The Bhagwad Gita constitutes yet another source of the Indian Philosophy. It is often referred to as the very essence of the Upanishads. The fundamental thoughts of the Upanishads are presented in practical and easily communicable form in the Gita. The Gita is said to be the most influential work in Indian thought. No single text has been more universally relied upon for daily inspiration than the Gita. It is one of the outstanding religious classics of the world. It is also known as "handbook of Hinduism". The Bhagwad Gita (or Gita in short) literally means the "Song of the Lord". The Gita forms an important part of the great Indian epic Mahabharata. This poetical work in the form of a dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna appears in the Bhishmaparva of Mahabharata. It is the most popular religious poems of Sanskrit literature. The Gita consists of 700 Sanskrit verses divided into 18 chapters. It is said to be "the most beautiful, perhaps the only true philosophical song existing in any known tongue". It is a book conveying lessons of philosophy, religion and ethics. It is looked upon a "Smriti", or a tradition. It ranks high in the religious literature of the world. -- Bhagwad Gita highlights the message of the Upanishads. -- Gita's message is Universal. -- Gita administers the Doctrine of Integral Yoga. -- The Doctrine of Nishkama Karma Yoga is the heart of Gita's teachings. -- Gita projects the picture of an Ideal Person.
