Foreword

The Shrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā is one of the most revered and influential scriptures of Hinduism and is widely considered a philosophical masterpiece. Acclaimed as the “Song of the Divine,” it is a part of the Mahābhārat—a vast historical sacred text that recounts the story of the great war between two royal families.

The Bhagavad-Gītā recalls a dialogue between the warrior Arjun and his charioteer and mentor Bhagwan Krishna, the incarnation of the Divine. The conversation occurs on the battlefield, where Arjun doubts his duty and the righteousness of war. In response, Shrī Krishna delivers a profound and timeless discourse on a wide range of topics, including the nature and form (swarūp) of the self (ātmā), brahmavidyā—the knowledge of Aksharbrahma and Parabrahma, yoga, liberation (moksha), spiritual endeavor (sādhanā), action (karma), duty or purpose, and moral obligation. He presents a master canvas upon which all endeavor, devotion, wisdom, renunciation, contentment, stability, freedom, and self-control unite in a harmonious symphony.

The Bhagavad-Gītā has had a profound impact on the practice of Hinduism and has been a source of inspiration for countless individuals throughout the ages. Its teachings continue to be studied and applied by people of all backgrounds and beliefs, making it a timeless and universal text.

The scripture also has special significance within Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s sacred teachings. In the Vachanāmrut, a chronological collection of his divine discourses, he often cites the Gītā to present unique, insightful readings of the sacred text. For example, within “Vachanāmrut Loyā 7,” he recalls the Gītā while explaining the need to become brahmarūp—attaining oneness with Aksharbrahma—to achieve final liberation and offer supreme devotion (parā-bhakti) to Parabrahman. In “Vachanāmrut Gadhadā Madhya 9,” Bhagwan Swaminarayan reveals the significance of having conviction in the present Paramātman (pratyaksha-Paramātmā-svarūpa-nishṭhā) and provides a novel reading of the term ‘dharma.’ His discourse offers an original and profound understanding of yoga—the principal subject of the Gītā.

These and many other spiritual insights revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan are captured in the recently published Shrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā-Swāminārāyaṇa-Bhāshya—a monumental Sanskrit commentary of the Gītā authored by Mahāmahopādhyāy Bhadresh Swami. The comprehensive expositions within the text are clear, concise, and ground-breaking. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Vedic scriptures and inspirations from Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj, and the gunātīt gurus, Bhadresh Swami presents the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gītā according to the unique revelations of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the teachings of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. As a seminal text of the darshan and a vital contribution to Sanskrit literature, his commentary has since become respected and celebrated worldwide.

The English translation of the Gītā’s Sanskrit verses provided here intends to make the Gītā’s teachings more accessible, aid in its study, and encourage scriptural reading and reflection. May guru Mahant Swami Maharaj convey his blessings so that the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed in the Gītā may be practiced by all, leading to a life filled with compassion, devotion, and selfless service.