Bhagawad Gita Chapter XIII-XVIII-kn
Chapter XIII – Kshetra, Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
Spirit and matter
In this chapter the Kshetra, Upadhis – adjuncts; Kshetrajna – the in – dweller; Jnana – the means to knowledge” ie., the virtues to be cultivated; the Jneya – the Knowledge; Prakriti – nature / matter; Purusha – the spirit; all these are described. This knowledge promotes discrimination between self and non-self (not-self) – the enduring and the evanescent.
Chapter XIV – Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga
Three Qualities
While Brahman is the only reality, why is it that we are not able to coginse and experience it? What is the barrier between us and the self? It is due to the veiling of the spirit by prakriti which is composed of the three Gunas. To get over and transcend Prakriti which is alienating us from the Truth and to acquire a right understanding of this veiling power, the nature of the three GUnas. Viz., Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas is described, and their nature and power and how they bind us – all this is explained. Finally, the glorious characteristics and attributes of a Gunateeta who has transcended the Gunas are given. The Sadhanas needed to become a Gunateeta are also described in this chapter.
Chapter XV – Purushottama Yoga
Lord-God / Supreme Self
Because of Prakriti only, Jiva gets bound in Samsara. The description of the Samsara Vriksha and the way to cut as under this bondage (attachment to the, world) through Vairagya and how to attain the Purushothama – these are brought out in this chapter.
Chapter XVI – Daivasura Sampadvibhaga Yoga
Divine and the demoniacal qualities
To acquire Vairagya, man has to shed his Asuric traits and cultivate Daivee Sampat and lift himself up. The asuric traits and Divine traits are described in this chapter.
Further, “What is the right thing to do and what is wrong”? in such dilemmas, Scriptures are the best guide and authority. One has to abide by the scriptural injunctions and conduct himself in this world accordingly.
Chapter XVII – Sraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga
Three-fold faith
For successful cultivation of Daivee Sampat, Sattvic, faith is necessary in all aspects and dealings in life. The Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic aspects relating to one’s faith, food habits, and Yajna, Dana, Tapas are all described in detail and one is asked to eschew Rajas and Tamasic habits. Whatever is done with Sattvic Sarddha leads one to the final goal of realization.
Chapter XVIII – Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Spirit of renunciation
The essence of the teachings of the previous seventeen chapters is briefly reviewed and spiritual terms like Tyaga, Jnana, Karla, Karma, Buddhi, Dhruti, Sukha have been described in relation to Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic natures. The duties, qualities and obligations of the four – fold castes / people are also detailed. Further, it is exhorted that Yajna, Dana and Tapas are indispensable disciplines and obligations – for a Jiva and that Nishkamakarma, Yogaabhyasa, Bhakti, Vairagya and Sanyasa are the means for the final liberation of Jiva; through these Sadhanas, one attains supreme wisdom (Jnana) and acquires SarvatmaBhama, overcoming grief and attaining Moksha.
Essence of the teachings of Gita:
The main teachings are :
- One should execute all activities as worship of the Lord, i.e., one should serve the all – pervading Lord through single-minded devotion; then he attains Jnana and Sarvatma Bhava and as a result sheds Kama and Krodha and takes to Yajna (selfless service), Dana and Tapas.
- Vedas are the final authority as to what one is to do, as to how one should conduct himself, adhering to Dharma (i.e, a strict moral and ethical living) and keeping in view God as the sole refuge.
If these precepts are imbibed and lived in actual practice in our lives, peace and happiness will prevail in this world and lead to our liberation too.
There will be no better end to the above brief summary than referring to what Gandhiji said about the Gita. “Gita is not only my. Bible or my Koran; it is more than that – it is my Mother. I lost my earthly mother who gave birth to me at an early age in my file, But this eternal Mother, – Gita, has completely filled the gap ever since. She never changed, she has never failed me, When I am in difficulty or distress, I seek refuge in her bosom. When disappointment stares me in the face and I see not a ray of fight, I go back to Bhagawad Gita, I find a verse here or there and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedies, and my life has been full of external tragedies and if they have left-no visible, no indelible scares on me, I owe it all to the teachings of the “Bhagawad Gita”.
“Bhagawad Gita Kinchidadheetaa
Tasya Yamena na charcha,
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govinda,
Govindam Bhaja Mudhamate”
“One who has studies Bhagawad Gita even a little will have no confrontation with Yama… and will attain Govinda”