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The Bhagavad Gita

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The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most well known pieces of text in the Hindu religion (Brodd, 95). It is a detailed poem about how a person can fulfill his or her religious duties otherwise known as completing one’s dharma. From reading this text, we are taught about the very basic ideals of the Hindu religion such as Brahman, Yoga, and Karma (cite). A passage on pages 185-187 of the Bhagavad Gita eloquently explains the concept of the atman and continuation of the atman in the cycle of death and re-birth called samsara. Through repetition and a series of detailed metaphors, the text reiterates to the reader that the body is only temporary; the soul is eternal. The Bhagavad Gita is a discussion between the god Krishna, or ‘The Blessed One’ as he is referred to in the text, and Arjuna the warrior (Doniger, 176). At the beginning of the text, Arjuna explains to Krishna how morally distraught he is about going into …show more content…

If we put this passage in context with the rest of the Bhagavad Gita, it becomes clear that Krishna is doing much more than explaining the characteristics of the atman; he is revealing some significant aspects of the Hindu religion such as ethical practices and some emotional aspects. This text begins with Arjuna contemplating the morality of the life of a warrior. Krishna then shows the reader how fulfilling one’s dharma is in fact a very moral way of living one’s life. The god also reassures the reader that there is no moral injustice harming others in battle by enforcing the idea that the body is merely a portal for the soul. Doing one’s religious duty is always the ethical thing to do even if it emotionally it is difficult to complete. In this way, this text is vital to the Hindu religion because it teaches the reader that sometimes fulfilling one’s dharma is not always easy or

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Similarly, in the Vedas, the soul and body must traverse obstacles such as the flesh-eating ghouls, who either consume their corpse or act as a form of guidance to reach heaven (Doniger, pg.45). These trails show that in the afterlife, the right to enter heaven isn’t wholly inclusive, as in the case of failure, the chance of an afterlife is denied to those who are eaten in the Vedas, and in the case of

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Clothed in sacred wreaths and garments, with many sacred fragrances,”(Bhagavad- Gītā 1299). The multiple eyes to see all things and mouths to speak to all his followers. The reverence Arjuna holds for the Preserver can now be understood more clearly as Krishna’s magnificence is shown. Arjuna knows that he is extremely blessed to be graced with the aid of this Supreme

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An example of this occurs within the selected passage. While the contradiction posed within the passage could cause confusion for a reader, a close reading of the passage demonstrates how Krishna uses the contradiction to link the concepts of discipline in action and discipline in understanding and how it is necessary for an individual to possess discipline in understanding in order to possess discipline in action and truly fulfill their duty. Within verses forty-seven and forty-eight Krishna demonstrates the importance of action, and how it is essential for one to carry out their duty. To begin, in the second teaching Krishna states “Be intent on action,” (2.47)

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Bhagavad Gita is said to have captured the importance of the Vedas. Gita is considered to be dated around 200 CE. The day Bhagavad Gita is narrated is celebrated as Ekadashi. When the armies of Kauravas and Pandavas stood facing each other at the battleground in Kurukshetra, suddenly a chariot drew away from the side of Pandavas.

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