By, Dr. Shamanthakamani Narendran M.D.(Pead), Ph.D. (Yoga Science) For Everyone In All The Worlds Presents the transcendental knowledge of the most profound spiritual nature as revealed in the Bhagavad-Gita. It is the divine discourse spoken by the Supreme Lord Krishna Himself and is the most popular and well known of all the sacred scriptures from ancient India. Always being revered as a true source of spiritual knowledge it reveals the purpose and goal of human existence. In conjunction to this we will be presenting precise Vedic verification of the Supreme Lord Krishna's divine incarnations as evidence confirming His supreme position. In BhagavadGita, chapter 10, verse 20, the Supreme Lord reveals that He manifests as the immortal soul within each and every living entity. No where else within any other religious scripture is this information available. Our purpose is to make the eternal knowledge of Bhagavad-Gita freely available to everyone all over the Earth. Srimad Bhagavad-Gita The Bhagavad-Gita is considered by eastern and western scholars alike to be among the greatest spiritual books the world has ever known. In a very clear and wonderful way the Supreme Lord Krishna describes the science of selfrealization and the exact process by which a human being can establish their eternal relationship with God. In terms of pure, spiritual knowledge the Bhagavad-Gita is incomparable. Its intrinsic beauty is that its knowledge applies to all human beings and does not postulate any sectarian idealogy or secular view. It is appproachable from the sanctified realms of all religions and is glorified as the epitome of all spiritual teachings. This is because proficiency in the BhagavadGita reveals the eternal principles which are fundamental and essential for spiritual life from all perspectives and allows one to perfectly understand the esoteric truths hidden within all religious scriptures. Many great thinkers from our times such as Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Schweizer as well as Madhvacarya, Sankara and Ramanuja from bygone ages have all contemplated and deliberarted upon its timeless message. The primary purpose of the Bhagavad-Gita is to illuminate for all of humanity the realization of the true nature of divinity; for the highest spiritual conception and the greatest material perfection is to attain love of God! Lord Krishna’s Divine Incarnations Now for the first time Vedic verification of the Supreme Lord Krishna divine incarnations are revealed all together according to Vedic scriptures. Manifesting Himself in the forms of His varieagated incarnations, the Supreme Lord appears in the material worlds millenium after millenium to reestablish the principles of righteousness as confirmed in Bhagavad-Gita, chapter four, verse eight. The question may arise from those followers of the worlds religions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hebrewism, Hinduism and Islam as well as those who have studied Lemurian, Atlantean, Sumerian, Mayan and Egyptian schools of thought; why is it that Krishna is positively the Supreme Lord of all? This illustrated compilation of the Supreme Lord Krishna's divine incarnations combined with sincere, diligent study of the Bhagavad-Gita will perfectly answer all spiritual questions as well as illuminate all spiritual directions. om ajnana-timirandasya jnananjnana salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri gurave namah I offer my most humble obeisances to my spiritual master who has opened my eyes which were blinded by ignorance with the light of knowledge. raja-vidya raja-guhyam pavitram idam uttamam pratyak savagamam dharmyam susukham kartum avyayam This knowledge is the king of all wisdom, the king of all that is confidential. It is the purest and the topmost and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization it is the perfection of all religion and everlastingly joyful to perform. Bhagavad-Gita, chapter 9, verse 2 The Bhagavad-Gita consists of 18 chapters. Each chapter is called a yoga. Yoga is the science of the individual consciousness attaining communion with the Ultimate Consciousness. So each chapter is a highly specialized yoga revealing the path of attaining realization of the Ultimate Truth. The first six chapters have been classified as the Karma Yoga section as they mainly deal with the science of the individual consciousness attaining communion with the Ultimate Consciousness through actions. The middle six chapters have been designated as the Bhakti Yoga section as they principally are pertaining with the science of the individual consciousness attaning communion with the Ultimate Consciousness by the path of devotion. The final six chapters are regarded as the Jnana Yoga section as they are primarily concerned with the science of the individual consciousness attaining communion with the Ultimate Consciousness through the intellect. Chapter – 1 Visada Yoga 46 Verses Lamenting the Consequence of War Lamenting the Consequence of War Introduces the scene, the setting, the circumstances and the characters involved determining the reasons for the BhagavadGita's revelation. The scene is the sacred plain of Kuruksetra. The setting is a battlefield. The circumstances is war. The main characters are the Supreme Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna, witnessed by four million soldiers led by their respective military commanders. After naming the principal warriors on both sides, Arjuna’s growing dejection is described due to the fear of losing friends and relatives in the course of the impending war and the subsequent sins attached to such actions. Important points of the Discourse Description of the warriors of the two armies. Conch sounds of the two armies. Arjuna surveys the armies. The despondency of Arjuna. Chapter – 2 72 Verses Sankhya Yoga The Eternal Reality of the Soul’s Immortality Arjuna accepts the position as a disciple of Lord Krishna and requests the Lord to instruct him in how to dispel his lamentation and grief. This chapter is oftened deemed as a summary to the emtire Bhagavad-Gita. Here many subjects are explained such as: karma yoga, jnana yoga, sankhya yoga, and the atma which is the soul, etc. Predominance has been given to the immortal nature of the soul existing within all living entities and it has been described in great detail. Important points of the Discourse Arjuna explains his mental distress and confusion and surrenders to Lord Krishna for guidance. Description of Atma. The necessity to fight the battle according to Kshatriya Dharma. The doctrine of Nishkama Karma The man of steadfast wisdom. Chapter – 3 43 Verses Karma Yoga The Eternal Duties of the Human Being Establishes the fact by various points of view that the performance of prescribed duties is obligatory for everyone. Here Lord Krishna categorically and comprehensively explains how it is the duty of each and every member of society to carry out their functions and responsibilities in their respective stage of life according to the rules and regulations of the society in which one lives. Further the Lord explains why such duties must be performed, what benefit is gained by performing them, what harm is caused by not performing them. Plus what actions lead to bondage and what actions lead to salvation. All these points relating to duty have been described in great detail. Important points of the Discourse Proving that detached performance of prescribed duties is the best way of life. Showing that work done without desire to enjoy the fruits is Yoga, and the need for yajna in the world. Stating that the sage of knowledge and God work for the food of humanity and the creation. Differentiating the wise and the ignorant, and exhorting men to work free from attachments and revulsion. Describing Kama and Krodha, and pointing out the way to conquer them. Chapter – 4 42 Verses Jnana Yoga Approaching the Ultimate Truth Lord Krishna reveals how spiritual knowledge is received by disciplic succession and the reason and nature of His descent into the material worlds. Here He also explains the paths of action and knowledge as well as the wisdom regarding the supreme knowledge which results at the culmination of the two paths. Thus this chapter is entitled: Approaching the Ultimate Truth. Important points of the Discourse The power of the Lord and mention of Nishkama Karma The pure conduct of the Jnani. An account of various Yajnas, and the superiority of Jnana yajna. The wonderful efficacy of Jnana. Chapter – 5 29 Verses Karma Vairagya Yoga Action and Renunciation In chapter five Lord Krishna delineates the concepts of action with detachment and renunciation in actions explaining that both are a means to the same goal. Here He explains how salvation is attained by the pursuance of these paths. Thus this chapter is entitled: Action and Renunciation. Important points of the Discourse Declaration about Sankhya yoga and Karma yoga. The characteristics of the Sankhyayogi and karmayogi and their respective merit. Explanation of Jnanayoga. The Yoga of Meditation (Dhyanayoga) accompanied with devotion (Bhaktiyoga). Chapter – 6 47 Verses Abhyasa Yoga The Science of Self Realization In chapter six Lord Krishna reveals astanga yoga, and the exact process of practicing such yoga. He explains in detail the difficulties of the mind and the procedures by which one may gain mastery of their mind through yoga which reveals the spiritual nature of a living entity. Thus this chapter is entitled: The Science of Self-Realization. Important points of the Discourse Nishkama Karma, and the attributes of the sage established in yoga. The characteristics of the sage of self – conquest. The method of meditation. Enquiry into mind-control. The excellence of Dhyana yoga and the future of the aspirant who fails to reach the ultimate goal in the life. Chapter – 7 43 Verses Paramahamsa Vijnana Yoga Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth In chapter seven Lord Krishna gives concrete knowledge of the absolute reality as well as the opulence of divinity. He describes His illusory energy in the material existence called Maya and declares how extremely difficult it is to surmount it. He also describes the four types of people attracted to divinity and the four types of people who are opposed to divinty. In conclusion He reveals that one in spiritual intelligence takes exclusive refuge of the Lord without reservation in devotional service. Thus this chapter is entitled: Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth. Important points of the Discourse Mention of experienced knowledge. Qualities of the transcendental (para) and phenomenal (apara) nature. Immanence of Atma in the entire objective world. Condemnation of demoniacal qualities and commendation of divine qualities, and the four types of devotees. Worship of the Gods. The nature of the ignorance and excellence of the wise who know the Supreme Lord. Chapter – 8 28 Verses Aksara-Parabrahman Yoga Attainment of Salvation In chapter eight Lord Krishna emphasizes the science of yoga. Revealing that one attains whatever one remembers at the end of one's life the Lord emphasizes the utmost importance of the very last thought at the moment of death. Also he gives information on the creation of the material worlds as well as establishing a distinction between them and the spiritual world. Here he explains the light and dark paths in regards to leaving this material existence, the destination to which they each lead to and the reward received by each. Thus this chapter is entitled: Attainment of Salvation. Important points of the Discourse Arjuna’s questions and the Lord’s answer. The practice of Pranava and its wonderful effects. Explanation of creation and dissolution. The universal form of the Lord and how the devotee attains it. The paths of the dark and light – fortnights of the moon. The power of the Yogi. Chapter – 9 34 Verses Raja-Vidya-Guhya Yoga Confidential Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth In chapter nine Lord Krishna reveals that the sovereign science and the sovereign secret. He explains how the entire material existence is created, prevaded, maintained and annihilated by His external energy and all beings are coming and going under His supervision. The subjects matters covered subsequently are primarily concerned with devotional service and the Lord Himself declares that these subject matters are most confidential. Thus this chapter is entitled: Confidential Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth. Important points of the Discourse The excellence of Atmavidya. The form of the Lord. The Origin of the Universe. Qualities of man of Divine and demoniacal nature The Universal form of the Lord. The rewards of Nishkama Karma and Sakama Karma. The supreme power of devotion and selfsurrender to the Lord through Nishkama Karma. Chapter – 10 Vibuthi-Vistara Yoga 42 Verses The Infinite Glories of the Ultimate Truth Chapter ten reveals Lord Krishna's exalted position as the cause of all causes. Also specifying His special manifestations and opulences. Arjuna prays to the Lord to describe more of the opulences and the Lord describes those which are most prominent. Thus this chapter is entitled: The Infinite Glories of the Ultimate Truth. Important points of the Discourse The sovereign yogic powers of the Lord, and the effect of knowing them. The power and fruit of Bhakti Yoga. Arjuna’s appeal to the Lord to describe His miraculous power and manifestation. The Lord speaks of His infinite glories. Chapter – 11 55 Verses Vishvarupa-Darsana Yoga The Vision of the Universal Form In chapter eleven Lord Krishna is beseeched by Arjuna to reveal His universal form showing all of existence . Thus this chapter is entitled: The Vision of the Universal Form. Important points of the Discourse Arjuna’s appeal to the Lord. The Lord’s estimate of His Cosmic-Form. Sanjaya describes the Visvarupa. Arjuna’s vision and prayer to the Lord. The Lord reveals His power and inspires Arjuna to fight. The terrified Arjuna wishes to see the normal form of the Lord. The Lord declares the glory of seeing the CosmicForm, and assumes His normal form. Single-minded devotion alone qualifies a man to see the Cosmic-Form. The excellence of Ananyabhakti. Chapter – 12 Bhakti Yoga 20 Verses The Path of Devotion In chapter twelve Lord Krishna extols the glory of devotion to God. Along with this he explains the different forms of spiritual disciplines and discusses the qualities of the devotees who by performing their activities in this way become very dear to Him. Thus this chapter is entitled: The Path of Devotion Important points of the Discourse Thoughts about the Divine with form and without form. The excellence of Bhakti Yoga. Different spiritual practices. The qualities of the Bhakta. Chapter – 13 35 Verses Ksetra-Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yoga The Individual and Ultimate Consciousness In chapter thirteen Lord Krishna reveals the distinct difference between the physical body and the immortal soul. He explains that the physical is transitory and perishable whereas the soul is immutable and eternal. The Lord also gives precise knowledge about the individual soul and the ultimate soul. Thus this chapter is entitled: The Individual and Ultimate Consciousness. Important points of the Discourse An account of the nature of the Kshetra and Kshetrajna. The qualities of the Jnani. The enunciation of that which is to be known. Distinction between Prakriti and Purusha. Chapter – 14 27 Verses Gunatraya-Vibhaga Yoga The Three Qualities of Material Nature In chapter fourteen Lord Krishna reveals matters pertaining goodness, passsion and nescience which everything in the material existence is influenced by. He gives pertinent details on the essential characteristics of each individually, their cause, the level of their potency, how they influence a living entity affected by them as well as the signs of one who has risen above them. Here he clearly advises to relinquish oneself from ignorance and passion and adopt the path of pure goodness until aquiring the ability to transcend them. Thus this chapter is entitled; The Three Qualities of Material Nature. Important points of the Discourse The excellence of jnana and the origin of the world by the union of prakriti and purusha. The nature of the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). The effects of the three Gunas. The way to attain Paramatma. The qualities of Jivanmukta transcended the three Gunas. who has Chapter – 15 Purusottama Yoga 20 Verses Realization of the Ultimate Truth In chapter fifteen Lord Krishna reveals the virtues, the glories and transcendental characteristics of God being omnipotenet, omniscient and omnipresent. Also He explains the pupose and value of knowing about God and the means by which He can be realized. Thus this chapter is entitled: Realization of the Ultimate Truth. Important points of the Discourse The tree of Samsara and the way to attain God. Enquiry into Jivatma. The Universal Existence of God, and the power of the Lord. Explanation of the Ksharapurusha Aksharapurusha and Purushottama. and Chapter – 16 24 Verses Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga Yoga The Divine and Demoniac Natures Defined In chapter sixteen Lord Krishna describes explicitly, explaining seperately and in detail the divine properties, conduct and actions which are righteous in nature and conducive to divinity. Also he delineates the evil propensities and ill conduct which are unrighteous in nature and which determine the unrighteous and which are antagonistic to divinity. Important points of the Discourse The qualities of Divine nature. The qualities of Demoniacal nature. The fruit of the two opposed natures. The qualities of man of demoniacal nature and the destruction that comes to them. The gateways to Hell. The laws of the Sastras, the violation of the Sastric laws and the Lord’s instruction to accept the Sastras. Chapter – 17 28 Verses Sraddhatraya-Vibhaga Yoga The Three Divisions of Material Existence In chapter seventeen Lord Krishna classifies the three divisions of faith, revealing that it is these different qualities of faith in the Supreme that determine that character of living entities. These three types of faith determine one's consciousness in this world. Important points of the Discourse The threefold Sraddha. The threefold forms of worship, Austerity contrary to the Sastras. Threefold types of food. Threefold types of Yajna. Threefold types of Tapas. Threefold types of Dana. Commentary on the mantra OM Tat Sat. Work devoid of Sraddha. Chapter – 18 78 Verses Moksa-Opadesa Yoga Final Revelations of the Ultimate Truth. In chapter eighteen Lord Krishna sums up the conclusion of the previous chapters and describes the attainment of salvation by the paths of karma in chapters one through six and in jnana yoga section which are chapters thirteen through eighteen. The Lord explains that while doing so one must offer without reservation everything to God. The knowledge revealed gets progressively more and more confidential then in all the previous chapters. Thus this chapter is entitled: Final Revelations of the Ultimate Truth. Important points of the Discourse The theme of Tyaga. Stating the cause for the accomplishment of all Karma according to Samkhya theory; the nondoership of Atma. Knowledge, action, reason, courage, happiness – their threefold aspects. (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) The duties of the four castes. The means to attain Brahmasakshatkara; Jnananishta. Nishkama karma associated with Bhakti. Surrender to the Lord, the essence of the Gita. Sanjaya’s adoration for the Gita. Many great and notable individuals from modern times as well as bygone eras have read the Bhagavad-Gita and have extolled its universal message. Albert Einstein stated that when reading the Bhagavad-Gita he thinks about how God created the universe and then everything else seemed so superfluous. Mahatma Gandhi stated that the BhagavadGita calls on humanity to dedicate mind, body and soul to purity. Dr. Albert Schweizer stated that the Bhagavad-Gita has a profound influence on the spirit of mankind by its devotion to God which is manifested in all actions. Sri Aurobindo stated the Bhagavad-Gita has a new message for every age and every civilization. Herman Hesse stated that the wonder of the Bhagavad-Gita is its beautiful revelation of life's wisdom which has made philosophy blossom into religion. Ramanuja has stated that the Bhagavad-Gita reveals the goal of the all the Vedic scriptures. Aldous Huxley stated that the Bhagavad-Gita is the most comprhensive statement of perennial philosophy. Madhvacarya has stated that the BhagavadGita is apauruseya which means of divine origin and eternal. Thank You Lord Krishna Preaching Gita to Arjuna