The Bhagavad-Gita: A Manual for Human Life
The Bhagavad-Gita is often described as a manual for human life. Many people wonder why they should read the Bhagavad-Gita and what it contains. Essentially, the Bhagavad-Gita serves as a user guide for life. Just as we receive a user manual when we buy a mobile phone, we need guidance to navigate human life, which is considered sacred. Unlike a phone, we don’t come with a user guide to understand how to make our lives meaningful. This sacred text provides insights into the importance of seeking knowledge to gain a clear understanding of life.
The title “Bhagavad-Gita” itself reveals the essence of the text. While it is often translated as the “Song of God,” a deeper etymological analysis shows that the word “Bhaga” has multiple meanings, including Dharma (righteousness), Jnana (right knowledge), Vairagya (renunciation), and Aishwarya/Atma (soul/eternal wealth). The term “Gita” means not just a song but an investigative conversation between student and teacher. Hence, the Bhagavad-Gita is an exploration of Dharma, Vairagya, Jnana, and Aishwarya. It is much more than just a divine song; it is a profound investigation into the core aspects of life.
If I were to summarize the essence of the Gita, it discusses the awareness of life. We need to recognize the struggles in our lives, which often arise from a lack of knowledge. Imagine encountering a snake; if you know nothing about snakes, you might be scared. However, a snake charmer, familiar with snakes, would not be afraid and might even play with it. Similarly, when you don’t understand yourself or life, you struggle. But when you gain knowledge, you can enjoy life, just as water is enjoyable to someone who knows how to swim, while it is a struggle for someone who cannot. Knowledge leads to a joyful life, while ignorance causes suffering. The Gita imparts this knowledge, enabling us to enjoy our lives by removing the darkness of ignorance.
However, to study the Gita and implement its teachings, you need the right approach. Initially, you might struggle with confusion due to the various paths and techniques it presents. But you should not stop there. Move to the next level. Holding the Gita in your hand is like having milk; when you start reading, it becomes yogurt. Don’t stop there; discuss it with great practitioners. Through churning these discussions, you will get butter, which represents pure knowledge. Don’t just walk away with knowledge; implement it in your life. Practice it like tapas (austerity or penance). Through your penance, your butter (knowledge) will melt and become ghee. Use this ghee to light a lamp, which will help you see the beauty of life.
The Gita transcends caste, creed, nationality, and all boundaries. It is for humans to find the essence of life. The approach of the Gita is such that as you delve into its practical aspects, you should be able to see the entire world as one essence. Just imagine standing in front of a mirror; you see your image and do not consider it different from yourself. According to the Gita, similarly, when you stand in front of any being, you should be able to see yourself. When you see yourself in every being, there is no room for hatred, enmity, selfishness, or violence. Because everywhere and in everything, you are there. Anything that causes pain to another being is your pain. Such a universal text cannot be found anywhere else in this world.