Bhagavad Gita is timeless and universal. Śankarāchārya describes Gita as a śāstram in the introduction to his commentary on Bhagavad Gita. The word śastram is explained as: "śāsti trāyate anena iti śastram" śāsti = instructs, teaches, educates; subject is brahma-vidyā, Knowledge of the Self trāyate = protects (trai - pālane, bhvādi gaNa, ātmane-padī!)
Gita is a compilation of teachings from the Divine Voice on the subject of the Self, imparts knowledge that can protect all humans in the Arjuna state of mind, a state of despair with grief and confusion with regards to one's duty.
In the current period we live in, we still see wars based on nationality, creed/religious faith, gender, and many more identity factors all around us! Therefore, Gita, the yoga-śastra, is ever relevant to humans, from all walks of faith and gender, to help us see the unity in all.
When one understands and applies the knowledge of Gita in one's life, it can bring out the best in each one of us, cultivate universal love, equanimity, courage, and so on, and unlock the potential in each one of us. Let us all strive to learn and live this wisdom.
Thank you for this mananam topic, as it is important to think about the significance of any Text, before we dive into the study of it.
1. Arjuna is a man of action. The knowledge of Gita was given to him in the battlefield, an environment which is very stressful. This can be related well with a common man who lives in the world of competition, surrounded by good, bad and evil facing everyday challenges of life. Hence Gita is relevant in modern times.
2. Arjuna being attached to his relatives forgets his duty as a kshatriya, feels dejected and sorrowful. He accepts his problem and surrenders to the Lord. Every one of us has attachment to things and beings around. We constantly live in the fear of loosing them. The insecurity always keeps us in sorrow since the world around us in constant state of flux. Bhagavad Gita is a manual of life. The teaching is definitely needed for us the break this attachment.
1. Why Gita is relevant today? The Bhagavat Gita remains profoundly relevant today, despite the dramatic changes in the external world over the past 3000 years. While the world has evolved, the human system, as described in the Pancha Kosha, has not changed significantly, and may even be deteriorating, contributing to an increase in mental illness. In the U.S., for instance, about 1 in 25 adults grapple with serious mental conditions. The Bhagavat Gita addresses these challenges at the root of the psychic level, offering knowledge, methods, and tools to confront and overcome these issues. Arjuna's condition in the Gita is seen as a milder reflection of present-day complex mental illnesses, emphasizing the timeless relevance of the teachings in addressing contemporary mental health concerns. Hence, the Bhagavat Gita emerges as more pertinent now than ever before.
2. Understanding Arjuna's state of mind is crucial before delving into the study of the Bhagavad Gita for several reasons: Arjuna's emotional struggles in the Bhagavad Gita resonate universally, reflecting the common human experience of dilemmas, doubts, and moral jams during challenging decisions or crises. His inner conflict becomes the backdrop for the profound wisdom shared by Lord Krishna. Arjuna's mental state, rich in complexity, offers contextual relevance, providing insights into the intricate tapestry of human emotions, particularly in moments of crisis. This emotional connection creates an environment conducive to absorbing the Gita's teachings with an open heart and mind. Arjuna's transformative journey, transitioning from confusion to determination, serves as a mirror for readers, illustrating the potential for personal evolution. Understanding his state becomes a guiding roadmap for one's inner growth. In conclusion, Arjuna's narrative bridges historical context with universal human experiences, rendering the Gita's teachings not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally profound and practically applicable to individuals on their spiritual journeys.
Q1: Is Gita relevant to modern times? Q2: Why is it important to understand Arjuna's state of mind before embarking on the study of Bhagavad Gita? Yes Gita is more relevant in these times than before because more people are seen with troubled mindsets now than before. Mental illnesses have increased and decrease in coping mechanisms. The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless piece that guides every devotee to a rightful path. A book of human psychology and self development. That brings up the second question as to why is it important to understand Arjuna's state of mind before embarking on the study of Bhagavad Gita? Arjuna's state of mind depicts similar mind dilemmas of what every individual goes through with different situations. The different emotional troubles that Arjuna goes through on the battlefield creates an interest in the readers as they are the same emotions that every human being faces. It's a universal guide that every individual can follow. Arjuna's mind troubles and physical symptoms are more relatable to every human being. A roadmap to rightful living.
Life is full of choices to be made at every step. When the choices are just intellectually determined, like which airline to book or which college to choose it is a straightforward matter of applying our intellect and using it to analyze the issue at hand. The problem for man comes when decisions have to be based on morals or dharma, like, should I report a dishonest employee, how should I handle a family member who may not be perfect, should I always speak the truth and so on. When we face such 'dharam sankat' we turn to the Bhagavad Gita, in whose eternal verses somewhere an answer to our problem may be found. In my company, a few years ago, they introduced some 'slogans for the workplace'. One slogan that stood for me was, 'Help others succeed'. Indeed corporations have started recognizing that this attitude of helping others actually helps the corporation to prosper.
Q2. Why is it important to understand Arjuna’s state of mind before embarking on the study of Bhagavad Gita?
Arjuna's state of mind before the battle is described as 'vishada' or anguish. It is a 'dharma sankat' not just an intellectual problem of martial warfare to solve. Arjuna is an expert in warfare and has all the skills to vanquish the enemy but his arms tremble with nervousness and indecisiveness at the thought of having to fight his respected elders and gurus. We also need to understand that for Arjuna's vishada the solution does not lie wholly in an intellectual analysis but also in surrender to his teacher in the moment, Krishna. The real message of Bhagavad Gita is that sometimes we cannot find a solution to our dilemma and then we have to seek the grace of Bhagavan. Krishna constantly keeps reminding us in the verses of the Gita of this infinite intellect and power is always available to us when desperation and helplessness stares us in the face.
Q1. Is Gita relevant to modern times? A1: The world we live in masks the "true purpose" of ones' life. Survival becomes the sole criteria and often individual treads away from the "right" thing. As an individual grows, in my opinion, earning money to experience the sense objects becomes the driving factor thus totally eclipsing the purpose and does not evolve beyond the materialistic nature. I believe, Gita is THE answer to understand the true purpose and how to lead life in the righteous path.
Bhagavad Gita is timeless and universal. Śankarāchārya describes Gita as a śāstram in the introduction to his commentary on Bhagavad Gita.
ReplyDeleteThe word śastram is explained as: "śāsti trāyate anena iti śastram"
śāsti = instructs, teaches, educates; subject is brahma-vidyā, Knowledge of the Self
trāyate = protects (trai - pālane, bhvādi gaNa, ātmane-padī!)
Gita is a compilation of teachings from the Divine Voice on the subject of the Self, imparts knowledge that can protect all humans in the Arjuna state of mind, a state of despair with grief and confusion with regards to one's duty.
In the current period we live in, we still see wars based on nationality, creed/religious faith, gender, and many more identity factors all around us! Therefore, Gita, the yoga-śastra, is ever relevant to humans, from all walks of faith and gender, to help us see the unity in all.
When one understands and applies the knowledge of Gita in one's life, it can bring out the best in each one of us, cultivate universal love, equanimity, courage, and so on, and unlock the potential in each one of us. Let us all strive to learn and live this wisdom.
Thank you for this mananam topic, as it is important to think about the significance of any Text, before we dive into the study of it.
śrīgurubhyo-namaḥ
ReplyDelete1. Arjuna is a man of action. The knowledge of Gita was given to him in the battlefield, an environment which is very stressful. This can be related well with a common man who lives in the world of competition, surrounded by good, bad and evil facing everyday challenges of life. Hence Gita is relevant in modern times.
2. Arjuna being attached to his relatives forgets his duty as a kshatriya, feels dejected and sorrowful. He accepts his problem and surrenders to the Lord. Every one of us has attachment to things and beings around. We constantly live in the fear of loosing them. The insecurity always keeps us in sorrow since the world around us in constant state of flux. Bhagavad Gita is a manual of life. The teaching is definitely needed for us the break this attachment.
1. Why Gita is relevant today?
ReplyDeleteThe Bhagavat Gita remains profoundly relevant today, despite the dramatic changes in the external world over the past 3000 years. While the world has evolved, the human system, as described in the Pancha Kosha, has not changed significantly, and may even be deteriorating, contributing to an increase in mental illness. In the U.S., for instance, about 1 in 25 adults grapple with serious mental conditions. The Bhagavat Gita addresses these challenges at the root of the psychic level, offering knowledge, methods, and tools to confront and overcome these issues. Arjuna's condition in the Gita is seen as a milder reflection of present-day complex mental illnesses, emphasizing the timeless relevance of the teachings in addressing contemporary mental health concerns. Hence, the Bhagavat Gita emerges as more pertinent now than ever before.
2. Understanding Arjuna's state of mind is crucial before delving into the study of the Bhagavad Gita for several reasons:
Arjuna's emotional struggles in the Bhagavad Gita resonate universally, reflecting the common human experience of dilemmas, doubts, and moral jams during challenging decisions or crises. His inner conflict becomes the backdrop for the profound wisdom shared by Lord Krishna. Arjuna's mental state, rich in complexity, offers contextual relevance, providing insights into the intricate tapestry of human emotions, particularly in moments of crisis. This emotional connection creates an environment conducive to absorbing the Gita's teachings with an open heart and mind.
Arjuna's transformative journey, transitioning from confusion to determination, serves as a mirror for readers, illustrating the potential for personal evolution. Understanding his state becomes a guiding roadmap for one's inner growth. In conclusion, Arjuna's narrative bridges historical context with universal human experiences, rendering the Gita's teachings not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally profound and practically applicable to individuals on their spiritual journeys.
Q1: Is Gita relevant to modern times?
ReplyDeleteQ2: Why is it important to understand Arjuna's state of mind before embarking on the study of Bhagavad Gita?
Yes Gita is more relevant in these times than before because more people are seen with troubled mindsets now than before. Mental illnesses have increased and decrease in coping mechanisms. The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless piece that guides every devotee to a rightful path. A book of human psychology and self development. That brings up the second question as to why is it important to understand Arjuna's state of mind before embarking on the study of Bhagavad Gita? Arjuna's state of mind depicts similar mind dilemmas of what every individual goes through with different situations. The different emotional troubles that Arjuna goes through on the battlefield creates an interest in the readers as they are the same emotions that every human being faces. It's a universal guide that every individual can follow. Arjuna's mind troubles and physical symptoms are more relatable to every human being. A roadmap to rightful living.
Q1. Is Gita relevant to modern times?
ReplyDeleteLife is full of choices to be made at every step. When the choices are just intellectually determined, like which airline to book or which college to choose it is a straightforward matter of applying our intellect and using it to analyze the issue at hand. The problem for man comes when decisions have to be based on morals or dharma, like, should I report a dishonest employee, how should I handle a family member who may not be perfect, should I always speak the truth and so on. When we face such 'dharam sankat' we turn to the Bhagavad Gita, in whose eternal verses somewhere an answer to our problem may be found. In my company, a few years ago, they introduced some 'slogans for the workplace'. One slogan that stood for me was, 'Help others succeed'. Indeed corporations have started recognizing that this attitude of helping others actually helps the corporation to prosper.
Q2. Why is it important to understand Arjuna’s state of mind before embarking on the study of Bhagavad Gita?
Arjuna's state of mind before the battle is described as 'vishada' or anguish. It is a 'dharma sankat' not just an intellectual problem of martial warfare to solve. Arjuna is an expert in warfare and has all the skills to vanquish the enemy but his arms tremble with nervousness and indecisiveness at the thought of having to fight his respected elders and gurus. We also need to understand that for Arjuna's vishada the solution does not lie wholly in an intellectual analysis but also in surrender to his teacher in the moment, Krishna. The real message of Bhagavad Gita is that sometimes we cannot find a solution to our dilemma and then we have to seek the grace of Bhagavan. Krishna constantly keeps reminding us in the verses of the Gita of this infinite intellect and power is always available to us when desperation and helplessness stares us in the face.
Q1. Is Gita relevant to modern times?
ReplyDeleteA1: The world we live in masks the "true purpose" of ones' life. Survival becomes the sole criteria and often individual treads away from the "right" thing. As an individual grows, in my opinion, earning money to experience the sense objects becomes the driving factor thus totally eclipsing the purpose and does not evolve beyond the materialistic nature.
I believe, Gita is THE answer to understand the true purpose and how to lead life in the righteous path.