Bhagavad Gita Essay, Research Paper
Non-existence can be considered a state of not being. In this sense, the faithful followers of the Bhagavad Gita find ways to reach this state within its chapters. Through advice of the ‘lord’ Krishna, followers use yoga and meditation to obtain a pure karma and self-realization for a better life after reincarnation.
Yoga is used to better ones senses for the purpose of purification. Reaching a state of total soul purification is the main goal of the followers of the Bhagavad Gita. In these peoples mind set, this purification will lead to a good karma and bring the believer closer to the supreme. This closeness is appealing to Bhagavad’s followers because, “when a sage is one in yoga, he is one in God.” (pg. 27) Finding total understanding, and need to be one with god is a search that completes ones life. A followers entire life is revolved around reaching this supreme state of being, living not for themselves, but for god. As one gets closer to god, they relieve themselves of materialistic ideals and ways of life. Using Yoga, these ideals soon diminish, resulting in a pure soul and closeness to god. This pure soul will contribute to good karma, which in turn will result in a better life after reincarnation.
Self realization achieved through meditation, is a primary goal of the writings of the Bhagavad Gita. Meditation allows one to find oneself, reaching their inner soul, to develop a long loving relationship with the Supreme. “Self realization can be achieved by abandoning active life and secluding oneself to meditation.” In this seclusion, one reaches inner peace and harmony, by finding and dedicating their lives and thoughts to god. “In this union of Yoga there is liberty: a deliverance from the oppression of pain. This yoga must be followed with faith, with a strong and courageous heart.” (Pg. 33) Followers of Bhagavad Gita, must have this strength in order to dedicate themselves to the necessary way of life described in it. This strength that followers try to achieve is a seemingly difficult task to fulfill. Therefore, Krishna understands this aspect, understanding that daily life as well as gains from meditation are important to individuals. “One can thus most easily achieve self realization by applying knowledge absorbed throughout life and using this for daily living purposes.” The closer one gets to finding and purifying ones soul, the closer they are to the supreme and a better life. Purification of the soul leads in turn to a better life after reincarnation. The soul is that which is purified, and this ‘better’ soul is carried over. The soul not the body is the true person, and this soul cannot die.
Reincarnation is the primary reasoning in the Bhagavad Gita. Everything that one does is to better their soul and purify it for reincarnation. This build up of purifying and is known as building Karma. Followers of the Bhagavad Gita believe that building up this ‘good’ karma will better ones next life after the process of reincarnation. This karma is best compared to as harmony of ones soul. ” But great is the man who, free from attachments, and with a mind ruling its powers in harmony, works on the path of Karma Yoga, the path of consecrated action.” (17-18) One must have great harmony of the body and especially the soul to become free from attachments and progress towards good Karma. If ones soul contains great harmony then it will create good Karma, which in turn will move ones, soul closer to the supreme after reincarnation.
Non-existence can be considered a state of not being. In this sense, the faithful followers of the Bhagavad Gita find ways to reach this state within its chapters. Through advice of the ‘lord’ Krishna, followers use yoga and meditation to obtain a pure karma to better their souls for an afterlife. They also use self-realization for a better life after reincarnation and become closer to the supreme.