Mastering the Art of Reading Bhagavad Gita: Practical Tips and Rules
Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture composed as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, in which Lord Krishna explains the philosophy of life. This sacred text dwells upon ethical and moral dilemmas, spiritual topics and several other aspects of living, and thus serves as a guide to leading a meaningful life.
Reading the Gita can help you achieve better mind control, strike a balance in life, find your purpose of living, and enhance your awareness of the self. If you intend to start reading the Bhagavad Gita, this writeup is for you, as it enlists the rules for reading the Gita and practical tips for mastering the art of Gita reading.
Rules for Reading Bhagavad Gita
- Read the Bhagavad Gita with devotion.
- Read the Gita in the morning hours, and after having a bath.
- Do not talk to anyone while reading the Gita.
- It is said that you should not consume any food or drink before reading the Gita.
- The place where you read Gita should be clean and tidy. To read the Gita, it is advisable to sit on a clean mat or carpet and it should not be changed daily.
- Preferably, the Bhagavad Gita should be read at a certain fixed time of the day and for a specific duration.
- Before reading any chapter of Gita, read the Gita Mahatmya of that chapter.
- Remember or chant any mantra of Lord Ganesha or Lord Krishna before you begin to read the Gita.
- After reading each chapter, you should bow down and touch your forehead to the feet of Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita.
- It is said that you should say the Bhagavad Gita Arati with devotion.
- Read the Gita with faith in mind. Understand the significance and meaning of the shlokas and resolve to put the teachings and principles of Gita into practice in your real life.
- Read the Bhagavad Gita when you are in a balanced mood. Read with complete focus and without bias, so that you can understand the deep meaning of all the shlokas.
Tips to Master the Art of Gita Reading
- When reading the Gita for the first time, you may not be able to comprehend it, and you may not enjoy the reading experience. Be patient; after reading for a few more times, you will gain interest in the scripture and its meaning.
- While reading the Gita, also read the meaning of each verse/chapter. That way, you will find it easier to understand this sacred text.
- Read with a feeling of complete surrender to Lord Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita, his words of wisdom eloquently explain the philosophy of life. Read with faith and respect for the Lord, so that your senses are more receptive to understanding the scripture’s true meaning.
- It is best to read the book rather than reading the Gita online.
- Understand that the Gita is not a novel that you would read with the intent to complete it fast or to read it casually. Read the Bhagavad Gita slowly and steadily, taking time to understand the text. Do not hurry to complete it, but read consistently.
- Some people prefer to read only certain chapters or parts of the Gita, to achieve certain supposed benefits out of the same. However, it is not advisable to read the Bhagavad Gita in parts or with an intended outcome. Read this scripture wholly and thoroughly to fulfil the true purpose of reading, which is to gain true knowledge about life.
- Do not read to challenge the principles given in the Gita. With this sort of a mindset, you will not be able to absorb the real meaning of the text.
- Read a few shlokas daily, and once in a month, revise the chapters you have covered till that time. This way, you may be able to understand and also memorize parts of this text. Gradually and over some time of reading and revising, you may memorize most or even all parts of this holy text and also comprehend it in entirety.
- It is best to read the Gita under the guidance of an expert so that you can get your doubts cleared from him/her and gain a thorough understanding of this scripture.
Reading the Bhagavad Gita and practicing the principles therein, can be a life-changing experience. However, it should be read with sincerity, concentration and purity of mind. Eventually, you will not only read the Gita but also start living it. Best wishes to embark on your journey of mastering the art of Gita reading.