18/06/2025
*Why did Krishna deliver the divine knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna when it had already been shared with the sun-god Vivasvān?*
The Bhagavad Gita was first imparted to Vivasvān around *12 crore years ago* and passed down through a disciplic chain. Krishna explains in verse 4.2:
_evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ_
_sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa_
(*This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.*)
*Reason for the lost of Knowledge*
The Gita was intended for saintly kings to help them govern wisely and lead their citizens towards spiritual progress. However, over time, the original purpose was lost due to misinterpretations and the break in the disciplic chain. Unscrupulous individuals distorted its teachings, using them for personal gain rather than spiritual upliftment. When Krishna noticed this 5,000 years ago, He spoke the Gita to Arjuna to reestablish its purpose and restore the disciplic chain.
*Need of Gita in Modern Era*
Similarly, in modern times, many versions of the Gita exist, but many are misinterpreted, especially by those who do not acknowledge Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Krishna ensured its timeless wisdom by sharing the Gita as it is – without distortion – remains a guiding light for humanity. Accepting the Gita in its authentic form is essential for it to benefit spiritual seekers and society at large.
*Which Bhagavad Gita do I prefer?*
I prefer the Bhagavad Gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Srila Prabhupada presented the Gita in its original and unaltered form, emphasizing Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which is the essence of its teachings. Unlike many commentaries that dilute or misinterpret its meaning, Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita provides clarity, purpose, and a practical guide to spiritual living while retaining the text's authenticity.
This edition not only includes word-for-word Sanskrit translations but also insightful purports, making it accessible for readers of all levels. It aligns with the disciplic succession (paramparā) and presents the Gita’s ultimate goal: cultivating devotion (bhakti) for Krishna, the Supreme. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, truthful, and spiritually enriching understanding of the Gita, Bhagavad Gita As It Is is the ideal choice.
