On the Meaning of Yoga in Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Authors: Chetana A

DOI: 10.23880/phij-16000234

Volume 5, Issue 1

Abstract

‘Yoga’ is popular in contemporary world and is colloquially interpreted as a method of practicing different postures for maintaining core strength, good physical health with flexibility of one’s body. It is a Sanskrit non-translatable and this monograph is an attempt to describe about Yoga and its meaning as per the supreme lord Srikrishna’s teachings in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita (SBG). SBG is sometimes referred to as a ‘Yoga Shastra’ and is a part of the world’s longest epic ‘The Mahabharata’ that is considered to be the Fifth Veda. It is a collection of 700 verses organized in 18 chapters and is considered to be a pinnacle of Indian philosophy (i.e. Sanatana Dharma) that succinctly summarizes the teachings of all Upanishads and Vedas through its Verses (i.e. ‘Shlokas’). SBG is a part of ‘Bhishma Parva’ of the the Mahabharata and the teaching was imparted by none other than ‘Yogeshwara’ (i.e. the Lord of Yoga) Srikrishna to his favourite disciple and warrior Arjuna on the battlefield wherein it is transformed into a classroom to impart the highest philosophical truth whilst being his charioteer. In fact each chapter title ends with the word Yoga (for example, the first chapter is called as Arjuna Vishada Yoga). As we plough through this profound philosophy, we understand that Yoga in SBG is a step-wise teaching algorithm that elevates one’s lower self to become one with higher ‘Self’ through: i)Actions (Karma); ii)Intellect (Buddhi); iii)Devotion (Bhakti) and iv)Knowledge (Jnana). This is accomplished by synchronicity and yoking involving the above four along with meditation(Dhyana) bringing one’s energy forms together to elevate consciousness to a higher plane and merge with the supreme godhead (i.e.i) to attain Self-realization and become a ‘Yogi’

Keywords: Srimad Bhagavad Gita; Yoga; Mahabharata; Hinduism; Philosophical treatise

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