Introduction
Thank you God, for giving me enough inspiration to write this book. The main idea behind this book is to keep it as short as possible, encouraging individuals to read the complete version of the Holy Bhagavad Gita. I have tried not to provide any interpretation; instead, I have summarized and condensed the teachings of Shri Krishna.
I have noticed that many people I know have not read the entire Bhagavad Gita due to its thickness as a religious textbook. Thus, my goal is to keep this book as thin as possible while remaining relevant to the readers. If the reader wishes to delve into the details of any verse, I recommend reading the full version of the Holy Book, authored by great Yogis. I have mentioned the names of a few Yogis who have also written The Holy Bhagavad Gita below.
I want to express my gratitude to Swamy Mukundanand ji for being the first medium between God and me. Everything I write is based on the divine knowledge imparted by Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita and the commentaries provided by Swamy Mukundanand ji, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan ji and the various writers of Gita Press - Gorakhpur. Additionally, discussions with my family and friends' have played a significant role.
Special thanks to Dr. Swapnil Garg and Dr. Madhulika Mehrotra and Ms. Chaitali Sarkar for their contributions.
Relevance of Bhagavad Gita
We are all striving to find happiness, but often, we fall short because we seek it in finite material pleasures rather than moving towards the ocean of infinite bliss (God). In The Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna provides us with a clear path to attain eternal happiness. Those who read the entire text and embrace the way of life outlined in it, experience a peaceful and blissful existence.
The Bhagavad Gita imparts lesson about two essential aspects of life:
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Eternal Truth: It teaches us that God is the ultimate truth, and our ultimate goal is to return to Him.
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Practice of Yoga with God: The Gita is not merely a theoretical text; it guides us on how to live life, what actions to take, and what to avoid. Through its verses, Shri Krishna clearly defines the qualities of a perfect person.
While reading The Bhagavad Gita, it's essential to remember that Shri Krishna is specifically guiding us on the path of Moksha, which every soul aspires to attain. Moksha represents freedom from the cycle of life and death, where our soul, a tiny fragment of the Lord, merges with the Divine Himself. In this book, I will share my understanding of the Gita chapter-wise, striving to keep it as straightforward as possible.
The Bhagavad Gita comprises of 18 chapters, which can be roughly divided into three portions.
Chapters 1 to 6 primarily focus on Karm Yog, the path of duty, where Shri Krishna explains the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities selflessly.
Chapters 7 to 12 emphasize the path of bhakti, loving devotion to God, as Shri Krishna reveals the significance of surrendering to the Divine with unwavering faith.
Chapters 13 to 18 revolve around knowledge of religious texts (Vedas) and principles to lead a life aimed at attaining Moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Please note that it is assumed that readers are familiar with the outline of the story of the Mahabharat. In case anyone is not acquainted with it, I recommend seeking information from someone who knows the story to get a brief summary.
May the Lord bless us all.