Bhagavad Gita

Definition

The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. It is a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer, the god Krishna, on the eve of a great battle. The Gita provides guidance on ethical dilemmas, the nature of the self, and the relationship between the individual and the divine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bhagavad Gita is considered one of the most important Hindu scriptures, revered for its philosophical and spiritual insights.
2. The dialogue in the Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is faced with the dilemma of whether to fight against his own kinsmen.
3. The Gita explores the concept of dharma, or righteous duty, and how one should act in accordance with their role and responsibilities in life.
4. The text emphasizes the importance of detachment from the fruits of one's actions, known as karma-yoga, as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment.
5. The Bhagavad Gita is believed to have been composed between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE, and is considered a foundational text of Hindu philosophy.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Bhagavad Gita relates to the concept of philosophy and the pursuit of wisdom.
  • The Bhagavad Gita is a profound work of Hindu philosophy that delves into the nature of the self, the relationship between the individual and the divine, and the ethical dilemmas faced by human beings. Through the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, the Gita explores fundamental questions about the meaning of life, the nature of duty and moral obligation, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. As such, the Gita is considered a cornerstone of Hindu philosophical thought and a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of wisdom.
• Describe how the Bhagavad Gita's concepts of dharma and karma-yoga relate to the study of philosophy.
  • The Bhagavad Gita's exploration of the concepts of dharma (righteous duty) and karma-yoga (the path of action without attachment to the fruits of one's actions) are highly relevant to the study of philosophy. These concepts challenge the traditional Western philosophical emphasis on individual rights and the pursuit of personal gain, and instead advocate for a more holistic and selfless approach to moral and ethical decision-making. By examining the Gita's perspectives on the nature of the self, the role of the individual within a larger social and cosmic order, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation, students of philosophy can gain valuable insights into alternative frameworks for understanding the human condition and the pursuit of wisdom.
• Analyze how the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on the nature of the self and the relationship between the individual and the divine can inform the study of philosophy.
  • The Bhagavad Gita's teachings on the nature of the self and the relationship between the individual and the divine are of great significance to the study of philosophy. The Gita challenges the Western conception of the self as a distinct, autonomous entity, and instead proposes a view of the self as inextricably linked to the divine, or the universal consciousness. This perspective has profound implications for philosophical questions about the nature of reality, the meaning of existence, and the role of the individual within a larger cosmic order. By engaging with the Gita's metaphysical and ontological frameworks, students of philosophy can gain a deeper understanding of alternative conceptions of the self and its place in the world, which can inform and enrich their overall philosophical inquiry and the pursuit of wisdom.

Related terms

Dharma:

The principle of righteousness, moral duty, and social order in Hinduism. The Bhagavad Gita explores the concept of dharma and how one should act in accordance with their duty.

Karma:

The principle of cause and effect, where one's actions determine future circumstances. The Gita discusses the importance of acting without attachment to the fruits of one's actions, known as karma-yoga.

Moksha:

The ultimate goal in Hinduism, the liberation from the cycle of rebirth and union with the divine. The Bhagavad Gita provides guidance on the path to achieving moksha.