Core concepts of Bhagavad Gita

Based on interview of Keshava Swami by Ranveer Allahbadia

Although various topics were covered in this interview, jotting down aspects related to the Hindu holy text called “Bhagavad Gita”

TL;DR:

• Atma (soul) is not the body
• We are living in prakruti (material world)
• We are doing karma (actions) which have reactions across the time
• Time can be linear to cyclical
• Beyond all this is ishwara (god), different from prakruti
• Yoga is aimed to path of joining prakruti to ishwara, ie atma to paramatma (god)

The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Embedded within the verses are profound teachings that guide individuals on the path of righteous living and spiritual enlightenment.

Central to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is the distinction between the body and the soul. It emphasizes that the true essence of an individual is the Atma, the eternal soul, and not the perishable body. The body is transient and subject to birth and death, while the soul is eternal and beyond the cycle of life and death. This profound insight encourages individuals to look beyond the superficial aspects of existence and recognize the enduring nature of the soul.

The Gita also delves into the concept of Prakruti, the material world governed by the three gunas — sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). Living in the material world involves interacting with these gunas, influencing one’s thoughts and actions. Understanding the dynamics of Prakruti allows individuals to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and discernment.

The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita shed light on the concept of karma, the law of cause and effect. It emphasizes that every action has consequences and individuals are bound by the results of their actions. This understanding of karma extends beyond a linear perception of time to a cyclical one, emphasizing the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.

In the vast cosmic tapestry described by the Gita, there exists Ishwara, the Supreme Divine, distinct from the material world. Ishwara represents the ultimate reality, the source of all creation, and is beyond the limitations of the material realm. Recognizing the presence of Ishwara encourages individuals to transcend the transient nature of the material world and connect with the eternal and divine.

Yoga, as expounded in the Bhagavad Gita, is not merely a physical practice but a holistic path aimed at uniting the individual with the divine. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-realization, leading to the union of Prakruti with Ishwara, and the individual soul (Atma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). The Gita outlines various paths of yoga, including the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), and the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga), providing individuals with diverse approaches to spiritual growth.

In essence, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita provide a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of life, understanding the nature of existence, and realizing the ultimate purpose of human life — the union of the individual soul with the divine. Through its timeless wisdom, the Gita continues to inspire and guide seekers on their spiritual journey, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries.