Abstract This paper looks at the use of the sun and analogies of the sun in the "Bhagavad-Gita" and Plato's "Republic." The paper points out that both works view the sun as a crucial part of existence - a life-giver and source of good.
From the Paper "Given its prominence in the sky and its ability to provide humankind with warmth and sustenance through agriculture, it is little wonder that the Sun has played such an important role in literature through the centuries. To this end, this paper examine the various sun analogies that occur in both the Bhagavad-Gita and the Republic to identify what the Sun represents in each case, what can be learned regarded the role of knowledge and its implications for good conduct, followed by a discussion of whether this type of knowledge serves to
illuminate humankind's understanding in each of these instances."
Abstract In this article, the writer describes that both the Hindu spiritual epic of "Bhagavad-Gita" and the Scandinavian epic poem of heroism "Beowulf" attempt to define what constitutes a moral life for their readership. The writer points out that the "Bhagavad-Gita" defines morality in terms of right understanding and absolute acceptance of the laws of karma and the gods. The writer further notes that in contrast, "Beowulf" is a more personal tale of a Christian hero grappling with the evils of the fallen world, created by Cain. It is shown that his struggle has theological significance but it can only partially rectify the sins of the world, even though it provides more hope for worldly actions to right wrongs in a Christian universe. The writer concludes that although the tale of "Beowulf" may inspire a reader, Christian or not, the yogi praised by the "Bhagavad-Gita," would merely shake his or her head, and state that the practice of right action conveys holiness alone, or he who dies in rajas, will be reborn.
From the Paper "In contrast, "Beowulf" is an epic explicitly about the worldly deeds of a man of greatness, even though his deeds are rooted in a sense of Christian duty and justice to use his might for right. Beowulf's worldly actions in the physical sphere bring him material rewards, and rewards for the community under the sway of Grendel. But Beowulf's actions are not despised for this reason, and everyone in the community has a clear attachment to the results his actions achieve. By aiding his people in clearing the country of the infernal Grendel and the monster's mother, Beowulf performs an act of goodness and service to the people of another land that is morally significant. When he comes, Beowulf announces himself by his clear attachment to another nation, and to a set of commonly shared morals."
An analysis of Arjuna and Odysseus, heroes of "The Bhagavad-Gita" and "The Odyssey," who, although from vastly different cultures, reveal through their heroic roles the quest of all human beings for identity.
Abstract Two epic heroes of vastly different cultures search for identity, representing all human kind. In the similarly chaotic worlds Arjuna, hero of "The Bhagavad-Gita", and Odysseus, hero of "The Odyssey", learn about themselves in depth and come to terms with death, war and the afterlife, revealing that heroism in these two worlds is quite similar. This paper examines the major differences in their responses to the challenges of their respective quests, their relationship to their gods.
From the Paper "Two ancient epic poems, The Bhagavad-Gita and The Odyssey, from vastly different cultures, reveal the ongoing search of the human race to understand the significance of the self and humanity's role in a world it cannot comprehend. In both these epics the quest for the individual human's sense of self is presented in the form of the hero metaphor in which a larger than life figure takes on the symbolic search for identity. Arjuna and Odysseus, the heroes of the two epics, both strive to bring order to the everyday chaos of the human world. In many ways the quests are similar. Central to both epics is the way their heroes struggle to discover what their relationship to the gods has to do with their identity. The major difference between Odysseus and Arjuna in the quest for identity, arises from their contrasting cultural conceptions of the gods, those superhuman forces, and how they influence, control, or guide mortal men."
Abstract This paper will show the history of the Hindu religion from the Brahmanistic period to the period that is so famously known as the Bhagavad Gita. By understanding the change in the Vedic position on the nature of Hindu belief, we can see how this history transforms over different periods of time. With a basic overview of the Hindu religion in this manner, we can learn how the secretive Brahmans eventually turned into a different strand of belief that became all-inclusive in the teachings of Krishna, which is espoused in the classic religious doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita. In essence, we will study the fall of the violent gods of the older Vedic orders, and seek to understand how they took more peaceful principles.
Abstract The paper explains that Dante's "Inferno" can be more accurately described as a story about a man who finds his way to God with the help of another man, but only after passing through hell. The author points out that the ?Bhagavad-Gita? also describes the path to God; yet, the difference in this description of a path to God is that it is not as frightening as the one that Dante takes. The paper relates that both the ?Bhagavad-Gita? and Dante's "Inferno" refer to "demons", but there is a difference in the way that religiously devout people are viewed.
From the Paper "In the "Bhagavad-Gita", devout individuals are called "demigods", while in Dante's "Inferno" there is no such term written. In addition to this, there is also no mention of how exactly one is to act in order to reach the ultimate truth or the Supreme. However, in the "Bhagavad-Gita", it is written that in order to reach the Supreme, "karma, fruitive activities, devotional service and yoga principles, and devotional service" are necessary. Essentially, it can be said that the "Bhagavad-Gita" provides man with a path to follow, and aims at preventing one from falling into paths that would not be seen as godly."
Abstract This paper summarizes both the "Bhagavad-Gita" and the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and explains the message and purpose of each story. The paper explains that, even though both stories talk about authority and strength, the "Bhagavad-Gita" talks about the strength of the soul, while "Gilgamesh" talks about exterior strength.
From the Paper "The eastern and western scholars have described Bhagavad-gita to be the greatest spiritual books in the world. In the book Lord Krishna describes the science of self-realization and an exact through which human beings can establish their eternal relationship with God. "It is approachable from the sanctified realms of religions and is glorified as the essence of all spiritual teachings". ( Srimad Bhagavad-Gita : http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/ ). "The core purpose of Bhagavad-Gita, is to illuminate for all of humanity, the realization of the true nature of divinity; as the highest spiritual conception and the greatest material
conception is to attain the love of God". This book extracts the main characters of Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna, enlightened in the first chapter, is the war scene in the sacred land of Kuruksetra and the setting up of a battle."
Tags: dejection fear epephany transformation eternal soul madhu ashurbanipal, king Assyria
Abstract This paper discusses the Bhagavad-Gita's philosophy of reconciliation of divinity with earthly responsibility. It discusses how the Bhagavad-Gita, the first-century B.C. Hindu Sanskrit poem describes salvation in the afterlife as described by Krishna (God) to the Pandava warrior Arjuna on the eve of an important battle. The paper describes the lessons learned from the poem.
From the Paper "Arjuna's fighting in this battle then, which he wishes, rationally, not to do but which Krishna illustrates that he must, is but a part of the multiple cycles of life and death that the warrior prince has yet to complete on the way, ultimately, to his final state of nirvana. While Krishna does not deny to Arjuna the importance of earthly rationality, Krishna nevertheless shows Arjuna how Arjuna's current resistance to fighting on this battlefield, based on earthly attachment, must be overcome in order to eventually reach nirvana, the ultimate spiritual state of mind within which all further reincarnations cease."
Abstract The paper explores the effects of a religious text, the Bhagavad Gita, on social stratification in India. Observations are made on the way in which the book communicates with its reader and some of the literary techniques used to instill in its readers the religious ideas.
From the Paper "The Bhagavad-Gita is widely regarded as one of the most influential and intimate glimpses into the Hindu religion. The Bhagavad-Gita is book six of a grand epic poem called the Mahabharata, which recounts a story of a war between two clans of a royal family. Specifically, the Bhagavad-Gita tells of a great warrior, Arjuna, who is hesitant to go to battle against members of his own family. Arjuna is advised by the Hindu god Krishna to overlook this obvious obstacle and fulfill his duty as a warrior. Indeed, this concentration on duty and moral code is consistent throughout the text. One might then be compelled to ask how the Bhagavad-Gita instills in its followers the moral code and values that it preaches and what sort of effect this text had on the class system in India. Upon a closer examination of the text, it becomes clear that the Bhagavad-Gita is a story meant to justify the rigid class system and maintain social stability in India through its emphasis on duty and moral code."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the book "Bhagavad Gita". The writer maintains that the book looks at the distinction between the temporary material body and the eternal spiritual soul and characteristics of the self-realized person. The writer points out that from the beginning of this religious work to the end, the character Arjuna grew from a person who was overcome by the trappings of life to the understanding that the way that he conducts his life is all important for this world and the next. The writer further discusses that the book relates not only to how Arjuna should conduct himself, but to how one should do so to this day, as well.
From the Paper "This can be done, further explains Krishna, through the practice of meditation. Arjuna, however, questions how a defected mind can actually meditate. Here, as the entire Bhagavad Gita, the emphasis is on education. It is not possible to immediately reach a meditative state--the mind is difficult to restrain. So, it takes much practice and continual renunciation.
Once individuals are in this meditative state, they can see things they never could before, because of the constraints of the lower states of mind. It is possible, for example to see God in the here and now, as long as one stops a fascination for the various objects of the world. However, it is only when people love God can they become open to see him in all. This trip starts with seeing God and then ends in the state of 'being' God."
Abstract This paper explores the reasons and events that led to the introduction of Bhagavad Gita, which means 'Song of the Lord,' a religious branch of Hinduism. In the evolving world of Indian religion, the Bhagavad Gita, and with it the adulation of Vishnu, can be seen as a reaction to previous and concurrent forms of worship. The Bhagavad Gita built itself in partial opposition to the older teachings laid down in the Upanisads, yet another branch of Hinduism. The writer of this paper discusses the Bhagavad Gita's revolutionary text that grew out of the Hinduism that came before it and which compared favorably with emerging traditions in its own period. The writer of this paper examines the similarities and differences between the Upanisads, Vishnu and Bhagavad Gita belief systems as well as the historic significance of each form of religion.
From the Paper "In its most basic form the Bhagavad Gita is exactly what the title translates to-'Song of the Lord'. Though in her introduction to the translation Barbara Stoler Miller writes that it is more of a "philosophical poem" than a song. This poem, then, relates the philosophical conversation of Arjuna the warrior and his chariot driver Krishna (an avatara of the god Visnu) on the battlefield. Divided into 'teachings' the poem moves through the methods in which one can best serve the lord god Visnu. Almost every teaching reiterates the ones that come before it in miniature and then elaborates the teaching from something old and recognizable into something new and reactionary."
Tags: hinduism, theology, religion, krishna, india, history, culture
Abstract This paper shows how "The Bhagavad Gita"'s main character, Arjuna, must make a decision about whether or not to fight and why. The Bhagavad Gita is writings about Lord Krishna and his power. It shows how only Lord Krishna can help provide answers. The writer provides an analysis of these moral struggles and themes which constitute the major focus of the novel.
From the Paper "War is a powerful experience. How many individuals have had to take their places on the bloody front of killing and wonder what exactly their actions will result in? For one man, Arjuna, these moral issues of killing his kinsmen and pondering the resulting state of his spiritual well-being are paralyzing. War, he realizes, not only involves the "simple" act of physically taking lives, but it also affects the deeper universal soul, or Ātmā. What should he do? What should he think? Who should he seek help from? These answers and many more come in the form of his God, Krishna, the ultimate source of clarity for Arjuna in his crippling confusion."
Abstract This paper discusses that the early Greek and Roman societies used ideas introduced by their philosopher thinkers as their own religion, which formed into many cults. The paper presents the teachings of the Bhagavad- Gita, a Hindus, and their relationship to yoga. The author states that the yoga of perfect knowledge is the attainment of one's individual consciousness and Ultimate Truth, through the process of intellectual thinking and contemplation.
From the Paper "The Bhagavad- Gita is translated as the ?Song of God,? and the texts of this sacred book, a list of songs of praise for the gods of the Hindus, contains messages that gives its listeners an understanding of what is the "essence of human existence, immortality of the soul, and eternal relationship with God" (Bhagavad- Gita Trust 1998). One of the primary teachings of the Bhagavad- Gita is to know the said concepts and knowledge about life through the process and activity of doing yoga. Yoga is the "science of the individual consciousness attaining communion with the Ultimate Consciousness" (Bhagavad- Gita Trust 1998)."
Abstract The "Mahabharata" is the oldest of the great epics of Hindu literature. This paper looks at its contents - including the Bhagavad Gita," or "The Lord's Song," included within it, which stands as the single most significant religious text of Hinduism. A brief history of Hinduism is provided and the "Mahabharata" is analyzed for ways it impacted the development and evolution of Hindu prayer and ritual.
From the Paper "While there is no founder of Hinduism as such, Hinduism was shaped by the actions of a man shrouded in legend, and much of the knowledge of Hinduism as it has been passed down has been attributed to his efforts. He is said to have lived some 3,500 years ago. He was the great grandson of the sage Vasishta, the son of the sage Parasara and the fishergirl Satyavati. He was called Krishna Dvaipayana. Because he had a desire for order, he gathered together all the knowledge of his time in the form of the Vedic hymns and rituals. He edited these works into four huge volumes, producing the four Vedas, which stood as the earliest source of information on Indian thought. He was then given the title Veda Vyasa, or the Editor of Knowledge, and in this manner he created a tradition of teaching and learning through his disciples and through the legendary forest university he founded in Naimisaaranya. The writing of the masterpiece the Mahabharata has been attributed to Vyasa, though he may be more legend than real. The story in this epic concerns the legitimacy of the succession rights to the kingdom of Kurukshetra, the ancestral realm of King Bharata:"
Abstract This paper looks at the Hindu creed concerning life and death. It examines how according to the "Bhagavad-Gita", an ambiguity arises as to how one is supposed to live life in accordance with Krishna's teachings of life and death. It argues how Krishna brings up the fact that one should not worry about killing because of the insignificance of the current life. Thus, leading one to question why one should refrain from killing at all. It evaluates how the teachings of Krishna portray how one should live life in a disciplined manner so that one may attain knowledge. It shows how the ultimate goal that Krishna teaches is to detach oneself from the fruits of one's actions so that one may conduct oneself in a manner that may allow one to fulfill his/her dharma and therefore be closer to the ultimate goal of immortality.
From the Paper "Knowledge plays a very important role in reaching the ultimate goal. "You will cross over all evil on the raft of knowledge" (Gita 54) assures Krishna. If one wishes to attain a goal, one must have knowledge on what he/she must do in order to achieve it. ?He who really knows my divine birth and my action, escapes rebirth when he abandons the body ? and comes to me?? (Gita 50). Thus, the person who has faith in the divinity and does his duties without seeing a clear cause to do so will be the one who will be able to escape this vicious cycle of birth and rebirth. Ultimately, it is a combination of discipline and knowledge that is required of a person who wishes to attain moksha."
Abstract This paper reviews three separate works which deal with the issues of love, the afterlife and culture in different ways. These three issues are explored through the Hindu philosophy expressed in the "Bhagavad Gita," the "Analects" of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and the Platonic dialogue "The Symposium". The writer reviews each work separately to show how each author presented the issue to his public.
From the Paper "Arjuna is presented as both the master archer and the eternal student, learning from his Lord Krishna and serving as the stand-in for the average man. The lessons learned by Arjuna are those every person is expected to learn and to put into action in his or her own life. In the "Bhagavad Gita," the eve of the great battle arrives, and Arjuna, driven by his charioteer, Krishna, moves to the front line so he can look over the opposing army he will have to face the next day."
