Bhagavad Gita and Spiritual Values ​​|

In the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous text on self-knowledge (Yoga) from the millenary Indian tradition, twenty essential values ​​are discussed for those who intend to evolve in the spiritual plane, for those who identify with being at ease with life, with the world and with others. with others.

To get an idea of ​​the importance of this text in Indian culture, we remember that Gandhi referred to the Gita as “his mother”. The young Gandhi, who lost his real mother as a child, sought solace and wisdom in the words of this great work, and translated and commented on it (from the original Sanskrit into his native Gujarati) in a series of lectures in 1926. , which would be published only almost 30 years later.

In chapter XIII, Krishna, who during the course of the text assumes the role of master, tells Arjuna, his disciple, what are the fundamental values, or qualifications of the mind, to follow in order to obtain self-knowledge. That is, what route should the seeker follow – and maintain – to understand himself as not separate from the whole, as consciousness beyond body and mind, unlimited and full.

Knowledge-packed answers

In this way, through a process of internal maturation, the seeker is led to see beyond the information captured by the five senses, worldly experiences and the reality of the material world. Who seeks to discover what is behind the veil of ignorance and answer the basic questions – such as “who am I, who created this world, what is my role in society and how do I relate to others?” – has, in the Bhagavad Gita, incredible and surprising answers, full of knowledge, capable of nullifying the feeling of insufficiency or separation and complete isolation that sometimes invade our hearts.

Each of these values, by itself, is capable of bringing about an immense transformation in those who follow it. Like a lotus flower that, being born in the mud, blossoms on the surface of the water and goes towards the Sun, this is the fulfillment of the human being who, after having lived for some time below his infinite possibilities, in a whirlwind of yearnings, desires and frustrations, a new era dawns on the path of light – your own Light – in essence, equal to that which sustains this entire universe, all things and beings. Knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita accords with the vision of the ancient scriptures of India, the Upanishads, which speak of the human person as the Self, that which we seek, total immensity, complete freedom, ultimate and supreme joy, creator of heaven and of the earth, maintainer of life and that which, at a given moment, dissolves the manifestation to a state of unmanifest. Realize that this Being does not refer to the body, the flesh, nor the mind and its finite capacities of memory and thought. Therefore, we do not speak from the ego, from the personality. But, from an immaterial Being, which in moments of meditation or contemplation, we can feel alive and awake.

These values, models of acting and thinking, can be followed as a kind of vow or promise, called vrata by the Indian tradition, and are intended to lead the individual to “see behind the scenes”, to identify with the whole , which has no beginning and no end, is neither an effect nor a cause and is all-pervading – the Self beyond name and forms.

If you’ve come this far after reading this article, you’ll certainly want to know which values ​​I’m referring to. Without further ado, here they go:

Absence of pride, absence of pretense, non-violence, accommodation, righteousness, dedication to the master, purity, persistence, self-control (BG 13.8). Detachment from sense objects, unselfishness, and perception of pain as the suffering inherent in birth, death, old age, and disease (BG 13.9). Non-dependency, lack of attachment to child, wife, home, etc., constant maintenance of mental balance, whether achieving desired or unwanted (BG 13.10). Steadfast devotion knowing there is no other, frequenting a quiet place, no need for the company of people (BG 13.11), constant pursuit of knowledge (of the Self) and appreciation of the meaning of knowing the truth (BG 13.12).

These values ​​are usually explained in detail by sages or teachers who have a deep knowledge of the scriptures and who are the living example of them. It is not intended to create confusion or difficulty in obtaining this wisdom, on the contrary, the objective is to bring clarity on a subject that is very close to us, the closest of all, the understanding of myself. Hence, tradition advocates the transmission of this vision through the systematic and direct monitoring of the seeker by the master, for a period of time.

At this point, check if it is useful for you to find out more about these values, or, for example, choose one of them and try to stick to it. However, notice if this makes you more available to others, more open, more understanding and loving – signs of evolution, inner transformation.

These values, as well as self-awareness, are not exclusive to Indians, nor to a particular group in any particular historical period. They are addressed to all humanity, and they are also for you. Use them wisely. Cherish yourself!

To continue reflecting on the topic

Book Bhagavad Gita (ed. Martin Claret).