Which aspects of the Bhagavad Gita make it one of the most practical books for all humankind?

Krishna explains who we are. We are not a material body but an eternal fragmental part of Him. Knowing who we are is practical because then we can act accordingly.

So then Krishna explains karma (action).

Humans act, (no, not just actors in productions) everyone performs activities.

Bhagavad Gita describes the results of our actions according to the three modes of nature. Krishna doesn’t describe results in terms of what will happen immediately, like what will happen if I accept a job offer or not, but in long term results, for our ultimate benefit or detriment based on who we are. (see above).

Krishna also explains who is charge. When frustrated or confused, people often say, “Who’s in charge around here?” This is a good question because when we know who is in charge we can go to them to sort out what’s what. Why deal with bureaucrats and minions if we can go straight to the top? So Krishna makes it clear that He is in charge. Then we can learn from Him why there is evil; why people suffer; why bad things happen to good people; why we feel depressed or unhappy.

Then intelligent people want to know how to fix whatever can be fixed and what to do about the things can’t be fixed. Krishna explains this. This is practical.

Another common dilemma that people face is not knowing if God exists or not. Krishna solves that dilemma by declaring that He is God. Of course anyone can declare that, so Krishna exhibits His universal form as concrete evidence.

Okay, so Krishna is God and we are His fragmental parts, (not our material bodies), now what?

Krishna explains now what.

We can begin the long, arduous and troublesome process of worshiping Krishna’s impersonal aspect, or we can retire to a solitary place and with full control over our senses sit in meditation on Krishna within the heart, or we can take up a joyful and quick process of worshiping Krishna.

Maybe we don’t want to do that. Maybe we want to worship someone else or no one at all, and enjoy life in the material world. Okay, Krishna explains what will happen if we opt for that. Krishna even slips in that wherever we go in the material world, we will encounter misery, so there’s that. For those who aren’t enamored by the prospect of living eternally in a place that is inherently miserable, Krishna gives practical steps to avoid it.

Bhagavad Gita is very broad and deep, and I’m just trying briefly to highlight some of the more practical aspects of it. For those who want to know more I recommend reading Bhagavad Gita As It Is. It has proven very practical for millions worldwide.

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