BHAGAVAD GITA JAYANTI

BHAGAVAD GITA JAYANTI

Over five thousand years ago, a dazzling flash of brilliant light lit up the sky of human civilization. That spiritual effulgence was SRI KRISHNA’S appearance upon earth and His message in the BHAGAVAD GITA. This occasion is now known as Gita Jayanti.

The BHAGAVAD GITA is the most precious jewel of Hinduism. It is a universal Gospel and ranked among the greatest of books of religious literature of the world. It has been described as ‘the milk of the Vedas and the essence of the Scriptures.’ Within its eighteen chapters comprising 700 verses, it sets forth the Path of Action (Karma Yoga), the Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and the Path of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) – all leading towards the one goal of Self-Realization.

The purpose of Scriptures is to spiritualize society; not so much to teach a theory but enforce practice. Whatever we do ought to get the sanction of the Scriptures. Lord Sri Krishna advises us: “Let the scripture alone be your guide in determining what should be done and what should not be done. (Gita 16.24).

Today, more than ever, man is greatly in need of an effective guide to light; he is groping in darkness. He sees only problems everywhere and no solutions are to be found anywhere. He does not know which way to turn, what course to adopt and how to move towards a better state of things. The Bhagavad Gita contains words of wisdom and practical teachings that contain the answers to the above-mentioned condition.

This Bhagavad Gita is not just an “old scripture”, nor is it just a “book of religious teachings”. It transcends the bounds of any particular religion or race, and is actually divine wisdom addressed to mankind for all times, in order to help human beings face and solve the ever-present problems of birth and death, of pain and suffering, of fear and bondage, of love and hate, of darkness and light. It enables man to liberate himself from all limiting factors and reach a state of perfect balance, inner stability and mental peace, complete freedom from grief, fear and anxiety.

Within its eighteen chapters is revealed a human drama. This is the experience of everyone, the drama of the ascent of man from a state of utter dejection, sorrow and total breakdown and hopelessness to a state of perfect understanding, clarity, renewed strength and triumph. Each discourse holds for man an invaluable new lesson and imparts a new understanding of himself in a marvelous way. The mystery of man, this world and God, is explained as perhaps nowhere else. The workings of the mind – the real problem to our welfare and happiness – how to overcome it, what the path to blessedness is, as also the path to perdition, the secret of self-mastery and the way to peace amidst our daily activities and duties – all these and much more you will find in this great treasure. It is yours to enrich your life.

“I find solace in the Bhagavad-Gita. When disappointments stare me in the face and all alone I see not one ray of light, I go back to the Bhagavad-Gita. I find a verse here and a verse there and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedy.”  (M.K. Gandhi).

The Gita is the very Voice of God. The fact that it has provided consolation and liberation to millions of people is evidence of its Divine origin. The Mahabharata says:“The Gita has emerged from the lotus-like lips of the Lord Himself. It should be recited, heard, studied, taught, pondered and assimilated properly, for it is the essence of all scriptures.”

For too long has the message of the Gita been neglected. Forgetting the Lord, the world has turned towards self-indulgence and mammon. A terrible price is being paid for this forgetfulness. Lord Sri Krishna has amply warned us against this heedlessness: “If out of egoism or pride you will not listen, you shall suffer.” (18:58).

The WORD did not remain a word, but became a living, moving reality. In Krishna, the Gita has become incarnate as a redemptive Power of Life.

 Guest Editorial Credit: Pandit Ramdial Balbadar