Examining the Underlying Complexity of the Bhagavad-Gītā
Anonymous Student Five
ELIT2055 H1 World Literature
Essay 2
December 1, 2009
Examining the Underlying Complexity of the Bhagavad-Gītā The Bhagavad-Gītā has been an influential work in the Hindu religion since its completion in the first century B.C.E. Likely written in response to the growth of both Buddhism and Jainism in this time period, the Bhagavad-Gītā displays a new light towards how the lower castes in society can ascend to higher castes. Eventually those in the lower castes can reach the grand state of nirvana (Jeste and Vahia 198). Prior to the Bhagavad-Gītā, this possibility seemed unachievable to Hindus excluded from the Brahman caste. Numerous teachings are showcased throughout the text in the advice Krishna gives to Arjuna, leading Arjuna to the correct decision concerning his dilemma over whether or not to fight his brethren. By following these lessons, individuals of the lower class can climb the Hindu social ladder, giving followers of Hinduism similar ways to achieve good karma when compared to other impeding religions of that era. Interestingly, the Bhagavad-Gītā was likely written by priests and teachers of the Brahman caste. The creation of the work cost them some of their supremacy over the religion due to the greater appreciation for those of the lower caste. However, this individual or group of individuals probably wrote the Bhagavad-Gītā to stop the dilution of the Hindu religion as well as to address essential human characteristics as the world’s first philosophers and, perhaps, psychologists. With this intent in mind, the Bhagavad-Gītā applies to the Hindu religion as well as mankind. Insightful analysis of the Bhagavad-Gītā shows that it functions more as an allegory with numerous layers as opposed to literal Hindu scripture. The Bhagavad-Gītā describes Arjuna in such a way as to depict his position in society while demonstrating how a warrior should respond to the situation presented in the text. Additionally, Arjuna
ELIT2055 H1 World Literature
Essay 2
December 1, 2009
Examining the Underlying Complexity of the Bhagavad-Gītā The Bhagavad-Gītā has been an influential work in the Hindu religion since its completion in the first century B.C.E. Likely written in response to the growth of both Buddhism and Jainism in this time period, the Bhagavad-Gītā displays a new light towards how the lower castes in society can ascend to higher castes. Eventually those in the lower castes can reach the grand state of nirvana (Jeste and Vahia 198). Prior to the Bhagavad-Gītā, this possibility seemed unachievable to Hindus excluded from the Brahman caste. Numerous teachings are showcased throughout the text in the advice Krishna gives to Arjuna, leading Arjuna to the correct decision concerning his dilemma over whether or not to fight his brethren. By following these lessons, individuals of the lower class can climb the Hindu social ladder, giving followers of Hinduism similar ways to achieve good karma when compared to other impeding religions of that era. Interestingly, the Bhagavad-Gītā was likely written by priests and teachers of the Brahman caste. The creation of the work cost them some of their supremacy over the religion due to the greater appreciation for those of the lower caste. However, this individual or group of individuals probably wrote the Bhagavad-Gītā to stop the dilution of the Hindu religion as well as to address essential human characteristics as the world’s first philosophers and, perhaps, psychologists. With this intent in mind, the Bhagavad-Gītā applies to the Hindu religion as well as mankind. Insightful analysis of the Bhagavad-Gītā shows that it functions more as an allegory with numerous layers as opposed to literal Hindu scripture. The Bhagavad-Gītā describes Arjuna in such a way as to depict his position in society while demonstrating how a warrior should respond to the situation presented in the text. Additionally, Arjuna
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