Kamal Ghorui
Gita is the most powerful and comprehensive guide on how an ordinary mortal can rise above petty, personal distractions to become the extraordinary immortal Spirit. Gita translates deep philosophy into a powerful technique for everyday living. It has inspired seekers worldwide for centuries and has been translated into almost every major language. Yet, despite its popularity, its true depth often remains unexplored.
The setting of Gita is the battlefield of Kurukshetra, representing the inner battlefield we all experience – moments of doubt, anxiety, conflict, and indecision. Though Gita was delivered thousands of years ago, its relevance is timeless. Its principles apply to every individual, regardless of age, profession, or geography . It speaks directly to the challenges of modern life. Gita is a dialogue between Krishn, the guru, and Arjun, his dear friend and leader of the Pandavs. On the brink of a great war, Arjun is overwhelmed. Faced with the prospect of fighting his own relatives, teachers, and loved ones, he loses clarity and courage. He drops his bow, unable to act. At that critical moment, Krishn transforms his thinking. Through a masterful blend of psychology and philosophy, Krishn helps Arjun rise above emotional turmoil, rediscover his purpose, and take decisive action.
This conversation reflects the struggles we face every day, the tension between right and wrong, long-term purpose and short-term comfort, clarity and confusion. Each of us faces battles within, between our higher aspirations and lower impulses, between discipline and distraction, between intellect and the mind.
However, amid these challenges, we need to stand between the two opposing forces and dive deep into our inner being. Find our purpose, mission, and inner calling. Then we will get the answers and gain the strength to overcome adversity. All problems are self-created.
Hence, the solutions must also lie within. As long as we look outward, the situation appears insurmountable. Look within, and problems vanish.
Krishn, the jagadguru or universal mentor, is depicted as an expert flute player. The flute is a simple hollow instrument with seven apertures. Krishn had mastered the art of creating enchanting music from it. The flute represents our personality: five senses, mind, and intellect. Not having learnt and mastered the technique of living, we bring out discordant notes. When we empty ourselves of negativity, desire and ego, captivating music emerges from our personality.
The goal of all beings is happiness. But we do not know where it lies or how to obtain it. We are all chasing a mirage when oasis of bliss lies within. The Gita spells out the formula for happiness and prescribes the pathway to it: service, love, and knowledge . Act with the spirit of giving, expand your circle of love, and understand that everything in the world is transient.
The message of Gita is transformative: you are far more powerful than you believe. You are not merely a limited, stressed individual trying to cope with life. You are the very source of energy that sustains your body, drives your thoughts, and fuels your aspirations. The same intelligence that governs the universe operates within you.
Jaya Row conducts Bhagwad Gita classes in Mumbai, Wed 6.30-7.45pm. WhatsApp 99200 54000
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