The Gita Dhyana consists of nine verses traditionally chanted before reciting the Bhagavad Gita. These verses are found in the Gita Dhyana section of the Mahabharata (Bhishma Parva) and are also included in many printed editions of the Gita. They invoke the grace of Lord Krishna, the sage Vyasa, and the Gita itself as the essence of the Upanishads. The first verse, 'Om Parthaya Pratibodhitam', states that the Gita was spoken by Krishna to Arjuna and later compiled by Vyasa. The second verse, 'Sarvopanishado Gavo', metaphorically describes the Upanishads as cows, Krishna as the cowherd, Arjuna as the calf, and the Gita as the milk. This imagery is drawn from the Gita Dhyana tradition. The third verse, 'Vasudeva Sutam Devam', praises Krishna as the son of Vasudeva and the supreme deity.
The fourth verse, 'Namostu Te Vyasa', offers salutations to Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata. The remaining verses meditate on the form of Krishna as the charioteer, the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and the spiritual benefits of studying the Gita. According to the Gita Dhyana, reciting these verses with devotion removes obstacles and grants wisdom. The beej-akshara 'Om' is included in the first mantra, emphasizing the sacredness of the recitation. Traditional purpose includes preparing the mind for deep study of the Gita, invoking blessings for understanding, and aligning the chanter with the lineage of teachers. Recommended chanting context: daily before reading any chapter of the Gita, especially on Gita Jayanti. The count is typically once per session.
No specific cautions are mentioned in the scriptures, but tradition holds that one should chant with reverence and focus. The Gita Dhyana is also cited in the 'Mantra Mahodadhi' as a preparatory mantra for scriptural study. Additionally, the 'Devi Mahatmya' emphasizes the importance of dhyana mantras for spiritual focus. These verses are not beej mantras but are rich in phonetics that calm the mind. The deity association is primarily Krishna and Vyasa, with the Gita personified as a goddess. The chanting is recommended in a clean place, facing east, and after bathing. The Gita Dhyana thus serves as a bridge between the practitioner and the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
Om, the Gita was taught to Arjuna (son of Pritha).
Contains the seed-syllable 'Oṁ', which is the primordial sound and represents the ultimate reality.