If God Sang A Song, This Is How It Would Sound, “Bhagavad Gita, the Song of God,” Introduction by Aldous Huxley

Why Read It.

“The Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the most systematic scriptural statement of the Perennial Philosophy.”

Aldous Huxley penned these words at the end of his fantastic introduction to this version of the Gita. For Huxley, Ghandi, Adi Shankara, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta, Thomas Merton, Einstein, Carl Jung and countless other spiritual luminaries through the ages, the Bhagavad Gita has functioned as a training manual for how to wake up, drop the illusion and suffering of the false self and liberate in the midst of an active life.

The Gita addresses fundamental questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, offering insights into the human condition, ethics, the nature of suffering, and the path to spiritual liberation. The Gita presents a holistic view of life, integrating the material and the spiritual, duty and devotion, action and contemplation. Its teachings on Karma Yoga (the path of action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) reflect a comprehensive approach to spirituality that aligns well with the perennial philosophy’s emphasis on inner spiritual knowledge and the unity of all existence.

Overview

The exact date of the Bhagavad Gita is lost to history, but it is estimated to be between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE. The Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is a small part of the much larger Indian epic, Mahabharata. The Gita is set on a vast battlefield, where two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, are about to go to war against each other. The central figure of the Gita is Prince Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, and his cousin and charioteer, Krishna.

As the battle is about to begin, Arjuna is distraught, filled with doubt and moral confusion about fighting in the war, which would involve killing his own relatives, beloved teachers, and friends. He is torn between his duty (dharma) as a warrior to fight and his moral qualms about the destruction that the war will cause. As he reasons through how to handle this impossible situation, he strikes up a conversation with Krishna.

As their dialogue begins, Arjuna sees Krishna as he has known him — his wise and trusted cousin, friend and charioteer. As the conversation unfolds, however, Krishna begins to slowly unveil his true nature, his cosmic form, his divinity and the vastness of his power. Through their dialogue, Krishna systematically unfolds the mysteries of existence, of suffering, and of liberation.

In its essence, the Gita is timeless story of how we can find our True Selves in the midst of even the most impossible situations.

Key Takeaways

Love and Detachment: The Gita emphasizes the importance of performing actions with love and dedication while maintaining detachment from the results. This approach nurtures genuine care, compassion, and commitment in what one does without becoming entangled in personal desires or overly fixated on outcomes. By acting with love and yet being unattached to the fruits of one’s actions, one can achieve inner peace and harmony, ensuring that actions are driven by pure intent and not by selfish motivations.
Nature of the Self and Ultimate Reality: At the core of every individual is the Atman, or the eternal soul, which is unchanging and untouched by the material world. The Atman is intrinsically connected to Brahman, the ultimate reality or cosmic force in Hindu philosophy. Recognizing that the individual soul (Atman) is essentially a manifestation or part of the universal soul (Brahman) leads to spiritual enlightenment. This realization, often encapsulated in the phrase “Tat Tvam Asi” (Thou Art That), emphasizes the unity of all existence and the divine nature of the self. By understanding this profound connection between the Atman and Brahman, individuals can transcend the illusions of the material world and achieve spiritual liberation (moksha).
Transcending the Ego’s Illusions: The ego, often characterized by a persistent chatter of self-importance, judgments, and attachments, can be a major barrier to recognizing our true self. It’s the voice that seeks validation, fears rejection, and clings to a constructed identity based on past experiences and societal expectations. To move towards the true self, one must practice mindfulness and self-awareness, consistently observing and questioning the ego’s narratives. As we detach from these ego-driven stories, we begin to experience a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and authenticity. This shift allows us to connect with a more genuine, compassionate, and unbounded aspect of ourselves — the true self that exists beyond the confines and illusions of the ego. Embracing this true self, we find a state of being that is aligned with genuine purpose, unfiltered joy, and a profound understanding of interconnectedness with the universe.
Paths of Yoga: The Gita illuminates multiple paths to spiritual realization, underscoring that spirituality is not one-size-fits-all but can be approached in ways that resonate with individual temperaments and inclinations. Bhakti Yoga emphasizes a devotional approach, cultivating a deep, personal relationship with the Divine through love and surrender. Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge, seeks understanding and wisdom, diving deep into the nature of reality and the self, aiming for intellectual and intuitive enlightenment. Karma Yoga, on the other hand, is centered on selfless action, advocating for duties to be performed without attachment to results, transforming everyday actions into spiritual practice. Each path, while distinct, ultimately leads to the same truth, allowing individuals to find their unique spiritual journey while converging toward the same universal understanding.
Impermanence of Life: The Gita profoundly conveys the transient nature of the material world, reminding us that life, with all its joys and sorrows, is fleeting. Every aspect of existence, from our emotions to our physical bodies, undergoes constant change. By recognizing this impermanence, one can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment, cherishing experiences without becoming overly attached to them. Moreover, understanding life’s ephemerality helps individuals develop resilience in the face of adversity, as challenges, too, are temporary. This perspective encourages a balanced approach to life, where one remains grounded during highs and hopeful during lows, finding peace in the eternal continuum of birth, life, and rebirth.

"Quotes"

~ “The tortoise can draw in his legs: the seer can draw in his senses. I call him illumined. The abstinent run away from what they desire but carry their desires with them: when a man enters Reality, he leaves his desires behind him. Even a mind that knows the path can be dragged from the path: the senses are so unruly. But he controls the senses and recollects the mind. And fixes it on me. I call him illumined.”

~ “In the calm of self-surrender you can free yourself from the bondage of virtue and vice during this very life. Devote yourself, therefore, to reaching union with Brahman. To unite the heart with Brahman and then to act: that is the secret of nonattached work. In the calm of self-surrender, the seers renounce the fruits of their actions, and so reach enlightenment. Then they are free from the bondage of rebirth, and pass to that state which is beyond all evil.”

~ “Desire flows into the mind of the seer, but he is never disturbed. The seer knows peace: the man who stirs up his own lusts can never know peace. He knows peace who has forgotten desire. He lives without craving: free from ego, free from pride.”

~ “A man should not hate any living creature. Let him be friendly and compassionate to all. He must free himself from the delusion of ‘I’ and ‘mine.’ He must accept pleasure and pain with equal tranquility. He must be forgiving, ever-contented, self-controlled, united constantly with me in his meditation. His resolve must be unshakable. He must be dedicated to me in intellect and in mind. Such a devotee is dear to me.”

~ “Brahman is that which is immutable, and independent of any cause but Itself. When we consider Brahman as lodged within the individual being, we call Him the Atman. The creative energy of Brahman is that which causes all existence to come into being. The nature of the relative world is mutability. The nature of the individual man is his consciousness of ego. I alone am God who presides over action, here in this body. At the hour of death, when a man leaves his body, he must depart with his consciousness absorbed in me. Then he will be united with me. Be certain of that. Whatever a man remembers at the last, when he is leaving the body, will be realized by him in the hereafter; because that will be what his mind has most constantly dwelt on, during this life. Therefore you must remember me at all times, and do your duty. If your mind and heart are set upon me constantly, you will come to me. Never doubt this. Make a habit of practicing meditation, and do not let your mind be distracted. In this way you will come finally to the Lord, who is the light-giver, the highest of the high.