Bhagavad Gita is the first scribed source of Karmyoga - first Smriti. The general translation of Smriti is memory, though the word has a specific focus when used in context of Vaidik culture.
In the beginning there was Om - vibrations of the underlying field. Spoken language originated from this source. Humans developed exceptional conversations, but everyone had to individually remember the contextual history.
Then we discovered scribing! Given the difficulties of early days, people chose with utmost care what to scribe. Only precious information made it to the written form - for offline access and preservation - across time and space. The word "scripture" points to something important, and worthy of writing down.
Written text, thus, became the collective memory. In Sanskrit, such a collective memory is deemed
Smriti. By virtue of being the collective memory (of our ancestors), it is embedded into all of us, even if we are not aware of it - a deep-seated memory.
Before we learnt writing, critical information was passed on through rigorous recital - not mere "word of mouth". Such information was called Shruti - communicated through superior and repetitive oration. The Sanskrit word later morphed into Shutri in Hindi.
Now that it is easier to scribe, and to record audio, we have zettabytes of information, so much so that it is impossible to scrape through - at least for humans. Besides, the quality of content is questionable. There is a ton of rigor in writing even now, but there is hardly any in screening what to write. Technology has enabled every individual to exercise their wish without seeking consensus - good or bad ? - we don't know ! But we are sure that looking at the first Smriti opens up a profound source of wisdom - it is like finding true signal with in myriad of noises.
Arjuna, the protagonist, is blessed with divine vicinity of Krishna as his friend and charioteer. Krishna - the knower of all - represents the consciousness prebuilt into all of us. In essence, Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between the mind and the soul - particularly at a point when faculty of intelligence gives in.
Just as in AI realm, the formulation of prompts is the key skill, Arjuna's questions represent most intriguing human dilemmas. In doing that, he enabled rest of us with an opportunity to tap into our own Smrities.
Arjun uvaach - the name of this publication - means Arjuna spoke - his heartfelt queries.
Arjuna was a life-long friend, and student of Krishna. His voice stands for the questions we mortals have when tested and confused. And also the magical discernment once Krishna unveiled knowledge unto him. Their conversation, amidst the battlefield of Kurukshetra, is among the most potent narratives ever penned down - Bhagvad Gita - gods' song!
At the end of this conversation, Arjuna said :
Nashto Moha , Smritir Labdha ![I am] devoid off of illusions, [I] attained the universal wisdom - the collective memory!
It is not uncommon to experience a momentary relief from cyclic illusions (Moha). Such instances - typically a deep loss - often lead to depression. They leave the disillusioned in a vacuum. Gita on the other hand, spotlights truth through wisdom embedded in our consciousness (Smriti). Gita gives us tools to access the very basis of our intelligence - our soul (Atma). Instead of a run to exit (sanyasa), Gita welcomes the precious gift we all are endowed with - human experience. It, thus, provisions lasting peace and worldly success - a win-win.
Gita is for everyone - it is not religion, race, profession or place specific. It is not even an ideology in terms of renunciation or materialism. In that, it takes our mind to a place of freedom, rather than the jail of a rabbit hole.