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Esteemed as one of the sacred texts of Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, also known as the Gita, is a 700-verse poem found in the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The Bhagavad Gita, which translates to “The Song by God,” was composed sometime during the latter half of the first millennium. Scholars differ on the exact dating, but the period between 500 and 200 BC is generally acknowledged.
The Bhagavad Gita delves into various Hindu concepts such as righteousness, moral duties, devotion to Hindu deities, and the spiritual, physical, and mental practices of yoga that lead to liberation. It also covers topics like knowledge, Hindu rituals, and selfless actions.
In his English commentary, Hindu scholar Swami Mukundananda offers a brief summary of the Bhagavad Gita: “Unable to cope with the immediate challenge, Arjuna (the main character of the story) sought guidance from Shree Krishna (an incarnation of a major Hindu deity) to alleviate the distress he was facing. Shree Krishna not only addressed his immediate issue but also delved into a profound discourse on the philosophy of life. Therefore, the primary aim of the Bhagavad Gita is to impart Brahma Vidya, the knowledge of God-realization” (www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org).
The Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters with the following titles:
Chapter 1: Lamenting the Consequences of War
Chapter 2: The Eternal Reality of the Soul’s Immortality
Chapter 3: The Eternal Duties of Human Beings
Chapter 4: Approaching the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 5: Action and Renunciation
Chapter 6: The Science of Self-Realization
Chapter 7: Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 8: Attainment of Salvation
Chapter 9: Confidential Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 10: The Infinite Glories of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 11: The Vision of the Universal Form
Of the Universal Form
Chapter 12: The Path of Devotion
Chapter 13: The Individual Consciousness and Ultimate Consciousness
Chapter 14: The Three Qualities of Material Nature
Chapter 15: Realization of the Ultimate Truth
Chapter 16: The Divine and the Demoniac Natures Defined
Chapter 17: The Three Divisions of Material Existence
Chapter 18: Final Revelations of the Ultimate Truth
The following presents a selection of key verses found in the Bhagavad Gita:
“As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. The self-realized soul is not bewildered by such a change” (Chapter 2, verse 13).
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth” (Chapter 4, verse 34).
“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare” (Chapter 7, verse 19).
“Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme planet” (Chapter 7, verse 23).
“But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form— to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have” (Chapter 9, verse 22).
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who know this perfectly engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts” (Chapter 10, verse 8).
“One can understand the Supreme Personality as He is only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of the Supreme Lord by such devotion, he canEnter into the Kingdom of God” (Chapter 18, verse 55).
The Appeal of Hinduism in Western Culture
Although Hinduism’s stronghold is in India, Nepal, and Indonesia, its appeal has extended well beyond the boundaries of Southeast Asia. In the 1960s, the music of the Beatles introduced young listeners to the basics of Hinduism. Later, with the rise in popularity of vegetarianism and veganism, so did the attraction to Hinduism. Furthermore, renowned writers such as T. S. Eliot, William Wordsworth, and John Keats were influenced by Hinduism and the Bhagavad Gita (www.newsgram.com/why-the-westerners-are-attracted-to-hinduism-find-out, accessed 1/3/22). As Christianity’s influence continues to diminish in the West, the spiritual emptiness felt by nonbelievers is often filled by whatever is considered trendy and fashionable. Hinduism imposes few requirements on its followers; in fact, there are atheists who adhere to Hindu practices. Hinduism is characterized by contradictions, allowing devotees to not be constrained by a rigid set of doctrines. Additionally, some individuals are attracted to Eastern spiritual beliefs simply for their novelty. Thanks to popular culture, Hinduism has become fashionable.
Conclusion on the Bhagavad Gita
From a literary perspective, the Bhagavad Gita holds a certain appeal, but its teachings should not be regarded more seriously than those of any other ancient mythological work. As Christians, we must firmly reject the concept of reincarnation, which, at its core, is a form of salvation based on works. More concerning is Hinduism’s view on the identity and nature of our Lord Jesus. According to certain Hindu scholars, Jesus is just one of many avatars, or enlightened messengers, sent by the Divine to earth as a teacher. As Christians, we are called to follow the teachings and commandments of our Lord Jesus, but we are to regard Him as much more than just another teacher or philosopher. We believe that He is, above all, the unique embodiment of God and the sole Savior of the world. Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the originator ofOur salvation «looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. », (Hebrews 12:2). Ultimately, the Bible, rather than the Bhagavad Gita, is our foundation of truth.
