Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita

The story of the book begins with Arjuna misunderstanding why it is correct

for him to take action in battle. As Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot on

the battlefield he recognize his enemies as, his cousins, teachers and

friends. Arjuna, who was born a warrior, overcomes with pity and looses

interest in battling with the enemy. He looks to Lord Krishna, and

questions him how he could battle with men who deserves his own worship.

Krishna replies "You grieve those beyond grief, and speak words of insight;

but learned men do not grieve for the dead or the living" (Miller p31).

Krishna explains to Arjuna that it is his sacred duty to fight, for the

warriors who fulfills their duty leads them to the gates of heaven. If

Arjuna gives up now, he will be full of shame, and a man who has given up

his duty, is worse then dying, for he will become vulnerable to evil (Miller

p34). Krishna main objective through out the story is, as long as you

follow the paths of discipline, knowledge, action and devotion, Arjuna has

nothing to loose in battle, for his soul will become eternal. Arjuna can't

be killed nor can he kill, because the soul can not die nor can it be

reborn, for his salvation will be responsible for his actions.

Krisna tells Arjuna to take refuge in his understanding for he is

disciplined warrior. But Arjuna is bewildered by the paths to salvation,

Krisna tells Arjuna to take action in battle, if Arjuna understands his

enemy why does he need to take action against him? Krishna explains to him

that everyone must take action through life, even to abstain from action one

must take action. Krishna tells Arjuna that he cannot succeed just from

renunciate ...

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..., his actions are

meaningless. So in other words in order to live a disciplined life or to be

responsible for his own actions one must have faith and devotion towards the

supreme being. Those who possess divine qualities and live disciplined

lives, abiding by spiritual authority, gradually attain spiritual

perfection. Krishna sees all and knows all, your devotion to the supreme

being leads your actions and discipline towards salvation.

Krishna concludes to Arjuna that your actions will be based on your faith

and your faith will be responsible for your actions. Krisna tells Arjuna

"action in sacrifice, charity, and penance is to be performed, not

relinquished-for wise men, they are acts of sanctity" (Miller p.144).

Devotion to Krishna will lead your actions to him, go into battle for me

and you will be excused from your actions of evil.