Paramacharya of SWAHA, Pt. Hardeo Persad
The timeless wisdom that is encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita has been accepted and endorsed worldwide. This Hindu scriptural text which is literally translated as the ‘Song of the Divine’ comprises 18 chapters and 700 verses, most of which are enunciations of the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna. This historical epic, which has as its setting the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is a dialogue between Shri Krishna and his warrior-friend, Arjuna, who was dejected, confused and refused to do his duty in the battle. Shri Krishna enlightened Arjuna on the many aspects of yoga, which removed the confusion in his mind. He went forward in battle with confidence and was mindful of the guidance he received. He eventually brought home victory.
The world today is filled with sorrow, uncertainty, losses, disharmony and countless disappointments. Faced with these stumbling blocks in the journey of life, many become overwhelmed and like Arjuna, are unable to take the necessary steps to perform their duties. The advice from the Divine, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita, helps to guide one’s own life from a realistic perspective, to become enriched spiritually, to have a positive approach and win the battle of life. Examples of these teachings from Gita that are relevant today in the midst of challenges, disasters and other difficulties are as follows:
- Seek spirituality not materialism: The cravings of man for materialism, for more wealth, increased assets, better jobs and other additions are cravings of the body. These are impermanent wants. Gita advises that man should instead give up the need for unnecessary material wealth and pursue the path of spirituality, of the Divine. Additionally, one must be aware that it is the soul that is permanent, not the body. The soul is Divine and has no need for material things.
- Differentiate the real from the unreal: Problems are removed when man learns to differentiate the real from the unreal. The world is unreal because it is changeable. Changelessness is the quality of the soul. Man should relentlessly pursue the real, the changeless and in so doing, will overcome the daily battles of life.
- Avoid the triple gateway to hell: Desire, anger and greed are habits that impel man to commit unrighteous actions. These are demonic vices that develop into other negative qualities and eventually bring about self-destruction. The individual who remains unruffled and is constantly aware of his thoughts, words and actions is the man of wisdom. Love, tolerance and selflessness should be practised instead. Embrace the righteous path and shun the unrighteous.
- Perform your duty: Duty that is performed conscientiously and without attachment, leads to inner contentment, peace, dispassion and the ultimate goal of self-realization. On the other hand, failure to act according to these guidelines results in problems that may be difficult to face. These are referred to as traitaap, three forms of bodily discomforts, environmental disturbances and natural disasters.
- Mind control: To have control of the mind and stabilize it, all cravings of the mind must be overcome. When the thirst for pleasures ceases, one is free from fear, anger, desire, passion and material attachment. Only then can one remain balanced and contented with any means of subsistence or condition.
- Facing challenges: To successfully overcome challenges, one’s emotions, fear and attachment must have no place in the plan of action. Accept challenges as a path in performing your duty and face them bravely. When weakness is overcome, the battles of life are won.
More than ever, the words of Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are relevant and applicable to everyone. The message of Shri Krishna in this handbook of life guides man to free himself from the materialistic world, to realize the true nature of himself and to ultimately merge with the Divine. It is hoped that we all will strengthen our efforts to acquire the qualities that will earn us victory in the battles of our lives.
Devika
This is a message that i need to print and read as if it is a daily prayer, a constant reminder until it truly sinks in of what is REAL.
Victor Morgado
This was a wonderful reading from which I learned a lot Some how at the second stage of my western life, my consciousness is openning up to the universality of the Bhagavad Gita. I see now that it is an extra reading and meditation that would do good to any devotee of any western religion, for it is the essense of what they learne in their religions..