The Song of Bhagavan by Daniel Clark, okultyzm, Bhagavad-Gita
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Song of Bhagavan
Daniel Clark
© 1997
Dedication
I dedicate this book to my mothers and fathers: to my mothers, Helen Cooper Clark,
Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, the Earth, and Shrimati Radharani; to my fathers, Rodney
Upham Clark, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Sun, and
Shri Krishna.
Preface
The
Song of Bhagavan
was originally spoken ca. 3000 BC by Dhritarashtra, Sanjaya,
Duryodhana, Arjuna, and Krishna (Shri Bhagavan). Not long after that, Vyas compiled
it as part of the
Mahabharata
, which he dictated to Ganesh, who wrote it down.
Traditionally the scripture is known as the
Bhagavad-gita
, or sometimes, the
Gitopanishad
. It has been recited, discussed, analyzed, praised, commented on, and
translated more than any other Sanskrit work.
In the 1960s, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada translated it
under the title
Bhagavad-gita As It Is
, adding his commentaries to the verses. He
remarked to his disciples that they could reword the verses. But, he said, "Do not
change my purports. They are my ecstasies." In attempting a new translation of the
verses alone, I of course have respected his wish. But his purports have guided me
throughout. Without being shown the way by the realization of a pure devotee of God, I
would be lost in a forest of speculation, making arbitrary choices about which path to
take.
In 1967, Swami Bhaktivedanta initiated me as one of his many students. I served him
until his passing away in 1977. Since then I've lived apart from the religious
organization he founded. But I still try to serve him. Talking with people about the Gita
is one way to do that. To be certain of my understanding, I've decided to study all the
words carefully and translate them as best I can in my own vernacular -- though the
Gita demands a degree of formality. The result depends mostly on my guru's Gita, but
also on the English versions of other scholars and poets. I've retained many of the
original Sanskrit terms. They've become customary to me -- part of my daily
terminology. There's a glossary at the end.
"Write according to your realization," Prabhupad once advised us. I pray to God and
Guru to give me the strength to serve them with self-awareness, and with devotion to
their purpose.
Song of Bhagavan
1.1
Dhritarashtra:
Sanjaya, my sons and the sons of my brother Pandu are intending to wage war
against each other! They and their allies have gathered on the Kuru dynasty
ceremonial field! What are they doing now?
1.2
Sanjaya:
Your son Duryodhana has been observing the ranks of your nephews' army. He's
going to his teacher Drona to talk with him.
1.3
Duryodhana:
My teacher, look at the mighty military force of the Pandavas. Your student, the son of
Drupada, has arranged their divisions so intelligently!
1.4
They have their heroes -- the powerful archers Bhima and Arjuna, and others, equal to
them in battle -- and stupendous warriors like Yuyudhana, Virata, and Drupada.
1.5
There are Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, Kashiraj, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya. The
people adore them for their immense strength.
1.6
Yudhamanyu, who's so powerful -- Uttamauja, so strong -- the sons of Subhadra and
the sons of Draupadi -- certainly, they're all great chariot fighters.
1.7
But, Best of the Brahmans, please be advised that the leaders of my soldiers are
especially well qualified. Allow me to tell you about them.
1.8
You, Bhishma, Karna, and Kripa are always victorious in battle. Ashvatthama, Vikarna,
and the son of Somadatta are too, definitely.
1.9
A multitude of other heroes are also prepared to risk their lives for my sake. They are
all well supplied with weaponry. All of them are expert in military science and tested in
battle.
1.10
Our strength has no limits! Bhishma protects us perfectly. But the others, though well
protected by Bhima, have only limited strength.
1.11
Now, all of you! From every point in the ranks! From every division in the phalanx! Give
your full support to Bhishma! Everyone!
1.12
Sanjaya:
Bhishma, the great valiant grandsire of the Kurus, increases Duryodhana's happiness
by blowing his conchshell loudly, until the vibration sounds like the roaring of a lion.
1.13
Following him, more conchshells, and bugles, and trumpets, are blowing -- drums are
beating -- all the instruments are combining together to make a tumultuous sound!
1.14
Following that, stationed on their magnificent chariot drawn by white horses, Madhava
and Pandava sound their divine conchshells.
1.15
Hrishikesh sounds Panchajanya. Dhananjaya sounds Devadatta. Bhima, the doer of
great deeds, the voracious eater, blows his huge conch Paundram.
1.16
King Yudhishtir, the son of Kunti, blows his conch Ananta-Vijay. Nakula and Sahadev
sound Sugosha and Manipushpaka.
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