The Bhagavad-Gita

English 10

Introduction

-Objectives:-Students will understand the main characters in the Bhagavad-Gita

-Students will be able to apply knowledge of prior texts (Illiad/Gilgamesh) to the story of Arjuna and Krishna

Gandhi on the Gita

“When disappointment stares me in the face and all alone I see not one ray of light, I go back to the Gita. I find a verse here and a verse there and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedies – and my life has been full of external tragedies – and if they have left no visible scar on me, I owe it all to the teachings of the Gita.”

The Bhagavad-Gita: What is it?Meaning = “Song of the Lord”

700 verses in Sanskrit scripture of a Civil War

Story of the Indian Epic, the Mahabharata – The war between two families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas (cousins)

Main Characters:

Arjuna (Pandavas hero)

Lord Krishna (the God Vishnu)

Arjuna – finest archer and warrior of the Pandavas: undefeated warrior

1. He is overcome with self-doubt and fear as

he approaches the battle field.

2. Does not want to fight his own kin or his former

Teacher.

3. Krishna gives advice, Arjuna listens and asks

Questions

4.Text is a Philosophical dialogue between Arjuna and

Krishna

Lord Krishna ( the God Vishnu)1. Supreme God of Vaishnavism

2. Explains to Arjuna that he should do his duty and

fight in battle.

3. Teachings: The human soul is immortal – therefore – No one is

actually “slain”.

4. If people live accordingly to their duties, they cannot

be stained by action.

5. Known as “Guru” = the teacher/master

The Teachings in Total…

18 Teachings ( we are reading only 5 total) In poetic form – usually chanted outloud The writings have influenced Gandhi, Albert

Einstein, Herman Hesse, and Robert Oppenheimer to name a few…

Each teaching is a separate “yoga” = (a prayer or hymn that is sung)

1st Teaching

The Distress of Arjuna 46 verses Arjuna requests Krishna on battlefield Moves chariot between both sides

2nd Teaching –Summary of entire Gita Book of Doctrines – 72 verses Introduces Karma (concept of action/deed) –

importance of cause and effect. Yoga and the immortal nature of the soul

3rd Teaching (Karma Yoga)

Virtue in Work 43 Verses Krishna explains performance of “duties” –

actual performance that is practiced.

6th Teaching

Religion by Self Restraint 47 verses - Mastery of mind might be gained - Techniques to gain mastery of mind -Absolute reality is an illusion (concept known

as “Maya”)

11th Teaching

Manifesting of the One and Many 55 verses Theophany – the appearance of a god/deity

in human form – “universal form” Arjuna wants to find divine meaning of life The purpose of Beatific Visions – ability to

see gods/goddess in living form, among the living.

Vocab Words– On final (write down each word – leave a few lines in-between each for definition)

1. Dharma 6. Puja 2. Artha 7. Ahimsa 3. Kama 8. Yoga (3 types) 4. Moksha 9. Guru 5. Karma 10. Tilaka

Dharma 1st of the 4 goals in life Righteousness in religious life; sacredness of

all life The principle/law that orders the universe

Artha - 2nd of the 4 goals in life Success in economic life; material prosperity Achieving widespread fame, gaining wealth Having an elevated social standing

Kama 3rd of the 4 goals in life Eros – desire, pleasure of the senses Mental and intellectual fulfillment of love Passion – aesthetic enjoyment of life

Moksha 4th of the 4 goals in life Liberation from the cycle of rebirth Freedom from the endless cycle of

reincarnation Reincarnation – also known as Samsara (continuos flow)

Karma

The principle/law of cause and effect meaning: “deed”/ “act” “If one follows goodness, one will reap

goodness.” “If one follows evil, one will reap evil”

Puja – an expression of honor/worship

A religious ritual; an offering to various gods, distinguished individuals, or guests.

Daily puja can take place in varous settings: home, temple ceremonies, large festivals

Ahimsa - “Do No Harm”

The avoidance of violence – nonviolence Kindness to all living things, including

animals Living beings as “unity” – everything is

connected

Yoga- “to unite” “to join”

- The spiritual – mental - physical practice of attaining permanent peace.

- Three Types (in 6th teaching/chapter)- 1. Karma Yoga: yoga of action- 2. Bhakti Yoga: yoga of devotion- 3. Jnana Yoga: yoga of knowledge

Guru – “The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you” - Krishna

Meaning – “master” or “True teacher”. A respected instructor with saintly qualities.

Enlightens the mind of followers – transmits wisdom from teacher to student

A spiritual advisor; an enlightened master. One who “dispels the darkness of ignorance”

Tilaka – a mark on the forehead or other part of body

Worn daily or for special religious occasions Created by the smearing of powder or paste

on the forehead Differs from a bindi, but similar – 19 different

types of tilak

The 4 Questions of The Gita…. 1. How can a Hindu warrior be liberated from

rebirth? 2. If the soul is immortal, why is it involved in

action (which will cause rebirth)? 3. If action is inevitable, how can the soul

ever cease to be reborn? 4. How does one know right action from

wrong?