My Journey to the Gita

by Vinda Dean Maharaj
Sukh Shanti Bhakti Mandali

It was December 2006 when I walked into The Little Store, Curepe and purchased my 798 paged copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. As I began reading what I and many others now refer to as “the manual of mankind”, I was awestruck by the profound explanations that followed each verse. Sadly my priorities escaped me and I left my reading incomplete at Chapter 2. It was not until faced with personal traumas in my life did I return to my Gita for some form of solace. It was now September 2010…nearly four years later. I took a vow to “fast” (my understanding of what dictates a true “fast” has changed since that time) and complete the reading of this Perennial Philosophy. It took me 6 weeks, but I accomplished my goal. Some of what I gleaned, I shall now divulge.

The Bhagavad Gita is divided into three groups of six chapters, dealing with Karmayoga (Yoga of Action), Bhaktiyoga (Yoga of Devotion) and Jnanayoga (Yoga of Knowledge) respectively. Reading the Gita, I saw that these different pathways are intertwined. Can one practice Devotion without Action? Isn’t Knowledge a vital ingredient in the performance of Devotion? Know Me, Love Me, Act as I would. Sri Krishna wants nothing more.

My heart filled with joy as Bhagavan proclaimed His supremacy over all (Ch.5 V 29; Ch.7 V23; Ch.9 V24). Gita taught me equanimity of mind and although difficult to comprehend at first, its conceptual reality to date gradually grows on me. I found reassurance during the loss of loved ones where Bhagavan told Arjuna that there was never a time where He and I were not and neither was it a fact that hereafter we shall cease to be (Ch.2 V12).

As I delved deeper I saw this sacred text to be an amalgamation of philosophy, religion, science and Dharma. I read of the manner in which the universe was created (Ch 14) (Jai Prakrti Ma!) and Pranayama (breath control) was also explained, though I will suggest that consultation with a Pundit is advised to ensure it is done correctly. Gita spoke of the perishable nature of the body (Ksetra) and the immutable, imperishable nature of the soul (Ksetrajna). Gita spoke even of preferred foods! (Ch. 17 V 8-10). I even learned of the significance of the sacred incantation “Hari Om Tat Sat” so that when I begin my worship I utter this prayer for guidance and forgiveness for any inadvertent transgressions in my Bhakti. The principle of Ahimsa (non violence) resonated throughout as well as the qualities of a God realized soul and those with adverse qualities (Ch. 10 V4&5; Ch. 12 V 13-20; Ch 13 V 7; Ch. 16 V1-4).

As I completed my first reading, I appreciate that my Gita will now be a source of continued reference as I am an infant to its true purpose. It has become a source of comfort. I can begin to have a definitive position on issues that have long plagued my mind. I can impart knowledge to others hopefully in a manner devoid of egotism. It has made me a stronger Hindu. Life looks so very different now. I am trying a vegetarian lifestyle now – I guess a happy side effect?

This has been a glimpse into what the Gita has done for me. I have cited some verses above for those who are yet to discover the Gita in the hope that I can persuade you to do as I have. We don’t have to wait until we are old or sickly to have a “Gita part” read for us. Its maturity will resound for ages as it is a source of constant Dharmic interpretation. The very act of reading the Gita encompasses Karma, Bhakti and Jnana so we cannot go wrong! A three in one gift! Even Mr. Albert Einstein, the only human to use 4% of his brain, a man who could not begin to grasp the essence of the Gita until his twilight years said this, “When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.”

In closing, I leave you with some final words of the Gita, for they play in my mind every day since my reading, “Thus has this wisdom, more secret than secrecy itself, been imparted to you by Me. Fully pondering it, do as you like.” (Srimad Bhagavad Gita Ch. 18V63).