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Minfeng Yu
3/27/2020
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is an Indian ancient text that is now an important work describing the
Hindu traditions in terms of philosophy and literature. The poem is a reflection of social change
in India and the expansion of kingdoms and increased transformation in society at times of social
conflict. It challenges the consensus that previously existed that only monks and ascetics can live
a perfect spiritual life and it does so by outlining how individuals can live spiritually meaningful
lives without withdrawing from society and how people can also live the right way without
giving up their social and family obligations. The Bhagavad Gita provides guidelines on how to
survive in a fast-changing society by explaining elements of wisdom that provide a balance in
individual life, faith, family, duty, and emotion.
The poem was written at a time of important social changes in India with growing
kingdoms and increasing trade and urbanization in the country. The exact time of the writing is
unknown but it dates back to between 4000 and 5000 years ago (Reddy 100). This shows that it
provides the foundation for the civilization and teachings that were prominent at the time of
civilization in India. The expansion of the kingdoms resulted in conflicts between different
communities as some were unwilling to let go of their land and be ruled by others. The
expansion differences resulted in wars between communities and also fueled the decline in
democracy. The wars in expansion and failure of democracy is witnessed in the conflict between
Kauravas and Pandavas where they decide to meet in the battlefield at Kurukshetra, which is an
ancient kingdom in Northern India, to settle the conflict and decide on who would gain the
throne (Miller 5). The control of kingdoms in the past was a great way to control trade routes and
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succeed economically as cities were strategic trading centers. The economic strength was also
important for enhancing the social lives of the people in the community and improving their
livelihood. The Indian Ocean also made trade possible between different communities in the
surrounding areas and this also improved economic prosperity. The urbanization also resulted in
problems that were alleviated to some extent by religion, and the common religion was
Buddhism. The preoccupation of Buddhism with suffering was portrayed as a reaction to
poverty, illness, and social upheaval resulting from urbanization (Shaw 89). Buddhism provided
a form of solace to the people by helping them to understand the suffering. The religion was also
portrayed as supporting a monarchial statehood because of the close relationship that existed
between kings and monks (Shaw 89). Therefore, the period of writing the Bhagavad Gita was
marked with increased conflicts and urbanization and the propagation of Buddhism as a religion
