Gita gifts us with wisdom that is profound, pure and practical. Below is a synopsis of the wisdom presented by Lord Krishna explained through the acronym GITA
Generosity – Arjuna did not want to fight because he did not want to lose his dear relatives Bhishma and Drona. Krishna pointed to Arjuna that his consideration is a self-centered one. Krishna reminded Arjuna of his duty as a righteous fighter meant to correct the unrighteousness in society (BG 2.50). Krishna presents the divine purpose of creation and the divine laws governing the creation. Everyone should contribute as per their capacity to the overall well-being and harmony of the society. In turn, the divine Lord fulfils their desires and needs. Krishna emphasizes the virtues of dutifulness, ethics and other-centeredness. Gita urges to become a contributor to the world and thus contribute to our own growth and happiness.
Inclusivity – Arjuna identified himself with his body and the relationships based on the body. Krishna helped Arjuna to understand his real identity of being a spiritual being (BG 2.13), part and parcel of the Supreme divine Lord. Krishna educated Arjuna on how to see everyone as a spiritual being and act in compassion on the spiritual ground. As a warrior, it is important for Arjuna to reform his unrighteous relatives by punishing them and free them from the sin incurred of being unrighteous rather than sparing them on bodily consideration. Krishna educated Arjuna on the eternal and broad spiritual perspective i.e. seeing everyone as divine being beyond externals of color, caste and creed. Krishna teaches the way to strive for growth and happiness of one and all in that perspective
Transcendence – Arjuna’s initial consideration is his own self-centered happiness with Bhishma and Drona. He is ready to forgo his duty to society and God for this sake. Krishna educated Arjuna about the nature of self-centered and sensuous enjoyment in the world. Gita explains how such happiness is limited, temporary and mixed with misery (BG 9.33). The way to real and eternal happiness is to connect to God through the process of yoga. The main purpose of human life is this spiritual upliftment. Krishna explains in detail the process of yoga with its nuances and nitty-gritty and how to practice it in our daily lives. Krishna delineates the purpose of life and the means to pursue it consistently and progress in it continuously.
Adaptability – The world around us is subject to constant change. Krishna explains about the three modes of nature and their effects on our lives and the world. Then, Krishna gives a solution on how to remain immune to the effects of three modes and remain true to our values of generosity and identity of being a soul and the purpose of establishing our connection to God (BG 14.26). In this way, Gita teaches us the right values, right identity and right purpose and the means to pursue them consistently through the ever-changing world.