What is the Janmashtami, some may ask.
The Janmashtami is the day when Bhagavan Shri Krishna incarnated on the Earth to reestablish Dharma and Grace humanity and the entirety of existence.
It was a stormy night, on the 8th day of the Dark Fortnight of the Moon, at the peak of human suffering at the hands of ruthless kings and governments, in the total darkness of the midnight - when Bhagavan was born to illuminate the World with his presence.
It is also a holy day for His Divine Sister, Durga Devi. A lot of devotees of the Mother Divine also celebrate the day with great fervor.
Alongside the devotional and ecstatic celebrations that this holy day is known for, let us engage ourselves in a little bit of Jnana Yoga as well. Here are a few things we can do today - 1) Listen to Bhagavad Gita Upanyasams (lectures by those who have studied it thoroughly)
2) Chant and Read the Bhagavad Gita from the beginning to the end (trust me, it is not difficult, in fact, with the meanings it is actually very engaging)
The Bhagavad Gita is the nectar that Paramaatma has brought to us, churned from the milk of all the Upanishads!
Some specific parts that are highly recommended would be the last 25 verses of the 2nd chapter of the Bhagavad Gita for its deep and powerful philosophy, the 12th and 15th Chapters for their clear Goal Setting and for the beautiful explanation of the devotional path, the 16th Chapter, for invaluable practical advice on how to develop Divine qualities.
That way, the entire Bhagavad-Gita is full of wisdom, being the most important Gift to the World by the Supreme One Himself!
3) Everyone can serve the Supreme in their own ways! Some people can stitch little clothes for the Murti, some can prepare food items (my mother is preparing 108 items for the Lord today 😊)
Some can chant the Gita, those who love to sing, can sing. Some can clean the house or pooja room if necessary and some can engage in decorations.
4) Fasting on this day is considered a Great Yajna in itself(at the minimum, avoid grains and any heavy food. Subsist on fruits and milk) Some devotees break their fast after the Pooja at midnight when they reimagine and recreate the birth of Bhagavan with a symbolic Pooja and offerings. There are several other great ways to celebrate! Let us know what you are doing!
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत | अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् || 7||
yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛijāmyaham
Translation BG 4.7: Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjun, at that time I manifest Myself on earth. https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/ch... (BTW, this is a great website to read the Bhagavad Gita apart from the Books) Again, wish you all a wonderful Gokulaashtami with the Divine Grace and Blessings of ShriKrishna!
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