Answer to Question #132231 in History for Sitara

Question

What is Krishnas argument about duty in the Bhagavada Gita

Answer 1

Bhagavad Gita is a very important literature scripture among the Hindu which means “Songs of God”. Gita can be described as a set of narratives that were designed to create a dialogue between Prince Pandaya Arjuna and his guide and charioteer Krishna. Arjuna had to duty as described in the literature to fight because it was his duty and honor. Dharma is a Hindu term that means duty and is further elaborated by Sanskrit to mean what sustains or holds things up.

The Krishna’s argument about duty states that it is most preferred and in a good sense for one to discharge their prescribed duties even if they appear faulty than to perfectly tackle another person’s duty. The argument warns that it is dangerous to engage in anyone’s roles or following the path that belongs to someone.

Furthermore, the argument advises that each individual should act according to their specific certain traits or physical and psychological abilities. Otherwise, the action could be dangerous. Warriors were to fight to defend their nations irrespective of the fact that in the process of slaying the enemy. This philosophy was instrumental among the Hindus to defend their territories and cultural sustainability from British colonialists.

Reference

Stroud, S. R. (2002). Multivalent narratives and Indian philosophical argument: Insights from the Bhagavad Gita. Journal of Indian Philosophy and Religion, 7, 45-78.