Surprisingly, Krishna tells Arjuna that it is impossible to even for him to repeat everything told by him earlier as he had spoken those words after aligning himself with the Par Brahman or the supreme spirit through Yoga(परं हि ब्रह्म कथितं योगयुक्तेन तन्मया).
However, Krishna agrees to impart to Arjuna the same instruction in other words, through the medium of a few ancient stories(Itihasa). The wisdom so conveyed by Krishna constitutes what is called the “Anugita”, which means “that which follows the Gita”.
Anugita broadly consists of the discussion regarding Jivatma, birth, emancipation through the negation of the senses and control of the mind through the following dialogues or fables:-
- Dialogue between Krishna and a Brahmin regarding the story of Maharishi Kashyapa and a Siddha.
- Dialogue between a Brahmin and his wife (includes a sub-dialogue between Devarshi Narada and Devmat, Kartvirya - Parashuram story, Rajarshi- Alarka story)
- Dialogue between an enlightened Guru and his disciple (including a sub-dialogue between Brahma- and Brahma Rishis).
At the end of the discussion, Krishna confirms that this knowledge was imparted on the battlefield and has been repeated (although not verbatim) due to the love and affection he has for Arjuna. Krishna proceeds to Dwaraka after this dialogue. Both the Bhagavad Gita and Anugita highlight the importance of controlling one's senses and promoting detachment and renunciation. However, while the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes devotion to a God and the belief that God can grant salvation, Anugita emphasizes human initiative and effort in realizing one's true nature and achieving salvation.
(Source:- Mahabharata - Anu Gita Parva in Ashwamedha Parva)
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