My dad was a working man and so weekend was the only time we really got to hang out with him. Saturday-s were usually spent in doing household chores- yes, my dad believed in being a true companion to my mother and so helped with many of home-making duties. So, usually on Saturdays, he would help with weekly grocery shopping or deep household cleaning or some other such tasks… and I as a toddler would run around him- there was something peaceful about his behavior and actions - as if he was content being where he was, doing what he was doing at that time!
Even as he would go about his activities of shopping, cleaning and so on- he found joy in having his kids around him and somewhere that reflected on to us. We felt a deep sense of being loved and comforted in his presence. He did not need to be specifically speaking to us, for us to feel his love or attention.
Then Sunday was his day to rest, relax and recuperate for the new week ahead. By late mid-morning, right before lunch, he would read us a few short verses from The Bhagavad Gita. I remember this from as far back in time in my childhood as I can remember…
He would sit crossed legged (sukh-asana pose) and read out the verses- first in Sanskrit and then in English. His words would flow with love and clarity. Wise words of Krishna would be brought to life for us by the loving presence of our Dad.
Even as he would go about his activities of shopping, cleaning and so on- he found joy in having his kids around him and somewhere that reflected on to us. We felt a deep sense of being loved and comforted in his presence. He did not need to be specifically speaking to us, for us to feel his love or attention.
Then Sunday was his day to rest, relax and recuperate for the new week ahead. By late mid-morning, right before lunch, he would read us a few short verses from The Bhagavad Gita. I remember this from as far back in time in my childhood as I can remember…
He would sit crossed legged (sukh-asana pose) and read out the verses- first in Sanskrit and then in English. His words would flow with love and clarity. Wise words of Krishna would be brought to life for us by the loving presence of our Dad.
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When I was very little, a toddler who had just learned to crawl and stand up… I would try to climb on his back- trying to piggyback ride. But, he did not mind. He never said, not to disturb him or that he was busy. He simply took that in his stride, like he did most situations that happened in his life.
He would always do what was the best and most possible in any situation and feel at peace within it. So, even if it was his dear toddle daughter trying out her childish antics, for him it was something to be experienced with joy- while he read out the Gita and let its wise words and divine energy flow thru the house.
He would always do what was the best and most possible in any situation and feel at peace within it. So, even if it was his dear toddle daughter trying out her childish antics, for him it was something to be experienced with joy- while he read out the Gita and let its wise words and divine energy flow thru the house.
And then ofcourse, as I grew up, I would sit and listen to him read. Sometimes, I would ask him a question or two and he would gladly explain. He would say, Mahabharat (the larger epic, within which The Bhagavad Gita exists) is not just an epic story- it is actually a chronicle of life and its ways. The one who really understands the wisdom of Mahabharata, knows of all the inherent complexities of life- he (or she) truly understands the mystery of Life.
… and how to find the wisdom, to address all these life complexities, issues and challenges that life seems to throw at us- and still emerge out the winner?? This is where The Bhagavad Gita can help us.
In terms of word-length, it is a short book of lessons and teachings which Lord Krishna gave to Arjun while he was feeling weak and ineffective at the start of the Kurukshetra war. But in reality, they are wise words and teachings from the Universe for each one of us, who is an Arjun in our own right- and is faced with adversities and challenges in our own life, which we need to face (battle of Kurukshetra) and emerge out a winner!!
… and how to find the wisdom, to address all these life complexities, issues and challenges that life seems to throw at us- and still emerge out the winner?? This is where The Bhagavad Gita can help us.
In terms of word-length, it is a short book of lessons and teachings which Lord Krishna gave to Arjun while he was feeling weak and ineffective at the start of the Kurukshetra war. But in reality, they are wise words and teachings from the Universe for each one of us, who is an Arjun in our own right- and is faced with adversities and challenges in our own life, which we need to face (battle of Kurukshetra) and emerge out a winner!!
There is something inspiring and at the same time calming and soothing about the Bhagavad Gita.
Over the years, I have read and re-read it several times and each time, it seems to answer to a pressing problem or an issue I am facing at that time! It is like Lord Krishna is speaking to me directly via the words from The Bhagavad Gita and he is providing me guidance, giving me ideas on how I can best address my situation at hand.
So I feel that it will be very helpful for all of you, my readers, if I were to include a weekly message from The Bhagavad Gita. Along with the quote, I will give you a brief synopsis of what I feel it says with respect to the energies that we can expect in the week ahead.
But, do not get limited with just that interpretation. See what it says to you… mull on the words of Gita and ask Lord Krishna for guidance. Starting this week, I hope to bring you a weekly message from The Bhagavad Gita. I expect that it will be motivating, calming and yet inspiring, so you can take correct action to resolve the various difficulties and problems in your life.
Over the years, I have read and re-read it several times and each time, it seems to answer to a pressing problem or an issue I am facing at that time! It is like Lord Krishna is speaking to me directly via the words from The Bhagavad Gita and he is providing me guidance, giving me ideas on how I can best address my situation at hand.
So I feel that it will be very helpful for all of you, my readers, if I were to include a weekly message from The Bhagavad Gita. Along with the quote, I will give you a brief synopsis of what I feel it says with respect to the energies that we can expect in the week ahead.
But, do not get limited with just that interpretation. See what it says to you… mull on the words of Gita and ask Lord Krishna for guidance. Starting this week, I hope to bring you a weekly message from The Bhagavad Gita. I expect that it will be motivating, calming and yet inspiring, so you can take correct action to resolve the various difficulties and problems in your life.
