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On Nov 22, 3067 BC, a war broke out between the two major
royal houses of ancient India: the Pandavas and the Kauravas. On the
brink of war, Arjuna, a leading warrior on the Pandava side, overcome
by angst of the violence of the looming internecine war, refused to
fight. The Gita is Shri Krishna's practical advice to Arjuna at this
juncture. From his childhood in a cowherd clan to His eventual rule
of the Yadava kingdom of Dwarka, modern-day Gujarat, India, Krishna
accomplished many feats of historical acclaim. Perhaps, the Gita
shines foremost as the crest-jewel among them!
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| Courage |
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On the eve of the war, Krishna had volunteered to be Arjuna's
charioteer, preferring not to wield any weapons Himself,
which is the fortuitous circumstance that allows us to have the Gita
with us. Arjuna turns out to be a receptive, yet difficult student.
Thus, the Gita actually presents different (and sometimes
seemingly contradictory) perspectives of an underlying
theme, as Krishna struggles to cope with his beloved friend
Arjuna's unreadiness, and shifts His narrative
in the attempt to persuade
Arjuna to turn around.
It is no wonder that so many thinkers over the
ages have felt the urge to translate,
interpret and commentate on the Gita.
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One may summarize the theme of Gita thus: Hidden within the
spiritual heart of
our perishable physical body, there secretly lives
and shines the Eternal, That stands beyond grief and time.
Understanding this experientially
requires self-discipline, dutiful conduct and
meditation.
When expressed in our
daily life, this Knowledge appears as peace, joy and
equitable love for our fellow
beings. It is up to each of us, whether we choose
this path, but it alone
can guarantee lasting harmony and happiness.