Hinduism / by Monier Williams.

  • Monier Monier-Williams
Date:
1877
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Hinduism / by Monier Williams. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    proper course of action. Krishna’s reply is made the occasion of the long philosophical dialogue, com- monly called ‘ the Song of the Adorable One,’ sup- posed to contain the actual utterances of the god, and venerated as one of the most sacred portions of Indian literature, as it certainly is one of the most beautiful. Undoubtedly the main design of the poem, the sentiments expressed in which have exerted a powerful influence throughout India for the last 1600 years, is to inculcate the doctrine of Bhakti, to exalt the duties of caste above all other obligations, including those of friendship and kindred. As Arjuna belongs to the military caste, he is exhorted to perform his appointed work as a.soldier. Again and again is he urged to fight, without the least thought about consequences, and without the slightest question as to the propriety of slaughtering his relations. Hence we have the following sentiments often repeated (III. 35, XVIII. 47, 48) : Better to do the duty of one’s caste, Though bad and ill-performed and fraught with evil, Than undertake the business of another, However good it be. For better far Abandon life at once than not fulfil One’s own appointed work ; another’s duty Brings danger to the man who meddles with it. Perfection is alone attained by him Who swerves not from the business of his caste. The poem is divided into three sections, each con- taining six chapters, the philosophical teaching in each section being somewhat distinct. The first section dwells chiefly on the benefits of the Yoga system, pointing out, however, that the asceticism and self-mortification of the Yoga ought to be joined with action, and the performance of caste duties, and winding up with a declaration that the grand aim of all self-suppression is to attain that
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