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Interconnection between Hindu Concepts and their Influence on the Decisions and Actions of

Arjuna the Prince Warrior

Hinduism is one of the most prominent religions with a vast following globally. The

religion is typified by critical concepts such as Varna, dharma, and karma, which form the

central theological tenets of the Hindus. The caste system within Hinduism is one of the longest

existing social stratification and hierarchies involving grouping individuals depending on their

spirituality levels. Such a belief system has been primarily driven by Hinduism concepts of

karma, dharma, and Varna. Similar concepts are manifested in literary works such as Bhagavad

Gita, where the concepts are harnessed in defining characters, developing the plot, and

enhancing themes. Indeed, the inextricable interconnection between karma, dharma, and Varna

profoundly impacts the actions of Arjuna, the epic hero in Bhagavad Gita, through self-

consciousness and sense control. 

Dharma is a central concept in Hinduism. According to Bhagavad Gita (36), dharma

entails the legal, social, ethical, and cosmological principles that guide the perceptions of an

ordered universe. The concept refers to righteousness and imperativeness in defining good life

through strict adherence to established social categories within a social context. The concept is

manifested in humanity through virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, and self-control as

stipulated in its four foundations, prompting one's consciousness, epics, Vedas, and practicing

good (45). The propositions of dharma on respect for social order and status align with the
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concept of Varna. Besides, the conduct of conduct suggested by dharma focuses on not

individual values but an entire society with those adherents to the rules attaining unification and

liberation of the soul with the Supreme Being. The concept intersects with karma through the

expression of virtue such as kindness and compassion. 

Moreover, karma involves individuals' actions and the consequences of their decisions in

life. Karma denotes that a system of cause and effect governs all actions and decisions an

individual makes. Bhagavad Gita's commands corroborate the assertion on karma as" your

entitlement is to karma alone, not fruits since the hope for such fruit should not be the motive for

your action (112). The concept of karma and dharma are interlinked in many facets. While

dharma involves being socially conscious about the good life, karma involves personal efforts

towards achieving the good life. 

Notably, the close relationship between dharma and karma is espoused in the life

decisions and actions made by epic hero Arjuna the primary protagonist in Bhagavad

Gita. Being a warrior prince, Arjuna is in a dilemma to choose a side in a battle pitting his

family against his teachers. Dharma is espoused when under the counsel of Krishna, Arjuna is

urged to fight against forces that are disrupting peace for the majority of the citizenry in India.

Dharma influenced his self-control and actions since he had the prerogative of propagating and

sustaining harmony in his kingdom. Similarly, his actions were influenced by karma since his

restoration of peace promoted tranquility and development in the kingdom, enhancing better life

for the citizens because of his actions. 

Further, the Varna concept is essential in achieving harmony within a social organization.

The Varna concept delineates four-fold divisions or caste: Sudra, Brahmana, Vaishya, and

Kshatriya. Arjuna belonged to the Brahmin caste considered ruler and seekers of knowledge. His
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disposition as the warrior prince, as influenced by Varna, placed him at a critical involving

making crucial decisions such as engaging in a decisive battle to save the ordinary citizens.

Besides, being a member of the Brahmana caste pre-eminently defines his acts and decisions as a

hero. 

Overall, it is evident that an inextricable interconnection exists between karma, dharma

and Varna profoundly impacts the actions of Arjuna, the epic hero in Bhagavad Gita, through

self-consciousness and sense control. The Hinduism concept influences the primary protagonist,

Arjuna's decisions. Dharma is at play when he decides to engage in a decisive battle against

some family members to save ordinary citizens, while karma is at stake through his pursuit to

achieve a good life for his people as a warrior prince. 

Works Cited

Bhagavad Gita. Princeton University Press, 2014.

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400851973/pdf