Reading Notes: Bhagavad Gita (Prasad), Part B


  • Krishna reveals himself as the origin of all things - including the Devas
    • Interesting parallels to other religions here; Krishna says he "gives knowledge to those who come to him;" similar to the concept of God in Islam, in which God has the ultimate power over all and can will anything 
  • Krishna shows Arjuna the Vishwarupa - his Cosmic form 
    • It would be interesting to write a story just describing this alone 
  • Arjuna is moved by the Vishwarupa 
  • Krishna reveals the bhakti yoga - path of devotion, which is far more accessible to laymen 
  • Krishna also establishes the fate of people in the afterlife - who goes to heaven, who is reborn, and who goes to hell 
    • He describes what are "good" and what are "demonic" qualities 
  • Another parallel to a different religion is made in the chapter about nirvana through renunciation - this time, Buddhism 
  • How did the rest of the battlefield play with this dialogue? How was it possible to fight after hearing such profound philosophy? 

An artist's depiction of the Vishwarupa. Source. 



Bibliography: "The Bhagavad Gita." Translated by Ramanand Prasad. Link. 

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