At Kurukshetra, under the very banyan tree where Krishna originally spoke to Arjuna, Richard read the Bhagavad Gita. He had read many spiritual texts in his travels but the Gita struck him as a book that was so highly practical.
Richard learnt on reading the Bhagavad Gita that Krishna spoke to his disciple Arjuna who was about to shrink from his calling in the face of insurmountable obstacles. The Gita had been spoken on a battlefield because life itself is a battle, where evil perpetually attacks good and our sacred ideals are destined to be tested. We would all be confronted by grave dangers and fearsome demons within and without. There was much to be gained from facing these aggressors with integrity and faith. Krishna’s timeless call culminated in the practice of selfless devotion, determination, and spiritual absorption as the means to access a power beyond our own to overcome all fear—the power of God’s love.
In that sanctified place, the Bhagavad Gita’s message penetrated Richard so deeply that he felt as if Krishna were personally speaking to him on each page. He read several chapters every day, and was struck by how powerfully it revealed the science of self-realization beyond sectarian or historical boundaries. It elucidated such intricacies as, how the soul is related to God, how that changeless soul is affected by material nature, how karma (the natural law of action and reaction) affects all of us, and how the imperceptible influence of time acts on creation. As a lonesome wanderer seeking truth, where danger, temptation, and fear could pounce Richard at any moment, he found solace and direction in these immortal words. In Kuruksetra, the Bhagavad Gita became Richard’s handbook on how to live.
I once wondered when Arjuna wanted peace, why did Krishna speak philosophy to impel him to fight. Radhanath Swami reveals that the Bhagavad Gita asserts that lasting peace is possible only when we first make peace with God in our own hearts. Only when we are peaceful within can we act in ways that will promote peace without. And we can have internal peace only when we are in harmony with internal nature, which is that we are neither gross bodies nor subtle minds, but non-material souls, beloved children of God. Therefore we can achieve our right to real peace and happiness, not by making patchwork arrangements in this world of inescapable death, but by reviving our innate love for God and returning back to His eternal abode.
Why did Krishna chose a battlefield to enlighten Arjuna? In addition to being a historical fact, the setting of Gita signifies a deeper conflict within our consciousness. Within every human psyche is a lower self-represented by the Kauravas, who fought against Arjuna and his brothers, the Pandavas. There is also a higher self-represented by Arjuna and the other Pandavas. The war thus represents a strife between virtue and vice within our hearts. Arjuna’s breakdown before the Bhagavad Gita was spoken signifies our own bewilderment about right and wrong in the face of intractable perplexity and Krishna’s instruction illuminates for us the path of the highest morality based on selfless devotion to God. Arjuna’s eventual victory after enlightenment represents the potency of the divine wisdom of Bhagavad Gita to empower us to ultimately triumph over our lower nature and achieve inner fulfilment in this life and eternal joyful life thereafter.
Although Bhagavad Gita is sacred for Indians in general and Hindus in particular, the appreciation of Bhagavad Gita is not limited to Vedic circles. Many Western scholars have found the Bhagavad Gita to be amazingly coherent and cogent. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s remark is a sample, “In the great book of India, the Bhagavad-gita, an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence, which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercise us.”
Table of Contents
Founder-acharya of the International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
“Go to India” a sweet but commanding voice; spoke up in the heart of young Richard (later Radhanath Swami) who was immersed in meditation, his search for meaning in life has brought him to the Isle of Crete. Today he was ordered to go to India. Born and raised in the middle class suburbs of Chicago, Radhanath swami grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s era when popular musicians protested war, prejudice and social injustice. Radhanath swami would listen to these songs again and again, but their lyrics referring to God stirred his soul. Peter, Paul and Mary- the folk trio from Greenswich village sang in their debut album
“Early in the morning, about the break of day
I ask the Lord, to help me find my way”
This simple prayer was to guide Radhanath swami in the coming years of his life........
What an amazing understanding of philosophy of Bhjagwad Gita. Thank you Radhanath Swami.
View CommentWow! Thanks for sharing this wonderful realization.
View Commentwonderful realization! thanks so much!
View CommentIf we can actually REALIZE the fact that Bhagavad Gita was spoken by God Himself, in 1st person, for the benefit of each and every one of us, then our lives would surely change for the better.
View Comment“Why did Krishna chose a battlefield to enlighten Arjuna? In addition to being a historical fact, the setting of Gita signifies a deeper conflict within our consciousness”perfect question perfect answer!!!!!!
View CommentVery good article.
View CommentIn that sanctified place, the Bhagavad Gita’s message penetrated Richard so deeply that he felt as if Krishna were personally speaking to him on each page………..ok..i think that this can be felt by a devotee like Radhanath swami maharaj only.
View CommentI may have read Bhagvat Gita But Radhanath Swami’s is real READING….. lasting peace is possible only when we first make peace with God in our own hearts and not by making patchwork arrangements in this world of inescapable death,Thankyou .
View CommentThank you Radhanath Swami for giving such a clear understanding of the Bhagavat Gita. Taking inspiration from this, let me try to make the higer-self within me defeat the lower-self.
View Commentthank u very much for sharing
View CommentThe fact that the Bhagavad Gita appealed to Radhanath Swami who was of a Western origin proves that this ancient Indian text transcends all man-made boundaries of nationality, religion, etc.
View CommentWe believe Bhagavad-Gita is a sacred scripture and keep it altar and worship, but the painting of Krsna speaking Gita to Arjuna is not kept at home. Why? The supersitious belief that the home will become like Kurukshetra. We don’t understand the significance of Krsna choosing battlefield to impart this knowledge to us through Arjuna. This article really sheds light on it. Thank you…
View CommentMaharaj is so clearly explaining how Bhagvat Gita is for all human beings and not restricting with a particular religion or caste and such a clear understanding that we have to first find Peace with the God to find peace without… Real PEACE FORMULA.
View CommentThe true essence of Bhagavad Gita can be understood only if we hear it from bonafide spiritual gurus such as Radhanath Swami who live every moment of their lives by the scriptural injunctions contained within the holy books.
View CommentAs brought out by Radhanath Swami, the message of Bhagavad Gita is relevant for all ages and for people from all religious denominations. It is not sectarian or applicable to “Hindus” alone because the words of God cannot be targeted at a particular section of the human civilization. It is meant for the spiritual understanding of everyone.
View CommentBhagavad Gita is a science of life. It teaches those principles that God has put in place for the world we live in. When we lead a life without its knowledge, its like getting into a game staking all our lives savings – however we dont know the rules of the game – what chance do we stand to win?
We are grateful to the likes of Radhanath Swami – who have dedicated their live simply to give this knowledge to society…
View CommentHow nicely Radhanath Swami has explained how to achieve peace through the teachings of Bhagavad Gita. Thanks for sharing.
View CommentThis is true understanding of Bhagvad gita…..Nowadays there are so many wrong interpretations of Gita, but one needs to be blessed by Krishna & his devotees to get the true insight of Gita…….
View CommentRadhanath Swami Maharaj actually lives according to the essence of Bhagavat Gita.
View CommentThank you very much for sharing such a nice realisation.
View CommentRadhanath Swami had once said that the message of Bhagavad Gita is simple to understand for those who are simple-minded & complicated for those who somehow want to enjoy the material world independent of God.
View CommentJust like Arjuna heard from Krishna in a mood of surrender, likewise we need to take shelter of a bonafide guru like Radhanath Swami & listen to his spiritual instructions in a humble mood. Only then can we make any spiritual progress & attain God’s mercy.
View CommentBhagavad Gita is an open secret, that secret is revealed to those who approach it with sincere and humble heart to apply the teaching in direction of proper authority. Then this knowledge will uncover the path of inner peace.
View CommentNow I understood deep meaning of BagwatGita, thanks to H.H. Radhanath Swami Maharaj
View CommentThe lectures of Radhanath Swami are filled with such deep realizations that he has gained in his life full of austerity and genuine humble service to everyone, that even by hearing a little, anyone can feel a change of heart. Radhanath Maharaj, thank you very much for sharing your jewels with us. Just as Srila Prabhupada never kept anything hidden for himself, similarly Radhanath Swami shares everything he possesses with anybody, to bring him closer to Krishna.
View CommentRadhanath Swami tells that first we have to reestablish our relationship with God and make peace with Him in our hearts, only then can we promote peace to the outer world.
View CommentBhagavad Gita is a science and not just some religious hindu sentiments. Radhanath Swami picks up all the rare jewels from these wonderful scrptures and teaches the essence to his students
View CommentGreat article! Bhagavad Gita is such an precious jewel that More we read,,More knowledge we get and more nos of times we read it shines our life with different spiritual message.
View Commentthe bhagvad gita is the most sacred literature we have been gifted ever with, thank you maharaj swami for your wonderful explaination, rajesh karia
View Commentvery nice article, thanks for sharing, regards, bhakti
View CommentOne outstanding commentry on the Bhagavad Gita is by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad.
View Commentwonderful realization
View CommentThis is such a nice explanation about the purpose of the Bhagavad Gita. It is amazing that Radhanath Swami at such an early stage of his spiritual life, accepted the highest authority of the Gita and made it an integral part of his life.
View CommentA simple and beautiful introduction to the Bhagavad-gita. Thank you Radhanath Swami Maharaj!
View CommentSuch apt explanation given by HH Radhanath Swami!
View Comment“he felt as if Krishna were personally speaking to him on each page”
View CommentThats actual reading of Bhagavadgita
Maharaj truly realized the essence of Bhagawad Gita and its relevance.The Gita has a ring of truth as it is meant for the fallen, conditioned souls of this material world.
View CommentRadhanath Swami , you have truly digested the essence of scriptures.Really wonderful.
View CommentThis is a great resource, useful for anybody interested in this topic.
View CommentNice article.It truly brings out jewel like lessons from Bhagavat-Gita.
View CommentThank you Radhanath Swami for explaining the deeper significance and universal appeal of the Bahagavad Gita.
View CommentVery nice article.
View CommentBhagavad Gita is a science and not just some religious Hindu practices. H.H Radhanath Swami has chosen all the rare jewels from this wonderful scrpture and is teaching the essence. Thank you so much Maharaj.
View CommentNo one can get more than what he deserves. But by the mercy of a Vaisnava one can get more than what he deserves. as though Bhagavad-Gita is available to everyone, everyone can’t make it use of it. Here Radhanath Swami is declaring that this book is for human beings. it is his compassion over every one of us. All glories to Radhanath Swami.
View CommentThe explanation given by Radhanath Swami is so clear that it can be easily understood.Thank You.
View CommentGreat Article – Very nicely explained. Thanks a lot Maharaj.
View CommentHare Krishna!!!
View CommentSo very wonderful.
The pictures selected for all others also perfect and very catchy.
Maharajah has explained the essence of Bhagwat Gita so clearly, if we can apply it we will be benefit us immensely
View Comment“Only when we are peaceful within can we act in ways that will promote peace without. And we can have internal peace only when we are in harmony with internal nature.”
Hari Hari
View CommentThank you Maharaj for this knowledge
View Comment