The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran

╭ introduction
source. Thus every person seeking satisfaction in the world
outside – pleasure, power, profit, prestige – is really looking
for God: “As they approach me, so I receive them. All paths,
Arjuna, lead to me” (4:11).
Two forces pervade human life, the Gita says: the upward
thrust of evolution and the downward pull of our evolutionary
past. Ultimately, then, the Gita is not a book of commandments
but a book of choices. It does mention sin, but mostly
it talks about ignorance and its consequences. Krishna tells
Arjuna about the Self, the forces of the mind, the relationship
between thought and action, the law of karma, and then
concludes, “Now, Arjuna, reflect on these words and then do
as you choose” (18:63). The struggle is between two halves of
human nature, and choices are posed every moment. Everyone
who has accepted this challenge, I think, will testify that
life offers no fiercer battle than this war within. We have no
choice about the fighting; it is built into human nature. But
we do have the choice of which side to fight on:
Remembering me, you shall overcome all difficulties
through my grace. But if you will not heed me in your selfwill,
nothing will avail you. If you egotistically say, “I will
not fight this battle,” your resolve will be useless; your own
nature will drive you into it. (18:58–59)
Therefore, remember me at all times and fight on. With
your heart and mind intent on me, you will surely come to
me. (8:7)
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