Contemplations on Bhagavad-Gita – Chapter One

Times of despair prod us into enquiry and can be our stepping stones on the path of divinity.

It was in such a state of anguish that Arjuna faced on the battleground when he turned to Lord Krishna for guidance. The first chapter of the Bhagavad-gita is titled Arjuna Vishada Yoga, the yoga of Arjuna’s despondency and sorrow. In a state of confusion and dejection, Arjuna the mightiest warrior of his times sinks into grief and depression, and casts his bow and arrow aside. Sri Krishna as his charioteer imparts the teaching of the Bhagavad-gita to bring Arjuna out of the deluded state.

The Bhagavad-gita is a condensed essence of wisdom of the Upanishads. The first chapter provides the foundation for this major text as a starting point of the enquiry of a seeker. Many readers pay less attention to the first chapter. However, it provides valuable insights into human personality. It introduces the characters, the participants in the war and their symbolic personalities that open up many psychological and philosophical lessons.

In this residential retreat with Rabindra Sahu, we will attempt to study the Bhagavad-gita through a disciplined process of Study-Contemplation and Implementation (Shravana-Manana and Nidhidhyasana).