Krishna's Instruction to Arjuna
Lord Krishna imparted this knowledge to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when the latter was in a distressful condition. Upon receiving this knowledge, Arjuna returned to his happy and stable position. All of us undergo difficult situations in life, and often become overwhelmed by those situations, not knowing where to find a solution. Bhagavad-gita guides us out of such delusions and reestablishes us in our original position of eternity, knowledge and bliss. If we follow the instructions as given by Lord Krishna, then we can attain the same blissful state as Arjuna did.
How Relevant Is It in Modern Times?
Everyone wants to be happy, and everyone is constantly searching for that happiness. Whether a child or an old man, an Indian or an American, Hindu or Christian, man or woman — everyone is looking for happiness. But unfortunately, for want of real knowledge of happiness, they are searching for it everywhere and getting frustrated. Bhagavad-gita shows us where that happiness is. Just like when we purchase a new gadget, a user's manual comes with it — the manual teaches us how to make the best use of that gadget and derive maximum benefit out of it. For want of proper knowledge we may invent our own ways of using it, but finally we will become frustrated. So, Bhagavad-gita is a manual given by the Supreme Lord Krishna which guides us in making the best use of this human life and in deriving real happiness from it.
In the modern times, when people are more confused and misdirected, the Gita becomes all the more relevant for the individual as well as the society at large in bringing back stability and happiness in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
General understanding of the masses is that Bhagavad-gita is a holy book of Hindu religion, an armchair book for the retirement years, or an ancient scripture full of philosophical intricacies. But by learning from authorized sources, one understands that Bhagavad-gita is much more than this: it is a guide book to lead an enjoyable and blissful life — a user's manual to lead a meaningful human life.
Where and to whom did Krishna speak the Bhagavad Gita?
Lord Krishna imparted this knowledge to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when the latter was in a distressful condition.
What happened to Arjuna after receiving this knowledge?
Upon receiving this knowledge, Arjuna returned to his happy and stable position.
Why is the Bhagavad Gita compared to a user's manual?
Just like when we purchase a new gadget, a user's manual comes with it — the manual teaches us how to make the best use of that gadget and derive maximum benefit out of it. Bhagavad-gita is a manual given by the Supreme Lord Krishna which guides us in making the best use of this human life and in deriving real happiness from it.
Is the Bhagavad Gita still relevant today?
In the modern times, when people are more confused and misdirected, the Gita becomes all the more relevant for the individual as well as the society at large in bringing back stability and happiness in life.