Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita Essay Bhagavad Gita Essay

1. Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, an excerpt from a traditional Hindu reading, the Mahabharata, is the story
between a split family fighting for the throne. Arjuna, a great warrior, has the duty, or dharma, of
fighting fellow family members and friends to take possession of the crown. As he is going into
war, Arjuna has a chariot driver,Krishna. He is unaware that Krishna is actually a god taking a
disguise as a human in the world. Arjuna suddenly becomes unsure of fighting when he arrives to
the battlefield and begins thinking and doubting fighting his family. Krishna begins giving him
advice about how he must fight and the way he should be living his life. Later, he even reveals who
he truly is to Arjuna. The Bhagavad Gita conveys many themes throughout the text, such as: the
cycle of death and rebirth, taking action in your life, and your dharmic duty.
A main concept in The Bhagavad Gita is karma. Karma in the Hinduism religion is defined as action
and "comes to refer to a system of rewards and punishments attached to various actions" (Oxtoby
37). Hindus believe in the life of birth and rebirth, caused by their individual karma. Their main goal
in their spiritual...show more content...
Yoga is the process of action and the steps you take to achieve it. Often referred to as karma yoga,
a way to achieve liberation, Krishna encourages this path. Karma yoga is selfless duty without
any thought to your reward (Oxtoby 42). If one has expectations for how something will end, the
ending will not always be in your favor. In this case, anger is shown and it adds to your negative
karma. Practicing karma yoga is a way to achieve liberation and end your cycle of rebirth (43).
Krishna states that you must control your actions because "no one, not even for one moment, ever
stands without acting;" (Patton 37). You are always in action towards something, but having the
discipline to only partake in selfless action will set you towards a path of
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2. The Bhagavad Gita Essay
The Bhagavad Gita as translated by Juan Mascaro is a poem based on ancient Sanskrit literature
contained in eighteen chapters. The period of time, around which it was written, although it is
merely an educated guess, was approximately 500 BCE. "...there are a few archaic words and
expressions, some of the greatest scholars have considered it pre–Buddhistic, i.e. about 500 BC," (
Bhagavad Gita, xxiv). This quote is found in the introduction to the book and further explains that the
exact time it was written is undeterminable. Although the words and dialogue are very different than
that of the English language to which most are accustomed to, the spiritual messages throughout the
entire book are very clear and meaningful. There are two main...show more content...
The contents of the eighteen chapters are very basically the acquisition of the correct knowledge to
achieve such a conclusion.
The piece of spiritual knowledge that carries the most weight throughout the Bhagavad Gita is the
responsibility of the individual. Before one can accept the responsibility of one's self, one must
differentiate between the temporary material body and the eternal spirit soul. Everyone must
engage in some sort of activity in this material world, however one's own actions can do one of
two things. They may bind you to this material world, or liberate one from it. By living life
selflessly and placing full faith and trust in the Supreme Truth, one will be lead to that higher path.
The idea of self–responsibility is not merely being accountable for your faults, but living according
to the wants and needs of a higher power. Simply, the responsibility of the individual is to submit
fully to the Supreme truth, and live one's life righteously in the quest for that truth.
In trying to explain this Supreme Truth as well as other aspects of life, Krishna appeals to Arjuna in
several arguments. Just when Arjuna believes he is headed for the great battle, he falls to his
knees in despair, "Fall not into degrading weakness, for this becomes a man who is not a man.
Throw off this ignoble discouragement, and arise like a fire that burns all before it" (Bhagavad
Gita, 2). Arjuna is a classic
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3. Bhagavad Gita Essay
Bhagavad Gita
The story of the book begins with Arjuna misunderstanding why it is correct for him to take action
in battle. As Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot on the battlefield he recognize his enemies as, his
cousins, teachers and friends. Arjuna, who was born a warrior, overcomes with pity and looses
interest in battling with the enemy. He looks to Lord Krishna, and questions him how he could battle
with men who deserves his own worship.
Krishna replies "You grieve those beyond grief, and speak words of insight; but learned men do not
grieve for the dead or the living" (Miller p31).
Krishna explains to Arjuna that it is his sacred duty to fight, for the warriors who fulfills their duty
leads them to...show more content...
The next path to salvation is that of discipline; one who does what is to be done without any
concern for no material outcome. A disciplined man is one who is detached from objects and
actions and is undisturbed, one who can remain in seclusion. Tranquillity is the means for one
who is mature in discipline (Miller p. 64) A discipline man knows who he is, his body, his mind
and is responsible for his actions, and is able to stay in control. A disciplined man is able to
perform actions for the supreme being and is capable of acknowledging their fruits, which is a
knowledgeable man, which attains peace and spiritual vision Krishna concludes about the path of
discipline. One path Krishna feels is most important, is that of devotion towards him. Krishna
explains to Arjuna that the only path to him is that of devotion, all the other paths lead to the path of
devotion. All the other paths are devotional services, they are the supreme objects of worship to the
gods.
One who shows devotion throughout their life and at the time of death will reach the heavens
beyond the earth. Through the other paths one gains devotional qualities, which leads to what
Krishna believes is most important, devotion which is pure love for the supreme god. I tend to clearly
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