Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is part of a longer poem, the Mahabharata, that was written in India probably about 300 BC (though historians disagree about the date). The Bhagavad Gita (BA-ga-vad GEE-ta with a hard G) sums up the main Hindu philosophy and faith of the period, including apparently new ideas about dharma and karma.
In the Bhagavad Gita, a great battle is about to begin. Arjuna, the prince who is leading one side, is upset because he will have to kill his own relatives, some of whom are fighting on the other side. The Hindu god Krishna, who is disguised as Arjuna's charioteer, tells Arjuna not to worry about people dying in battle, because their souls will be reborn into new bodies. People should not think about their own little souls anyway, Krishna says, but they should try to become part of the great Soul that is the whole universe.
A man reciting the beginning of the Bhagavad Gita
Krishna goes on to tell Arjuna that he is God. To convince Arjuna, Krishna shows him his true form, which is this same great Soul, the whole universe. This frightens Ajuna.
To find out more about the Bhagavad Gita, check out these books from Amazon.com or from your local library:
Our Most Dear Friend: An Illustrated Bhagavad-gita for Children, by Jean Vishaka Griesser (2002). Beautiful picture-book introduction for kids.
Why did people want to punch Socrates?
Where did Egyptians bury your liver?
How old are the Rocky Mountains?
What does a half-timbered house look like?
How do you spin wool?
(a project)
Main Indian religion page
Main religion page
Main India page
