What exactly is the Bhagavad Gita, the book that some refer to as the holy bible of Hinduism? Surprisingly, the Gita, as it is sometimes lovingly referred to, is not really a book in itself, but a (rather small) part of the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata. An epic about a Great War.
The Gita is a conversation between two friends, Krishna and Arjuna, and it contains mainly of Krishna telling Arjuna to fight. Why then is this ancient text relevant to all of us, thousands of years later? Because Krishna tells Arjuna how to live his truth in the best possible way.
The wars and conflicts depicted in the Mahabharata and Gita are alluding to the battles in our minds, the struggles we fight daily because we are human. And, as Krishna points out, humans are the only living beings equally blessed and cursed with the ability to make choices. Swami Dayananda writes in his book, The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, “The human mind is a battlefield, a scene of constant conflict. The conflict arises only because choice is possible. An animal has no conflict; a cow does not wonder, “should I be vegetarian or non-vegetarian?” Its life is governed by instinct. In this, it has no choice.”
In our daily lives we are confronted with many choices, some insignificant (at least seemingly so) and others profound, and the process of making a choice leads more often than not to struggles. To make the right choice is only possible if you know yourself well – thus it is not surprising that much of the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna is about recognizing and understanding the self.
In the story of the Bhagavad Gita there are two sets of cousins in one kingdom, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Kauravas’ first born, Duryodhana, does not question his decisions all too closely, and is thus a selfish leader that doesn’t choose in the best interest of his people. Arjuna on the other hand, the youngest of the Pandava brothers, keeps a clear conscience and is not afraid to learn from others or to question his own ways. When the King, Dhritarashtra, decides to split the kingdom in two to give each set of brothers one rightful part, Duryodhana is not willing to accept that choice or to share any part of the kingdom, and war is declared. Krishna, seemingly neutral to both parties but a family member in a greater sense, offers that one side will get his armies and the other side himself (except he would not be doing any fighting, he said). Duryodhana is quick to claim Krishna’s armies, so Arjuna is left with Krishna and his wisdom.
Before the battle begins, there is a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, and that is what the Bhagavad Gita is all about. A conversation about choices, the nature of the Self, and the human mind.
Ultimately, the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are words of wisdom that remind us of the power of choice, the power of our minds, and if we practice mind-control, the ultimate outcome of a liberated mind and a (more) peaceful heart.
One conclusion, or my biggest takeaway from studying this ancient text is that the disciplined mind recognizes choices, even in sorrow, as a form of power. It is the same mind that makes decisions that, if not leading to happiness every time, lead to contentment. As an example, if one were to decide to sit with one’s sorrow for a certain amount of time, there is a feeling of control opposed to helplessness. There is a sense of power and calm.
By Angie Mandl
Originally from Austria, now of LA, CA, I hold degrees in Design & Marketing, a member of PPA Professional Photographers of America and am a mother to two college-aged boys. Having lived and studied in New Delhi, India for three years, yoga has become an integral part of my life. I believe that the practice of yoga contributes to a person’s well-being and contentment and am honored to share all my teachers have generously shared with me in our trainings.