How does the Bhagavad-Gita reveal fundamental teachings of Hinduism Essay

How does the Bhagavad-Gita reveal fundamental teachings of Hinduism expressed in lyrical format - Essay Example To be specific, Bhagavad-Gita, which is in the form of sermon from the God (Lord Krishna), tends to reduce confusion and ethical predicament faced by Arjuna (the Pandava prince). When this sermon is generalized to the wider context of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism, one can easily identify that Yoga or selfless action is helpful to attain ‘moksha’ or enlightenment. Thesis statement: The fundamental teachings (theories) of Hinduism (say, yoga, karma/dharma and selfless action to attain the divine) are revealed through Bhagavad-Gita because it deals with the scope of the same in human life (special references to Bhagavad-Gita). The fundamental teachings of Hinduism expressed in lyrical format One can see that the fundamental teachings of Hinduism are expressed in lyrical format. For instance, the sacred texts/works in Hinduism like the Ramayana (the story of Rama’s journey), the Mahabharata (related to the dynastic struggle in ancient India), and the Puranas (related to spiritual and theoretical concepts in Hinduism) are expressed in lyrical format, especially in Sanskrit. So, lyrical format is the foundation of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism because the same deeply influenced the oral tradition of chanting mantras in Hinduism. Within this context, the fundamental teachings of Hinduism expressed in lyrical format include: yoga, karma/dharma and the importance of selfless action in human life to attain the divide power or the Brahman. First of all, yoga or unselfish action without considering the consequence is the most important aspect of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism. A yogi (a person who is ready to discard worldly pleasures) can attain moksha because he or she is ready to shed ego. Karma or the amassed liability of one’s actions in day to day life is another important element of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism. To be specific, karma hinders one from attaining moksha. Within this context, dharma or duty min dedness can help one to escape from the cyclic process of birth, death and rebirth. Another important element of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism is selfless action. One can easily identify that Hinduism provides ample importance to selfless action, not idleness. From a different angle of view, yoga and dharma lead one towards selfless action and salvation. Revelation of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism through Bhagavad-Gita The most important elements of the revelation of the fundamental teachings of Hinduism through Bhagavad-Gita can be divided into three: yoga, karma/dharma and the importance of action. A. Yoga The most important aspect of Bhagavad-Gita which reveals the fundamental teachings of Hinduism is yoga. In Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna motivates prince Arjuna by pointing out the importance of yoga in one’s life. When Arjuna hesitates to be the part of the Kurukshetra war against his relatives, Lord Krishna motivates him by creating awareness on the import ance of action in human life. Selfishness cannot help one to attain moksha. Instead, selfless action can help one to realize the eternal truth/enlightenment. Mehta (2005) makes clear that â€Å"according to Gita, work should be performed for its own sake, with whole-hearted attention, unaffected by any thought of success or failure, profit or loss, honor or dishonor, fame or loss of fame etc† (p.39). Yoga is interconnected with devotional service and action in life. Other elements or steps which can help one to be a yogi are meditation and knowledge. To be specific,