Data Bases • Custom Term Papers • Free Term Papers • Free Research Papers • Free Essays • Free Book Reports • Plagiarism? Links • Top 100 Term Paper Sites • Top 25 Essay Sites • Top 50 Essay Sites • Search 97,000 Papers @ DirectEssays.com • Search 101,000 Papers @ ExampleEssays.com • Search 90,000 Papers @ MegaEssays.com Free Essays • Term Paper Sites • Chuck III's Free Essays • Free College Essays • TermPaperSites.com • My Term Papers • Get Free Essays • Essay World • Planet Papers	Search Lots of Essays Back to Subjects - Religion bhagavad gita bhagavad gita The story of the book begins with Arjuna misunderstanding why it is correct for him to take action in battle. As Prince Arjuna stands in his chariot on the battlefield he recognize his enemies as, his cousins, teachers and friends. Arjuna, who was born a warrior, overcomes with pity and looses interest in battling with the enemy. He looks to Lord Krishna, and questions him how he could battle with men who deserves his own worship. Krishna replies "You grieve those beyond grief, and speak words of insight; but learned men do not grieve for the dead or the living" (Miller p31). Krishna explains to Arjuna that it is his sacred duty to fight, for the warriors who fulfills their duty leads them to the gates of heaven. If Arjuna gives up now, he will be full of shame, and a man who has given up his duty, is worse then dying, for he will become vulnerable to evil (Miller p34). Krishna main objective through out the story is, as long as you follow the paths of discipline, knowledge, action and devotion, Arjuna has nothing to loose in battle, for his soul will become eternal. Arjuna can't be killed nor can he kill, because the soul can not die nor can it be reborn, for his salvation will be responsible for his actions. Krisna tells Arjuna to take refuge in his understanding for he is disciplined warrior. But Arjuna is bewildered by the paths to salvation, Krisna tells Arjuna to take action in battle, if Arjuna understands his enemy why does he need to take action against him? Krishna explains to him that everyone must take action through life, even to abstain from action one must take action. Krishna tells Arjuna that he cannot succeed just from renunciate acts will disappear through salvation. Krisna tells him that actions are based on belief, which leads to spiritual knowledge, true knowledge define the actions as sacrifice to the supreme being, and knowledge defines this relationship between the soul and of the god. The next path to salvation is that of discipline; one who does what is to be done without any concern for no material outcome. A disciplined man is one who is detached from objects and actions and is undisturbed, one who can remain in seclusion. Tranquillity is the means for one who is mature in discipline (Miller p. 64) A discipline man knows who he is, his body, his mind and is responsible for his actions, and is able to stay in control. A disciplined man is able to perform actions for the supreme being and is capable of acknowledging their fruits, which is a knowledgeable man, which attains peace and spiritual vision Krishna concludes about the path of One path Krishna feels is most important, is that of devotion towards him. Krishna explains to Arjuna that the only path to him is that of devotion, all the other paths lead to the path of devotion. All the other paths are devotional services, they are the supreme objects of worship to the gods. One who shows devotion throughout their life and at the time of death will reach the heavens beyond the earth. Through the other paths one gains devotional qualities, which leads to what Krishna believes is most important, devotion which is pure love for the supreme god. I tend to clearly understand and agree with Krishna that the most important path is that of devotion. But feel that knowledge would be first or the most important path. One must know himself internally and externally before he can know and understand the supreme being. Once man understands himself he will be capable to recognize and understand the supreme god. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of knowledge is to detach himself from the material world and to understand the supreme being. Once he identifies himself, he will recognize the supreme being, which will lead him to surrender himself and to engage in his devotional services. Next path then would be devotion, faith in the supreme being. Krishna is the last judge of salvation, he can witness all actions and one's self-discipline towards devotion. One's actions might be aimed at Krishna, which includes living a life of self disciplined the way the supreme wants oneself to live, but if that man doesn't accept his faith, his actions are meaningless. So in other words in order to live a disciplined life or to be responsible for his own actions one must have faith and devotion towards the supreme being. Those who possess divine qualities and live disciplined lives, abiding by spiritual authority, gradually attain spiritual perfection. Krishna sees all and knows all, your devotion to the supreme being leads your actions and discipline towards salvation. Krishna concludes to Arjuna that your actions will be based on your faith and your faith will be responsible for your actions. Krisna tells Arjuna "action in sacrifice, charity, and penance is to be performed, not relinquished-for wise men, they are acts of sanctity" (Miller p.144). Devotion to Krishna will lead your actions to him, go into battle for me and you will be excused from your actions of evil. Bibliography: Word Count: 904
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