2. The Gita begins its teaching in the Second Chapter; and even at the very beginning, the Lord tells us the great truths of life. In doing so, his idea is that once the foundations of the edifice, the basic principles of life, are well laid, raising the superstructure becomes easy. I interpret the term "sankhya buddhi" in the Second Chapter as the basic principles of life. We should now see what these fundamental principles are.

But before we do so, while discussing the word "sankhya," it would be useful if we clarify to ourselves the meanings of the technical words in the Gita.
The Gita has a way of using old philosophical terms in new senses. The evolution of thought takes place by the non-violent process of grafting new meanings on to old words.

Vyasa is a good hand at this. That is why the words of the Gita have gained a wider meaning; they have remained so fresh and green that thinkers could discover in them different meanings according to their own needs and experience. All those interpretations are possible, each from its own point of view, and as I understand it, we can interpret the Gita for ourselves without having to contradict any of them.

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