Response to Religious Literature: Bhagavad Gita

1.
Arjuna looks over the battlefield to see that it is occupied by family and friends. This saddens him. The atrocities that await Arjuna and his people force him to question the necessity of this war. He realizes that he will not be killing an enemy, he’ll be killing those he respects and loves. He questions whether or not killing on the battlefield is murder. Arjuna cries out to Krishna for an answer.

2.
Krishna comes to Arjuna on the battlefield. Krishna questions Arjuna’s sudden hesitancy in fulfilling his duty as a warrior. Arjuna explains to Krishna that he does not want kill people he knows. Arjuna begs Krishna for understanding. Krishna goes on to explain to Arjuna that he will not be a murderer if he fights on the battlefield. Krishna explains to Arjuna the cycle of life and death and how it is relevant to the task at hand. Krishna urges Arjuna to fight. Krishna explains to Arjuna that it is his duty to fight. Krishna also explains the importance of yoga and its impact on the practitioner.

3.
Arjuna questions Krishna why it is paramount that he fight. Krishna explains to Arjuna that no one can ever be without action. Krishna goes on to explain that action without attachment is divine, therefore, Arjuna should fight because he will be doing Krishna’s bidding. Krishna points out that if he does not fight, Arjuna will not be dutiful to Krishna. Krishna urges Arjuna to be dutiful and to fight on his behalf.

8.
Arjuna questions Krishna on what it is to be the best of all men. Krishna reminds Arjuna that the one who remembers Krishna is the best of all men. That the one who is fixated on Krishna shall join him in the world beyond the material. Krishna reminds Arjuna of the importance of yoga and meditation, they are the tools that will keep Arjuna close to Krishna.

11.
Arjuna asks Krishna to allow him to see his true form. Krishna grants Arjuna the ability to see his divine form. Arjuna is astounded by the infiniteness of Krishna. Arjuna is amazed that Krishna is all things. After a while, the spectacle of Krishna’s true form is too much for Arjuna to handle. Krishna informs Arjuna that he has revealed his true form to him because Krishna an d Arjuna are of one spirit. Krishna then reveals his human form to Arjuna as an act of comfort.