Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita

Over the course of time in literature, movies, and in reality humans have come across heroes. A hero is not so easily defined though. Is it someone who saves others in dire need? Or maybe it’s someone who defeats the bad guy and gets the girl. It could be an awesome parent or friend or another relative who’s a good role model for someone. A credible definition of a hero can be seen if an observation is placed towards western culture. Heroes are depicted as bigger than life figures that defy the odds and always come on top, with happy endings most often. Their personalities can be bold, arrogant, and almost always carry an undeniable sense of justice. Although it can be out of context based on differences in religion and culture, these basic attributes can still be applied. A hero is someone who steps up to the plate and does what needs to be done for the overall good of those involved. In the Bhagavad-Gita we see Arjuna battle with actions dealing with the morality of waging war, and carrying out duties, and the reasoning behind Krishna’s words cause Arjuna to act outside of the realm of heroic action. Based on the basic principles of a hero as seen in some western cultures, Arjuna is not a hero because he fails to conduct himself in such a manner, and gains his insight of his duty from an outside source.

As a vital part of the Hindu scripture, Gita’s main ideas resemble the teachings of Hinduism. Hinduism is a set of rules/teachings relating to everyday life and dealing with

Dunigans 2

morality. Concerning morality, every action has its own consequence, if bad, and reward, if good. This ideal is relates to karma, where your actions gradually dictate your status when you reincarnate, creating a cycle until over a span of an i...

... middle of paper ...

...ight the battle, despite impending bloodshed, ending all debate of his claim to heroism.

A hero is hard to define in any form, and the definition can be the cause for massive debate. The definition can be different when applied to different places and also different cultures of people. Since the surroundings and the way of life is different, religions and values also change. Because of that a hero will be asked to provide different things to fit his surroundings. When applied to a modern definition, or even the definition laid forth in Gita, Arjuna the prince should not be considered a hero. He is unable to act in times of crisis and do what is necessary, and he shows cowardice in times of crisis; a time when action must be swiftly taken.

Works Cited

Miller, Barbara Stoler. The Bhagavad-gita: Krishna's Counsel in Time of War. New York: Bantam, 2004. Print.