The Bhagavad Gita

About the Author

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, has been translated and commented upon by numerous scholars over the centuries. Among them, Eknath Easwaran stands out for his ability to bridge the gap between the ancient spiritual wisdom of the Gita and the modern reader. Easwaran was an Indian-born spiritual teacher, writer, and translator who dedicated his life to teaching meditation and the principles of Indian spirituality in a way that was accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Easwaran's approach to the Bhagavad Gita is characterized by his deep understanding of the text, both as a spiritual teacher and as a practitioner of the teachings within the Gita. His translations are known for their clarity and depth, making the profound messages of the Gita accessible without losing their essence. Easwaran’s works have inspired countless readers to explore the spiritual path with the Gita as their guide.

Main Idea

The Bhagavad Gita is not merely a text; it is a spiritual guide, a philosophical treatise, and a manual for life. At its core, the Gita addresses the eternal conflict between dharma (duty) and the turmoil of life’s decisions. Through the dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna, who is an incarnation of the god Vishnu, the Gita explores profound themes such as the nature of reality, the self, and the universe.

The Gita's primary teaching is the importance of doing one's duty (dharma) with a selfless attitude, free from attachment to the results. It urges the practitioner to seek a higher understanding of the self, which transcends the physical and temporary, connecting with the divine essence that pervades all things. This journey is one of self-discovery and spiritual liberation, leading ultimately to unity with the divine.

Table of Contents

• The Context of the Bhagavad Gita
• The Nature of Dharma
• Understanding Reality: The Real and the Unreal
• Selfless Action and Karma
• The Three Gunas
• The Paths to Spiritual Liberation
• The Nature of the Divine
• The Vision of the Universal Form
• The Final Teachings

The Context of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a small but significant part of the Mahabharata, one of the great Indian epics. It is set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before a monumental war between two factions of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Arjuna, the leader of the Pandavas, is deeply conflicted about fighting in this war because it involves killing his own relatives, teachers, and friends. In this moment of crisis, Arjuna turns to Krishna for guidance.

Krishna’s teachings in the Gita are timeless; they address the fundamental dilemmas of human existence. This setting on the battlefield serves as a metaphor for the internal battles we all face in life—battles between duty and desire, right and wrong, action and inaction.

The Nature of Dharma

One of the central themes of the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of dharma. Dharma, in the context of the Gita, refers to one’s duty, which is shaped by one’s role in society, personal inclinations, and the overarching cosmic order. Krishna teaches Arjuna that it is his dharma to fight in the battle, as he is a warrior prince. By doing so, Arjuna is not just fulfilling his personal duty but is also upholding the cosmic order.