What is Real as per Bhagavad Gita? | Discovering Eternal Truths of Life

What is Real as per Bhagavad Gita? – A Complete Guide to Eternal Truth

The Srimad Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered spiritual texts in the world, goes beyond religion, culture, or tradition. It offers timeless wisdom about the self, the universe, and the Supreme Reality. When we ask, “What is real as per Bhagavad Gita?”, we are essentially looking for to understand the eternal facts that transcend the temporary world of appearances.

Lord Krishna, in His dialogue with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, reveals what is permanent and what is temporary. He explains the difference between illusion (maya) and eternal truth (satya). By diving deep into His teachings, we learn what is truly real—the soul (atman), devotion (bhakti), and the Supreme (Paramatma or Krishna Himself).

In this article, we will explore the essence of reality as explained in the Bhagavad Gita, covering various aspects such as the eternal soul, impermanence of the body, the role of karma, devotion, and ultimate liberation.

The Eternal vs. the Temporary

The Bhagavad Gita begins by distinguishing between what is temporary (asat) and what is eternal (sat). In Chapter 2, Verse 16, Krishna declares:

“That which is real never ceases to be, and that which is unreal has no existence.

This single verse lays the foundation for understanding reality. The body, possessions, and material achievements are temporary. The soul, knowledge, and devotion to God are eternal.

• Temporary (Unreal): Wealth, power, fame, physical beauty, material happiness.

• Eternal (Real): Soul, God, spiritual knowledge, devotion, liberation.

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The Soul (Atman) – The Real Self

The atman (soul) is the eternal, indestructible essence within every living being. Lord Krishna repeatedly emphasizes that the soul neither takes birth nor dies.

• The body is like a dress; it changes with time, but the soul remains untouched.

• Just as a person changes clothes, the soul takes on different bodies across lifetimes.

• The soul cannot be cut, burned, drowned, or destroyed.

? Reality according to Bhagavad Gita: You are not the body; you are the eternal soul.

This truth is liberating because it shifts our identity from the perishable body to the eternal self.

Illusion (Maya) – The Cause of Confusion

Most people mistake the temporary world for reality. This confusion arises because of maya, the illusory energy of God. Maya makes us believe that material possessions and bodily pleasures are the ultimate goals.

However, Krishna explains that this world is duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam—a place of misery and impermanence (BG 8.15). No matter how much pleasure one attains, it eventually ends.

? True Reality: The material world is temporary; only spiritual realization leads to lasting happiness.

Dharma – The Real Duty of Life

Another important teaching of the Bhagavad Gita is the concept of dharma (righteous duty). Arjuna’s confusion on the battlefield is about his worldly duty, but Krishna redirects him to his higher duty as a soul.

• Temporary duty = Related to body, family, or society.

• Eternal duty = To serve and love God (Sanatana Dharma).

? Reality: Our real dharma is devotion and surrender to the Supreme.

Karma and Reality

Krishna explains the law of karma (action and reaction). Every action has consequences, but not all results are real in the eternal sense.

• Actions for material gain bring temporary results.

• Actions done in devotion, without selfish desire, lead to liberation.

? True Reality: Only selfless action in devotion connects us to eternity.

Devotion (Bhakti) – The Highest Reality

Among karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and dhyana (meditation), Krishna declares bhakti (devotion) as the highest path.

In Chapter 18, Verse 66, He says:

“Abandon all varieties of duties and simply surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”

This verse reveals the ultimate truth: surrender to Krishna is the highest reality of life.

? What is Real? Love of God and service to Him—because that bond is eternal.

The Supreme Reality – Krishna Himself

Krishna does not just speak of truth; He is the truth. He declares in the Gita that He is the source of everything. Everything rests upon Him like pearls strung on a thread (BG 7.7).

? Ultimate Reality: The Supreme Personality of Godhead—Krishna—is the eternal truth beyond all temporary existence.

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Liberation (Moksha) – Returning to the Real Home

The goal of realizing reality is to achieve moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. When one understands that the soul is eternal and that service to Krishna is the real purpose of life, he is freed from illusion.

? Reality: The soul belongs to the spiritual world, not the material one.

Practical Application of Reality in Daily Life

The Bhagavad Gita is not just philosophy; it is a guide to living a real, meaningful life. Here’s how we can apply its teachings:

1. Shift Identity: See yourself as a soul, not merely a body.

2. Practice Detachment: Use material things but don’t get attached.

3. Do Selfless Service: Work for Krishna, not just for selfish gain.

4. Cultivate Devotion: Chant, pray, and remember God daily.

5. Seek Knowledge: Read the Bhagavad Gita regularly to strengthen spiritual vision.

What is Real as per Bhagavad Gita? – Summary

• Real: Soul (atman), God (Krishna), Devotion (bhakti), Eternal knowledge, Liberation (moksha).

• Unreal: Body, possessions, temporary pleasures, worldly success.

The Gita’s message is clear: “Reality is not found in the temporary but in the eternal connection between the soul and God.”

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the real essence of life lies in self-realization and God-realization. The eternal soul, devotion to Krishna, and surrender to divine will represent reality, while material pleasures and bodily identity are temporary illusions.

Thus, the answer to “What is real as per Bhagavad Gita?” is simple yet profound: You are the eternal soul, your duty is devotion, and the ultimate reality is Krishna Himself.

Living with this understanding brings peace, liberation, and eternal joy.