Status Updates From Bhagavad Gita: A New Transl...

The sixteenth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita focuses on the demonic beings; those who live according to their own desires and pleasures. These beings, Krishna states, will never reach true fulfillment, which can only be obtained by acting in accordance to Vedic law and ceasing attachment. Luckily for Arjuna, Krishna tells him that he is not a demonic beings, but a divine one, and in ceasing desire will be fulfilled.

The fifteenth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita describes the world as impermanent. All things and beings will one day cease to exist, but Krishna will never cease. Through Krishna, beings can live eternally. By detaching oneself from that which is ephemeral and dedicating oneself to Krishna through the inaction within action, one can be freed from Samsara and be together with Krishna eternally.

Among the three gunas, sattva creates wisdom, rajas creates greed, and from tamas, ignorance and neglect are born. While the one who follows sattva rise up, those that manage to push aside all three are able to become one with Krishna and Brahman. While sattva sounds very good, it is better to be indifferent to all, and in that way, one can become eternally linked with Brahman and free from rebirth and reincarnation.

The thirteenth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita focuses on matter and spirit. Matter has always been and always will be in existence. Actions are merely the means of matter rather than choices by oneself. Because of this do not be hindered in completing your duty, as it is not you taking action, but the matter than inhabits you. Thus, be indifferent to your Dharma, as you are not the one undertaking these actions.

Krishna tells Arjuna that those individuals that are able to be indifferent to everything around them are dear to him. People who derive neither pleasure nor pain from their experiences will remove themselves from the cycle of death and rebirth and will be with Krishna forever. The twelfth discourse of the Bhagavad Gita was not my favorite, but nonetheless builds on the importance of being indifferent in action.

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.