The Ethical And Moral Dilemma Of The Bhagavad Gita Arjuna

As Alexander Solzhenitsyn, a Russian novelist, once said, Even the most rational approach to ethics is defenseless if there isn t the will to do what is right (In Our View, 2011). Throughout The Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna is invariably challenged with the ethical dilemma of war and the inevitably of physical demise. Arjuna must commit himself to his own morals and ethics, which appease his physical and emotional desires, or allow them to be driven and guided by the will of Brahman. Despite the clear path presented by Krishna, this is not a decision that can come come easily or instantaneously to Arjuna, and The Bhagavad-Gita records the arduous conversation between Arjuna and Krishna. In the Bhagavad-Gita Arjuna is forced to face the dilemma of war, resolve right and wrong, and set aside his own desires to fulfill his Dharma; consequently, Arjuna is convinced to alter his worldview for a false set of religious standards. In the first teaching of The Bhagavad-Gita Arjuna is challenged with the ethical and moral dilemma of killing his own family at war. As the battle began, Arjuna asked Krishna to drive the charriot into battle against the Pandavas. While chariot passed between the armies, Arjuna saw that both sides are scattered with â€Å"fathers, grandfathers, teachers, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, and friends† (Miller 26). Guided by his morals, Arjuna intonated that he did not want to slay any of his family members. Further expressing his refusal to kill family membersShow MoreRelatedâ€Å"Linking the Learnings of Bhagavad-Gita with Corporate Human Resource Management Practices†4227 Words   |  17 PagesTitle â€Å"Linking the Learning’s of Bhagavad-Gita with Corporate Human Resource Management Practices† Author Nishant Saxena Assistant Professor-HR Disha Institute of Management and Technology, Raipur Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that religion has a powerful influence over the human behavior. Human beings carry these learning’s to organizations, may be, in a dormant fashion. All religions have put forth basic guiding principles and tenets for mankind to follow. An interestingRead MoreThe Mahabharata: An Integral Aspect of Indian Culture2519 Words   |  10 Pagesculture as a moral law, an intrinsic good, and the ultimate goal of life. This form of devotion can be expressed in numerous different ways from prayer and mediation to dedicating one’s life to god in hopes of reaching him at least one time. The concept of dharma has developed into being a â€Å"metaphysically based system of laws, duties, rites and obligations incumbent upon a Hindu according to his class and stage of life.† Often following ones dharma can lead to moral and ethical dilemmas, as peopleRead MoreLife and How to Live It Essay3005 Words   |  13 Pagesevaluate these works without the prejudice that their religion instills upon them. The first piece comes from the Hindu religion and is called Bhagavad-Gita which means Song of God. Written in the form of a poem, this story entails the conversation of a warrior named Arjuna with his cousin, Lord Krishna. The young man stumbles upon a moral dilemma while preparing to go into battle. He believes that he should value his enemies lives because they are friends and family, and he finds this a