Bhagavad-Gita The Bhagavad-Gita is not an epic telling of the rise and fall of rival powers, or of the great actions of warriors. It is a spiritual book in which, not only the truth about the inner Self of man is revealed, but also the hidden motives, and the way in which they may be transcended. Bhagavad-Gita teaches how to obtain control of mind and body. Human beings, according to Bhagavad-Gita, live in an illusionary, dualistic world. The world they perceive as real is illusionary; it is full of material possessions and feelings. It is the goal of a Hindu to escape this world of maya (illusion) and become one with Atman.
There are, however, obstacles in this path. During the course of their lives, humans have developed three fundamental problems that they must escape in order to experience Ultimate Reality. They must overcome the ignorance in their minds, their selfish desires and their arrogant egos. One of the episodes in the Bhagavad-Gita tells of a conflict, which arose between two branches of the same House, the Kurus and the Pandavas. The struggle arises over a past action of their king, conceived and carried out by him in order to protect and uphold Dharma, the universal law of righteousness. Lord Krishna reveals how spiritual knowledge is received by succession and the reason and nature of His descent into the material worlds. Here Krishna also explains the paths of action and knowledge.
He also tells about the wisdom regarding the supreme knowledge, which results at the culmination of the two paths. In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna categorically and comprehensively explains that the duty of each member of society is to carry out their functions and responsibilities in their respective stage of life according to the rules and regulations of the society in which one lives. The Lord explains why such duties must be performed, what benefit is gained by performing them, what harm is caused by not performing them. Lord Krishna delineates the concepts of action with detachment and renunciation in actions explaining that both are a means to the same goal. Arjuna is contemplating whether to fulfill his dharma, he asks, Krishna, how can I fight against Bhishma and Drona with arrows when they deserve my worship? Krishnas advisees Arjuna: Always perform with detachment any action you must do; performing action with detachment, one achieves supreme good. By keeping this detachment of from his actions, Arjuna can understand that he must believe in his dharma.
The Term Paper on The Bhagavad Gita One Arjuna Krishna
... intentional action, which is continuation in samsara, the cycle of birth and death. 5. Bhagavad Gita 5. 1-11 Arjuna said: O Krishna, You ... by performing all works efficiently without attachment. (See also 3. 29) (3. 26) Krishna distinguishes two ways to perfection: 'In this world, O ...
By performing dharma, Krishna says, death is certain for anyone born, and birth is certain for anyone dead, since the cycle is inevitable, you have no cause to grieve. The Hindu belief of life on Earth is that each life is a part of a cycle of birth, death and rebirth until spiritual peace is found. By killing someone in battle, you are just helping his or her cycle to continue. In the Bhagavad-Gita the beliefs of Samsara, which is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth of individuals, are intertwined with dharma (duty).
Moksha, which is the release or liberation of the Atman from the cycle of rebirth combined with karma yoga (the way of action), is a way to reach this state of enlightenment. Through the cycle of rebirth, Arjunas conflict is within. By obtaining the release of the karmic or physical self, he is rejecting the impulses of the karmic self in order to recognize his Atman, or his true spirit.
We see this when Krishna gives advice to Arjuna, When he renounces all desires and acts without craving, possessiveness, or individuality, he finds peace. This is the place of the infinite spirit; achieving it, one is freed from delusion; abiding in it even at the time of death, one finds the pure calm of infinity. When this all called Ultimate Reality is achieved the devotee is granted liberation (Moksha) from Samsara (rebirth) which is caused by the consequences of their actions (karma).
The path to liberation is difficult and complex. The Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita teaches that there are essentially three paths to achieve Moksha from Samsara: the jnana-marga (meant for people with intuitive wisdom), the karma-marga (the act of performing ones role in life or dharma) and the bhakti-marga (the emotional devotion to God).
The Essay on Death And Rebirth Examining Death Through Poetry
Death and Rebirth: Examining Death Through Poetry Death is one of the only true constants in the universe and is the only guarantee in life. Everyone knows of death and everyone will experience it, but to the living death is still one of life's greatest mysteries. In some cultures death is celebrated and embraced, while in others it is feared. However it is perceived, death holds different ...
Each path, however, is a means to the same goal and therefore has equal importance. It is through the practice of either one or a combination of this triad of margas (paths) that a Hindu is able to achieve Ultimate Reality..
