Central Theme of Baghawath Geetha – Part 1 was posted earlier. On reading this we received a very nice reply from Mr. Girish Sripathi. Instead of merely adding this as a comment, we have posted this blog post, as it deserves both a special mention as well as being accessible for a wider range of readers.

These two blog posts on the Central theme of BG and the essay on the life lessons from the story of King Ambarisha should provide readers answers to most frequently asked questions about Rituals, Religion, Theology and Philosophy.

Is Yoga a singular thought or to be understood in many ways?

• Ultimately it is a singular thought. But in practice it depends on the spiritual depth and intellect of the person. 
• At a beginners level it doesn’t look that easy for any aspirant in Spirituality or Vedanta. That is why there are many chapters and methods devised  to understand the same.

It was easy for Yudhisthira (Dharmaraja) to agree for the war based on Krishna’s decision after all meetings, but his thought process was clear based on his faith in the course of dharma (righteousness). For Arjuna, Lord Krishna had to tell the same thought on the battlefield via 18 chapters/Yogas

Is Yoga one or many kinds of practices?

One or many depends on the attributes of the person/seeker

• For many seekers Bhakti (path of devotion) is the most comfortable path. Pujas/Rituals/Temples satisfy them
• For many seekers service and work is a path(Karma Yoga)  – The great social reformer Basaveshwara of the Veerashaiva (12th century) movement says “Kayake ve Kailasa” – Work is worship. Many others also follow this path by social services in medicine, education…
• For people following Jnana Yoga/Self-Enquiry (Path of Knowledge) might not be interested in rituals/practices. By study/thinking they achieve their goal. 

Even though all practices look different, they are all interlinked.

• Hard work is Bhakti, Hard work is also Dhyana
• Jnana is also Bhakti, Jnana is also Dhyana

After careful reading of BG the message in various chapters appears to be repetitive?

• The messages can appear to be repetitive but the core message is the same.
• What is more appealing to a seeker is that particular chapter seems appropriate for that person. 

Is faith in God or religion essential for the practice of the principle of BG as stated above?

• God and Religion are mere experiences. They are experience one has obtained via family, childhood, society and other influences.
• The above are individual preferences and not required ones. It is also seen that people who do not believe in God/Religion can still have the thought process and live the way the Gita describes.

 Isn’t the goal of liberation and detachment and the resulting inner peace and contentment a self-driven purpose? How can this be consistent with selfless service?

• Depends on what is liberation and detachment for a seeker. Inner peace automatically comes if there are no desires, thoughts and one is content with what he has. 
• This is the same as selfless service where one works or lives without expectations. There is nothing called seeking liberation and inner peace – It is available to everyone. Only formula is how the seeker gets it.