Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Supreme Soul) is one of the most authoritative yoga scriptures.
The Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Supreme Soul) is one of the most authoritative yoga scriptures. To actually understand the message of Bhagavad Gita, Krishna (the speaker of Bhagavad Gita) advises that one must be both a devotee and friend of the Lord:
“That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend and can therefore understand the transcendental mystery of this science.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.3
The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna that comprises the Bhagavad Gita took place 5,000 years ago, just before the start of the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandava prince, Arjuna, was filled with doubt and confusion as on the opposing side are his relatives, beloved friends, and revered teachers. He turns to Lord Krishna, who was acting as his charioteer, for guidance, asking Krishna “please instruct me”. Responding to Arjuna’s dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his actual duty, giving Arjuna all manner of spiritual and practical advice. Krishna explains the eternal nature of the self, the difference between the atma (the self) and our material body, our relationship with the Supreme, karma, the purpose and goal of yoga, how our activities affect our consciousness, and ultimately, how to attain the perfection of life, pure love for the Supreme Soul.
Krishna, the Supreme Soul, has given us the perfect instruction of Bhagavad Gita to guide everyone on the path to self-realization, real happiness, and deep understanding of the Absolute Truth. As we face our own challenges and tribulations, large and small, the eternal truths spoken directly by Krishna apply today as much as they did 5000 years ago.
