The greatness of the Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā is impossible to properly describe by mundane speech. The Gītā is not an ordinary book; it is the supremely sacred and confidential message of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself. Within its seven hundred verses, the essence of all Vedic knowledge has been perfectly presented for the ultimate welfare of human society.
The Sanskrit of the Gītā is simple and lucid, enabling even a newcomer to understand its basic meaning. Yet its inner significance is so deep that even a lifetime of study cannot exhaust its nectarean wisdom. Every sincere reader experiences fresh realizations each day, for the Gītā is nitya-nava—ever fresh and ever new. When approached with humility, faith, and devotion, every word becomes illuminated with profound spiritual insight.
Unlike many scriptures that combine spiritual matters with temporary material topics, the Bhagavad-gītā is pure transcendental knowledge, spoken directly by the Lord for the upliftment of all conditioned souls. Thus, after presenting the Gītā in the Mahābhārata, Śrīla Vyāsadeva declares:
गीता सुगीता कर्तव्या किमन्यैः शास्त्रविस्तरैः ।
या स्वयं पद्मनाभस्य मुखपद्माद्विनिःसृता ॥
“One should certainly study the Bhagavad-gītā. What need is there for any other scripture?
It has emanated from the lotus mouth of the Lord, Padmanābha Himself.”
The conclusion is clear: the Bhagavad-gītā must be studied thoroughly—not merely read, but understood, realized, and adopted in one’s life—because these teachings have flowed from the very lips of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Thus, no other scripture is required to understand the essence of spiritual life.
The Supreme Lord Himself glorifies the Gītā, especially in the concluding portion of His instructions:
Verse Quotation (BG 18.66)
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज ।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.
I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
And further:
Verse Quotation (BG 18.68–69)
य इदं परमं गुह्यं मद्भक्तेष्वभिधास्यति…
न च तस्मान्मनुषेषु कश्चिन्मे प्रियकृत्तमः ॥
“One who explains this supreme secret to the devotees is most dear to Me.”
In the Gītā, the Lord makes it abundantly clear that everyone—regardless of birth, social position, or occupation—can attain the highest perfection. He specifically says:
Verse Quotation (BG 9.32)
मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य येऽपि स्यु: पापयोनयः ।
स्त्रियो वैश्यास्तथा शूद्रास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम् ॥
“O son of Pṛthā, even those born in sinful families—women, merchants, and laborers—can attain the supreme destination by taking shelter of Me.”
Thus, the Gītā is universal, meant for every human being.
Yet due to ignorance, some say that the Gītā is meant only for renunciates. Out of fear or misconception, they hesitate to teach it to their children, thinking the knowledge will drive them toward a life of asceticism. Such misunderstanding is most unfortunate.
Consider Arjuna. At the beginning of the Gītā, overwhelmed by sorrow and illusion, he was ready to abandon his duty and take to begging. But after hearing Kṛṣṇa’s divine instructions, he became enlightened and returned to his responsibilities as a perfect gṛhastha, fully dedicated to the Lord. Therefore, how can one say that study of the Gītā leads one to neglect family life? Arjuna is the perfect example that true Gītā knowledge strengthens one’s duty and devotion.
Hence those who desire true auspiciousness should, with great faith and devotion, study the Bhagavad-gītā themselves and teach it to their children, explaining its meanings and conclusions in accordance with the disciplic succession.
The human form of life is extremely rare and offers a unique chance for self-realization. Therefore it is not wise to waste even a single moment in temporary pleasures that end in frustration. Rather, one should utilize this precious life to understand the Lord’s instructions in the Bhagavad-gītā and thus perfect one’s existence.
Your servant,
Brajsundar Das
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