Status Updates From The Bhagavad Gita

The eleventh discourse of the Bhagavad Gita is undoubtedly my favorite up to this point. In this discourse, Krishna allows Arjuna to see his true form. In this form, Vishnu is both great and fearsome, and Arjuna sees the imminent destruction of most of the warriors in the upcoming battle. Krishna (Vishnu) tells Arjuna that these men will perish regardless, so Arjuna should do his duty without worry.

The tenth discourse focuses on Krishna telling Arjuna everything that he is (that being everything). He describes in detail everything that has been, that is, and that will be to express his infinite wisdom and might to Arjuna. Krishna knows all, latent in all things. I wonder how Arjuna will react to this and how Krishna's knowledge will allow him to take action according to his dharma.

In the ninth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains to Arjuna that those that devote themselves to Krishna will forever be with Krishna, while those who devote themselves to other things will not. He urges Arjuna to follow his dharma and devote himself to Krishna. In this way, Arjuna will be freed from rebirth and suffering, and he will be with Krishna forever. I enjoyed this discourse.

The eighth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita focuses on what happens to one after death. Krishna tells Arjuna that those who think of Brahman while doing their duty, and those whose state of mind are focused on their duty to Krishna will not continue the cycle of reincarnation, but will be with Krishna forever and free from it. I thought this discourse was insightful, and I wonder how the story will progress.

In the seventh discourse Krishna reveals himself to Arjuna. He tells that he is the one that knows all and that no one knows him. Krishna tells Arjuna that it is the wise people who will cease from their attachments and return to Krishna once their lives have ended on Earth. This discourse was interesting and I look forward to seeing how Arjuna responds to this revelation.

"The practitioner of yoga who is content with discernment and wisdom, unmoving, with senses conquered, to whom a lump of clay, a stone and a piece of gold are the same, is said to be joined in yoga." I loved the sixth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita, in which Krishna continues to explain the importance of yoga and detachment to Arjuna. I appreciate how Krishna understands that his advice is not easy but is vital.

The fifth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of action with detachment from its result. Arjuna is called to complete his duty with indifference to what it may cause others. Although his duty may seem cruel, by acting it out without thinking outwardly, he can live in peace despite the actions he must take. I enjoyed this discourse and find Krishna’s teachings to be very wise.