Happy GITA JAYANTI (11-Dec-2024)

Happy GITA JAYANTI 

Many have argued that time periods will have to be divided as “before and after the Bhagavad Gita,” rather than AD and BC…and why?  My 2 cents…not that I’m knowledgeable in the nuances of this text but even my little journey into this text has made me realize its benefits and hence this is penned as below…

History was created thousands of years ago when Krishna (Lord incarnation or Avatar) born amidst us, as Arjuna’s (common man, highly skilled, and had good discrimination to accept Krishna as his charioteer) mentor, guided the embattled Arjuna.  An Arjuna, you and me, who was acknowledged as one of the greatest archers lost even a semblance of his mental balance to give up his arms right there when the battle opponents were all ready and the conch was about to be blown…and does it not happen for us too taking many steps back when we have a mountain of a challenge?

Then over the next 1-2 hours, Krishna made Arjuna think with his mind…a mind that can waylay us as well as develop fortitude to execute the toughest of tasks and the most challenging of situations.  He made it clear to the common man that the whole world is in one’s mind in the highest sense to help prevail good sense, equilibrium, equipoise, and regain composure through a process of self-inquiry.  Will it not help us?

Krishna’s entire teachings is encapsulated in Bhagavad Gita indeed a treasure-trove of teachings that is an absolute testament to “Krishna as the greatest philosopher ever.”  There is not one aspect of the mind and its follies that isn’t addressed which is a ready reckoner for you and me when standing at the crossroads facing multiple dilemma and confusion of sorts.

It is apt to one and all in current times and context…if not already

• 70-plus who are seeing three generations and a tsunami of change around them
• 60-somethings who are graduating to ‘grandparent’ status, ending active work-life, and see an avalanche of changes around that they must grapple with
• 40-somethings who are basking in excess in all walks of life
• 2000-and-later born who are natively digital and hence inundated in social media

But none of the above have been spared with the frailties in systems around – corruption, religious intolerance, family situations, etc. that we are constantly harassed but the experiences are only in our minds.  The situations around lead us to ask questions like – who am I, why is the world like this, who are these siblings and relatives, why is my family with my spouse-children-parents even relevant….and so on and so forth…and oh who can offer comfort?

While Bhagavad Gita is considered a Hindu scripture, it is only fair to say that this knew no bounds – it is valid across generations, religious beliefs, professions, geographical boundaries, even personal viewpoints.  

With this I conclude this writing with a fervent prayer that may this day be a light of illumination and a sunset to darkness…to what is a state of one’s mind!