Bhagavad Gita

The sublime message of Bhagavad-gītā is timeless and is applicable in every facet of life. Within the Bhagavad-gītā are the answers to the mysteries of existence – our real purpose in this world, how we should act and why we suffer, or are oftentimes helpless in our struggle for survival.

To understand the Bhagavad-gītā one must enter into the spirit of the Gītā by accepting the path of devotion (bhakti). Accordingly, the Gītā’s message cannot be properly understood by mental speculation. To this end, the sublime process illuminated within the Gītā must be accepted as given by the speaker Himself, Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

The active principle of understanding the message of the Gītā is to hear directly from the Master of yoga, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is glorified throughout the Vedic literature as the Supreme Person, the Absolute Truth. Śrī Kṛṣṇa speaks to Arjuna in Bhagavad-gītā and thus one who studies the Gītā hears from Kṛṣṇa directly.

The philosophy of Bhagavad-gītā is clear for the sincere reader, yet for some, approaching the Gītā may seem daunting – its language too ancient. However, this obstacle is easily overcome by a straightforward translation and commentary (Anuvṛtti). The requirement for a translation and commentary on the Gītā is as necessary today as anytime in the past. With the passing of time, our values and our world view are constantly changing, and this demands a fresh approach to the understanding of the Gītā.

This translation and commentary on the Bhagavad-gītā provides simple, yet profound knowledge to elevate us to a higher state of consciousness whereby we can realise our true self and progress towards attaining a life of spiritual fulfilment. Self-realisation means to realise our actual purpose in life and act towards it, gradually freeing us from the yoke of material bondage. Where there is light, darkness cannot stand — where there is proper knowledge, ignorance cannot remain. The Bhagavad-gītā unravels the mysteries of life, providing not only knowledgeable answers, but also a progressive process to uplift us to pure consciousness.

One of the more remarkable features of the Gītā is that its readers can easily observe and feel its philosophy working, like poetry in motion, in their everyday lives. The knowledge of Bhagavad-gītā is a true science – its formulas for success clear and observable in action. The Bhagavad-gītā thus provides a complete outline for self-realisation in everyday life.

Anyone who is fortunate enough to dive deeply into the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gītā and embrace its message will surely achieve success, for this is guaranteed in the Gītā’s final verse:

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ

tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir dhruvā nītir matir mama

Where there is Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Master of yoga, and where there is Arjuna, the mighty archer, there will always be prosperity, victory, opulence and righteousness – this is my firm conviction.

Svāmī B.B. Viṣṇu