The original Bhagavad Gita is believed to be the version found in the Mahabharata, specifically in the Bhishma Parva (Book 6), which was written by the sage Vyasa. This is the most widely accepted and revered version of the Bhagavad Gita, and it is considered to be the authentic scripture by followers of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism).
Key Features of the Original Bhagavad Gita:
- Context: The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the Mahabharata, which is an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War. It takes place on the battlefield between two factions—the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The dialogue occurs just before the war begins, when Arjuna, the warrior prince of the Pandavas, is in a state of moral crisis about fighting in the war.
- Speakers: The dialogue is primarily between Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as Arjuna’s charioteer. Krishna provides Arjuna with spiritual wisdom to resolve his doubts and guide him toward fulfilling his duty (Dharma) as a warrior.
- Scriptural Form: The Gita is traditionally considered to be in Sanskrit, written in verse (Shloka) form. It consists of 700 verses (shlokas), organized into 18 chapters, addressing a wide range of philosophical and spiritual topics.
Authenticity and Versions:
While there have been various translations, commentaries, and adaptations of the Gita throughout history, the version found in the Mahabharata remains the original text. However, over time, different schools of thought and traditions have offered various commentaries, such as those by Aditya Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhva, and others, which provide different interpretations and insights into the verses, but the core message remains unchanged.
Conclusion:
The original Bhagavad Gita is the version embedded in the Mahabharata by Vyasa. This sacred text has been passed down through the generations in its classical form, and its teachings remain a central part of spiritual practice and philosophy in Hinduism.