Bhagavad Gita is not just the oldest but also the best book of the world. The sublime message of Bhagavad Gita has been guiding humanity since ages. Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. It was spoken around 5000 years ago just before the start of the Mahabharat war. It was spoken at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra.
Just before fighting the most important battle of his life, Arjuna got completely bewildered. He wanted to run away from the battlefield. At that time Lord Krishna came to Arjuna’s rescue. After hearing Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna’s consciousness completely changed. He understood who he was and the purpose of his life.
He picked up his bow and arrow and decided to do his prescribed duty of fighting. But after hearing Gita, he was not fighting for himself but he was fighting for Krishna to establish dharma. And since he was fighting for Krishna and Krishna was with him so Arjuna emerged victorious.
Bhagavad Gita is the best book, so is called king of all knowledge
The Gita is called Raja Vidya – the king of all knowledge. If all the Vedic literatures are cows then Bhagavad – Gita is the milk of the cow i.e. it is the essence of all the Vedic literatures. Krishna is the milkman, Arjuna is the calf who drinks the milk, and the same milk has been made available to us in the written form by the great sage, Vyasa – Dev.
This beautiful literature has impacted the conscience of humankind for ages. The glories of the Gita stems from the fact that it transcends all the artificial boundaries of caste, creed, religions, race, nation, gender etc.
Bhagavad Gita is not just 5000 years old
Bhagavad – Gita is not just 5000 years old. It has been in existence since the dawn of creation. Krishna informs Arjuna that “I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku” Bhagavad Gita. 4.1. Since the knowledge got lost by the influence of time so Krishna again spoke it to Arjuna for the benefit of all of us.
The Gita very vividly talks about Isavara (God), Jivatma (Soul), Kala (Time), Karma (actions) and Prakriti (Nature). It gives us spiritual intelligence to march towards the righteous path. The fundamental question of who am I, who is God, what is my relationship with Him and what is the purpose of this human life is very systematically, logically and pragmatically espoused.
Gita is for everyone
The Gita wasn’t spoken for Hindus or Indians. In fact, it is for the entire humanity. Great scholars throughout the ages have sought refuge in this transcendental literature when confronted with challenges. It has inspired the world fame leaders like Gandhi, Churchill, Einstein, Newton and several others.
After reading Bhagavad Gita a Hindu will become a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian and a Jew a better Jew. This is why Bhagavad Gita is the best spiritual book because it makes the world a better place to live.
Why “Bhagavad Gita As it Is” is the best translation & commentary on Bhagavad Gita book today?
Unfortunately many mundane academic – scholars presented their own interpretation of Bhagavad – gita, thus misleading the masses. The most important message of the Gita is to know Krishna and to return back to the spiritual world. Srila Prabhupada was very much concerned about the misinterpretation of Krishna’s original message. He therefore decided to translate the original Sanskrit text into English language and named the book as Bhagavad Gita As It Is.
The word “As It Is” stresses the fact that the book is an unadulterated translation of the original Sanskrit text. In his translation there is meaning of each Sanskrit word, translation of entire verse and purport with various scriptural references like Srimad – Bhagavatam, Brahma Samhita, Isopanisad, Puranas etc.
At present this is the largest selling translation of the Gita all over the world. The book has been further translated into more than 70 languages. Bhagavad Gita As It Is has transformed the lives of millions of people all over the planet. This is why “Bhagavad Gita As it Is” is considered to be the best translation & commentary on Bhagavad Gita book today?
Gita teaches us to connect to Krishna
The main focus of the Gita is to make us understand that if we want to lead a happy life then we need to connect ourselves to Krishna. Krishna is not imposing his will but is trying to show us the right path. It’s like a father trying to persuade his unruly son to give up suicidal path and return back to his own home where he will get lots of love and care.
Krishna is too accommodative, every living being has different level of consciousness and so He suggests various paths through which one can perfect their life. He speaks about karma – yoga, jnana yoga, astanga yoga and bhakti yoga. Bhakti Yoga is the topmost but everyone may not be able to immediately practice Bhakti Yoga. So, Krishna also explains about Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Astanga Yoga.
Conclusion of Bhagavad Gita
Arjuna was in utter confusion at the start of the war. But he got enlightened after hearing Gita. Arjuna reveals his heart to Krishna, “My dear Krishna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.” Bhagavad Gita 18.73
Like Arjuna we also face many challenges in our life. And like Arjuna, if we understand the teachings of Bhagavad Gita, we will also get knowledge to decide what is best for us. Knowledge itself is not sufficient. After gaining knowledge, with determination we should act as per that knowledge. We should say to Krishna, “I am prepared to act according to Your instructions”.
And once we act according to the instructions of Krishna as given in Bhagavad Gita then success is guaranteed.
The last verse of the Gita says, “Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality.” Bhagavad Gita 18.78
Like Arjuna if we befriend Krishna and always follow the instructions of Krishna then we will attain the same destiny as of Arjuna. It means that we will always be victorious in our life.
Once we take shelter of Krishna, Krishna takes charge of our life, and he protects us in all situations and circumstances. Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of godhead says, “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” Bhagavad Gita 18.66
Bhagavad Gita is the best among all the books of the world because it teaches us how to happily live by taking shelter of Krishna.
