story of dispute, conflict, and battle as a metaphor, then the meaning changes.
When seen at a much deeper, spiritual level, it is a battle between good and evil thoughts over the territories of mind and intellect.

                                  Main Characters in the Bhagavad Geeta

1. Dhritrashtra - The blind king, who was the main reason behind Mahabharat. He spoke only once.
2. Sanjay - the narrator, who narrated what was happening in the battleground to the blind king. 
3. Arjuna - the student who is confused and depressed and needs Gyan - knowledge, direction, and motivation. 
4. Krishna -- the Enlightened one - The Guru - the teacher - the guide and motivator on a personal level - on one to one bases. 
However, after the initial introduction, the entire Geeta is a dialogue between Arjuna, the disciple - and Krishna, the Guru.
Therefore, we can say there are only two main characters - 
Arjuna, the curious and inquisitive but confused student -
and Krishna, the Enlightened Guru -  who stayed with his disciple till the end and personally guided him at every step during the battle.  

                 Dhritrashtra seems to be the main reason behind Mahabharat

However, in the entire Bhagavad Geeta, he spoke only once - in the beginning.
It doesn't really matter how much one speaks.
The damage can be done by speaking just a few words - or even by not speaking at all - by not condemning the wrong - the injustice and becoming a silent bystander. 
Dhritrashtra knew what was going on in his family - between his and his brother's children - yet he chose to turn a blind eye towards it. 
His mind became blind with feelings of over attachment for his sons. 
He wanted to keep all power and wealth only for his immediate family - for his own dynasty. 
By becoming oblivious and blind to the needs of his brother's children - by not giving them any part of the kingdom, he planted the seeds of Mahabharat in the first place. 

So, one of the greatest lessons of life in this epic is that a small rift between family members can eventually turn into a Mahabharat when the parents want to give everything unjustly to one favorite child - and make others unhappy.
Similarly, when the elders of society, leaders, and rulers become greedy - and they want to keep everything within their family - in their own dynasty, they start the process of a Mahabharat by transferring all their power and wealth to their children.  
Eventually, because of such family feuds and greed, even great empires such as of Dhritrashtra fall on the ground. 

                 ~To be continued~
                                                    "Rajan Sachdeva"

7 comments:

  1. Very interesting topic. I am really looking forward to your ideas and explanations of the Geeta in future parts.

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  2. Simple explanation that can be understood and absorbed. Let more of it flow may be over 100 days, 7 sloakas at a time.

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    1. Thank you Vishnu ji. I am not sure if I will be able to cover 7 Shlokas everyday but I will try as much as possible.

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  3. I have listened to audio version of Bhagvad Geeta in Hindi and English. Looking forward to get interpretation from you. Thank you for starting this.🙏

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  4. Thank you, this will be a very interesting and informative blog.

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  5. Looking forward to this series eagerly ....

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