Bhagavad Gita

Definition

The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, specifically situated in the Bhishma Parva. It presents a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer, addressing the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna on the battlefield. This text is crucial as it explores themes of duty (dharma), righteousness, and the nature of reality, deeply influencing Indian philosophy and spirituality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bhagavad Gita is often referred to as the Gita and is composed of 18 chapters within the larger Mahabharata text, highlighting its significance in Hindu literature.
2. The dialogue addresses key philosophical concepts such as selflessness, devotion to duty, and the importance of righteousness in one's actions.
3. Krishna's teachings emphasize that individuals must act according to their dharma without attachment to the results of their actions, promoting a sense of detached engagement in life.
4. The text has been interpreted in various ways, leading to different philosophical schools, including Advaita Vedanta which promotes non-dualism.
5. The Bhagavad Gita has had a profound influence on various religious movements and thinkers globally, including Mahatma Gandhi, who regarded it as his 'spiritual dictionary'.

Review Questions

• How does the Bhagavad Gita define the concept of dharma, and why is it significant for Arjuna's dilemma?
  • In the Bhagavad Gita, dharma refers to the moral duty and responsibilities that govern an individual's actions based on their role in society. For Arjuna, who faces a moral crisis about fighting in a war against his own relatives, understanding his dharma as a warrior becomes crucial. Krishna guides him to recognize that fulfilling his duty without attachment to outcomes is essential for maintaining righteousness and order in society.
• Analyze how the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita relate to the concepts of karma and selfless action.
  • Krishna teaches Arjuna that performing one's duty selflessly without attachment to results aligns with the principles of karma. This means that while individuals should take action based on their dharma, they should not be motivated by personal gain or fear of consequences. This approach encourages a focus on righteous living and highlights how selfless actions contribute positively to one's karma, impacting future circumstances.
• Evaluate the impact of the Bhagavad Gita on modern philosophical thought and its relevance across different cultures.
  • The Bhagavad Gita has significantly influenced modern philosophical thought by introducing concepts such as non-attachment, selflessness, and duty. These ideas resonate beyond Hinduism; thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi applied its teachings to advocate for non-violent resistance. The Gita's exploration of ethics in action has found relevance in various global contexts, fostering dialogues around morality in leadership, social justice movements, and personal conduct across cultures.

Related terms

Dharma: A key concept in Indian philosophy referring to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities an individual must follow in life.

Karma: The principle of cause and effect where an individual's actions (good or bad) influence their future circumstances and experiences.

Vedanta: A major school of Hindu philosophy that focuses on the teachings found in the Upanishads, with emphasis on meditation, morality, and understanding the ultimate reality.