John Neil Fabella

Dr. Karen Laing

English 231
June 21, 2021
The First Third of Bhagavad Ghita

First Thoughts:

 My first thoughts automatically connect Bhagavad Ghita to Hinduism. Before this

assignment, I have never heard of Bhagavad Ghita. I am also assuming Bhagavad Ghita
is a way of life, similar to Lao Tzu's Tao. The reading also suggests there are many
portions of Bhagavad Ghita. Although I am unfamiliar with Bhagavad Ghita, it seems
interesting to learn.
Memorable Quotes:

 “Everyone experiences conditions like pleasure and pain, heat and cold, due to contact of
objects with the senses. The senses carry the sensations through the nerves to the mind.
One should be able to withdraw the senses from objects, like the tortoise which
withdraws all its limbs within. Krishna asserts that only one who has the capacity to be
balanced in pleasure and pain alike is fit for immortality.” (The Bhagavad Gita, 16-17)
o The significance of this quote is the truths and differences in modern society. The
truth is the dissociation of emotions would help any individual move forward.
However, the difference in today's society is the need for emotions to live life
more peacefully. Acceptance of one's emotions can now free people in modern
society. 
 “Confusion reigned in Arjuna’s mind. Should he participate in this terrible carnage? Was
it proper to destroy one’s relatives for the sake of a kingdom and some pleasures? Would
it not be much better for him to surrender everything in favor of his enemies and retire
peace? As these thoughts rushed in his mind, a feeling of despondency overtook Arjuna.”
(The Bhagavad Gita, 9)
o The significance of this quote is the realism. Often stories, scriptures, fairytales
depict the main character as someone: strong and brave. However, this excerpt
gives relatability and a learning experience to the reader. The following quote
showcases the main character as scared and doubts his actions like any person
would. 
Questions with Answers:
1. What is the Bhagavad Gita?
a. The Gita is the sixth book of the Mahabharata, one of India’s most famous epic
poems.
2. What was the Great Mahabharata war?
 a. The Great Mahabharata war was between the Pandavas and Kauravas, which took
place on the holy grounds of Kurukshetra. The Pandavas engaged into war due to
reclamation of their rightful half of the kingdom.
3. How is Overcoming Adversity shown throughout the Bhagavad Ghita?
a. The Pandavas are seen throughout the first third going through problems and
resolves the family to fight together in their rightful war against Kauravas to take
back what is theirs. While Arjuna is going through a self-conflict throughout the
war.
Vocabulary:
1. Gita - the sacred `song of God' composed about 200 BC and incorporated into the
Mahabharata; contains a discussion between Krishna and the Indian hero Arjuna on
human nature and the purpose of life.
a. The Bhagavad Gita teaches those who reads it.
2. Vedanta - a Hindu philosophy based on the doctrine of the Upanishads, especially in its
monistic form.
a. The true completion or Vedanta is yet to be accomplished
3. Mahabharata - is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It narrates the
struggle between two groups of cousins in the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the
Kauravas and the Pandava princes and their successors
a. The Mahabharata is the long poem that depicts the Kauravas and Pandava war.
Afterthoughts:

 After reading the first third I was surprised. I had figured it was a way of life similar to
Tao. However, after reading it turns out to be a narrative with multiple lessons. The story
of Arjuna being troubled by his actions is relatable. The ongoing conflict and internal
conflict showcase real life scenarios. Similarly, towards personal problems or again a
covid world. The story is relatable, and I cannot wait to complete it.
Metaphorical or Allegorical Aspects:

 “When a man thinks of the objects, attachment to them arises; from attachment desire is
born; from desire anger arises.” (The Bhagavad Gita, 28)
o The allegorical aspect explains how mankind changes when attached to desires.
This means the greed bores angers.
 “For the mind which follows in the wake of the wandering senses, carries away his
discrimination as the wind (carries away) a boat on the waters.” (The Bhagavad Gita, 28)
o The metaphorical aspect depicts that discrimination, anger, hate should be able to
dissipate or disappear as easy as the wind comes and goes.
How selected themes are in each text:
(Overcoming Adversity, Man vs Nature, Death is a part of the life cycle):
 The theme Overcoming Adversity is widely depicted in the first third. The Pandavas, a
family, who had been exiled and rightful rights of the kingdom stripped away and the
Pandavas prince Arjuna’s internal conflict. Both the Pandavas family and Arjun’s strife
are depicted throughout, the reader also is able to witness the overcoming.
 The theme Death is a part of the life cycle is seen in the first third. The internal strife of
Arjuna allows for a conversation between him and Sri Krishna. Krishna teaches Arjuna
how important death is and what living to death is like. This theme illustrates how many
people have accepted death and how they live proudly even facing death.
 The theme Man vs Nature is not seen in the first third.
Examples of how your selected schools of criticism inform your reading:
(New Criticism, Post Structuralism)

 New Criticism allowed me to look at the Bhagavad Gita logically. Throughout the first
third the problems of inheritance drive the Pandavas family away from the kingdom, that
they were meant to share with the Kauravas. This problem leads Arjuna to lead his family
to go to war against Duryodhana and the Kauravas. Thus, this leads Arjuna to question
the actions of war. The internal strife of Arjuna helps instigate a conversation between
himself and Sri Krishna. The conversation between the two helps captures the essence of
how a warrior would feel moments before fighting for loved ones and their life. New
Criticism allowed me to relate more to the internal strife that Arjuna faces.
 Post Structuralism allowed to analyze the relationships. The most captivating relationship
is between Arjuna and Sri Krishna. The relationship between the two is something more
than follower-worship. It is akin to teacher-student. Sri Krishna answers Arjuna’s
questions and reassures him. This relationship illustrates how even the main characters
stray and need those to guide them back.

Connections between the reading, your life, and or current events:

 The first third of Bhagavad Gita taught me that conflicts arise from any place and time.
More importantly, the internal strife of Arjuna during the war is a great lesson. Again, I
will reference the year 2020, a covid world. The year 2020, while being a worldwide
conflict, also inflicted internal conflicts in many individuals. Arjuna’s experience helps
me realize my problems do matter and can be solved. Although it is the first third, I am
looking forward to the rest.
 Works Cited

Karnamrita. “On Understanding Bhagavad Gita.” On Understanding Bhagavad Gita |

Krishna.com, 27 July 2011

SIVANANDA , SWAMI. BHAGAVAD GITA . A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION .

Syman, Stefanie. “What Is the Bhagavad Gita?: The Bhagavad Gita's Influence on Yoga.” Yoga

Journal, © 2021 Outside Interactive, Inc, 1 Oct. 2007