The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1

Context and Chapter One

On 5th July 2020, my dear Dad passed away and moved on to the next realm. The Bhagavad Gita, a book sacred to Hinduism, was by far his most cherished text and he studied it up to the very end. In his memory, I am committing to write 18 pieces - one for each chapter - and will attempt to capture the essence of this great text. No prior knowledge of Hinduism is necessary and I shall steer clear of jargon as much as possible. Do subscribe below to get all the pieces straight to your inbox.

Context:

The Bhagavad Gita (“The Song of God”) is a 700 verse composition that captures the essence of all the Hindu holy texts (see Vedas and Upanishads) and was compiled by the Sage Veda Vyasa. It is said that the truths revealed in the Bhagavad Gita are more than 2 billion years old, but were lost to mankind for a long period. This great knowledge was reinstated approximately 5,000 years ago on the battlefield in India (Kurukshetra) in the middle of a righteous war between two feuding families (the “Pandavas” and the “Kauravas”).

Both sides have decided that War on the battlefield is the only option and as huge armies are gathered, roars are let out and conches are blown in rallying cries.

Chapter 1: Arjuna’s Anguish

Arjuna, a master archer who is fighting for the Pandavas is being charioteered by his cousin Lord Krishna. He asks Krishna to position his chariot so that he can see both the armies clearly.

And then he sees not soldiers - but rather - fathers, grandfathers, teachers, uncles, sons, grandsons, cousins, friends, and well wishers within the midst of both the armies.

And he loses it.

In despair, his limbs go weak and his mouth is parched. His body quivers and his hair stands on its end. His mind starts to race. He starts to speak to Krishna, his charioteer.

“I see negative omens - what good will come of me killing my kinsmen? What use is victory, empire or the pleasures of life? I don’t desire those. If we kill our opponents we will be blamed for their death, even though they are guilty of various crimes.”

“I think we should not kill them because how can we do that and be happy? Even though they would not hesitate to destroy us as they are overcome by greed, we should take the moral high ground as we know better and not indulge in an act of sin”

‘If a family is destroyed, their time-honoured traditions disappear and when traditions disappear, unrighteousness appears. And those who lose their traditions and values, suffer in hell. So aren’t we perpetrating a crime by killing our kinsmen?”

“Maybe it is better that they kill me instead of me fighting with them - I will offer no resistance”

And thus Arjuna sat down on the seat of his chariot, casting aside his Bow and Arrow - overwhelmed by grief.

Parting thoughts

Sometime we are faced with situations where we can see no good outcome. The situation overwhelms us. The path in front is not clear nor is there a way out. We are placed in a moral dilemma. This is the start of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna wherein Krishna provides answers to Arjuna’s quandry.

Ready to proceed? Click here for Chapter 2

Deepak