The Bhagavad Gita Flashcards

Hinduism and the Bhagavad Gita

• One influential idea in Hinduism is that the universe is a vast process of self-generation.
• In Vedic hymns, the godhead is referred to as Purusa, meaning spirit.
• The Upanishads rename the godhead as Brahman, representing the anthropomorphic God of Creation.
• Main Hindu scriptures include the Vedas and Upanishads, with the Vedas consisting of four books of hymns.
• Atman refers to the soul or self seeking to unite with godhead, while moksha is the reunion with the godhead achieved by exhausting karma.
• The Bhagavad-Gita is part of the Mahabharata, addressing dilemmas of karma in challenging situations.

Key Concepts in Hinduism and Related Beliefs

• Karma relates to actions, cause and effect; dharma pertains to duty, law, morality, and obligation.
• Buddhism teaches liberation from karma through enlightenment, while the Gita integrates Hindu dharma with Buddhist salvation teachings.
• Suffering must be endured in Hinduism to achieve moksha, contrasting slightly with Buddhist perspectives.

Historical and Cultural Context

• The Brahmi writing system, which became stable around 250 BCE, included diacritical marks and was written from left to right.
• The early Indus-Harappan writing system remains undeciphered.
• Hinduism, the primary religion in ancient India, is characterized by polytheism, the belief in many gods.
• The earliest compositions in South Asia were hymns organized into the Vedas, with the Maurya dynasty establishing the first Indian empire.

Societal Practices and Values

• Indo-Aryan culture, emerging around 2000 BCE, emphasized family farming and displaced the earlier Indus-Harappan civilization.
• Jainism and Buddhism represent alternative religious beliefs to Hinduism.
• Despite diverse religious and political practices, South Asia is regarded as a cohesive cultural zone.

Oral Traditions and Literature

• Ancient texts were largely transmitted orally, relying on memorization by specially trained reciters.
• Sanskrit was the primary language of Indian literature, influenced by the Indo-Europeans.

The Bhagavad Gita Narrative

• Arjuna’s war banner features a monkey, symbolizing loyalty and vigilance.
• Violence is only deemed acceptable by Krishna when it involves defending a righteous cause.
• Human sacrifices nourish the gods, highlighting the importance of offerings in Hindu practices.
• Arjuna collapses in his chariot, filled with doubt and moral conflict as he prepares for battle against Dhritarashtra’s forces.
• The consequences of corrupting women during wars lead to the mingling of classes and societal disorder.

Philosophical Insights

• The way of Yoga promotes balance in thought and action, encouraging harmony.
• Arjuna and his people prepare for battle at the start of Chapter One, embodying the struggle against evil.
• Krishna identifies Arjuna's enemies as passion and impulsivity, emphasizing the internal struggle against distraction.
• To be free from pain, Krishna advises dissolving worldly attachments, which can provide spiritual liberation.
• Falling into shame is presented as a fate worse than death, stressing the importance of honor.

Historical Context of the Text

• The Bhagavad Gita was written during the fourth century BCE, encapsulating profound philosophical and spiritual ideas within its narrative.

Explore key concepts and terms from The Bhagavad Gita with these flashcards. Each card presents an important idea or name from Hindu philosophy, enhancing your understanding of this influential scripture. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of Hinduism.