What is the Bhagavad Gita?
Historic India is filled with a myriad of ancient Sanskrit scriptures said to be the oldest known to man, and estimated to date back as early as 1500 BCE and some say much longer. A few of the texts are the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita, as it’s commonly referred to, is the Hindu version of the Christian Bible and is part of the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of all time.
The Bhagavad Gita means Song of Spirit. It’s a 700-verse dialogue between Arjuna, a prince and warrior, and Krishna, an incarnation of God and divine charioteer for Arjuna. The story takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where the great war between the Pandavas (representing good) and the Kauravas (representing evil) takes place. Just before the fighting begins, Arjuna becomes hesitant and reluctant to fight, which initiates the great teachings of Krishna.
The Gita’s teachings offer individuals tools and practical ways to transform suffering into opportunities for personal growth, inner peace, equanimity, detachment, selfless action, and spiritual paths to self-realization and God-realization.
Here’s a list of some of the most important scriptures for Hindus and anyone looking to explore ancient scriptures. These scriptures collectively provide a rich tapestry of religious and philosophical teachings within Hinduism. It's important to note that Hinduism is highly diverse, and different sects and schools of thought may emphasize different texts and teachings.
You will be amazed at how profound these are for the current day, even though they were compiled thousands of years ago.
Vedas: The Vedas are the oldest and most revered texts in Hinduism. There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. They contain hymns, prayers, and rituals dedicated to various deities.
Upanishads: These are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They are considered the culmination of Vedic thought and are sometimes referred to as Vedanta (the end of the Vedas).
Bhagavad Gita: Part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. It addresses ethical dilemmas, duty, and the paths to spiritual realization, including Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
Ramayana: An epic narrative that tells the story of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his quest to rescue her from the demon king Ravana. It is attributed to the sage Valmiki and is a source of moral and ethical teachings.
Mahabharata: One of the longest epic poems in the world, the Mahabharata contains the story of the Kurukshetra War and includes various teachings, including the Bhagavad Gita. It is also a source of historical, mythological, and ethical knowledge.
Puranas: There are 18 major Puranas and numerous minor ones. These texts contain a wide range of stories, legends, and mythological narratives related to Hindu deities, cosmology, and religious practices. Examples include the Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, and Devi Bhagavata Purana.
Dharma Shastras: These texts provide guidelines for ethical and moral conduct, as well as legal principles. The Manusmriti is one of the most well-known Dharma Shastras.
Yoga Sutras: Attributed to the sage Patanjali, the Yoga Sutras outline the philosophy and practices of yoga. They are a fundamental text for those interested in the spiritual and physical aspects of yoga.
Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, and others: These are some of the lesser-known Puranas that focus on specific aspects of Hinduism, such as rituals, astrology, and medicine.
Tantras: The Tantra texts explore rituals, meditation, and practices related to worship and spiritual transformation. They are particularly important in certain sects of Hinduism, such as Tantra Yoga.