Gīta Tātparya Introduction

"Having saluted Narayana, who is complete with all auspicious qualities and devoid of all faults, the essence of the Gita is explained."

Summary

Vyasa is the divine incarnation of Lord Narayana. The Mahabharata, composed by Vyasa, is authentic and superior even to the Vedas. It is capable of giving liberation to the aspirants. The Bhagavad Gīta and Vishnu-Sahasranāma are the essence of Mahabharata. Arjuna, being the incarnation of demigod Indra (Deva), is eligible to receive higher knowledge. He is being instructed to re-establish his deteriorated wisdom.

The primary message of the Gita is: one should perform one’s own duty, 'swa-dharma', as a worship to God. We should abandon anything opposed to our duties. The Bhagavan, the divine God, is different from everybody and everything else. Everything is under his control. He is not under the control of anything. He is superior to everything else. All auspicious qualities are complete in him. All scriptures are there to explain Him. Therefore, through His knowledge alone, one can get liberated. It is clarified that no one can remain actionless, even a jnanin. Everyone should follow their own unique duties, 'swa-dharma'. Only liberated souls, who can remain continuously in 'atman' forever, have no other duty to perform.

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