Gita Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the holy book, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, It is celebrated on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the bright half of Margashirsha (Dec/Jan). This year – its 5159th anniversary, is on Dec 3rd 2022. Celebrated with fasts, temple visits and Gita prayers, kirtans and paats at home, some also organize Gita recitation competitions. Many flock to Sannihit and Brahma Sarovar at Kurukshetra for a holy dip. This post explores all about the Holy Bhagavad Gita : Meaning, Importance, Symbolism, Yoga, History and Message
The significance of Gita Jayanti, why is the Bhagavad Gita so important
Gita Jayanti is significant as it denotes the introduction of a scripture that would take the common man by storm; especially in India. As compared to the Smrutis (Vedas and Upanishads) the Bhagavad Gita is as contemporary and as condensed a holy book as can be, with its crisp, relatable verses interweaving practical and spiritual life beautifully.
While the book demands dharmic virtues like truth, non-violence, generosity, forgiveness, courage, kindness, sacrifice, humility, devotion, loyalty, moderation etc from its devotees, it also charts a clear road map for their spiritual progress. It empowers seekers with the power of choice and lists down clear steps to be taken for any path chosen.
There is no ambiguity for the common man as the Gita shows that bringing in divinity into his day-to-day life while fulfilling his duties and obligations as a householder is completely practical and possible.
Bhagavad Gita understood in its correct import provides philosophical, spiritual, and emotional succour with a wisdom that is not related to any particular religion or race but for humanity as a whole.
Meaning of the Bhagavad Gita
Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the revered holy book literally means the Song of the Lord or The Celestial Song. With 701 sublime verses, The Gita summarizes Upanishad, Vedic, Pauranic and Yogic wisdom into Lord Krishna’s 18 discourses to Prince Arjuna on Karma Yoga (action), Bhakti Yoga (devotion) and Jnana Yoga (Knowledge) for Right living and Self Realization.
Additionally, a deep dive into Gita’s philosophy can help discover tips on right living, happiness, peace, love, life, leadership, success, attitude, soul, meditation, concentration, mind-control, karma, sanatan dharma and so forth.
Bhagavad Gita, a part of the great epic Mahabharata written by Sage Vyasa.
Sage Vyasa recorded the Gita as a part of the grand Epic Mahabharata, in the Bhishma Parva; chapters 23-40 from the 6th of the 18 books on the Saga. While the epic Mahabharata describes the struggle between the two groups of cousins Kauravas (symbolic of unrighteousness) and Pandavas (symbolic of righteousness), Bhishma Parva details out the first 10 days of the Kurukshetra war between them.
A quick history on the why, what and where of Bhagavad Gita
The princes, Pandavas and Kauravas were royal cousins but while the former were righteous and god fearing, the latter stood for everything evil.
Even after tricking them into a long-suffering exile, the Kauravas did not return the Pandavas, their kingdom. They even thwarted Krishna’s attempts at a peaceful settlement. So, the Pandavas decided to go to war to reclaim their rights after years of unjust suffering.
Prince Arjuna, a Pandava and key protagonist of Mahabharata falls into a dilemma just as the war is about to begin. He is remorseful of the consequences. Especially so of the bloodshed of his extended family members, elders, friends, and teacher.
He confides in Lord Krishna, his friend and charioteer. Further he questions the very purpose of that war and even lays down his arms.
That is when Krishna reveals the Song Celestial- the Bhagavad Gita and also his Divine identity to him. The spiritual truths revealed charge up Arjuna positively. He goes right up full throttle to perform his duties and fight for the Truth.
Further, the Kauravas’ blind father King Dhrithrashtra is relayed these discourses, through Sanjaya – his trusted adviser. Sanjaya has been given a special vision by the sage Veda Vyasa to recount the Kurukshetra happenings to the king.
About the Symbolism of Bhagavad Gita:
Kurukshetra is this world that we live in, where we ought to strive and survive.
But an individual (Jiva) with a wayward mind, blindly following the senses and hopelessly ignorant of the Inner Self can only hope for defeat in this battlefield, i.e Life’s Kurukshetra.
Arjuna stands for the everyday individual Jiva who is ignorant, unaware of the glory of the Real Self. His Manas (Mind) is endlessly processing external stimuli, leading him into a maze of highs and despondencies. His Buddhi (Intellect) is clouded with the incessant barrage from his Mind.
In our everyday lives, the Jiva frequently loses perspective, when the mind, intellect and faculties are unable to centre themselves in the power of the Inner Core (Atman).
Arjuna’s chariot stands for the mortal body, the five horses stand for the five senses plus the Mind (Manas), the Ego (Ahamkara) and the Intellect (Buddhi) that fraternize with desires to give rise to Kauravas (vices) like ignorance, cravings, fear, attachment, restlessness, anxiety, anger, delusion, pride, lust, greed etc.
Krishna stands for the Real Inner Self that when firmly centred on, lead to revelations that put life in a correct perspective. With the Self firmly in charge the Pandavas (virtues) i.e righteousness, non -attachment, generosity, valour, truth, kindness, loyalty can blossom strongly.
About the main message of Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga in Gita
What makes the Gita special is that it presents three unique roads for spiritual progress based on personality types. So, there is no compulsion but only a liberating Power of Choice!
The action oriented may choose Karma Yoga while the devotion oriented may choose Bhakti Yoga. Finally, the rational reason-oriented aspirant may choose Jnana Yoga. Raja Yoga is also hinted at.
Accordingly, the Gita is organized broadly into 3- 4 sets of discourses. A few discourses focus on Karma Yoga, the path of selfless service with complete detachment from the fruits of actions. At the same time, it demands renunciation of the action itself too. Aspects of concentration of mind and control of the senses are also elucidated
Next, a few discuss Bhakti yoga, where aspects of meditation are discussed along with various aspects of the Cosmic form of God.
Also, for the Jnana Yogis, knowledge of the Tri-Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas), the nature of Purusha, Prakriti, Maya and technical aspects of the reality of the Subjective and the ignorance of the Objective are discussed. Additionally, how this ignorance makes us blind to perception of our divinity are discussed.
Some discourses discuss the attributes of the Divine as well as the Wicked, while scattered cluster of verses discuss Dharma, Happiness, Peace, Love, Success, Concentration, Mind control, leadership, right lifestyle etc all over the Gita.
About the main message of Bhagavad Gita’s 18 discourses on Yoga, Dharma, Karma, Bhakti and philosophy
The reciting of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita starts with the Gita Dhyanam, or dhyana Shlokas a set of 9 verses also known as the Gita Dhyana; a meditation on the holy Gita
The Gita Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga: The Yoga of Arjuna’s despondency:
This chapter sets the context for the following chapters. Here Arjuna requests Krishna his charioteer to take both of them to the centre of the battlefield, ta catch a glimpse of the Kaurava army. But one look at them; at all his friends, relatives, elders and teachers puts his mind into a confused anguish. Full of attachment and fear, he now refuses to fight.
The Gita Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge)
Perplexed Arjuna, throws himself at his friends feet to guide him and Krishna exhorts him to fight
Krishna reveals to him the imperishable nature of the Atman residing in each of us and how death is simply a change of bodily abode. He shares that the secret to peace and serenity through sense control and equanimity. He also reveals the secret of peak performance through selfless and concentrated effort with zero desire for fruits.
The Gita, Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action)
In this chapter, the concept of Karma Yoga is further elucidated. Krishna says that no one can escape action as it stems from the inclination of the spirit (Sattvic, Rajasic or Tamasic). But actions performed selflesslessly, detachedly can give peace and bliss and lead to liberation from the Law of Karma (action and reaction)
The Gita Chapter 4: Yoga of Wisdom- Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga (Transcendental knowledge)
This chapter explains the importance of giving up the sense of agency while being engaged intensely in action. Also, the need for a spiritual Mentor. It also explains how God descends in the world from time to time to set wrong right. Through faith and devotion one can attain divine wisdom that enables one to see Self in All and All in Self.
The Gita Chapter 5: The Yoga of renunciation of action- Karma Sanyasa Yoga (God-consciousness)
This chapter discloses that how by renouncing the fruits of actions inwardly while fully being immersed in work on the outside, one can attain peace. Giving up of desire helps avoid the by-products of desire i.e anger, greed, anxiety, restlessness and other kinds of pain and suffering.
The Gita Chapter 6: Dhyana-Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation)
This chapter details out the method of meditation through which the mind and senses can be controlled. The importance of moderation and chastity is emphasized. All this with the objective of going into Samadhi, or the highest realization of Brahman. If not achieved in the present life this effort can be carried forward to the future life.
The Gita Chapter 7: Yoga of Wisdom and Realization (Jnana Vignana Yoga)
This chapter explains the all-pervasive and static nature of Brahman. How this world is his manifestation but how he is beyond the world as the Unchanging Reality. His manifestation Prakriti and how she operates through the 3 Gunas of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas leading to Maya (delusion) that makes an individual forget his true Self.
The Gita Chapter 8: The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman, Attaining this Supreme
This chapter explains how through a continuous remembrance of God’s name one can attain Self-realization, beyond the material world. This has to be accompanied by sense- control, concentrating within and chanting Om or any other holy mantra.
The Gita Chapter 9: The Yoga of the kingly Secret Yoga: (Raja Yoga)
This chapter describes that how by fixing the mind on God, dedicating all to him body, mind, thoughts, actions etc and seeing him in everything and everywhere one can reach him
The Gita Chapter 10: The Yoga of Divine Glory and Manifestation
In this chapter Krishna describes how everything in this material and spiritual world emanates from His Divine Energies. How He is the supreme cause of all the forces of the Universe and their subsequent manifestations.
The Gita Chapter 11: The Yoga of the vision of the Universal Form
In this Chapter Krishna reveals his Divine Cosmic Form to Arjuna. In that moment Arjuna is able to see all beings, creatures, objects and even Gods existing irrespective of space and time within the gigantic Self of Krishna.
The Gita Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga: The Yoga of Devotion
In this chapter Krishna explains that a true devotee who worships God in form and surrenders his all to him eventually realizes him in that form. In the process he develops divine qualities of equanimity, contentment, equality, desirelessness and remains detached and unagitated by pairs of opposites such as joy- sorrow, honour- dishonour, pain-pleasure.
The Gita Chapter 13: The Yoga of the distinction between the Field and the Knower of the Field. (Jnana Yoga)
In this chapter Krishna explains the technical aspects of the Body, the Indwelling Atman and All-pervading Brahman. He explains the difference between Prakriti (body, mind, senses and everything material) and Purusha (the Spirit). He also defines the significant qualities one must develop for the acceleration of the soul evolution.
The Gita Chapter 14: The three Gunas
In this chapter Krishna explains the Trigunas of Prakriti; Sattva Rajas and Tamas and how it has the whole universe under its sway. Sattva denoting goodess is most preferable while Rajas denoting passion must be toned down and leveraged for constructive purposes. Finally, Tamas denoting ignorance must be eliminated. A liberated man transcends all three Gunas.
The Gita Chapter 15: The Yoga of the Supreme Person (Purshottam Yoga)
In this chapter Lord Krishna describes that this world is like the Inverted Ashwattha tree with its roots in Brahman and its trunk, stem leaves, fruits, flowers in the world as part of the material phenomenon. He says that this Tree of Samsara is a manifestation of Maya and the one who wants to go beyond it must use the weapons of non-attachment and dispassion to go beyond it.
The Gita Chapter 16: The Yoga of the distinction between the Divine and the Demoniacal Natures
This chapter describes all the good qualities of Dharma that one must develop for a blessed life and for spiritual progress. It also warns on the vices and harmful tendencies and attitudes that one must keep away from to avoid destruction.
The Gita Chapter 17: The Yoga of the Division of Faith:
This chapter details of almost all attributes of the Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic starting from the differences in each on various counts such as the kind of faith, worship, diet, sacrifice, speech, austerity, charity etc
The Gita Chapter 18: The Yoga of Liberation of Renunciation
In this concluding chapter Lord Krishna describes how true renunciation is the renunciation of selfishness, egoism and attachment while continuing to perform the duties of life intensely. There is also description of Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic, renunciation, knowledge, action, intellect, firmness, pleasure followed by a description of Swadharma.
Finally, Arjuna accepts that his delusion is cleared and goes right up to fight for truth, reenergised and revitalized. Thus ends the Gita with Sanjay’s final statements thanking the Lord for the opportunity to relay the Song Celestial.
Difference between Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam
Beginners usually get confused between these two holy books.
The Srimad Bhagavatam also known as Bhagavata, Bhagavata Purana, Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana is one of the most popular and influential of Hinduism’s 18 great Puranas especially with the Vaishnava sect.
It discusses the avatars of Lord Vishnu especially Krishna and his spiritual teachings and connected legends. It discusses bhakti, yoga, cosmology, genealogy, astronomy, geography among other things.
Composed between the 6th and 10th CE the Bhagavata comprises of 12 books with 332 chapters and 18000 verses.
How to make the most of your Bhagavad Gita
Keep a small pocketbook of the Gita handy wherever you are. Whether working, travelling or waiting, pick up any verse that appeals to you and let it sink inside your consciousness.
Read select verses out loud daily with the family especially around bedtime. Make sure family members take turns to explain the correct import of that verse to all. Gita’s wonderful teachings and philosophy can thus sink into the family’s culture.
Famous Quotes about Bhagavad Gita
Swami Vivekananda is known to have carried a Bhagavad Gita with him everywhere. Sunita Williams even carried her copy of the Gita to space. Robert Oppenheimer, Will Smith and many others cite the Gita to be of a huge influence in their lives. A few quotes are reproduced here:
“When doubts haunt me, 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, and I immediately begin to smile. Those who meditate on the Gita will derive fresh joy and new meanings from it every day.” Mahatma Gandhi
“Gita is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed hence its enduring value is not only to India but all of humanity.” Aldous Huxley.
“From a clear knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita all goals of human existence become fulfilled.” Adi Shankara.
“Bhagavad Gita is a true scripture of the human race; a living creation rather than a book’ with a new message for every age and new meaning for every civilization.” Shri Aurobindo
“In the morning I bathe my intellect with the stupendous and cosmogonic philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.” Henry David Thoreau
“Perhaps the most beautiful work of literature of the world.” Hermann Graf
“The marvel of the Bhagavad Gita is its truly beautiful revelation of life’s wisdom which enables philosophy to blossom into religion.” Hermann Hesse
“That the spiritual man need not be a recluse; that Union with the Divine life may be achieved and maintained in the midst of worldly affairs, that the obstacles to that union lie not outside us but within us- such is the central lesson of the Bhagavad Gita.” Annie Besant.
