Bhagavad-Gita is regarded as a fundamental Sruti text in the Hindu literature and is comprised of eighteen chapters that explore various issues in form of a dialogue. The themes cover diverse topics which aim at accomplishing the several religious objectives. This paper will describe the various themes of Bhagavad-Gita as depicted in the dialogue.
One of the themes of Bhagavad-Gita is dharma which is associated with basically what is right. The theme of dharma is an integral part of the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna in which the process of devotion is exemplified. In yoga in devotion, dharma is crucial in the process of devotion (Jayaram 18). Dharma in Bhagavad-Gita is often seen as the behaviors which an individual should abide by since they are beneficial to self as well as the society at large. Through dharma, an individual is able to be morally guided to act in accordance with spiritual behaviors of uprightness. Similarly, through dharma living beings are able to acquire the necessary knowledge which is crucial in attaining a true understanding of the religion. In the dialogue, it is ascertained that those who strictly follow dharma as opposed to adharma are unlikely to be tamasic in their nature (Jayaram 18).
We can do it today.
Moreover, the themes of righteousness, as well as consciousness, are evident in Bhagavad-Gita. Bhagavad-Gita emphasizes on an individual to depict behaviors which they consider righteous for themselves and the society without being influenced by the actions of the society (Jayaram 12). Righteousness is a virtue which is crucial in the actions of individuals according to the dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna where they assert that even the Lord is righteous to his self and living beings (Judge entire). Also, the theme of righteousness is prescribed where it is said that those who perform the desired behaviors and renounces all the undesired behaviors are pure in nature. On the other hand, the theme of consciousness is stipulated in yoga in devotion verse eighteen where it is asserted that “knowledge to be known and the end of all knowledge, it is the hearts of all” (Jayaram 12). Correspondingly, verse nineteen specifies that who is aware of the importance of consciousness attains the state of God (Jayaram 12).
The theme of liberation is also evident in the dialogue. Liberation is viewed to be an important aspect which cannot be easily acquired or reached by living beings. In the yoga of liberation through renunciation, the acts of renunciation through which one can attain liberation are provided (Jayaram 18). The Brahman is viewed as the ultimate goal which revolves around the relationship of self to liberation. It is also explained that every aspect of life in Bhagavad-Gita is, in fact, an approach towards liberation. In liberation, yoga has been primarily utilized as a skill towards liberation (Jayaram 18). Yoga in Bhagavad-Gita refers to the spiritual exercises that can lead to liberation. In yoga in devotion, liberation can be attained through yoga of knowledge as well as the yoga of action (Judge entire). Thus, liberation is being released from the hands of Prakriti and such individual will go to obtain salvation (Jayaram 18).
In conclusion, several themes are evident in Bhagavad-Gita and cover aspects of important religious identity. Such themes include dharma which is concerned with the right path as a way of life. Besides, the themes of consciousness and righteousness are emphasized in the dialogue. Righteousness involves doing what is beneficial to self and the society without looking at the repercussions of the actions while consciousness is concerned with how informed an individual is in relation to the required virtues in Bhagavad-Gita. Also, liberation is mentioned in the dialogue of Arjuna and Krishna as essential in Bhagavad-Gita.
- Jayaram, V, translator. The Bhagavad Gita Original Translations. Hinduwebsite.com, 2017, www.hinduwebsite.com/chapters.asp.
- Judge, William Quan. The Bhagavad-Gita: the book of devotion: dialogue between Krishna, Lord of Devotion, and Arjuna, Prince of India. Theosophical University Press, 1954.