The Gita's Influence

The Gita's Influence

  • Submitted By: Pagli007
  • Date Submitted: 10/27/2009 10:05 AM
  • Category: Philosophy
  • Words: 1098
  • Page: 5
  • Views: 343

The Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (holy land). It is a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna who is one of the warriors. Like, most holy books, the Bhagavad Gita teaches one to strive for good over evil. It teaches one to strive for liberation by detaching oneself from the material world and realizing the supreme as the absolute truth.
The principal teaching of the Gita is based on two principles, Sankhyayoga and Karmayoga. Sankhyayoga teaches that all objects being unreal like the water in a mirage or the creation of a dream are products of illusion. Karmayoga teaches that everything belongs to God and all tasks should be done according to God’s behest and only for the sake of God.
"Fate is nothing but deeds committed in a prior existence."
The Bhagavad Gita speaks of karma. Karma is an action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, either in this life or in a reincarnation. One’s karma is determined by their actions. If one does something that is non-righteous (adharma) they will experience bad karma. It is due to this fact that Arjuna has second thoughts about going to battle. This is because his opponents are his friends, cousins, gurus and elders. In Indian philosophy it is considered a sin to kill one’s family. Arjuna knows he is one of the best warriors and will be able to defeat their “opponents”. It is here, that Arjuna due to “infatuation”prepared himself to turn away from his duty of a warrior (Ksatriya) and live on alms. This is when Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna that he has a duty to perform as a warrior. He needs to protect the citizens that were not able to fight, if he turned his back on those people, would it be a dharmic thing to do? Lord Krishna then explains that
“_For in that case death is certain for the born, and rebirth is inevitable for the dead. You should not, therefore, grieve over the inevitable.”_ [2:27]
What is to happen will happen. These “bodies” need to...

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