The Meaning Of Life And Nature Of The Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture written around 200 B.C.E. that summarizes many of the significant documents of Hinduism and includes a philosophical discourse on the meaning of life and death. It is part of the Mahabharata and tells the tale of Arjuna, a warrior Chieftain and his charioteer and supreme being Krishna. Upon arriving on the battleground, Arjuna is surrounded by two branches of the Bharata family. He is in conflict as to weather he will be able to fight his kin and friends. His physical body is weak as he drops his bow and arrows on the battlefield in despair. He sees no good coming from this battle. He turns to Krishna for guidance and there ensues a long conversation related to the philosophy of dharma or righteousness.

“I see no blessing from slaying kinsfolk in strife; I desire no victor, O Krishna, nor kingship, nor delights” (Part One: Originals of Civilization, 71). He is overwhelmed with compassion and does not see a benefit for killing his kinsfolk in battle. He has a moral dilemma with no purpose in wasted life. Arjuna sees no reward or desire to rule the kingdom so why should he fight even if it means he can control all the world? He is desperate for guidance and turns to Krishna. Krishna, trying to motivate Arjuna, states, “Fall not into unmanliness, O Pritha’s son; it is unmeet for thee. Cease from this base faintness of heart and rise up, O affrighter of the foe” (Part One: The Origins of Civilization, 72). Arjuna was born a warrior and therefore he must fight. He tries to tell him that not to worry because a slain soldier will be reincarnated. If Arjuna does not do his job as a warrior and slay his enemies, he will certainly be slain. (for power) He must put aside his fears and prepare for

“As the Body’s Tenant goes through childhood and manhood and old age, so does it pass to other bodies; the wise man is not confounded therein” (Part One: The Origins of Civilization, 72) Your body is simply a vessel. Though it may change in appearance, your sole will remain the same throughout your lifetime. While your body may die, your soul lives on forever and cannot be destroyed. It is eternal. Arjuna should not be sad since those who are killed will transmigrate from one body to another.
Krishna used philosophical words to convince Arjuna to fight. He consistently assured him that he cared for him and was putting his best interests first. He gives him a foundation for his actions. He reassures him, but in the end, Arjuna goes to battle and wins. All those that were killed can now be re-incarnated. Arjuna had a moral and ethical dilemma. He was told to trust Krishna and perform his social duty. Instead of doing what is best for him, Arjuna should follow his heart but instead surrenders to the influence of Lord