Introduction to the
Shri Maada Bhagavad Gita

 

 

Of all the countless religious texts currently recognised as Sanatan / Hindu scriptures, Shri Maada Bhagvad Gita is the most internationally and instantly recognised as THE Hindu scripture.  Across the world, SMB Gita is recognised as a singularly special scripture that all Hindus can take legal oaths on.    

 

Hindus across the world read portions from the SMB Gita at all major religious functions and especially during ceremonies associated with death.  Translated into every language, it is an iconic scripture of great importance.

 

Every noteworthy saint, philosopher, intellectual and even political grandee has given their commentaries on the SMB Gita.  Such is the attraction of the SMB Gita, that Hindus and non-Hindus have also commented on it.    

 

One of the main reasons for this is because SMB Gita is a compilation of some of the best sutras / shlokas / sayings / examples from the Upnishads.  As a result, SMB Gita is a concentrated distillate of ancient Vedic philosophy. 

 

In SMB Gita, Shri Krushna speaks as “Bhagvan”, and hence though it is recited by Shri Krushna, it is non-sectarian – ie not Shaivait, Shakta, Vaishnav or specifically dedicated to any other deity.  Through Vishvaroop darshan, Bhagvan has clearly shown there is no sectarian colours to the SMB Gita, yet, there are plenty of sects that insist SMB Gita indicated the prominence of their own deity.

 

Like the great Ganges, everyone that comes to its shores, takes what they want from the SMB Gita.  Depending on the size and shape of their own vessel, they take as much of the great river with them as they can.  So, depending on their own intellectual capacity,  preferences, philosophical leanings, religious convictions, social goals, revolutionary zeal, political colours, they have interpreted SMB Gita differently. 

 

Some have taken “action” (karma yoga) as its supreme message.  Others have taken devotion or spirituality (bhakti or jyana yoga) as its ultimate message.  Though Shri Krushna encourages Arjun to take up arms and actively fight on behalf of the righteous, likes of Mahatama Gandhi have taken “ahinsa” (non-violence) as its core message.

 

Traditionally, seven hundred sholaks, spread between eighteen chapters, comprise of the SMB Gita.  Placed at the beginning of the great Bharata battle, SMB Gita is Shri Krushna’s advise to a despondent Arjun who has resolved not to fight in order to avoid a bloodshed (blood-bath) of his own relatives.  Using various philosophical arguments, garnered from innumerable scriptures, Shri Krushna advised Arjun to fight for the good of “dharma”.  However, being magnanimous, Shri Krushna did not insist on being obeyed and left the final decision to Arjun.  Realising his duty, accepting his dharma and reconciling with his innate nature, Arjun picked up the arms and eventually won the great battle.

 

 

All commentaries are coloured by the commentator in his /  her own colour. 
As a result, I have included only “translations” of the original shlokas on this site.  I would prefer the readers to make up their own minds.