BHAGAVAD Gita is one of the holy books that contains spiritual teachings, often referred to as “sacred songs” or “songs of joy.” This book is included in the Veda Sruti group because it is considered a direct revelation from Lord Vishnu who is present in the form of Krisna Avatar, namely the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The Bhagavad Gita was revealed by Krishna to Arjuna just before the start of the great war, when Arjuna was plagued by doubt and confusion. In this war, Arjuna will fight his grandfather Bhishma, as well as his brothers from the Kaurava side. Through the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna guides Arjuna to understand his duties and the path of truth (Dharma) in order to achieve true victory.
This book was compiled in Sanskrit by Maharsi Vyasa who received the title Krisna Dwipayana. The Bhagavad Gita is often referred to as the Pancamo Veda, or the fifth Veda, which completes the four main Vedas: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
Overall in the book, the Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters, called Ajna, and contains 700 slokas (stanzas). Each chapter has a different number of slokas. With 700 slokas, the Bhagavad Gita is an important guide in spiritual and ethical teachings for Hindus, as well as providing guidance about life, duties and deeper spirituality.
The Values Contained in the Bhagavad Gita
1. Nilai Tattwa dalam Bhagavad Gita
In terms of word origin, Tattwa comes from two words in Sanskrit, namely Tat and Twa. The word Tat means “it”, while Twa means “ness”. Thus, Tattwa can be interpreted as “that-ness” or “about that”, which refers to the highest reality, namely God Himself. In the context of the Three Basic Frameworks of Hinduism, Tattwa is also known as philosophy or Sraddha.
This tattwa can also be called divine values. As humans who know the Almighty God, or in the Hindu view known as Sanghyang Widhi Wasa, we as Hindus must believe that God is everything. Therefore, as religious people, we are also obliged to always be grateful and ask for guidance from Him.
One way to get closer to God is by being devoted to Him, implementing all of His teachings, as reflected in the Trisandya, and regularly praying as a form of our gratitude and devotion to Him. In the context of the Bhagavad Gita, there are several aspects of Tattwa, namely Widhi Tattwa, Atma Tattwa, Karma Phala Tattwa, Punarbhawa Tattwa, and Moksa Tattwa.
Widhi Tattwa
Quoted from the Widya Aksara Hindu Religion journal by Mardwiatmoko, a teacher from SMP Negeri 1 Permata Kecubung, Central Kalimantan, Widhi Tattwa describes God as Brahman who has no form (nirguna) and also in a form with properties (saguna), such as Paramatma, which accompanies the soul, and Bhagavan, the most perfect form of God.
In addition, in the Bhagavad Gita, it is stated that God is the support for everything that is eternal and cannot be destroyed. Through understanding these concepts, we can draw closer to God, be devoted, and implement His teachings, such as prayer and Trisandya, as an expression of our gratitude. (Bhagavad Gita chapter 14 sloka 27)
Atma Tattwa (Essence of the Soul)
Atma Tattwa is a science that explores the nature of the Atma (soul). In Hinduism, Atma is defined as life energy or “breath of life.” The Bhagavad Gita states that our lives are tied to three modes of nature, namely goodness, lust and ignorance which form behavior. This Atma is believed to be eternal, indestructible, and continues to learn through various life experiences. (Bhagavad Gita 2 sloka 24-25)
Karma Phala Tattwa (Hukum Karma)
In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of Karma Phala explains the relationship between actions and their results. In the book, it is explained that Arjuna was advised by Krishna to carry out his duties without being tied to the results or without expecting anything in return. In Hindu teachings, Karma Phala emphasizes that every action has consequences, and the results obtained are the fruit of the actions that have been carried out. (Bhagavad Gita 2 sloka 47)
Punarbhawa Tattwa (Reincarnation)
Punarbhawa is the process of reincarnation, namely rebirth after death. The Bhagavad Gita describes when a deceased spirit will become a person who changes clothes, the spirit will get a new body and leave its old body. This reincarnation continues until the soul reaches enlightenment. (Bhagavad Gita 2 sloka 22 and 16 sloka 20)
Moksa Tattwa (Spiritual Freedom)
Moksha means liberation or release from the cycle of reincarnation. This teaching recommends that Hindus can achieve unity with God through the path of Bhakti Yoga, namely worshiping and surrendering themselves completely to God. (Bhagavad Gita verses 65-66)
2. Moral Values (Morality)
In this value, the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of moral values such as cleanliness of heart, generosity, simplicity, non-violence and compassion. Morality is the basis for achieving success in material and spiritual life. With morals and purity, we can achieve every goal. (Bhagavad Gita 16 Sloka 1-3).
3. Ceremonial Value
The final value contained in the book of the Bhagavad Gita concerns the importance of offering ceremonies, where in reality God has fulfilled human needs and it is fitting for humans to also offer them back to the gods as a form of gratitude.
In Hinduism, the ceremony of offering food to God to be free from sin is called Yadnya Sesa, or offering some food to God in the form of offerings.
Through the values contained in the book of the Bhagavad Gita, it is hoped that all of us who are Hindus can have many blessings and peace in life. ((Bhagavat Gita/Youtube Bali Puspa/Widya Karsa: Journal of Hindu Religion/Z-3)
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### Interview with Dr. Sita Sharma – Expert on the Bhagavad Gita
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sharma. To begin with, can you explain the significance of the Bhagavad Gita in Hindu philosophy?
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me. The Bhagavad Gita is a foundational text in Hindu philosophy. It presents timeless spiritual and moral teachings that are meant to guide individuals in their lives. It addresses profound questions about duty, righteousness, and the nature of the self. Through the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, it imparts crucial lessons about facing moral dilemmas and fulfilling one’s responsibilities.
**Interviewer:** The context of the Gita is quite dramatic—Arjuna facing his kin in battle. How does this setting enhance its teachings?
**Dr. Sharma:** Absolutely. The tension of the battlefield symbolizes the internal conflicts we all experience. Arjuna’s doubts and moral dilemmas reflect our struggles in life. Krishna’s guidance helps him navigate these challenges, demonstrating that the pursuit of Dharma—righteousness—is essential, even when the path is fraught with difficulties.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Dharma; could you elaborate on its meaning in the Gita?
**Dr. Sharma:** Dharma refers to duty, virtue, and moral order. In the Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to fight not out of desire for victory or fear of defeat, but to fulfill his duty as a warrior. This idea teaches us that we must act according to our responsibilities and values, regardless of the consequences.
**Interviewer:** The concept of Tattwa is also significant. How is it presented in the Gita?
**Dr. Sharma:** Tattwa refers to the essence or principle of reality. In the Gita, various aspects of Tattwa, like Widhi, Atma, and Karma Phala, reveal profound truths about God, the soul, and the laws of action and consequence. Understanding these concepts helps devotees deepen their spirituality and align their lives with divine principles.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how can modern readers apply the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in their daily lives?
**Dr. Sharma:** The Gita’s teachings are universal. Modern readers can find guidance in its emphasis on selflessness, mindfulness in action, and the pursuit of knowledge. It encourages us to act with intention, maintain our integrity, and remain focused on our duties without being attached to outcomes. This message is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where we often face distractions and moral challenges.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your insights on this timeless scripture. It’s clear that the Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire and guide many today.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important text. I hope more people explore its wisdom.
