Shrimad Bhagwat Gita

The term Bhagavad Gita, means “The Eternal Song' and comprises chapters 25 to 42 of the Bhishma Parva in 'The Mahabharata'. Written some 5000 years ago, it is an unusual text amongst all religious works. It originates in the midst of war, where the almighty Lord Vishnu in His avatar as Lord Krishna, advises a disillusioned Arjuna on the various facets of life and work. This is in contrast to other works, which are predominantly discussed in the peaceful ambience of a discourse, grove or amidst the glitter of the royal court or in the exalted forum of scholars and experts. With 700 slokas covered under 18 chapters, this text covers a whole gamut of issues. Presented in the form of a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita is as unique as it is endearing.

It has a message to people from all walks of life. Philosophers delight in the description of the Karma and the Sankhya Yogas as well as in the Mystic Tree with its roots in the sky, and branches down under, while proponents of the Bhakti Cult extol the several manifestations (vibhutis) of the Lord and His almighty visvarupa. The description of the gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) can surprise even a hard-core psychologist. The common man finds solace in the concept of the equipoised soul (sthitaprajna), to overcome his ever-increasing anxieties. Management experts see in it the entire process of Change Management.

Perhaps, the greatest (and most modern) idea is the focus on commitment to work, without getting excited about the rewards. This portrait of a karma yogi has made many a scholar – from both the Occident and the Orient – to sit up and take notice of the elegant truth behind all human endeavour. Hence, the Gita has an universal appeal and it transcends the boundaries of time and space

**Contents and Sample Pages**