Introduction Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita (Bhagavad Gita, "Song of God") is a Sanskrit text from the chapter Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata epic, comprising 700 verses.

Krishna, as the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita, is referred to within as Bhagavan (the divine one). The verses themselves, using the range and style of Sanskrit meter (chhandas) with similes and metaphors, are written in a poetic form that is traditionally chanted; hence the title, which translates to "the Song of the Divine One". The Bhagavad Gita is revered as sacred by Hindu traditions, and especially so by Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu). It is commonly referred to as The Gita.

The content of the text is a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra just prior to the start of the Kurukshetra war. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and Prince and elaborates on different Yogic and Vedantic philosophies, with examples and analogies. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and also as a practical, self-contained guide to life. During the discourse, Krishna reveals his identity as the Supreme Being Himself (Svayam bhagavan), blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring glimpse of His divine universal form.

The Bhagavad Gita is also called GitopaniSad as well as YogopaniSad, implying its status as an Upanishad, or a Vedantic scripture. Since the Gita is drawn from the Mahabharata, it is a SmRti text. However, referring to it as an Upanishad is intended to give it status comparable to that of sruti, or revealed knowledge.

The date of composition of the text of the Bhagavad Gita is not known with certainty. A traditional religious dating for the events of the Mahabharata War according to the chronology established in Gupta times by Aryabhata on grounds of archaeoastronomical calculations places the Mahabharata (including the Bhagavad Gita) in the late 4th millennium BC (3138 BC or 3102 BC). A belief in the relative accuracy of this date in reference to the Gita is held by some religious groups.

Hingedmind provides the following information on The Bhagavad Gita as a starting point for better understanding.  We encourage you to explore the links section and the various pages on The Bhagavad Gita.   Also, take the time to search on the web for specifics concerning your search.  

Hingedmind does not promote or endorse a religion, belief system, or practice.   Hingedmind believes no path is a wrong path.   Each individual is accountable for his or her path and decisions.   Hingedmind provides this information only as a reference and is not responsible for content authenticity or accuracy.