Status Updates From The Bhagavad-Gita: Krishna'...

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.

In the fourth discourse, Krishna speaks about the yoga of knowledge. He imparts the wisdom that renouncing the attachment to the result of action is proper. In action through inaction (acting without attachment), one can do their duty, regardless of caste. Through the knowledge of action in inaction, one can follow the path towards righteousness and become free from the pain of rebirth. That is my takeaway.

The third discourse of the Bhagavad Gita describes the yoga of action. Krishna explains to Arjuna that performing one’s duty in action is necessary, regardless of the result of that action. Trust in Krishna and perform one’s duties, allowing yourself to be detached from its result. This is the right path one should take, even if their duty seems cruel. That is my takeaway from this discourse. I overall enjoyed it