Paper
Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Farhan Abbasi
This modern day translation of the Bhagavad Gita, written by Barbara Stoller Miller, focused briefly on Krishna’s Counsel in Time of War. It was a fairly short yet in depth description of Hindu beliefs and the conflicts that humans encounter when deciding which path to follow. The translation is in poetic form, and is divided between eighteen teachings, or chapters if you will. Each teaching focuses on one discipline of the mind, revealed through the Hindi god Krishna, to the man seeking knowledge at the time of his life’s most crucial stage, Arjuna.
This translation was very interested to read, especially for me, who never really have gotten the chance to read any literature that relates to myself. This book doesn’t necessarily relate to me, but it comes close in a way. My father is Indian, and my mother is Pakistani. That is about the only thing that comes close ethnic-wise to this epic. I am Muslim, so me being a monotheist logically doesn’t fully satisfy Hinduism requirements. Yet I understand the beliefs, and other than the polytheism aspect of the religion, along with some other beliefs, I agree and at times try to follow a number of the teachings that improve the human soul. For instance, on page 46, in the Third Teaching, Arjuna asks, “Krishna, what makes a person commit evil against his own will, as if compelled by force?” and Krishna answers, “It is desire and anger, arising from nature’s quality of passion; know it here as the enemy, voracious and very evil!” I generally agree with this idea, that passion really creates desire, which most of the time creates anger. A lot of people have obsession with things or people, and it is derived from their passion, which turns to desire, which becomes anger, especially when they don’t get what they really want. There are things in my life that I try to keep a distance from me. When at first I know it’s not good for me, and I find myself beginning to like it more, as if I’m developing a passion for it, I stray myself away from it. Most of the time, if it works, it helps me from a lot of possible danger in the future.
Yet even that belief, there can be a contradiction on my part, as there are a lot of in the book. If one stays away from passion, how can one strive at anything in life? Does this message preach that we as human beings should turn away our desire of going to school, for example? Also, a lot of people turn their passion of something into a work of art. Where would Picasso be without his passion for painting? Where would Mozart be without his passion for music?
Another contradiction is noticed on the same page, just a couple paragraphs below, “The senses, mind, and understanding are said to harbor desire; with these desire obscures knowledge and confounds the embodied self.” Mistake me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t knowledge come from understanding? If this is true, then understanding cannot be a cause of obscuring knowledge, since understanding causes knowledge itself.
As I read on, I didn’t know if I was getting the true meaning of the book, or just the meaning as Ms. Miller saw it. It really felt like the writing was “modernized” for western readers. I wasn’t sure if this epic was a book that defined Hinduism, or a book that used Hinduism as a pivot for its ideas. There were a lot of things that contradicted with the Hindu views, such as the term “hell” which really has no meaning in Hindu belief, yet is included as a punishment that Krishna will give if humans don’t follow his teachings. Hinduism is based on reincarnation, and hell is really a term used in more modern religions such as Christianity and Islam.
On a brighter note, I finished the book knowing that some of my past beliefs – like trying to abstain from sensual objects – are very common to the teachings provided in this book. This is very important because it is proof that although one may have a set faith in one religion or belief, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one can’t learn from other religions, or practices. As times change, so do people’s thoughts, and overtime old-age religions become the new-age thinking, as people try to look for “new” ways to lead their life, which at the time may seem empty or in need of some spiritual guidance.
To conclude, this book provided a lot of spiritual guidance, and one has to make the right decisions as to which one is desirable (hmm…a quick thought: In the book’s view, can one desire spiritual guidance from Krishna?). That is a question I will ponder…
Другие работы по теме:
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Religion Paper Essay Research Paper
“Food is for the belly and the belly for food, you say. True; and one day God will put an end to both. But the body is not for fornication; it is for the Lord–and the Lord for the body.” 1st Corinthians 6:13 The Broadman Bible Commentary In the Broadman Commentary it talks most about how the Corinthians were using a phrase of the day to justify the practice of sexual immoralities.
Compare Freud Plato Hinduism Essay Research Paper
Since the earliest civilizations such as The Indus Valley Civilization or the Ancient Greeks, humans created wonderful cities, cultures and made huge steps in science, technology, and thought. One of the oldest, if not the oldest civilization, is the Hindu civilization that offered its account of life, society, individuals and what it is that we humans search for in our lives through the sacred Vedic texts.
Lotus Sutra Essay Research Paper One of
Lotus Sutra Essay, Research Paper One of my questions is in regards to the assembly which is referred to in the section on Devadatta. Who makes up this assembly? Is this assembly composed solely of Buddhas? Or is the assembly comprised of Bhodisattvas as well as Buddhas?
Dharma Essay Research Paper Dharma is the
Dharma Essay, Research Paper Dharma is the moral law that Hindus follow throughout life. Through the teachings of Gita, one can find the right way of living and the correct attitude
Epic Of Gilgamesh 2 Essay Research Paper
Heros and Their Human Traits “Who is the noblest hero? The man who conquers his senses” a quote from Bhartrihara. Heros is what is seen throughout ancient epics. Heros are, to many, seen like gods. Many heros are two parts god or have a father who is a god. Although there is god in their blood they are still human.
Summary Of Bhavadgita Essay Research Paper In
Summary Of Bhavadgita Essay, Research Paper In the book, Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna, a warrior prince is faced with a moral dilemma. On one side of the coin, his duty to his fellow men is at stake, and on the reverse side, the killing of innocent men like himself morally horrifies him to his senses. In response to Arjuna’s wavering decision, Krishna’s tells him to fight.
Divine Dialogues Comparing Job And Arjuna Essay
, Research Paper There is a distinct significance for humans forming a relationship with a higher being. To some, it may to be to establish a sense of self-gratification whereas to others it may be a form of help on their road to success. In either instance, forming the relationship helps in characterizing each person whether it is through personal dialogue or individual growth.
Yoga And Emotions Essay Research Paper Yoga
Yoga And Emotions Essay, Research Paper Yoga and Emotions Hinduism believes that yoga has many different paths to enlightenment. Jnanic, Bhaktic, Karma, and Raja yoga’s are the different paths. They are different paths, but the Hindus believes that they all lead to the same destination, which is spiritual freedom.
CommentaryJane EyreRedRoom Essay Research Paper Commentary on
Commentary-Jane Eyre(Red-Room) Essay, Research Paper Commentary on Jane Eyre This particular excerpt of Charlotte Br nte s Jane Eyre is in prose, told in a first person narrative. It is about the last moments that Jane Eyre is locked in the red room after being wrongly accused of pouncing on Mrs. Reed s son, in which her mind has drifted off to the topic of ghosts and spirits coming back from the dead to take revenge on the living and then, upon thinking she has seen a ghost, flies into a panic, waking the whole household and being severely scolded.
China 5 Essay Research Paper Commentary on
China 5 Essay, Research Paper Commentary on China The press in China has come a long way since the CCP took over the Chinese government in 1949 and it will continue to expand it’s freedom as we go into the 21st century. They were denied the right of freedom of speech and freedom of the press for all those years, that now the Chinese people have a hunger for information and knowledge of other countries culture and industrialization.
Mahabharat Book Report Essay Research Paper Neil
Mahabharat Book Report Essay, Research Paper Neil Karia MahaBharat- Book Report Setting 1. The MahaBharat is the longest epic poem known to man. The MahaBharat has been regarded as the supreme work of philosophy on morals and manners. It was composed by the Aryan Vedas sometime between 3150 B.C.- 3120 B.C. and contains about 200,000 verses in Sanskrit.
The Hare Krishna Movement Essay Research Paper
The Hare Krishna movement can be described by using Ninian Smart’s six dimensions of religion. This is a series of six different dimensions that are present in any religion. They are doctrinal, ethical, mythical, experiential, ritual, and social. Each dimension is different, but is a necessary part of religion.
Compare And Contrast Socrates And Krishna Essay
, Research Paper Plato?s Socrates and, The Bhagavad Gita?s Krishna are two very important characters who have strongly impacted the lives of many. These two characters share many similar qualities, as well as many contrasting qualities. In this essay, I will thoroughly compare and contrast these two remarkable characters.
On The Path To God Through Knowledge
Essay, Research Paper on the path to God through knowledge. The basic teaching is that God alone is the all-pervading reality; the individual soul is none other than the universal soul. Shankara was under
Ghandi Essay Research Paper Ghandi and the
Ghandi Essay, Research Paper Ghandi and the Teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita Born into a merchant family in 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi wasunder the influence of powerful people. Members of his family had served asprime ministers of an Indian state for several generations. His parents were strong in their religion, being devout and earnest Hindus.
Young Bear
’s Poem "Our Bird Aegis" With His Commentary Essay, Research Paper Our Bird Aegis An immature black eagle walks assuredly across a prairie meadow. He pauses in mid-step
Karma And Samsara Essay Research Paper The
Karma And Samsara Essay, Research Paper The belief in Karma and Samsara form the basis for the Hindu?s religious worldview. It has been central to Hinduism for thousands of years, and as a
Religion Traid Essay Research Paper The god
Religion Traid Essay, Research Paper The god Agni was important in the context of the Vedas because Agni was the ancient god of fire. Agni the chief bestower of blessing was called upon to take the ancient Hindus sacrifice to the gods and make the gods present at sacrifice. Vedas scriptures were used for sacrifice during ancient times and the most important aspect of the sacrifice was fire.
Comparison Between Gita Govinda And The Song
Of Solomon Essay, Research Paper Analysis and Comparison of Gita Govinda and Song of Solomon Gita Govinda is a religious love poem in the Indian religion. The poem consists of
Gilgamesh V Bahvaghad Gita Essay Research Paper
In both The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Bhagavad-Gita, the gods play a cent0ral role. The Mesopotamians of Gilgamesh see their gods as very human-like creatures, often with faults and whims like their own. On the other hand, the Hindus see more all-powerful, heavenly beings free from faults. This discrepancy in the perception of gods effects the power of their gods and also the longevity of the religion.
The Bhagavad Gita Agamemnon And War Essay
, Research Paper The Oxford American Dictionary describes war as a “strife (especially between two countries)” and an “open hostility between people.” These definitions give a good perspective on war itself, but do not give an explanation of why wars occur. The dictionary also gives the definition of a pacifist as, “a person who totally opposes war, believing that disputes should be settled by peaceful means.” In the novels The Bhagavad Gita and Agamemnon, the authors give not only a story of war, but reasons behind it and the means, which they pursue, it.
The BhagavadGita Subdued Essay Research Paper The
The Bhagavad-Gita Subdued Essay, Research Paper The Bhagavad-Gita most likely begins with philosophy instead of ending with it because it gives people the major message of the whole text. If you keep reading and find out the details of how you are supposed to be a good Hindu is up to you. If it were at the end, it would probably not be a holy book, but just a story with a couple morals attached to the ending.
Bhagavad Gita Essay Research Paper Nonexistence can
Bhagavad Gita Essay, Research Paper Non-existence can be considered a state of not being. In this sense, the faithful followers of the Bhagavad Gita find ways to reach this state within its chapters. Through advice of the ‘lord’ Krishna, followers use yoga and meditation to obtain a pure karma and self-realization for a better life after reincarnation.
The Bhagavad Gita Essay Research Paper Upon
The Bhagavad Gita Essay, Research Paper Upon the reading of chapters 1-6 of the Great Scripture of Hinduism, The Bhagavad Gita (the Lord s Song ), I am completely and utterly fascinated. The story s emphasis on selfless acts, devotion, and meditation is like no other I have ever encountered before. Through the narration of Sanjaya and the conversation of Sri Krishna (Vishnu incarnate) and Prince Arjuna, the principles of Hinduism are eloquently illustrated.
Ancient India 2
Ancient India – Religion Essay, Research Paper India has long been known as a very spiritual, religious heavy area of the world. In India, religion is a way of life. It is an integral part of the entire Indian tradition. For the majority of Indians, religion permeates every aspect of life, from common-place daily chores to education and politics.
Rashomon Commentary Essay Research Paper Rashomon CommentaryIn
Rashomon Commentary Essay, Research Paper Rashomon Commentary In Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s short stories In A Grove and Rashomon, an epic conflict of appearance vs. reality is reinforced by the world-renowned movie “Rashomon”. Although the stories and the movies use different symbolism and have many distinct differences, they both support this theme.
On The Universality Of Poetry Essay Research
Paper Like any art form, poetry is considered universal. It ranks with music, dance, and fine arts as a form or process of expressing Man’s thoughts and passions. Unlike other art forms, however, poetry — and in fact literature — has a peculiar characteristic. As a medium it uses language, and unlike other mediums — like rocks, paints, beat — language is not universal, it is cultural.
Analysis And Comparison Of Gita Govinda And
Song O Essay, Research Paper Analysis and Comparison of Gita Govinda and Song of SolomonGita Govinda is a religious love poem in the Indian religion. The poem consists ofmainly two characters, Krishna and Radha, who are estranged lovers. Towards the end ofthe poem, however, they are reunited, giving accounts of how they feel about each otheralong the way.
Macbeth Commentary Essay Research Paper Josh BakerJune
Macbeth Commentary Essay, Research Paper Josh Baker June 2, 1999 Macbeth Commentary Sixth Hour Mr.Yoder Betrayal From Within In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth, co-leader of King Duncan’s army, kills Duncan in order to take over the throne. Throughout the rest of the play, Macbeth attempts to overcome obstacles following the murder, in order to conceal his guilt.