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BhagavadGita.pptxThe Bhagavad Gita
ENG 271
The Bhagavad Gita
also referred to as Gita (“The Song of God”)
a 700–verse Dharmic scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata
Introduces Hinduism to the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence), a problem for the warrior class (the Kshatriya)
The god Krishna
Mahabharata
One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India
The oldest preserved parts of the text are not thought to be appreciably older than around 400 BCE, though the origins of the story probably fall between the 8th and 9th centuries BCE
The Bhagavad Gita
contains a conversation between Pandava prince Arjuna ( a warrior) and his guide Krishna on a variety of philosophical issues
Arjuna
plays the listener in the Bhagavad Gita
considered the finest archer and a peerless warrior by many notable figures in the Mahabharata
Krishna
often described and portrayed as an infant or young boy playing a flute
stories of Krishna appear across a broad spectrum of Hindu philosophical and theological traditions.
They portray him in various perspectives: a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero and the Supreme Being.
Kurukshetra War
At the time of the great battle, Krishna acted as Arjuna's charioteer, since this position did not require the wielding of weapons.
Upon arrival at the battlefield, and seeing that the enemies are his family, his grandfather, his cousins and loved ones, Arjuna is moved and says his heart does not allow him to fight
he would prefer to renounce the kingdom. and put down his Gandiv (Arjuna's bow).
Krishna then advises him about the battle, with the conversation soon extending into a discourse which was later compiled as the Bhagavad Gita.
Kurukshetra War
Krishna displays his Vishvarupa (Universal Form) to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Kurukshetra War
Krishna Mediating between the Pandavas and Kauravas
Kurukshetra War
Krishna and Arjuna driving towards Bhishma
Dharma
Eternal order that pervades the whole universe (cosmic justice)
Sacred law
The first reference to dharma in the Bhagavad Gita occurs in its first verse, where Dhritarashtra refers to the Kurukshetra as the 'Field of dharma'.
Samsara
As the real self (atman) remains unchanged throughout life, it likewise continues after death. This soul is carried within the subtle (astral) body to its next destination. The precise nature of the new body is determined by the state of mind at death and is specifically influenced by (1) the person's desires, and (2) his karma.
Samsara refers to the process of passing from one body to another throughout all species of life. Hindus believe that consciousness is present in all life forms, even fish and plants.
Samsara
The nature of the soul is the same, regardless of which body it resides in.
The goal of life is moksha
Achieved not just by what one does (as long as it is according to dharma or the divine plan), but what one thinks about what one does.
Moksha: Liberation
not something that can be acquired or reached
Ātman (Self), the goal of moksha, is something that is always present as the essence of the self, and can be revealed by deep intuitive knowledge
A synthesis of knowledge, devotion, and desire-less action is given as a prescription for Arjuna's despondence; the same combination is suggested as a way to moksha.
Brahman
the one supreme, universal Spirit
The impact of a drop of water in water, a common analogy for Brahman and the Ātman
