You Have A Choice Of Which Discussion Question And Film You
You Have A Choice Of Which Discussion Question And Film You Would Like
You have a choice of which discussion question and film you would like to engage this week.
Choice A: The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most sacred books of the Hindu tradition. The story follows the young Prince Arjun and explores the metaphysical debate that enables him to wage war against his family. How does this presentation of the Hindu tradition differ from how we have come to understand it since the construction of Hinduism presented by his campaign for earning Indian independence through non-violence? Feel free to research this question on the internet.
Choice B: Gandhi is one of the great historical personages of the twentieth century. Does the film present Gandhi as a hero? If Gandhi was a hero, why would a member of his own religion assassinate him? Why was Gandhi a controversial leader in India? Feel free to research this question on the internet.
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment invites a comparative exploration of two significant aspects of Indian history and philosophy: the representation of the Hindu tradition through the narrative of the Bhagavad Gita and the portrayal of Gandhi as a hero in film. The focus is to analyze how these representations align or diverge from historical and cultural understandings, emphasizing the development of Indian identity and religious philosophy, particularly in the context of the Indian independence movement.
The Bhagavad Gita, often considered a philosophical and spiritual cornerstone of Hinduism, offers a complex depiction of the confrontational moment on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It encapsulates essential Hindu doctrines, such as Dharma (duty), Bhakti (devotion), and Moksha (liberation). In the narrative, Prince Arjuna faces a moral crisis about fighting in the war against his kin, and Lord Krishna’s discourse provides a metaphysical framework for understanding action, duty, and righteousness. Historically, this text has been interpreted in multiple ways, ranging from a call to spiritual surrender to a justification for martial duty.
In the context of Indian history, the interpretation and utilization of the Bhagavad Gita evolved significantly during the Indian independence movement. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi famously drew upon its teachings to advocate for non-violent resistance. Gandhi’s reading emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth-force) as central principles. This approach marked a departure from the often literal and martial interpretations of the Gita, instead framing it as guiding moral philosophy conducive to peaceful protest and civil disobedience. This reinterpretation played an essential role in shaping modern Indian political thought and identity, moving away from a solely martial tradition to a spiritual and ethical resilience grounded in non-violence.
Turning to Gandhi himself, the portrayal in film often highlights him as an emblem of moral integrity, perseverance, and non-violent activism. However, Gandhi’s leadership was complex and sometimes controversial, especially within diverse Indian communities and diverse religious groups. Although widely revered as a hero, critics argue that his emphasis on non-violence and the purity of means sometimes marginalized more radical or violent means of resistance, which other leaders or groups believed necessary given the circumstances.
Furthermore, Gandhi’s assassination by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, underscores internal conflicts within Indian society regarding his ideology. Godse and others felt Gandhi was too accommodating to Muslims and compromised Hindu interests, revealing the deep divisions concerning religious identity and political strategy. The assassination highlights that even within a narrative of heroism, complexity and controversy persist, illustrating that leadership and moral authority are often contested.
Gandhi’s legacy embodies the tension between idealism and pragmatism, spiritual devotion and political strategy. His controversial aspects in India stem from these tensions, including debates over his methods and the implications of his policies during partition and independence. The representation of Gandhi as a hero in film both elevates his moral stature and prompts reflection on the nuanced reality of his life and impact, especially regarding the internal divisions and debates about his legacy in India.
In summary, the presentation of the Hindu tradition through the Bhagavad Gita has shifted from a martial, duty-bound interpretation to a spiritual, non-violent ethos that fueled India’s independence movement. Gandhi’s portrayal as a hero reflects this evolution, emphasizing moral integrity and non-violence, yet acknowledging the internal debates and controversies surrounding his leadership. Both representations underscore the dynamic process of cultural and religious identity formation in India, illustrating how spiritual and political narratives intertwine in shaping national history.
References
Britannica. (2020). Bhagavad Gita.
History.com. (2021). Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Boloji. (2020). The Historical and Philosophical Significance of the Bhagavad Gita.
National Geographic. (2019). Mahatma Gandhi: The man who changed the world.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2017). Gandhi, Morality, and Wireless Philosophy.
History Today. (2018). Gandhi’s legacy and controversy.
Britannica. (2020). Mahatma Gandhi Biography.
Oxford Bibliographies. (2014). Gandhi and Nonviolence.
The Wire. (2019). Gandhi’s Legacy and the Controversies Surrounding It.
Cambridge University Press. (2018). Gandhi and Religious Identity.