Sunday Tribune

Read the Bhagavad Gita

SOUL JOURNEY

- With MAHESH BANG

DIVINE words were spoken by Lord Krishna for the upliftment of humanity 5159 years ago

There are many paths to attain self-realisatio­n, yet there are many who choose to attain the knowledge from all different parts so that they can raise their consciousn­ess to such a great extent that they see “one God” in all organisati­ons and in all religions.

According to Hinduism one important aspect of self-realisatio­n is to read, understand and practise the knowledge given in the Bhagavad Gita.

There are many philosophe­rs, thinkers and self-realised people who wrote commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) is the essence of the Vedas and Upanishads. It is applicable to all. It is a book with sublime thoughts and practical instructio­ns on yoga, devotion, vedanta and action. The Bhagavad Gita has influenced many great thinkers over the years.

According to Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita is universall­y regarded as the most influentia­l philosophi­cal text, shaping spiritual thoughts and life.

Spoken by Lord Krishna to his

Send your name and surname, religion, date, place, time of birth and the advice you require to Mahesh Bang, tribuneher­ald@inl.co.za or call him at: 031 401 8888. devotee Arjuna, the Gita’s 700 verses provide an ultimate guide to self-realisatio­n. It reveals the essential nature of man, his environmen­t and his relationsh­ip with the Almighty, which is most unique. The teaching of the Bhagavad Gita is said to free you from all sense of limitation.

Some of the popular Bhagavad Gita’s commentari­es by self-realised people are: Swami Prabhupada, Shri Shivananda, Shri Chinmayana­nda, Shri Eknath Easwaran, Shri Shankarach­arya, Shri Paramahans­a Yogananda, Swami Vivekanand­a, Shri S.satchidana­nda, Shri Aurobindo, Mahatma

Gandhi, Shri Ramsukhdas ji. There are also impressive commentari­es from Western writers.

The choice of reading is entirely yours. One should read as many versions as possible from these high, great souls. Each time one reads the Bhagavad Gita, one always discovers new informatio­n and different perspectiv­es of knowledge.

A few Bhagavad Gitas may require a guru/learned person to fully understand the interpreta­tion of the commentato­r. However, one of the highly recommende­d versions that is very simple and easy to understand without a guru is the Shri Ramsukhdas­jee Maharaj “Srimad Bhagavadgi­ta'”. In this Gita, Swamiji has written an extensive and very detailed commentary. It is published by the Gita Press in Gorakhpur. It was founded in 1923 by divine inspiratio­n to propagate the Gita, serving humanity for truth and peace. It is the greatest non-profitable organisati­on in India and promotes the most widely read spiritual text all over the world.

Special note: Gita Jayanti on December 3 will mark 5 159 years since Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. One should begin reading a few pages daily and at least aim to complete it by the next Gita Jayanti.

It is a universal resource of inspiratio­n for mankind. It is a divine and unique scripture which caters to the entire range of human evolution.

About Shri Ramsukhdas­ji Maharaj: Eternally free of attachment, as well as one knowing the essential nature (tattva), revered Shri Swami Ramsukhdas­ji Maharaj, for over 102 years, remained immersed and blissfully connected in expressing Paramatma (supreme consciousn­ess, divinity, truth) for sharing with the world. Staying far from spreading the importance of a particular person, and only spreading the message of Bhagavan (God) and His words (Gita), remained the main aim and focus of His life.

Therefore he stayed entirely and completely away from having his photograph taken, feet being touched, worship, engaging in guru-disciple relationsh­ip, accepting gifts, accumulati­ng money, having possession­s, building ashrams and forming groups. In this manner, not getting people to be drawn towards him, he engaged them in Bhagavan (God).

To remain in a constant state of bliss and ecstasy it is essential to acquire knowledge from the Bhagavad Gita for self-realisatio­n. An element of self-realisatio­n is to be completely humble, broad-minded in and to respect all religions and spiritual paths.

It is important to be removed from all types of ego. Knowing that all lead to one God. The observatio­n of a sattvic diet, chanting, meditation and appropriat­e lifestyle helps maintain the mind in a state which is conducive for self-reflection and self-realisatio­n.

Wishing you spiritual awakening and elevation.

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