The Bhagavad-gita is often seen as a philosophical treatise that contains many profound truths. While the Gita is certainly philosophical, it is simultaneously conversational. And its two conversants are not just literary tools for presenting its philosophy — they are the heart of the Gita’s message. Let’s see how

In the Gita, wisdom is shared by Krishna, who is the supreme divinity descended on earth to help raise human consciousness. And wisdom is sought by Arjuna, who is the quintessential human being embodying a galaxy of virtues ranging from asceticism to heroism. Krishna and Arjuna are intimate friends whose relationship goes a long way back, as is described in the Mahabharata. The Gita spotlights them in its first chapter while describing how they are together on a magnificent chariot on the Kurukshetra battlefield (01.14).

It is love that inspires Krishna to speak the Gita’s message. He wants to help his dear friend navigate an agonizing dilemma: what to do when different duties pull in opposite directions. In addressing this dilemma, Krishna preserves a unifying thread of love throughout the Gita. How? 

  • By regularly using terms of endearment. 
  • By highlighting love in the Gita’s concluding crescendo (18.65-66): declaring his love for Arjuna and movingly calling for Arjuna’s reciprocal love. 
  • Most importantly, by using the Gita’s philosophical deliberations to establish how life’s worst perplexities can be tackled by acting with love: love for the Divine and love for everyone as parts of the Divine. 

Thus, we can re-envision the Gita as a loving discussion that philosophically explores the primacy of love. Such an approach to Gita study won’t just energize our head; it will also enrich our heart. 

One-sentence summary: 

The Gita is not just a book of philosophy;  it is a discussion between divinity and humanity whose philosophical deliberations reveal how love can be our guiding light in all situations. 

Think it over:

  • What is the role of the two conversants in the Gita?
  • How is the Gita seen frequently? How can it be seen more holistically?
  • By seeing the Gita as a love-centered philosophical discussion, we can relish it much more. Explain. 

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01.14: On the other side, both Lord Krishna and Arjuna, stationed on a great chariot drawn by white horses, sounded their transcendental conchshells.

How re-envisioning the Gita can help us relish it more

To know more about this verse, please click on the image