Bestselling Indian author and former diplomat Amish Tripathi is known for reimagining ancient Hindu epics like the ‘Ramayana’ through his ‘Ram Chandra’ series or the ‘Shiva’ Trilogy, both of which made waves in India.
Now, Tripathi is back with an engaging podcast entitled ‘The Bhagavad Gita Series’, from his ‘Immortal India Podcast’. The series has so far explored a variety of topics, from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a lesser-known ruler named Wajid Ali Shah. With his latest ‘Bhagavad Gita Series’, Tripathi – along with his sister Bhavna Roy – aims to introduce the timeless wisdom of the foundational spiritual text of Indian and Hindu philosophy to modern audiences. The series hopes to make the revered text relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences by blending philosophical depth with practical application.
Essentially a dialogue between Lord Krishna and his friend and warrior, Arjun, the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ falls at a crucial junction in the Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’ where Arjun finds himself torn by doubt and moral dilemmas, representing the dilemmas faced by all in their daily lives.
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Taking place during the Kurukshetra war, the conversation in the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ enlightens the audience about dharma (duty) and moksha (salvation) and some of the key tenets of the Hindu philosophy.
Each episode in the series will begin with an analysis of selected shlokas, followed by discussions on their meanings and applications. Drawing from a variety of commentaries, including personal interpretations, Tripathi and Roy seek to make the ‘Gita’ a living philosophy that guides everyday decision-making.
During the first episode of series, the duo reflect on how the ‘Mahabharata’, much like life, avoids simplistic binaries of good versus evil. Characters like Yudhishthira, despite being hailed as virtuous, make grave mistakes, while the often-criticised Duryodhana has moments of wisdom and greatness. This nuance encourages readers to reflect on their own flaws and virtues, emphasising that life is a mix of contradictions and growth.
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Tripathi concludes the first episode by emphasising the practical essence of Indian philosophy: it is not merely to be studied but lived. By understanding the ‘Gita’s teachings and applying them to our own struggles, we can strive to lead wiser, more fulfilled lives.
The ‘Immortal India Podcast’ invites listeners to journey into the profound depths of the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ – one shloka at a time – seeking not just answers but a transformative way of life.
*Info: The Bhagavad Gita Series