When life’s problems start overwhelming us, seeing the big picture can help us put first things first.

However, we can’t even seek the big picture if we are too caught in circumstantial questions such as: Why is this happening? Why did that go wrong? How will I ever set this mess right?

At the Bhagavad-gita’s start, Arjuna is confronted with a specific problem. He is expected to fight for his immediate family who have been deceived, dispossessed and dishonored. But that means fighting against his extended family who have among their ranks his venerable grandsire and martial teacher. Acknowledging that he is caught in a lose-lose situation, (02.06), he turns to Krishna for guidance (02.07). What raises the ensuing discussion from the circumstantial to the universal is Arjuna’s big question. Arjuna asks about dharma, the judicious human action that harmonizes with existence’s innate order. In addressing this big question, the Gita has emerged as a big book, a book that has helped millions for millennia find answers to life’s big questions: Who am I? What is life meant for? What really matters?

The Gita reveals an endearing and empowering big picture: We are at our core indestructible souls; we are parts of an all-attractive Absolute Truth, Krishna, and can find everlasting happiness in loving him; Krishna loves us eternally and unfailingly; whatever happens is ultimately meant for our spiritual evolution towards pure love for him; he will orchestrate everything for our ultimate good if we just keep striving to serve him in all circumstances.

With this big picture in mind, we can see through specific dilemmas to universal principles. By asking “How can I serve Krishna now?” we can make sounder decisions. Indeed, the Gita (10.10) assures that those thus devoted get divine guidance for making the best decisions.

To know more about this verse, please click on the image
Explanation of article:

Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save”