The Bhagavad-Gita: An introduction

Hinduism: Introduction

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Information: This article gives a brief review of the key themes in the Bhagavad-Gita. A version of this article was originally published on the website www.faithnet.org.uk.

Introduction

Also known as the ‘Song of the Lord’, the Bhagavad-Gita is one of the most famous and well-read Hindu texts. It is believed to have been composed in India around the time Jesus lived, although the exact date of its composition is disputed.

The Bhagavad-Gita forms part of the Mahabharata, which is an epic poem that tells of a dispute over the right of succession to the throne between the five sons of Pandu, and the sons of Dhrtarastra. The Bhagavad-Gita deals with one aspect of this dispute, a conversation between Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna (who turns out to be an incarnation of the deity Vishnu), just as battle is about to commence between the two families. Arjuna is concerned that he is essentially fighting against his family, and is filled with remorse. However, Krishna tells him that it is his duty (dharma) to fight this battle, so that a better way of life may emerge.

The key themes of the Bhagavad-Gita are: The different ways the soul (atman) may attain liberation from samsara (moksha), the nature of God (Brahman) and the idea of a God of love who seeks devotion. This latter teaching was introduced as a new thought in Hindu religion.

The Soul (atman)

Central to Hindu belief is the notion of karma and reincarnation. This is the idea that our actions have effects, which affect our rebirth in the next life. Krishna tells Arjuna that the human soul (atman) is indestructible, and continues to go from body to body until it achieves its final release from samsara:

'As a man casts off his worn-out clothes and takes on other new ones, so does the [soul] cast off its worn out bodies and enter new ones.' (Bhagavad-Gita 2:22)

In the Bhagavad-Gita we find that each human soul is actually one part of the one universal reality we know as God (or in this case, Brahman).

'The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna.' (Bhagavad-Gita 18.61)

We also find that freedom from samsara (or moksha) is achieved when this is accepted. In other words, a Hindu achieves moksha once their soul is re-united with Brahman. This also means that attachment to the body, or focussing on one's own needs and desires, is the cause of rebirth as it keeps people away from Brahman.

The Nature of God

In the Bhagavad-Gita Krishna is revealed as the Supreme Being. The Gita also teaches us that true knowledge of God is given to those who show love to God.

Although God is beyond our understanding, God is sometimes made known to us through avatars. These are appearances of the god Vishnu on earth.

'Whenever the law of righteousness withers away and lawlessness arises, then do I [appear on the earth]. For the protection of the good, for the destruction of evil-doers, for the setting up of the law of righteousness I [appear] age after age.' (Bhagavad-Gita 4:7-8)

There are many avatars in Hinduism, and they are to be distinguished from the rest of the gods who are more like the angelic creatures of Christianity and Islam.

Loving Devotion (bhakti)

'One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God.' (Bhagavad-Gita 18.55)

Bhakti means ‘loyalty’ or ‘devotion’. It is through bhakti, rather than sacrifices or rituals, that a person is assured of God’s grace (undeserved favour). Showing devotion to the gods is how devotees demonstrate their love for God. Bhakti marked an important stage in Hindu thought for even if an evil person devoted himself or herself to Krishna, they will go to eternal rest. It also meant people did not have withdraw from society in order to attain moksha, as Sadhus (Holy men) had done up to then.

The Buddha became a Sadhu in order to try and find Enlightenment.

The Bhagavad-Gita revolutionised the Hindu faith. Through bhakti alone, not only men but women and the Shudras (the latter traditionally having had no right to even hear the Vedas), were now free to develop an attitude of bhakti towards God. Prior to this only male priests (Brahmins) were really able to attain moksha.

The great message of the Bhagavad-Gita is the equality of all human beings with each other, and with God.

In the Bhagavad-Gita Krishna also teaches Arjuna that God does not try to draw everyone to Godself, but acknowledges that many pathways lead to God.

'I am in everyone’s heart as the Supersoul. As soon as one desires to worship some demigod, I make his faith steady so that he can devote himself to that particular deity. Endowed with such a faith, he endeavors to worship a particular demigod and obtains his desires. But in actuality these benefits are bestowed by Me alone.' (Bhagavad-Gita 7:21-22)

This means that all the gods of Hinduism lead to Krishna (or the Supreme Being/God Brahman). However, in a broader understanding this passage could also imply that other religions are also pathways to the One Supreme Being. Thus the Bhagavad-Gita may be said to not only unite all people, but also all faith-traditions as well.