I joined Quest Publications as Consultant Editor in January 2005 to assist Mr Shashi Verma in the process of re-writing, editing and translating a book on the Bhagavad Gita that he had already written. I could devote only six hours daily, while I found him toiling hard for several hours more in order to give the book its final shape. It took twenty months to complete it and during this period the entire text was written and re-wiritten at least five times. The basic idea and the message of the book remained essentially the same as in the original writing, but its presentation kept on changing and evolving with a view to put the truth in the most comprehensible and simple manner before the reader.
Every time we thought the book was ready, still better, clearer and sharper ideas would spring forth in Mr Verma’s mind and the writing process would start all over again. He was very clear that he wanted the exact words of Lord Krishna and their true meaning to be put before the world, for he believes that people will be able to benefit the most from the knowledge and wisdom of God when they know precisely what God has said and, when by understanding it, they follow the path shown by Him. Hence what has evolved in the form of this book is the essence and true understanding of the words of God and not any fanciful interpretation by the author or any other person. The discerning reader should first ascertain that what is presented in the book is in consonance with the words of Lord Krishna in the Gita. He should then sincerely take to this knowledge, since it is only by following the words of God that mankind is going to benefit.
In the past I have read several books on spiritualism, both contemporary and ancient. I personally did not find any clear path in the contemporary ones while the ancient ones proved to be too cryptic for me. After joining Quest Publications I got the opportunity of listening to the discourses of Shihn Diljit who had received the understanding of the holy scriptures and has been disseminating the knowledge of Yog for the past twenty-five years. In the light of this understanding, gathered from his discourses, I re-read the scriptures and was amazed to find that now everything seemed clear and that all these scriptures invariably speak of the same Supreme Truth. I also started the practice of Yog, as right from the beginning I was sure that this was the path for me.
Over the past year or so a subtle change has occurred in my life. The practice of Buddhi Yog has made my mind peaceful, while that of Karma Yog has proved to be a true wish fulfiller. With each passing day, my practice grows more intense and so does the conviction that this is the path that shall end all the woes of mankind. Lord Krishna reiterates that this wisdom and its practice can make one free from sorrows, diseases, old age and even death and bestow immortality. At first the mind revolts at the possibility of freedom from old age and death. But if this is what Krishna has declared, then it has to be true and when one’s practice of Yog becomes stronger, one starts to realise that this is the ultimate objective of the wisdom of Yog imparted by Lord Krishna. But for this to happen, it is necessary to first understand the words of God and then follow them with faith and sincerity. And as all beings are the same to God, whosoever follows the path ordained by Him will without doubt gain all that God has promised.
Arvind Bharadwaj
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