"Bhagavad-Gita" and "Beowulf"

Paper Summary:

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."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Heaney, Seamus. (Translator) "Beowulf: A New Verse Translation." New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2001.
• Prabahavanda, Swami & Christopher Irsherwood. (Translators) "The Bhagavad-Gita: The Song of God." New York: Signet Classics, 2002.

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