I am currently reading the Bhagavad Gita (“Saadhak Sanjeevani” commentary) from Gita Press.
The author has done a very good job explaining the verses in a simple, clear, and elaborate way. Although the verses themselves are full of learning, some new insights appear when we look at them in relation to each other.
As I read the Bhagavad Gita, I will continue adding the lesser-known learnings to this post.
I hope you find them insightful and worthy of your thought.
Let’s get started.
1. Our interactions with the sense objects are the reason for both bondage and liberation
Even thinking about sense objects for one’s pleasure can lead to downfall. (Refer Chapter 2: Verses 62-63)
But consuming sense objects without the intention of your pleasure is also not binding at all. (Refer Chapter 2: Verse 64-65)
2. Why does Krishna give answers on the platform of intelligence despite Arjuna’s questions about the body?
Wherever Arjuna has asked questions taking the importance of action in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna has answered, taking the importance of emotion and understanding.
Emotion and understanding are the main reasons behind any action. Actions are done according to emotion and understanding.
For example, Arjuna asked in the 14th chapter how the behavior of a person is free from material contaminations. So Krishna answered, emphasizing the importance of emotion, that his behavior is done with equanimity.
3. Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, has a unique style of explaining the concepts
According to its style, the Bhagavad Gita first discusses the presented topic.
Then it tells about the benefits of doing it and the harm of not doing it.
After this, it commands to perform it.
For example, in Chapter 3, Krishna, while answering Arjun’s question (Why do I engage in dreadful action like the war?), first tells that complete renunciation of action is impossible. Then, renouncing the nature of actions and thinking about worldly things with the mind is called false conduct, and it says that the person who performs deeds without any selfish motive is the best. Then in the 8th verse, God commands Arjun to perform his duty accordingly.
4. The False Division Between Spiritual Practice and Worldly Life
Often, this notion is deeply ingrained in seekers that the domain of spiritual practice, such as devotion, chanting, meditation, etc., is separate, and the domain of worldly work and occupation is separate.
Because of this division, seekers tend to promote devotion and meditation, but while engaged in worldly activities, they do not pay attention to attachment and aversion, desire and anger, etc. Rather, they form a firm belief that while performing worldly duties, attachment and aversion are bound to arise, and that these are not things that can be eliminated.
This attitude leads to serious harm, as the seeker’s attachment and aversion continue to persist, due to which progress in their spiritual practice does not happen quickly.
In reality, whether a seeker engages in spiritual pursuits or in worldly activities, attachment and aversion should not remain in their inner being.
With over three years of dedicated experience in studying and researching Indian scriptures, the author is passionate about sharing the profound wisdom of texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, and Upanishads. Through in-depth exploration of authentic commentaries, such as those by Gita Press, combined with thoughtful online research, the insights provided are both accurate and engaging.
