WHAT THE BHAGAVADGITA TEACH US

What the Bhagavadgita, the scripture of the Hindus teach us? There are many misconceptions among the Hindus regarding the message of the Githa. Particularly, mothers think that their children will leave studies and go the way of sadhus, leaving everything, which is not desirable in the present day world. Does the Githa teach us to leave our responsibilities and go to forest to do tapas?

If you observe the circumstances under which the Githa was taught, it was taught in battle field to a warrior, who was averse to fighting, (which was his duty at that moment) and who was ready to live begging there afterwards. He was putting forth arguments in several ways to justify his abandonment of the duty. You may remember that the entire Pandava side is heavily banking on Arjuna for their success. To such Arjuna, Lord Krishna taught the Githa. After the lecture is over, Arjuna clearly declared that his delusion was over and he was ready to fight. Thereafter, as we know, the war was won by the Pandavas. From this, we have to understand that Githa never teaches one to run away from his responsibilities, whatever they may be in his life and circumstances.

In fact, the figure of Krishna driving the chariot, in which Arjuna is seated in preparation to fight, indicates our situation in life’s battle field. Arjuna indicates the soul, Krishna Paramata, the chariot the body, and the horses the senses, the reins the mind. If we allow our intellect as represented by Krishna to dictate our actions in our life, our bodily chariot is utilized to fulfil the purpose of human life.

Bhagavadgita contains 18(eighteen) chapters which when studied and understood, teaches us the art of living and; living even to a small extent according to these principles takes one a long way towards the fulfillment of life’s goal. As such Githa should be studied and understood, before one embarks on life’s journey and not afterwards when all his energies are expended in unnecessary pursuits in life. The best time to start study of Githa is in childhood itself.
So mothers, be ware of this and initiate your children into Githa study and practice immediately.