The curtain raiser event for the World Hindu Congress 2023, set to take place in Bangkok later this year, commenced in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre. The event witnessed the presence of prominent leaders, scholars, and distinguished personalities. It also included the announcement of the World Hindu Congress 2026. It will be hosted in Mumbai. Swami Vigyananand, the organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of unity, strength, and global recognition for Hindus. The conference aims to bring together intellectuals, experts, politicians, and media personalities to address these priorities. The theme for the congress is “Jayasya Aayatanam Dharmah: Dharma, the Abode of Victory.” The primary objective is to unite Hindus on a global platform. It aims at fostering the exchange of ideas and strengthening their collective voice.

The Curtain Raiser Event

The curtain raiser event, held in Mumbai’s Jio World Centre. It marked the official launch and announcement of the World Hindu Congress 2023. Organized by the World Hindu Foundation, the event drew attendees from various countries, including prominent personalities, religious leaders, and scholars. The gathering served as a precursor to the main congress scheduled to be held in Bangkok.

Significance of the World Hindu Congress

The Hindu Congress serves as a platform for Hindus to come together, exchange ideas, and address contemporary challenges facing their community. It aims to promote dialogue, foster intellectual discourse, and forge alliances. They address issues such as religious freedom, education, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

The congress provides an opportunity to strengthen networks and collaborations among global Hindu organizations, scholars, and thought leaders.

The World Hindu Congress also plays a crucial role in projecting the positive aspects of Hinduism, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging interfaith dialogue and understanding. It acts as a catalyst for social change and community development by advocating for the values of compassion, inclusivity, and service inherent in Hindu philosophy.

Way Forward

The World Hindu Congress has been a resounding success in previous editions, with New Delhi, India hosting the event in 2014 and Chicago in 2018. These landmark conferences witnessed the participation of distinguished individuals such as the revered Dalai Lama, renowned British politician Priti Patel, esteemed American politician Tulsi Gabbard, Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu, and notable Union Ministers like Nitin Gadkari and Smriti Irani. The conferences also attracted delegates from a staggering 60 countries, further solidifying its global significance and impact.

Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma, is the world’s oldest living religion.

It is a natural religion, meaning its philosophies and practices are considered universally accessible through sincere study, reason, and experience apart from special revelation. Hinduism is also an indigenous religion made up of a diverse family of philosophies and traditions that have been practiced primarily throughout Asia for thousands of years. Today, Hinduism is a global religion with adherents representing virtually every racial, ethnic, and national background and living on every continent, and comprising majorities in three countries: India, Nepal, and Mauritius.

Most traditions, sects, or schools within Hinduism share certain distinctive, foundational concepts despite the absence of an identifiable beginning in history, single founder, central religious establishment, or sole authoritative scripture. Two of these foundational concepts are that of the oneness of existence and pluralism.

All beings, from the smallest organism to man, are considered manifestations of the Divine (existence, pure being, light of consciousness) or reflections of the Divine’s qualities, depending upon the school of thought. Because of this shared divinity, Hinduism views the universe as a family or, in Sanskrit, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Hinduism also advances the concept of the equal worth of all mankind, as expressed in the ancient hymn:

Ajyesthaso akanishthaso ete sambhrataro vahaduhu saubhagaya.

“No one is superior, none inferior. All are brothers marching forward to prosperity.”

Mankind, because it is believed to be the most spiritually evolved, thus carries a special responsibility to honor the equal worth of all people and the underlying unity of existence through one’s relationship with oneself and others. Ensuring that one’s thoughts, words, and actions uphold and promote values such as truth, kindness, equanimity, empathy, generosity, and equal regard is how this responsibility is met.

The popularly recited Hindu invocation demonstrates this concern for universal kinship and well-being:

Om sarve bhavantu sukhinah. Sarve santu niraamayaah. Sarve bhadraani pashyantu. Maa kaschid dukhbhaag bhavet.

“May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. May all beings experience prosperity. May none in the world suffer.”

Against the backdrop of this understanding of equality and unity, the Hindu world has been able to embrace the reality of diversity through its philosophy of pluralism. Every being, with their varying likes and dislikes, their unique personalities, and their different cultures, not only connect with one another in their own unique ways, but connect with the Divine in their own individual ways.

As such, Hindus understand the Divine (existence, pure being, light of consciousness) to : 1) Manifest in different forms; 2) Be understood and worshipped by various means; 3) Speak to each individual in different ways to enable them to not only believe in the Divine, but experience and know the Divine.

This embrace of pluralism has contributed to the incredible spiritual and religious freedom one witnesses within Hinduism — in its many deity traditions, paths or yogas, schools of thoughts, saint traditions, ways of worship, etc.

The worldview of pluralism is not just applicable to Hindus, but to all members of this universal family. Accordingly, Hinduism acknowledges not just the possibility, but also the existence of more than one path (religion) or way of relating to Truth (God).

This true, unadulterated pluralism is captured in the ancient Sanskrit hymn:

Ekam sat vipraha bahudha vadanti.

“Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.”

In relating to other religions, Hinduism asserts that it is not only harmful, but inherently flawed to insist that one’s own path towards God is the only true and meaningful path. Based on this firm pluralistic belief, Hinduism has never sanctioned proselytization. Further, over their vast history, Hindus have never invaded another land in the name of religion. It is also clear that, for centuries in Southeast Asia, it has been this Hindu brand of absolute pluralism, which has provided the ideal environment for peaceful coexistence and prosperity for at least eight major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism and Zoroastrian.

Thank you for making c/hinduism, when I moved from r/ I was looking for an instance that has communities I was interested in.

I am glad to find those communities along with this one here.

Thank you for making this.

O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.run/post/25521

Prompt: Intricately detailed, professional photograph, of(ancient indian temple),magnificent, cinematic view, cinematic lighting, photographed on a Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera, (highly detailed:1.2), (soft focus), lush forest in background HDR, 8k resolution

Negative prompt: nsfw,CyberRealistic_Negative,(deformed, distorted, disfigured:1.3), poorly drawn, bad anatomy, wrong anatomy, extra limb, missing limb, floating limbs, (mutated hands and fingers:1.4), disconnected limbs, mutation, mutated, ugly, disgusting, blurry, amputation. tattoo

Steps: 40, Sampler: DPM++ SDE Karras, CFG scale: 7, Seed: 708755406, Size: 768x512, Model hash: 03363589fe, Model: CyberRealistic_V3.1, Version: v1.3.0

Photo of Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893 with the handwritten words “one infinite pure and holy—beyond thought beyond qualities I bow down to thee”

Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) is best known in the United States for his groundbreaking speech to the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in which he introduced Hinduism to America and called for religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. Born Narendranath Dutta, he was the chief disciple of the 19th-century mystic Ramakrishna and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda is also considered a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the West and is credited with raising the profile of Hinduism to that of a world religion.

Speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda on September 11, 1893, at the first World’s Parliament of Religions on the site of the present-day Art Institute

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world, I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shat­tered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descen­dant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with vio­lence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Chapter 15, Verse 19

यो मामेवमसम्मूढो जानाति पुरुषोत्तमम् |

स सर्वविद्भजति मां सर्वभावेन भारत ॥19॥

Transliteration

*yo mām evam asammūḍho jānāti puruṣhottamam

sa sarva-vid bhajati māṁ sarva-bhāvena bhārata*

Word Meanings

yaḥ—who; mām—me; evam—thus; asammūḍhaḥ—without a doubt; jānāti—know; puruṣha-uttamam—the Supreme Divine Personality; saḥ—they; sarva-vit—those with complete knowledge; bhajati—worship; mām—me; sarva-bhāvena—with one’s whole being; bhārata—Arjun, the son of Bharat

Translation

O scion of the Bharata dynasty, he who, being free from delusion, knows Me the supreme Person thus, he is all-knowing and adores Me with his whole being.

Introduction to Upanishads

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient philosophical and spiritual texts that form the core teachings of Hinduism. These texts are considered the culmination of Vedic knowledge and are revered for their profound insights into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality. The word "Upanishad" is derived from the Sanskrit root words "upa" (near), "ni" (down), and "shad" (to sit), implying the act of sitting close to a spiritual teacher to receive esoteric knowledge.

Significance of the Upanishads

The Upanishads occupy a central position in Hindu philosophy and have influenced various schools of thought, including Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism. These texts delve into profound metaphysical and spiritual concepts, exploring the nature of the self (Atman), the ultimate reality (Brahman), and the interconnectedness of all things. They offer profound meditations on the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the path to spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Profound Insights and Teachings

The Upanishads provide deep insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human experience. They emphasize the unity of all existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. The texts offer profound teachings on meditation, self-realization, and the nature of the divine. They guide individuals on the quest for self-discovery and spiritual awakening, inviting them to transcend the limitations of the material world and realize their true nature.

Eternal Wisdom and Timeless Relevance

Despite their ancient origins, the wisdom found in the Upanishads remains timeless and relevant. The concepts and teachings presented in these texts continue to inspire seekers and spiritual aspirants across the globe. The Upanishads provide a comprehensive understanding of the human condition and offer guidance on leading a purposeful and fulfilling life. They encourage individuals to explore the depths of their own consciousness and seek answers to life's fundamental questions.

Conclusion

The Upanishads stand as a testament to the profound wisdom and spiritual insights of the ancient sages. Their teachings continue to resonate with individuals seeking to understand the nature of existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality. By delving into the Upanishads, one embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, uncovering the eternal truths that lie within.

Author: Sanghamitra

East and west: Gujarat and Odisha celebrate the Rathayatra of Lord Jagannath with pomp and splendour

Today is Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the auspicious day for Lord Jagannath's Rathayatra every year. Two Indian states, located on the two opposite coasts of the grand nation, are celebrating the festival with much fervor and grandeur.

Today is Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, the auspicious day for Lord Jagannath’s Rathayatra every year. Two Indian states, located on the two opposite coasts of the grand nation, are celebrating the festival with much fervor and grandeur.

Odisha Rathayatra

Odisha, the home abode of Lord Jagannath, has been celebrating the Rathayatra festival for centuries now. The grand Jagannath Temple at Puri, constructed in the 12th century organizes the world’s largest and oldest Rathayatra festival every year in the ‘Bada Danda’ in Puri.

The three grand chariots await outside the Singhadwara of the Temple on the day of the Rathayatra. The construction of the chariots starts on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, and designated carpenters, known as ‘Maharanas’ make the chariots. The colour schemes, and design of the chariots are fixed for each of the three Gods.

Lord Jagannatha’s chariot is called ‘Nandighosha’, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called ‘Taladhwaja’ and Devi Subhadra’s chariot is called ‘Debadalana’. Lord Sudarshana rides in the Debadalana too.

The process of bringing the holy Trinity out from their pedestal in the temple to their respective chariots is called ‘Pahandi’.

After the Gods are seated in their respective chariots, the Gajapati Maharaj, the traditional ruler of Kalinga, performs the ritual of ‘Chhera Panhara’. It is the ritual of sweeping the chariots with a golden broom. It signifies the belief that the Gajapati Maharaj is the servant of Lord Jagannath and rules in his name.

The Chhera Panhara ritual has another significance in Odia folklore and literary tradition. Odia epic ‘Kanchi Kaveri Upakhyana’ describes Purushottama Deva’s campaign to win kingdoms in the south of Kalinga. Purushottama Deva was insulted by Kanchi ruler Saluva Narasingha Deva because the former wanted to marry the latter’s daughter Padmavati. Saluva Narasingha Deva had declared that he would rather get his daughter married to a poor sweeper than allow her to marry the Kalinga Gajapati.

Purushottama Deva, fumed at the insult, had attacked Kanchi and eventually won with direct help from Lord Jagannatha and his brother Lord Balabhadra. After bringing Padmavati to Kalinga, he was yet to forget the insult. So he had declared that Padmavati will be married off to a sweeper, just as her father wanted.

However, the clever ministers of Purushottama Deva knew that the Kanchi princess deserves to marry the Gajapati, and Kalinga deserves a queen of unparalleled beauty and qualities that she possessed. So on the day of Rathayatra, when Purushottama Deva was performing the sweeping ritual, they brought the Kanchi princess on board the chariot, and she put a garland on the neck of the Gajapati, just when he held a broom in his hand, literally being a ‘sweeper’.

Purushottama Deva had loved the princess and there was no way he could be angry now, after being married to her in the presence of Lord Jagannatha himself.

Thus, the ministers avoided their king’s wrath and made him see reason by forgetting his anger. The story can be read in detail here.

In Puri’s Rathayatra, the Gods visit the Gundicha Temple and stay there for 9 days. Then they return to their own Temple, that Yatra is called ‘Bahuda Yatra’.

Gujarat Rathayatra

Gujarat is home to Dwaraka, Lord Krishna’s kingdom. Like Odisha, it too has a deep Vaishnava tradition. The state has been celebrating Rathayatra for nearly a century and a half.

It is celebrated as a ‘Lokotsav’ or a public festival in Gujarat. Though many cities have their own Rathyatra, Ahmedabad hosts the grandest and biggest event. The CM performs the ‘Pahind Vidhi’ which is similar to the ‘Chhera Panhara’ ritual of Odisha.

In Ahmedabad Rathyaatra, the chariots pass through the different parts of the city. The chariots cover a distance of 14 km and the devotees offer ‘mahabhoj’ to the entire entourage.

Union Minister Amit Shah today performed the mangal aarti at the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad before the commencement of Rathayatra. CM Bhupendra Patel performed the ‘Pahind Vidhi’. This is the 146th year of the Ahmedabad Rathayatra.

Gujarat and Odisha are separated by over 1800 km, located on the opposite coasts of India. However, Rathayatra is something that binds the two states together. Each celebration is unique in its style and decorations, but the deep Jagannath Bhakti and the Vaishnava traditions of their people are what bring them close in mind and spirit.

Rathyatra celebrations in these two distant states are another example of how the states of India, despite diverse linguistic and cultural norms, are bound together by strings of Hindu tradition and spirituality.

Author: Jinit Jain

Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha Queen like no other who constructed and restored Hindu temples which stand tall even today

*Ahilyabai Holkar is fondly remembered for constructing hundreds of temples, ghats, pilgrimage centres, Dharamshalas but rebuilding of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as her greatest achievement. *

PM Narendra Modi on Monday, December 13, 2021, inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project in Varanasi, restoring an array of temples to their past glory. With the inauguration of the hallowed temple corridor project, PM Modi has once again burnished his credentials as the most potent preserver of the Hindu heritage in the recent times.

As PM Modi buckles down the task of fulfilling the promises he made while contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi constituency in 2014, one of them being transforming it into a “city of temples”, he did not fail to acknowledge the role of historical figures who helped in conserving the city’s holy character.

In his inaugural speech, PM Modi paid floral tributes to Ahilyabai Holkar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh among other people, who played a pivotal role in reconstruction and renovation of Kashi Vishwanath in the past.

PM said, “The role of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar in the reconstruction of the temple is noteworthy. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent 23 man (920 KG) of gold to the temple.” He said after Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, the expansion of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham had happened now.

And not just in words but in deeds too, PM Modi and the Centre paid homage to Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar for her momentous contribution in preserving the heritage of Kashi Vishwanath. A figurine of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar has been put up at the sprawling campus of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which was adorned with flowers for its inauguration on Monday. In addition to this, large posters of the Maratha queen were also held up in the premises of the corridors.

Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?

Ahilyabai Holkar was one of the most well-known queens to have presided over the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. Born in May 1725 in the village of Chaundi, in present-day Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom.

She was not born in the royal lineage and was the hereditary noble Queen of the Maratha Empire. When she was 8-years-old, she was spotted by the acclaimed Lord of the Malwa territory, Malhar Rao Holkar, while she feeding the poor. Struck by her compassion and empathy for the destitute, Malhar Rao betrothed her to his son.

However, she lost her husband in the battle of Kumbher when she was just 29. After her husband’s death, she tried to end her life with the practice of Sati but was stopped by her father-in-law. She later ascended the throne and became the ruler of Indore on 11 December 1767.

In opposition to the prevailing culture of the time which disallowed women from pursuing education, Ahilyabai Holkar was an educated woman. She was homeschooled by her father. Perhaps, it was her education and knowledge that helped her to pull together the kingdom of Malwa after the demise of her husband and father-in-law.

Ahilyabai ruled for nearly three decades and was conferred with the title of ‘The Philosopher Queen’ by a British historian John Keyas. In her praise, he said: “Ahilyabai Holkar, the philosopher-queen of Malwa, had evidently been an acute observer of the wider political scene.”

Ahilyabai Holkar-The pioneer of temple construction and restoration

Though Ahilyabai Holkar was an astute queen and quite adept in handling court matters, she was best known for being the pioneer, builder and preserver of the Hindu temples across the length and breadth of the country. From Somnath in the west, to the Kashi Vishwanath in the east, Holkar dedicated her life towards renovating and reconstructing temples that were victims of the ravages of the time or were subjected to assault and plunder by Muslim invaders.

She built temples at Srinagar, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, Prayaga, Varanasi, Naimisharanya, Puri, Rameshwaram, Somnath, Nasik, Omkareshvar, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Indore, Srisailam, Udipi, Gokarna, Khatmandu etc. She built and restored temples everywhere across India except for territories controlled by Afghans, Nawabs & the British.

River Ganga holds special importance as per Hindu scriptures. Regarded as sacred by Hindus, the river is embodied as the goddess Ganga in ancient texts and art. The water of river Ganga is considered as holy, with ritual bathing being an integral part of Hindu pilgrimage. The water, reverentially called as gangajal, was also used in various pujas performed in Hindu temples. Ahilyabai Holkar arranged for supplying water from the river Ganga collected at Gangotri to be received by temples across the country, including temples as far away as in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The Maratha Queen’s contribution in rebuilding Kashi Vishwanath Temple

She is fondly remembered for constructing hundreds of temples, ghats, pilgrimage centres, Dharamshalas around her kingdom but rebuilding of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered as her greatest achievements of all.

Her contribution in restoring Kashi Vishwanath temple was particularly significant. The temple had stood tall for centuries before becoming an eye sour for the Mughals. The Islamic rulers, who were on the mission to destroy anything that was against Islam, saw Kashi Vishwanath Dham as one of the main targets challenging the supremacy of their faith.

On April 18, 1669, Islamic ruler Aurangzeb gave the order to demolish Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In his order, he had written that the temple was the place where “the foolish Pundits teach evil knowledge from junk books.”

On the explicit orders from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, one of the holiest Hindu sites of pilgrimage, was plundered, desecrated, demolished & converted into Gyanvapi Mosque in 1669. The current structure and the form of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple could be attributed to Ahilyabai Holkar, who got the structure reconstructed in 1776. Then in 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh adorned the temple with ‘golden’ shikhar.

Chapter 2, Verse 9

सञ्जय उवाच |

एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं गुडाकेश: परन्तप |

न योत्स्य इति गोविन्दमुक्त्वा तूष्णीं बभूव ह ॥9॥

Transliteration

sañjaya uvācha evam-uktvā hṛiṣhīkeśhaṁ guḍākeśhaḥ parantapa na yotsya iti govindam uktvā tūṣhṇīṁ babhūva ha

Word Meanings

sañjayaḥ uvācha—Sanjay said; evam—thus; uktvā—having spoken; hṛiṣhīkeśham—to Shree Krishna, the master of the mind and senses; guḍākeśhaḥ—Arjun, the conquerer of sleep; parantapaḥ—Arjun, the chastiser of the enemies; na yotsye—I shall not fight; iti—thus; govindam—Krishna, the giver of pleasure to the senses; uktvā—having addressed; tūṣhṇīm—silent; babhūva—became ha

Translation

Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus to Hrsikesa (Krsna), Gudakesa (Arjuna), the afflicter of foes, verily became silent, telling Govinda, 'I shall not fight.'

Chapter 8, Verse 13

ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् |

य: प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ॥13॥

Transliteration

oṁ ityekākṣharaṁ brahma vyāharan mām anusmaran

yaḥ prayāti tyajan dehaṁ sa yāti paramāṁ gatim

Word Meanings

om—sacred syllable representing the formless aspect of God; iti—thus; eka-akṣharam—one syllabled; brahma—the Absolute Truth; vyāharan—chanting; mām—me (Shree Krishna); anusmaran—remembering; yaḥ—who; prayāti—departs; tyajan—quitting; deham—the body; saḥ—he; yāti—attains; paramām—the supreme; gatim—goal

Translation

He who departs by leaving the body while uttering the single syllable, viz Om, which is Brahman, and thinking of Me, he attains the supreme Goal.

Bhagavad Gita, also known as the Gita - "The Song of The Lord" is a practical guide to one's life that guides one to re-organise their life, achieve inner peace and approach the Supreme Lord (the Ultimate Reality). It is a 700-verse text in Sanskrit which comprises chapters 23 through 40 in the Bhishma-Parva section of the Mahabharata.

The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Arjuna, a supernaturally gifted warrior and his guide and charioteer Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. As both armies stand ready for the battle, the mighty warrior Arjuna, on observing the warriors on both sides becomes overwhelmed with grief and compassion due to the fear of losing his relatives and friends and the consequent sins attributed to killing his own relatives. So, he surrenders to Lord Krishna, seeking a solution. Thus, follows the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Over 18 chapters, Gita packs an intense analysis of life, emotions and ambitions, discussion of various types of yoga, including Jnana, Bhakti, Karma and Raja, the difference between Self and the material body as well as the revelation of the Ultimate Purpose of Life.

प्रकृते: क्रियमाणानि गुणै: कर्माणि सर्वश: |

अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते

Transliteration

prakṛiteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśhaḥ ahankāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate

Word Meanings

prakṛiteḥ—of material nature; kriyamāṇāni—carried out; guṇaiḥ—by the three modes; karmāṇi—activities; sarvaśhaḥ—all kinds of; ahankāra-vimūḍha-ātmā—those who are bewildered by the ego and misidentify themselves with the body; kartā—the doer; aham—I; iti—thus; manyate—thinks

Translation

While actions are being done in every way by the gunas (qualities) of Nature, one who is deluded by egoism thinks thus: 'I am the doer.'

कोई भी इंसान जन्म से नहीं बल्कि अपने कर्म से महान बनता है।

जिसका समय व्यर्थ व्यय होता है, उसने समयका मूल्य समझा ही नहीं । मनुष्यको कभी निकम्मा नहीं रहना चाहिये; अपितु सदा-सर्वदा उत्तम-से-उत्तम कार्य करते रहना चाहिये । मनसे भगवान्का चिन्तन, वाणीसे भगवान्के नामका जप, सबको नारायण समझकर शरीरसे जगज्जनार्दनकी नि:स्वार्थ सेवा यही उत्तम-से-उत्तम कर्म है । -- परम श्रद्धेय जयदयालजी गोयन्दका