The Shreemad Bhagavad Gita: The Universal Scripture
The Shreemad Bhagavad Gita: The Universal Scripture
The Shrimad Bhagvad Gita is a divine conversation between the Creator and a human being that unveils truths. In this dialogue, Arjun represents all humanity. Lord Krishna, as the Almighty, provides divine guidance through the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. The divine dialogue, sung in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, guides humanity towards the ultimate goodness. The wisdom imparted in the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita isn't confined to any specific race, time, or country; its message is universal and timeless. Its teachings serve as a benchmark for leading aimful, sublime, fearless, peaceful, creative, pious, and harmonious life. In this regard, the Gita is a universally applicable scripture. Scholars worldwide have praised her, recognizing her universality.
Simple Language Explanation
The Bhagavad Gita is a holy conversation between God (Lord Krishna) and a human (Arjun). Arjun represents all people in the world. Krishna guides him about how to live a good life and do his duties. This talk happened during the war of Kurukshetra, but its message is not only for that time — it is for everyone, everywhere, forever. The Gita teaches us to live with purpose, goodness, courage, peace, creativity, purity, and unity. People all over the world have respected and praised the Gita for this reason.
Special Guidance / Value Point
Even if our life situation is challenging (like Arjun’s was in the battlefield), we can find guidance in the Gita’s teachings to stay strong, do our duty, and live with good values.
All of these aspects contribute in making the Gita a book for all humankind. Henry David Thoreau wrote, "In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogenic philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial." Aldous Huxley, the famous English philosopher said, the Gita is "One of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is subject not only to India but to all humanity." Wilhelm von Humboldt pronounced the Gita as: "The most beautiful, perhaps the only true philosophical song existing in any known tongue."
Albert Einstein, the world-renowned scientist, said, "When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect about how God created this universe, everything else seems so superfluous." Mahatma Gandhi also said, "When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, I turn to the Bhagavad-Gita and find a verse to comfort me." Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, our former President said, "The Gita is a permanent source of inspiration for all human beings. The study of the Gita solves all my problems."
Simple Language Explanation
Many famous people have praised the Gita. Henry David Thoreau said that reading the Gita fills his mind with amazing wisdom, making modern literature seem small. Aldous Huxley called it one of the clearest and most complete summaries of eternal philosophy, valuable for the whole world. Wilhelm von Humboldt described it as the most beautiful philosophical song ever written. Albert Einstein said that when he reads the Gita and thinks about God creating the universe, everything else feels unnecessary. Mahatma Gandhi said that in times of doubt or sadness, he reads the Gita and finds peace. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said that the Gita inspires him and helps solve all his problems.
Special Guidance / Value Point
We can see that the Gita’s teachings are respected by thinkers, scientists, and leaders worldwi
de. This shows that its wisdom is universal, beyond time, place, or religion.Soaked in the ethos of universal welfare, the Bhagavad Gita stands as a remarkable gift of Indian culture! What sets this book apart is its ability to impart profound wisdom succinetly. She enriches our minds with boundless waves of joy, tranquility, and love. Through its simple and clear exposition, the book renders access of the profound insights of Vedant to the ordinary populace. It is- "वासुदेवः सर्वम् इति ॥" (गीता 7.19)
Sanskrit Shloka:
॥ वासुदेवः सर्वम् इति ॥
Overall Meaning (English):
God lives in all beings and all things.
Sanskrit Shloka
॥ वासुदेवः सर्वम् इति ॥
Overall Meaning (English):
God lives in all beings and all things.
- 1.वासुदेवः = भगवान कृष्ण (जो सब जगह वास करते हैं.
- 2.सर्वम् = सब कुछ
- 3.इति = ऐसा कहा गया है.
वासं करोति इति वासुदेवः । Means one who dwells in everything is Vasudev! Though the world presents itself in diverse forms, the underlying essence remains one - the Divine; and though the Almighty is one, He manifests Himself in different forms. Just as shapes and colours of balloons may be different, the air filled in it is the same. The Supreme Soul dwells in everybody.
Sanskrit Phrase Explanation
वासं करोति इति वासुदेवः
Overall Meaning (English):
Vasudeva means "the one who resides in all."
Word-by-Word Meaning (Hindi):
- 1.वासं = निवास करना (to dwell)
- 2.करोति = करता है. (does)
- 3.इति = ऐसा कहा गया है. (thus said)
- 4.वासुदेवः = वह जो सब में वास करता है. (He who dwells in all)
Simple Language Explanation
The word “Vasudeva” means the one who lives in everything. The world has many different forms, but the inner reality is one — God. Though God is one, He appears in many forms. Like balloons may have different shapes and colours, but the air inside them is the same, in the same way, the Supreme Soul is in everyone.
Special Guidance / Value Point
We should remember that the same divine spirit lives in all beings. This understanding can help us treat everyone equally and with respect.
The moment we internalize this spirit, our life becomes benedictory and auspicious; and we tend to be more hardworking, cooperative and useful to others; and consequently loved by all. This way, people can attain the success in life by attaining self contentment.
Simple Language Explanation
When we truly accept this idea (that God is in everyone), our life becomes blessed and full of good fortune. We naturally become more hardworking, helpful, and valuable to others. As a result, people love and respect us. In this way, we can achieve success in life by finding peace and satisfaction within ourselves.
Special Guidance / Value Point
Happiness in life does not come only from outside achieve
The term "Bhagavan" occurs several times in the Gita, but what is the meaning of the word "Bhagwan" ?
ऐश्वर्यस्य समग्रस्य धर्मस्य यशसः श्रियः ।
वैरागस्य च मोक्षस्य पण्णां भग इतीरितः ॥ (विष्णुपुराणम् 6.5.74)
(Meaning: 'Bhagwan' has six properties: opulence, religion, glory, splendour, grace and dispassion.) The same is explained philosophically in the Gita, यो मां पश्यति सर्वत्र सर्वं च मयि पश्यति । (which means, for those who see Me everywhere and see all things in Me, I am never lost to them nor are they ever lost to Me). Different castes, faiths, and religious sects refer to Him with different names and worship Him in their own ways but the Divine is one.