Вступ до “Бгаґавадґіта-рагасьї” / Переклад з англійської, вступна стаття та примітки Д. В. Бурби

Abstract

Bhagavadgītā-rahasya is the large book by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who is known as a scholar, philosopher, and ardent nationalist. Tilak was the first leader of the Indian independence movement. He was also conferred with the title of “Lokmanya”, which means “accepted by the people as their leader”. Mahatma Gandhi called him “The Maker of Modern India”. The title of Tilak’s book means “The Secret of the Bhagavadgita”. The Bhagavadgita for its part is the most famous of the Hinduism scriptures. It combines the metaphysics of the Samkhya school, the monism of the Upanishads, and the theism of the cult of the god Krishna. There are three main orientations of interpretation of the Bhagavadgita among the Hindus and Neo-Hindus. Adherents of monistic views usually promote Jñāna Yoga, or a realization of the illusiveness of the material world. Theists preach the supremacy of Bhakti, or serving God with love and devotion. Proponents of yoga techniques emphasize the need for breathing, physical, mental and other exercises. But for Tilak higher is Karma Yoga and he understands it as selfless service to the Motherland and ultimately to all mankind. He says, “In order that the action may not bind the actor, it must be done with the aim of helping His (God’s) purpose, and without any attachment to the coming result. This I hold is a lesson of the Gita. Jñāna Yoga there is, yes. Bhakti Yoga there is, yes. Who says not? But they are both subservient to the Karma Yoga preached in the Gita”. In the introductory article, the history of the writing of Bhagavadgītā-rahasya is revealed and milestones of its author’s life path are outlined.