The Bhagavad Gita
§ About this work
On the field of Kurukshetra, Dhritarâshtra asks Sañgaya to relate what the armies did; Sañgaya recounts Duryodhana's survey of the Pândava forces, the sounding of conchs, and Arguna's request that his chariot be stationed between the armies, whereupon, overcome with pity at the sight of kinsmen, Arguna casts aside his bow (Chapter I). Declaring himself a disciple, Arguna asks to be instructed, and the remaining dialogue unfolds between him and the Deity—addressed as Krishna, Kesava, Govinda, Hrishîkesa, and Vâsudeva. The Deity teaches the eternal indestructible self and action without attachment to fruit (II), the twofold path of Sânkhyas and Yogins and the sin born of desire and wrath (III), the succession by which the teaching descended and the sacrifice of knowledge (IV), renunciation compared with pursuit of action (V), and the practice of abstraction and the fate of one who fails (VI). He expounds his eightfold lower and higher natures and classes of worshippers (VII), the terms Brahman, Adhyâtma, and others and the two paths at death (VIII), and a mysterious knowledge whereby even lowly-born devotees attain him (IX). He names his chief emanations (X) and, granting Arguna a divine eye, shows his universal form devouring the warriors, declaring himself death (XI). Arguna asks which worshippers best know devotion (XII). The Deity distinguishes Kshetra and Kshetra gña (XIII), the three qualities (XIV), the Asvattha tree and himself as best of beings (XV), godlike and demoniac endowments (XVI), and threefold faith, food, penance, and gift (XVII). Explaining renunciation, abandonment, and the duties of the four castes, he urges Arguna to fight; Arguna's delusion is destroyed. Sañgaya, recounting the dialogue through Vyâsa's favour, affirms victory where Krishna and Arguna are (XVIII).
The speaker announces to the uncarping listener a mysterious knowledge freeing from evil, calling it chief among sciences and mysteries. Those without faith return to the mortal world without attaining him. He describes pervading the universe, all entities living in him though he lives not in them, and bringing forth entities each Kalpa without being fettered. He contrasts deluded Asura-natured people with high-souled ones who worship him. He declares himself Kratu, Yagña, the Vedas, father and mother of the universe, immortality and death. He addresses Arguna, describing worshippers of gods, manes, and Bhûtas, and urges offering all actions to him. He states none is hateful or dear, that even ill-conducted or lowly-born devotees attain the supreme goal, and directs placing the mind on him.
Chapter IX, Section 1aChapter IX, Section 1b