Appreciating the Bhagavad Gita from Sanjaya’s Perspective

Another way of tackling the question, What’s so great about the Bhagavad Gita? is by using an acronym: G.R.E.A.T., which will help us understand the five verses spoken by Sanjaya. The Bhagavad Gita itself has 700 verses, primarily a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna. Over the course of the 18 chapters, Arjuna asks 17 different questions, and Krishna answers them.

The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna concludes at Verse 18.72, where Krishna stops speaking. Then, in Verse 18.73, Arjuna responds, confirming that he has understood Krishna’s teachings. He says that he has become calm and confident. This is where the Gita could have ended.

However, the Gita contains five more verses, spoken by Sanjaya. These verses offer a unique perspective, and in this discussion, we’ll focus on one theme from each verse to help us appreciate the special nature of the Bhagavad Gita.

Let’s look at these five verses one by one. I will first explain the meaning of each verse, then we’ll recite it together. Afterward, we’ll discuss the words, and we’ll recite each verse once again. We’ll spend about seven minutes on each verse, completing the discussion in approximately 35-40 minutes, leaving some time for questions at the end.

Sanjaya’s First Verse (18.74)

Sanjaya speaks:

“I have heard this conversation between these two great souls, Krishna and Arjuna, which is both wonderful and thrilling.”

Sanjaya begins by describing what he has heard. He calls Krishna and Arjuna mahatmanaha, meaning both are great souls. Mahatma (great soul) refers to someone who has a profound understanding of life’s purpose and can see beyond the material world. So here, he describes the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna as extraordinary because of the greatness of the souls involved.

But he doesn’t stop there. He says it’s adbhutam (wonderful) and romaharshanam (causing the hair to stand on end), emphasizing the deep emotional impact this conversation has on him. The word adbhutam is often overused in modern contexts, like saying something is “wonderful” when it’s really just good or nice. But here, adbhutam means something far beyond ordinary—it’s something awe-inspiring, truly miraculous.

Romaharshanam refers to the physical reaction of hair standing on end, which is a sign of deep ecstasy or profound emotional experience. Sanjaya is not just impressed—he is moved to the core by the beauty and depth of the conversation he’s witnessing. This signifies the impact the teachings of the Gita have on anyone who truly grasps them.

Reflection on the Word ‘Mahatmanaha’

Now, let’s focus on the word mahatmanaha. It is understood that Krishna is mahatma—the atman is the soul, and maha means great. So, a mahatma is a great soul.

Literally speaking, Krishna, as God, is the greatest being, and therefore, He is mahatma. But the Bhagavatam and other texts describe the soul as tiny—immeasurable in its minuteness. If the soul is so small, how can it be described as great?

This paradox is explained through the concept of vision and understanding. A mahatma is not defined by the physical size of the soul but by the greatness of their understanding of life’s purpose. Krishna and Arjuna are mahatmas because their actions and choices reflect a deep, purposeful understanding of the world and their place in it.

Closing Thoughts on the Theme of ‘Great Souls’

The greatness of a soul is not about physical size or power, but about the capacity to perceive the world in a deeper way, to understand the spiritual dimension of life. This is the core message that Sanjaya is conveying through these verses. The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna isn’t just about a battle—it’s about expanding one’s vision of life and the purpose of existence.

The Gita teaches us that our soul can become great when we understand the true purpose of life, just as Arjuna’s soul becomes great when he grasps Krishna’s wisdom.

The Concept of “Mahatma” in the Bhagavad Gita

Krishna, as God, is the greatest being. He is indeed Mahatma. However, the Bhagavatam and other texts emphasize that the soul is extremely tiny—so small that it is immeasurable. Given this, how can such a tiny soul be referred to as Mahatma?

Krishna himself has used the term Mahatma earlier in the Bhagavad Gita. For example, in Chapter 7, Verse 19, and in Chapter 9, Verse 14, Krishna uses this word. So, the question arises: how can a soul that is physically or metaphysically so small be considered a great soul?

The key lies in understanding that mahatma refers to more than just physical size. It is not about the literal size of the soul, but about the vision and understanding the soul possesses. A Mahatma is someone whose understanding of life transcends the ordinary.

In this context, Sanjaya speaks of a conversation between two Mahatmas—Krishna and Arjuna. This implies that Arjuna, too, is a Mahatma, not just Krishna. So, what makes a soul great? It is the vision of life that the soul has. It is the understanding of the purpose of life.

What Makes a Soul Great?

What we perceive life to be is what shapes our purpose. For someone who sees life only as a quest for enjoyment—eating, drinking, and being merry—their life may seem small. At the end of such a life, the question is: What have you really achieved? After 75 years, you may have spent your time digesting food every day, but what more did you do with your life?

In contrast, a Mahatma has a larger vision of life. They understand the deeper purpose of life. Arjuna, at the start of the Bhagavad Gita, had a limited view of life. He saw the war simply as a battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, a battle to win a kingdom. His dilemma was whether to fight and gain a kingdom while losing his relatives. Should he fight or not? Was the loss of his relatives worth the gain of the kingdom?

At this point, Arjuna’s vision is still small. But Krishna helps him expand that vision. Krishna teaches him that this war is not just about winning a kingdom or saving relatives. It’s about establishing the rule of virtue in the world. It’s about creating a social order that is conducive to spiritual well-being.

Expanding Vision: The Purpose of Life

Through Krishna’s teachings, Arjuna begins to see that his life, his choices, and his actions are meant for something much bigger than himself. This is the transformative power of the Bhagavad Gita—it helps us all expand our understanding of life. The Gita helps us question: What is my life really meant for?

In a materialistic worldview, life can seem meaningless. If we only focus on the physical realm, we may think of ourselves as just bags of protoplasm—biological machines that come to life, flap around for a while, then collapse when we’re hit by a random event. If we see life this way, it can feel pointless.

But is life really that meaningless? Is life just about survival—survival of the fittest? Yes, survival is important, but even the fittest don’t survive forever. Ultimately, nobody survives. The concept of “survival of the fittest” merely means that the fittest live slightly longer than others—but they, too, will die.

So, if nobody survives, what is the true purpose of life? The answer lies in spiritual understanding: life is not just about survival. It’s about something greater. It’s about the pursuit of virtue, knowledge, and ultimately, spiritual liberation.

The Bigger Purpose of Life: Aligning with the Great Soul

Life is meant for something much bigger than our daily survival. But what is that bigger purpose? The answer is revealed in the Bhagavad Gita. So, how does a small soul become a great soul? It happens by linking with the Great Soul—God. When we recognize that we are parts of God and that we have a role to play in His plan for the world, we begin to see the deeper meaning of life.

Each of us has been given unique abilities, interests, and talents. These are not meant to be used selfishly, but in service to others, in a mood of contribution. When we live our lives with this mindset, we become part of something greater, and that is when our life gains true significance.

Work with Values

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that everyone has to work to live; this is natural. But what sets it apart is the message to work with values. Don’t work merely out of selfishness or greed. Work with a sense of purpose and integrity. Whatever your work—whether it’s in your home, your family, or your society—do it with values and aim to create something meaningful.

Over time, we begin to realize that making money or achieving fame, while important, is not the ultimate goal. The true value lies in what we do with the resources we have. As we work in a mode of service, we start to see that fame is temporary, and what really matters is aligning our efforts with higher values.

Realizing the Ultimate Value

Through this process, we come to understand that the supreme Lord is our ultimate value. Fame, money, and material success can be fleeting, but aligning with divine purpose gives our lives lasting meaning. The small soul becomes great by recognizing this higher purpose.

The Bhagavad Gita offers us this vision: It encourages each of us to become a Mahatma—a great soul. It shows us that life is not a random event, but a journey with meaning and purpose. What we are is God’s gift to us—our talents and abilities are given to us by Him. But what we do with those talents, how we use them, is our gift to God.

Aligning with the Divine Will

This is what happened to Arjuna. The previous verse describes how Arjuna aligned himself with the Divine will. He told Krishna, “I will do your will.” Arjuna realized that his battle was not just to win a kingdom; it was part of a greater purpose—to help make the world a better place in harmony with the divine plan.

This realization infused his life with greater meaning. Even if we think we are doing small, insignificant things in the world, everything we do can have lasting significance if we align our actions with higher principles. God cares about what we do, and He is the ultimate source of meaning in our lives.

Becoming a Great Soul: The Path to Enduring Significance

Arjuna became a great soul because he aligned his actions with the will of God. And if we do the same—aligning our lives with the divine will—our lives, too, can gain greater significance. The Bhagavad Gita guides us on the path to greatness, not through worldly achievement alone, but by aligning with the greatest soul, Krishna.

The Acronym GRADE: The Path to Greatness

So, what is great about the Bhagavad Gita? The Gita offers a path to greatness—one that is not just about achieving worldly success but about aligning with the greatest soul. It teaches us how to transform our small lives into ones of greater meaning by connecting with a higher purpose.

The Experience of the Bhagavad Gita

In the next verse, Sanjay begins to reflect on his own experience of hearing the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna. He recounts that it was not merely a vision, but an experience of deep realization. He shares that he received this vision through the blessing of Vyasa, a great spiritual master. Vyasa’s blessing allowed him to perceive the events of the battlefield, even though he was not physically present in Hastinapur.

However, it’s important to note that Sanjay does not focus on the mystical vision itself. While the visuals of the Mahabharata, especially the universal form of Krishna in Chapter 11, are dramatic, the real significance lies in the message. The essence of the Bhagavad Gita is not in its outward drama, but in the deep, transformative knowledge it imparts.

Vyasa’s Blessing and the Confidential Nature of the Gita

Sanjay says that he received the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita through Vyasa’s grace. The term “Shrutva” means hearing, and the knowledge imparted is described as “supremely confidential.” Although the Gita was spoken openly between Krishna and Arjuna, only the two of them truly understood the depth of the conversation. The other warriors on the battlefield were unaware of the profound discussion taking place. The Gita, therefore, is a conversation that, though outwardly public, contains an inner, confidential wisdom that can only be fully appreciated by those who approach it with the proper understanding.

Krishna, as the master of yoga (Yogeshwar), is the source of this divine knowledge. In the Gita, Krishna speaks directly as the Supreme Lord, which is a distinguishing feature. The words are not just philosophic discourse, but the literal words of God, spoken directly by Krishna Himself. This makes the Bhagavad Gita unique, and its teachings potent.

Bhakti and the Direct Experience of God

Through Bhakti (devotion), one can experience God directly. Although the practice of Bhakti is often guided by a spiritual master (like Vyasa), the experience itself is direct and personal. Sanjay emphasizes that what we seek in life is not just pleasure, but a deeper variety of experiences. We seek the richest and deepest experiences, and the highest of these is the experience of God.

In the world, we find many things attractive—beauty, intelligence, skill—each of these is a spark of Krishna’s divine attractiveness. Everything that we find appealing in the material world is just a fraction of the infinite attraction of Krishna. By connecting with Krishna, we can experience all that and much more.

Sanjay says that his hearing of Krishna’s words was not just about gaining knowledge. It was an experiential encounter with God Himself. The Bhagavad Gita isn’t simply an informational dialogue; it’s a transformational one. It transforms the very locus of our experience, shifting us from the mundane to the divine.

Realization of God Through the Gita

The words of Krishna in the Gita have the power to bring us into direct contact with the divine. This is what makes the Bhagavad Gita different from other sacred texts. In many scriptures, the word of God is spoken by others about God, but in the Bhagavad Gita, it is spoken by God Himself. Each verse carries the potential to help us realize God.

This realization, Sanjay suggests, is not just about intellectual belief—it is an actual experience of God. Bhakti, or devotional service, leads to this realization. Through practices such as chanting the holy names, performing kirtan, and reciting the Bhagavad Gita with devotion, we can experience Krishna directly.

Ecstasy and Repetition in the Experience of God

In the next verses, Sanjay gives us a glimpse of what the experience of God is like. He mentions the word “Samsrutthi” (remembering) and repeats it twice to emphasize the depth of the experience. The repetition signifies a state of ecstasy, where the memory of Krishna’s teachings becomes an ongoing, transformative experience.

This moment of remembering Krishna is not just intellectual; it is a deeply spiritual state that transcends ordinary perception. The repetition of “Samsrutthi” illustrates the intense, meditative remembrance of the divine, a hallmark of a devotee’s deep connection with God.

In this section, the speaker, Sanjay, continues to express his deep, transformative experience of the Bhagavad Gita. The core idea here is that the mere recollection of Krishna’s words brings him immense joy, ecstasy, and thrill. The sensation he experiences is not fleeting—it’s a lasting and powerful one. The text describes his emotions of profound attachment, wherein remembering the teachings of the Gita fills him with constant ecstasy. This is the impact of meditating on Krishna’s divine words.

Sanjay’s experience is compared to the way one might meditate on the words of a loved one, where the words lead the mind naturally to think about the person who spoke them. As Sanjay remembers Krishna’s words, he begins meditating on Krishna himself. This shift from thinking about the teachings to thinking about the divine speaker, Krishna, is a natural progression. It’s as if Krishna’s words invite one to connect with his form, and through this meditation, Sanjay becomes increasingly absorbed in divine ecstasy.

The Bhagavad Gita is described not just as a guidebook, but as a living experience. Its words are not merely instructions for living but are imbued with the power to lead to a direct experience of God. This experience of God, often described in terms of deep emotional connection, provides a lasting source of joy and fulfillment. Krishna, in his most personal and intimate form, becomes the ultimate focus of this experience. This is further contrasted with other books or objects of thought, which may offer some satisfaction but ultimately leave one unfulfilled. Krishna’s words and form, on the other hand, are supremely satisfying.

Sanjay, through his words, demonstrates the transformative power of the Gita, a power that is not only theoretical but deeply personal and experiential. He is moved, and as he shares this, he invites others into that transformative experience. Just as Sanjay is impacted by the Gita’s teachings, so too can others be, even if they don’t immediately feel the effects. The process of sharing the teachings is a devotional act that enriches the one who shares as well.

In the context of sharing Bhakti with others, it’s emphasized that success should not be measured by immediate results. If the person we are speaking to does not accept the teachings, it should not deter us. Like the billionaire’s son working in the family business, our deeper attachment should be to serving and pleasing the higher purpose, not just immediate outcomes. The process of devotion itself enriches us, irrespective of the results.

Thus, Sanjay’s experience in this passage exemplifies the transformative power of devotion, meditation on Krishna’s words, and how sharing that devotion can enrich both the speaker and the listener.

Reflection on the Bhagavad Gita and Its Teachings:

  1. The Cyclic Nature of the Gita:

    • In the Bhagavad Gita, Sanjay indirectly answers the question of victory by stating, “wherever there is Krishna and Arjuna, there will be victory.” This response is significant because it highlights the cyclical nature of the Gita. The conversation begins with a spoken question (“What happened in the battlefield?”) but also carries an unspoken question: “Who won?” Sanjay’s words answer both directly and indirectly.

  2. The Significance of Krishna and Arjuna:

    • Krishna’s divine presence alone could have secured victory, but Arjuna’s inclusion demonstrates the core purpose of the Gita: to transform human will. Arjuna, initially confused and dejected, picks up his bow again, representing the alignment of human will with divine will. This transformation is central to the Gita’s message.

  3. Purpose of the Gita – Transformation of Human Will:

    • The Bhagavad Gita is meant to inspire transformation in our disposition. It shows that despite life’s difficulties, aligning our will with the divine leads to ultimate success. The challenges we face, symbolized by “storms at sea,” are overcome not by avoiding them but by remaining steadfast in our commitment to a higher purpose.

  4. Krishna’s Assurance and the “Unsinkable Ship”:

    • Krishna does not promise a life free from challenges, but he provides an “unsinkable ship.” This concept teaches that no matter how difficult the journey, if we align ourselves with the divine will, we will reach our destination.

  5. Practical Application:

    • Step 1: Do What You Know to Be God’s Will – Begin by practicing known spiritual duties like studying the scriptures, practicing bhakti, and avoiding harmful actions.

    • Step 2: Recognize God’s Will as Directional – Divine will is not about rigid rules but a general direction. If you stray from it, trust that Krishna will guide you back.

    • Step 3: Ask What You Can Do to Make Things Better – In any situation, ask yourself what actions will improve the circumstances. Even small steps taken with the right intentions are aligned with divine will.

  6. Conclusion:

    • The Gita offers a path to inner transformation, encouraging us to embrace life’s challenges with renewed determination and to align our actions with the divine will. It assures us that, despite the storms we face, our lives will ultimately be successful if we stay true to this alignment.