Gita Sankalan

The book "Gita Sankalan" ( Gita Compilation) published by Sastu Sahityavardhak Karyalay, Mumbai, is a compilation of 42 selected verses from the Bhagavad Gita, personally chosen and arranged by Sri Ramana Maharshi. The purpose of this selection is to provide readers with a concise understanding of the core principles of the Bhagavad Gita.

Each verse is presented with a Gujarati translation, attributed to Mahatma Gandhi's "Anasakti Yoga," and a Sanskrit translation by Sri Kishorlal G. Mashruwala.

In addition to the Gita verses, the book also includes selections from:

• Yoga Vasistha (10 verses)
• Viveka Chudamani (10 verses)
• Shivanandalahari (10 verses)

The publication of the third edition of this book was made possible with permission from Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai. The publishers express their gratitude to the administrators of the ashram for this permission.

The compiler's note highlights that Sri Ramana Maharshi's teachings also emphasize the principle of "Know Thyself" through the inquiry "Who am I?". The chosen 42 verses primarily focus on the paths of knowledge (Jnana) and devotion (Bhakti), with selfless action (Karma Yoga) being implicitly present in both. The essence of these verses provides a summary of the Bhagavad Gita, guiding the reader towards the realization of the self-luminous Atman.

The introductory text further elaborates on key themes from the selected verses, including:

• The nature of the Self (Atman): It is described as unborn, eternal, unchanging, ancient, and indestructible, unaffected by the physical body's destruction. It is all-pervading, subtler than the mind and intellect, and self-luminous.
• Detachment and Self-Realization: The importance of renouncing desires, overcoming ego and pride, and finding contentment within oneself is emphasized.
• The role of knowledge and devotion: True knowledge and devotion are presented as the means to realize the divine and attain liberation.
• The importance of the Guru: The guidance of a realized Guru is considered crucial for spiritual progress.
• The practice of selfless action: Performing actions without attachment to the results is highlighted as a path to liberation.
• Control of the mind and senses: The text stresses the need to control the senses, mind, and intellect to achieve spiritual goals.

The latter part of the book includes the selections from Yoga Vasistha, Viveka Chudamani, and Shivanandalahari, presented in a similar format with Gujarati translations.

In essence, "Gita Sankalan" is a curated collection of profound verses from the Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual texts, designed by Sri Ramana Maharshi to offer a direct path to understanding the essence of spiritual wisdom and achieving self-realization. The book serves as a practical guide for spiritual seekers, emphasizing introspection, devotion, knowledge, and selfless action.