WHY STUDY THE GITA ?

The Grace of the Gita, or WHY STUDY THE GITA ?
An obvious question. Especially in an age of untold demands on our time, and an infinite range of possible activities (and inactivities) from which to choose from. Thus, *Why do it ?* is the more natural choice over *Just do it !*
The question itself has been answered at length by various scholars and experts in different ways. In an earlier post,
Gandhiji's thoughts in this regard have been shared. Thoughtsof other leaders like Einstein and Vivekananda will also be
shared in subsequent posts.
But, one of the best answers to the question of Why study the Gita ?; is in The Gita itself.
Lord Krishna Says in the 18th Chapter of The Gita -
Those who shall study our sacred dialogue shall be performing a holy act of sacrifice (JnaanYajn, knowledge-sacrifice). This is My promise. (18.70) Whoever hears or reads this sacred dialogue in the form of the
Gita with faith and without doubts becomes free from sin, and attains heaven --- the higher worlds of those whose actions
are pure and virtuous. (18.71)
O Arjun, did you listen to this with single-minded attention?
Has your delusion born of ignorance been completely destroyed? (18.72)
Arjun said: By Your grace my delusion is destroyed; I have gained Self-knowledge; my confusion (with regard to body and
Atma) is dispelled; and I shall obey Your command. (18.73)
Sanjay said: Thus, I heard this wonderful dialogue between
Lord Krishna and Mahaatma Arjun, while making meastounded. (18.74)
By the grace of (guru) sage Vyaas, I heard this most secretand supreme yog directly from Krishna, the Lord of yog,
Himself speaking (to Arjun) before my very eyes (by theblessing granted by sage Vyaas). (18.75)
O King, by repeated remembrance of this marvelous and sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjun, I am thrilled
at every moment, and (18.76)
recollecting again and again, O King, that marvelous form ofKrishna I am greatly amazed, and I rejoice over and over
again. (18.77)
Wherever there will be both Krishna, the Lord of yog (or Dharm in the form of the scriptures (Shaastr)), and Arjun with
the weapons (Shastr) of duty and protection, there will be everlasting prosperity, victory, happiness, and morality. This is my conviction. (18.78)
Once the Why do it ? is answered, the auspicious task of Lets
Do it, can begin in earnest.