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Definition: The Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the most popular and most loved religious text in Hinduism. Scholars date the Gita anywhere between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
In actuality, it is simply one small section of a much larger epic, the Mahabarata and that, in turn, is not traditionally rated as sruti, or inspiried by God. However, because the Bhagavad Gita is so popular, that is often regarded as sruti by the people.
The Gita is a dialogue between the famous warrior Arjuna and his charioteer, who is actually the god Krishna in disguise. Arjuna is about to enter an important battle, but he suddenly decides that it is better to refuse to fight and adopt ahimsa, the princple of non-violence. Over the course of 18 chapters, a variety of perspectives on religion and faith are discussed - this variety is probably one of the main reasons why it has such widespread appeal. The arguments Krishna offers in an effort to convince Arjuna to fight include personal, social and philosophical.
The most prominent theme, however, is the idea of faith and devotion being the primary means of salvation, one which is available to all people rather than just a few.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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