The Bhagwat Gita would be interpreted in the following
manner-
Commentary.
Suggested read.
Suggested mental makeup for the particular exercise.
Relevant information on the chapter.
Exercises and examples.
Chapter 1.
Commentary – This is the introductory
chapter and deals with confusion of mind and problem definition about life
worries – identifying what troubles us. The life worry (problem) once defined
needs a solution. Many of us are in the habit of defining, redefining and
repeating the problems we face. By mere repeating the problem one cannot get rid
of it. Once the problem is defined the next step is try to solve it. It must be
understood that whatever solution one arrives at, a new set of problems emerge.
We should be ready to accept those new set of problems emerging out of the
solution. We must try to solve the problem with whatever resources we have at
our disposal and should reconcile to those problems which are unsurmountable
after putting in our best. Identification of problem is important
otherwise we start treating daily problems and
hardships as life worries. In the chapters to follow the remedy for problems is
discussed.
What is a
problem? The problem is that which makes us restless, unnerved, worrisome, insecure
due to fear
of unknown, uncomfortable due to ignorance, sad, an unwelcome or harmful
situation. A problem is that which we think needs to be overcome. A problem is a gap between existing
state and desired state. Indications of problem getting solved are satisfaction,
state of happiness, feeling energetic, feeling comfortable, no worries, sense
of security, state of wellbeing. Some reject any kind of solution which alleviate
the problem or try to find faults in the solution. They close the path of
solution or reconciliation and remain in the ditch called problem. All of us face
problems in life and therefore the requirement of a method to solve the problem.
Suggested Read – No suggestions.
Suggested Mental Makeup for the Particular Exercise – All three types of person may undertake the
exercise.
Relevant Information on the Chapter – Total number of Shlokas
47. This is the introductory chapter and deals with problem definition. It is
based on Brahmavidya Upanishad and Yoga Shastra. Yoga is way, method or
practice of attaining higher conscience through mental and physical exercises.
Exercises and Examples –Identify the Life Worries: Death of near ones, ill
treatment from near ones, loss of life, natural calamity, crime against family,
Loneliness, Depression, Sad feelings, Restlessness, Physical Ailments,
Financial problems, Relation/ Relatives oriented problems and all such problems
which takes majority of time of the day thinking about it. Identify life
worries and daily hardships. Life worries become problem definitions and daily
hardships become surmountable difficulties. It is important to identify into
life worries/ problems and daily hardships/ difficulties. Examples of daily difficulties/ hardships - Maid
servant not coming, municipality water not coming, a theft, baggage lost are
some of the hardships. Complete list cannot be given but the severity level can
be understood. Example of problem / life worries - having life threatening
ailment in family or individual affected by such ailment is a life worry;
losing close relative is a life worry again the list can be exhaustive but
severity must be understood.
Identifying the problem some examples:- while
distinguishing situations into difficulties and life worries we must identify
whether the nature of hardship is temporary or it is permanent. Also the scale
of hardships indicates which category it should be counted.
Difficulties/ Hardships
|
Life Worries
|
Theft
|
Death of near ones
|
Minor ailments
|
Financial problem engulfing for decades
|
Irregular servants
|
Physical ailments which are
|
Lonliness
|
|
Natural calamity
|
|
Covid 19
|
