Mahábhárata literally means “Great India”. Hence Mahábhárata became the name both for the campaign led by Bhagaván (Lord) Krśńa to unify India, and for the epic composition about that campaign. The Bhagavad Giitá is a part of that vast epic, small in relation to the entire text but vital in its importance.

In 1969 Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti gave a series of talks, published as Discourses on the Mahábhárata, concerning the society and some of the key figures of the Mahábhárata era (one of the key figures, of course, was Krśńa Himself). The English translation of this book came out in 1982. And in 1981 the author gave the talks published as Namámi Krśńasundaram (translated into English that same year), devoted exclusively to the personality and roles of Krśńa, and the unwritten philosophy embodied by Krśńa.

But Krśńa, the Mahábhárata, the Giitá and many shlokas (couplets) from the Giitá had figured prominently in the author’s discourses since long before 1969, in fact throughout a lifetime of spiritual teaching; especially after the formal founding of the Ananda Marga mission by the author in 1955. So the publishers have found it appropriate to complement Discourses on the Mahábhárata and Namámi Krśńasundaram with a collection of the author’s other major discourses on Krśńa and the Giitá. The original Bengali version of Discourses on Krśńa and the Giitá came out in 1994, and herewith has been translated into English.

Some of the discourses contained in this and other collections of the author’s works were recovered in the form of typed discourse notes; or if recovered from an established magazine of the mission, then recovered in the form of an article that appeared to be a summary or approximation of the original discourse, but perhaps not an exact rendering. It has been thought advisable to locate such discourses separately within each book where they occur, in an appendix called “From the Notebooks of Devotees”. In the present volume, two discourses will be found in that appendix in the last pages of the book. Writers who wish to quote from these discourses should attribute the material to the “Discourses on Krśńa and the Giitá appendix”.

The discourse “Dharma Is Your Real Friend” on page 221 was inadvertently published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 23 and in Hindi (as “Dharma Saḿsthápanártháya”) in Ánanda Vacanámrtam Parts 26 and 27. In future it will appear only in editions of Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 26, of whatever languages they may be. Therefore where it occurs in this book, it has been attributed to Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 26. It may be found in the English Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 23, however, while the current edition of that book is still available.

To assist researchers, it is our policy to indicate here – in addition to the original language of each speech, the date and place, by whom it was translated, and where, if other than in this book, it was originally published – whether or not a tape of the speech is in existence. At the time of this printing, however, not all the cataloguing of tapes has been finished. Further information as to tapes will be given in future printings.

In all cases where a tape was in existence for a discourse given in English, and where re-editing of the published discourse was necessary, we have done the re-editing with reference to that tape. (Exceptions: “The Advent of the Lord” and “The Biological Machine”.)

In the cases of some of the discourses published here, no written record was found of the language in which the discourse was given; but if the language could be clearly inferred from the location and other circumstances of the discourse, we have cited that language.

Footnotes by the translators have all been signed “–Trans.” Unsigned footnotes are those of the author.

Many readers are concerned that the author’s speeches, as published, should adhere as closely as possible to the precise wording the author used in speaking. For this reason, in the case of discourses given originally in English, the editors have not altered pronouns and other terms which the author in his lifetime considered “common-gender” words. As the author once said, “You know, ‘man’ is not only masculine gender, ‘man’ is common gender also. ‘Man is mortal’ – here ‘man’ means both male and female.”

The author was a natural advocate of women’s rights and on at least one occasion indicated that “lopsided justice” in language should be eliminated at some future date. In keeping with this guideline and with present-day trends, it is our policy in the case of translated discourses (where the published wording will necessarily be that of the translators) to use gender-neutral language.

Square brackets [   ] in the text are used to indicate translations by the editors or other editorial insertions. Round brackets (   ) indicate a word or words originally given by the author.

“The Meaning of the Word ‘Krśńa’”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Krśńa Námer Ekádhik Vyákhyá” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Second Bengali publication as “‘Krśńa’ Shabder Artha” in Krśńatattva o Giitására, 1994. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Three Interpretations of the Word ‘Krśńa’”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Krśńa’ Shabder Tint́i Vyákhyá” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 13, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Krśńa’ and ‘Ráma’”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Tape. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979. Re-edited.

“The Meaning of ‘Krśńa’ in Rája Yoga”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Krśńa’ Shabder Rájayaogika Vyákhyá” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. First English publication in Discourses on Tantra 1, 1993, tr. from the original Bengali by ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Krśńa Unparalleled”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Krśńastu Bhagaván Svayaḿ’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. First English publication in Discourses on Tantra 1, 1993, tr. from the original Bengali by ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Krśńa, the Nucleus of the Universe”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 2, 1979.

“The Significance of the Word ‘Bhagaván’”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Bhagaván’ Shabder Tátparya” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“The Advent of the Lord”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Tape. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979.

“The Purpose behind the Advent”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979.

“Refuge for All”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979.

“The Three Vital Factors”. Discourse in English. Tape. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 33, 1999.

“The Three Factors for Spiritual Elevation”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979.

“The Advent of Mahásambhúti”. Discourse in English. Tape. Originally published in Hindi as “Mahásambhúti ká Avirbháva Kab Hotá Hyáy?” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8. First English publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8, 1987. Re-edited.

“Why Does Supreme Consciousness Descend?”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi as “Parama Puruśake Avatarań Ká Kárań Kyá Hyáy?” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 16, 1981. First Bengali publication as “Mahásambhútir Ábirbháva Kakhan Ghat́e?” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 16. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Field of Dharma”. Discourse in English. Tape. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 31, 1997.

“Blind Mind and Conscience”. Discourse in English. Tape.

“Dharmakśetra and Kurukśetra”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Tape. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 5, 1982. Re-edited.

“Dhritarastra and Sanjaya”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Dhrtaráśt́ra o Saiṋjaya Prasauṋga” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Dharmakśetra – the Human Body”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Mánava Shariira-i Dharmakśetra” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“This Very World Is Kurukśetra”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Ei Saḿsárat́á-i Kurukśetra” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“The Biological Machine”. Discourse in English. Tape. Originally published in English as part of “The Human Body Is a Biological Machine” in Yoga Psychology, 1991. Second English publication in Yoga Psychology, 1994, English re-editing by ÁVA, Ácárya Prańavánanda Avadhúta, Ácárya Mantreshvaránanda Avadhúta, JK.

“Spiritual Lessons of the Giitá – 1, – 2, – 3”. Discourses in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Giitáy Dharmadeshaná – 1, – 2, – 3” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Máyámetáḿ Taranti Te’ – 1”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Máyámetáḿ Taranti Te’ – 2” / “The Nectar beyond Máyá”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979.

“Svadharma and Paradharma – 1”. Discourse in English and Hindi. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 1, 1979.

“Svadharma and Paradharma – 2”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi as “Paradharma aor Svadharma” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 16, 1981. First Bengali publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 16. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Svadharma and Paradharma – 3”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi as “Paradharma aor Svadharma” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 27, 1996. First Bengali publication as “Paradharma o Svadharma – 3” in Krśńatattva o Giitására, 1994. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Better to Die…’ – 1 / It Is Better to Die While Following Bhágavata Dharma”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Svadharme Nidhanaḿ Shreyah’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 4. First English publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 4, 1986. English re-editing by ÁAA.

“‘Better to Die…’” – 2. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Svadharme Nidhanaḿ Shreyah’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 15, 1980. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Better to Die…’ – 3”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Svadharme Nidhanaḿ Shreyah’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 22, 1985. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante’”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 4. First English publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 4, 1986. English re-editing by ÁAA.

“The Glory of Human Dharma”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi as “‘Shreyán Svadharmo Viguńah’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8. First English publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8, 1987. English re-editing by ÁAA.

“‘Bhajate Mámananyabhák’”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8. First Bengali publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Mucyate Bhavabandhanát’”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 16. First Bengali publication in Krśńatattva o Giitására, 1994. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘You Have the Right to Action Only’”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Karmańyevádhikáraste’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 15, 1980. First English publication in Ananda Marga Karma Yoga in a Nutshell. English re-editing by ÁAA.

“‘Struggle Must Go On’”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Bengali as “‘Yuddhasva Vigatajvarah’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 19. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Prańipátena Pariprashnena Sevayá’” – 1 / Yoga – Its Fundamental Factors“. Discourse in English. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 14, 1981.

“‘Prańipátena Pariprashnena Sevayá’” – 2. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 20. First Bengali publication in Krśńatattva o Giitására, 1994. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Paritráńáya Sádhúnám’”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Bengali in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 22, 1985. Tr. from the original Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“‘Tadátmánaḿ Srjámyaham’”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Hindi in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 25, 1994. First Bengali publication in Krśńatattva o Giitására, 1994. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

“Dharma Is Your Real Friend”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in English as “Advent of the Lord”, in Prout, Nov. 27, 1971. First Hindi publication as “‘Dharmasaḿsthápanártháya’” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 26, 1995. English re-editing by ÁAA.

“Even the Greatest Sinners”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi as “Mahápátakii Ká Mokśa” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 29, 1996. First Bengali publication as “Mahápátakii-o Mokśalábh Kare” in Krśńatattva o Giitására, 1994. Tr. from the Bengali by AB, ÁVA and ÁAA.

Appendix: From the Notebooks of Devotees

“Surrender”. Discourse in English. Sources: typed notes and “My Beloved Bábá” Philippines booklet. The typed notes mention, “Departing Talk on 26-5-69. Summary”. (The typed notes date this discourse and the preceding one in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 30 as “24-5-69” and “26-5-69”, but a tape of three General Darshans and a DMC in Manila gives the dates of those three GD’s as 21 April, 22 April and 23 April 69. The only other set of notes available in the same typing as that of this discourse [and the preceding one] is of a DMC in Ranchi on “25-5-69”, a date and place corroborated by two GD’s in Ranchi on 23 May 69 and one on 24 May 69. That the author toured the Philippines in April only is also corroborated by evidence regarding the author’s tour from Indian magazines. So we have dated this discourse and the preceding one as April, not May, 1969. The taped GD’s from Manila and the GD’s from Ranchi may all be found in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 23.) Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 30, 1996.

“Accomplish Your Work with This Body Only”. Discourse in English. Source: “Bábá’s Discourse” Philippines cyclostyle. Originally published in English in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 23, 1994.

Key:
AB = Prof. (Retd.) Anil Banerjee
ÁVA = Ácárya Vijayánanda Avadhúta
ÁAA = Ácárya Acyutánanda Avadhúta