The Bhagavad-gita is an incredible literary work. Here are 5 reasons not just to love the Gita, but to read it regularly, and let the teachings be a guiding light in your life:
1. It’s an ancient text. The fact that it is not only still around, but still read, studied and contemplated, is a testimony to it’s enduring grace. To be handed down, generation after generation, with a timeless (yet timely) message for all, means it transcends material time and speaks to the eternal soul.
2. Sanksrit, the beautiful poetic language of the Vedas, is also the language of the Gita. Each of it’s 700 verses can be unpacked to reveal layers of meaning and hidden gems of insight and emotion. Sanskrit, also known as the language of the Devas, is especially the language of the spirit, part of an ancient culture that placed spiritual values and self-realization as the goal of life and the way to happiness.
3. One might think that because of its age and uncommon language, the Gita is difficult to read. With the right translation however, the Gita provides the most helpful and practical information on how to live your best life. It also addresses the most existential question of all – what is the purpose of our short sojourn here on earth?
4. The Gita promotes peace which is ironic as it takes place on a battlefield. This is precisely why the Gita is such a good read and challenges us to rise above our small views and small thinking to wider and deeper perspectives. Facing, examining, and accommodating paradox and anomalies are essential components of spiritual growth.
5. And last, but not least, happiness – that ever elusive emotion that draws us all to it’s achievement. The Gita opens the door to a whole new understanding of happiness, which we can access if we wish to. Krishna lays it out for Arjuna (the receiver of Krishna’s teachings in the Gita), but in the end leaves it up to him. Perhaps that, more than anything else, is the gift of the Gita – do we want a relationship with the divine source of all happiness? Lord Krishna gives the invitation and the response is up to us.
In celebration of Gita Jayanti, the day the Gita was spoken, join us this Sunday for the recitation in Sanskrit of the complete Bhagavad-gita As It Is starting at 10am in the Temple room. Join us again on Monday night, starting at 7pm, for the recitation in English of the 700 verses. Such recitation brings auspiciousness, purification of the heart, and spiritual enlightenment.
Source: http://iskconofdc.org/5-reasons-to-love-the-bhagavad-gita/
Comments