The Bhagavad-Gita: A Case Study in Vedic Psychology - Maharishi ...

MODERN SCIENCE AND VEDIC SCIENCE
of this field in one's awareness, one awakens to the immortal status of this field of pure
intelligence in nature. In the same process one promotes the production of the most
refined physiological substances, which maintain perfect balance in the body and
thereby sustain health and longevity. 1
Each of these stories points to the importance of connecting the individual awareness
with the field of cosmic intelligence, the unified field of natural law. For those who are
already having this experience, through Maharishi Vedic Science and Technology, the
Vedic case studies describe various features of their own growth and development. Like
Nachiketa, or as narrated in the story of Lord Dhanwantari, those who begin to experience
transcendental consciousness through the Transcendental Meditation technique find that the
source of the ever-changing mind is pure consciousness, an eternal field of both pure
silence and infinite dynamism. In fact, scientific research has shown that the
Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs reduce biological aging and promote
longevity. (Please refer to Alexander & Boyer, 1989.) In transcendental consciousness,
these people find their small localized awareness expanding to infinity as
described in the story of Lord Vamana. Like King Bali they rapidly rise to wholeness of
life and enrich the whole environment.
For those not yet experiencing pure or transcendental consciousness, the Vedic case
studies provide an inspiration to gain it. Unless the individual repeatedly gains the experience
of pure consciousness, development to higher states of consciousness does not
systematically take place, and these Vedic case studies therefore remain mere stories.
But if consciousness is developing through the Maharishi Transcendental Meditation and
TM-Sidhi programs, then the Vedic records become comprehended in terms of one's
own growth of consciousness and become relevant as case studies of the dynamics of
that growth. Their deeper meaning is perceived and their real value in supporting the
growth of enlightenment is realized.
The following pages analyze in detail the text which Maharishi has identified as the
most central of all Vedic case studies, the Bhagavad-Gita, in light of Maharishi's own
translation and commentary on this work.
The Bhagavad-Gita
Maharishi (1982) explains that the Bhagavad-Gita displays the practical application
of the knowledge and experience of bringing the individual into contact with the field of
cosmic intelligence, the unified field of natural law. The Bhagavad-Gita describes what
could be understood as a "Vedic psychological session" of approximately two hours,
which is sufficient for Lord Krishn to raise Arjun, who has sought his guidance, from a
state of suffering to the state of enlightenment. Lord Krishn is called "Lord" because he
is understood in the Vedic tradition to most fully embody the totality of natural law, the
totality of consciousness.
'The theoretical and practical knowledge of maintaining physiological balance and health is found in the discipline of the
Vedic literature known as Ayur-Ved (one of four aspects of the Upa Ved). This knowledge has been brought to light by
Maharishi in its completeness—in relation to consciousness—and is termed Maharishi Ayur-Ved.
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