The setup in which the Gītā-teaching is imparted is the epic battle of Mahābhārata, fought between the Pāṇḍavas and Kauravas. Arjuna, the Pāṇḍava, discovers the problem of saṃsāra in the battlefield. He surrenders to Lord Kṛṣṇa seeking a solution. Then follows the great teaching. If one should get the Gītā-wisdom, one should go through some important phases in one’s life. Firstly, one should discover the problem of saṃsāra for which Gītā happens to be a solution. Unless one discovers the disease, one will not seek medicine. Secondly, one should become possessed by a sincere longing (tīvramumukṣā) for freedom from saṃsāra. This alone can lead to committed and fruitful pursuit. Thirdly, one should realise that one cannot solve this problem independently. The maximum that one can do, as a limited human being, is a rearrangement or reshapement of the problem.

Finally, one should surrender to a guru seeking his guidance. When one discovers the śiṣya in oneself and surrenders to a guru, the ground is prepared for the Gītā-teaching to take place.