The other Gita

The Pandavs requested Krishna postpone his return to Dwarka. They asked for his assistance in reestablishing their kingdom after the massive destruction caused by the Mahabharat War. After a few months, when the kingdom came close to restoring its old glory, Krishna announced that it was time for him to go home. One day, while strolling in the palace garden, Arjun abruptly asked Krishna if he could retell the nuggets of wisdom—known today as the Bhagavad Gita—that he taught him before the war.

Krishna was taken aback. He rebuked Arjun for not remembering his words. He said, ‘Your ignorance is appalling. You didn’t fully grasp my words. If you had, you would have remembered them. It’s apparent that you lacked both faith and intelligence. Though you requested me, I doubt if I’ll be able to narrate them with the same intensity. At that time, I was in the highest state of yoga, and by connecting with Parabrahman, I was able to share some esoteric gems of life with you. However, I’ll try my best.’

Their dialogue is today known as the Anu Gita, which is considered an extrapolation on the immortal words uttered in the Bhagavad Gita, a retelling of its ethical premise. As a prefix, ‘anu’ can mean after, subordinate, follower, similar, continuation, or an extension. Strangely though, the Anu Gita is neither as famous nor as potent as the Bhagavad Gita despite both discourses taking place between the same persons. Does the background of a colossal conflict make the Bhagavad Gita so in-depth? Or is it Krishna’s state of mind that he refers to while rebuking Arjun?

Everyone studying the Bhagavad Gita must also study the Anu Gita. There can be innumerable debates about the two treatises. However, there’s no denying a vital lesson that comes across in this anecdote, and that is to be aware and attentive at all times.

We must understand that there are moments when life speaks to us with unrivalled wisdom. Even the Divine might not be able to speak with the same intensity at our request or prayer as it does at these special moments. Besides, we have no idea when these special moments will come and such life-changing lessons will shower upon us. So, let’s not squander enriching learning opportunities. Instead, we must remain spiritually alert at all times. Krishna (or Life) is ready to sing as profound a song as he did to Arjun on the battlefield. The moot question is: are we listening intently?

Let’s not squander enriching learning opportunities. Instead, we must remain spiritually alert at all times. Krishna (or Life) is ready to sing as profound a song as he did to Arjun on the battlefield. The moot question is: are we listening intently?