Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important texts in Hinduism, and it is considered a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, a warrior prince who faces a moral dilemma before a great battle. The Gita is a part of the larger epic, the Mahabharata, and it takes place on a battlefield where Arjuna, one of the Pandava princes, is reluctant to fight against his own family members and teachers.
Lord Krishna, who is Arjuna’s charioteer, guides him through his moral dilemma, offering him spiritual advice and teachings on the principles of dharma, karma, yoga, and devotion. Lord Krishna explains that it is Arjuna’s duty as a warrior and a member of the Kshatriya caste to fight for righteousness and justice, even if it means fighting against his own family members. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s duty without attachment to the results, reminding Arjuna that he has control over his actions but not over the results.
The Gita teaches the principles of dharma, which is the idea of living in harmony with the natural order of the universe and fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities. It also teaches the principle of karma, which is the idea that our actions have consequences and that we will experience the effects of our actions, whether positive or negative, in this life or in future lives. The Gita emphasizes the importance of yoga, which is the practice of uniting the body, mind, and soul with the divine, and cultivating a deep understanding of the self and the divine. And finally, it teaches the principle of devotion, which is the practice of offering oneself to the divine with love and devotion.
Ramayana
The Ramayana is one of the two major ancient Indian epics, along with the Mahabharata. It tells the story ofLord Rama, a prince who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
The story begins with the exiled prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana living in the forest. The demon king Ravana kidnaps Sita and takes her to his island kingdom of Lanka. Rama, with the help of an army of monkeys led by Hanuman, sets out to rescue Sita. After a fierce battle, Rama defeats Ravana and rescues Sita, returning with her to their kingdom of Ayodhya.
The Ramayana teaches the principles of dharma, devotion, and selflessness. Lord Rama is portrayed as the embodiment of dharma, living a life of duty and righteousness. He teaches the importance of fulfilling one’s moral duties and following the path of righteousness, even if it means sacrificing personal desires and ambitions.
The Ramayana also emphasizes the principle of devotion, both towards the divine and towards others. Lord Rama is shown to be deeply devoted to his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana is shown to be equally devoted to Rama. The Ramayana teaches us the importance of putting others before oneself and the importance of selfless love and devotion.
The Ramayana is a timeless epic that offers valuable lessons on leadership, morality, and spirituality. Its teachings continue to inspire people around the world, emphasizing the importance of living a life of duty, devotion, and selflessness.
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two major ancient Indian epics, along with the Ramayana, and is considered one of the longest epic poems in the world. It tells the story of a great war between two clans of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapur, a kingdom in ancient India. The Mahabharata is a rich tapestry of storytelling that is filled with numerous subplots and characters, each with their own story to tell.
The Mahabharata is not only a story of war, but it is also a story of love, duty, sacrifice, and redemption. It emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life and following one’s dharma, which is the code of conduct that governs each individual’s actions and responsibilities in life.
The main characters in the Mahabharata are the five Pandava brothers – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva – and their cousins, the Kauravas, headed by Duryodhana. The Pandavas are virtuous and follow their dharma, while the Kauravas are corrupt and follow their selfish desires. The war between the two clans ultimately culminates in the victory of the Pandavas, who restore righteousness and justice to the kingdom.
The Mahabharata teaches us the importance of living a virtuous life and following one’s dharma, even in the face of adversity. It shows us that duty, honor, and sacrifice are more important than personal ambition and desire. The Mahabharata also offers us valuable lessons on leadership, morality, and spirituality, and its timeless message continues to inspire people around the world to this day.
Upanishads
The Upanishads are a collection of ancient philosophical texts that form the final section of the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism. They are written in Sanskrit and date back to around 800 BCE to 500 BCE. The Upanishads are considered to be the most important philosophical texts of Hinduism, and they offer deep insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the divine.
The Upanishads explore the nature of reality through the lens of Vedanta philosophy, which is a branch of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the unity of all existence and the ultimate reality of Brahman. According to Vedanta philosophy, Brahman is the divine essence that pervades all things and is the ultimate reality underlying all of creation.
The Upanishads teach that the human self, or Atman, is not separate from Brahman but is, in fact, identical with it. The realization of this identity is known as Self-realization or enlightenment, and it is the ultimate goal of human existence.
The Upanishads also discuss the nature of karma, the law of cause and effect, and how it affects the human soul’s journey through multiple lifetimes. They teach that by performing good actions and cultivating knowledge, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and merge with Brahman.
The Upanishads are a rich source of spiritual wisdom and offer valuable insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the divine. They teach us to see beyond the surface level of reality and to recognize the deeper unity that underlies all of existence. They emphasize the importance of spiritual practices such as meditation and self-inquiry, which can lead us to a direct experience of the divine.
Jainism and associated ethical principles
Jainism is a religion that places a strong emphasis on ethical behavior and personal responsibility. The ethical
principles taught by Jainism can be summarized as follows:
- Ahimsa (non-violence): This is the most important principle of Jainism. Jains believe in non-violence towards all living beings, and practice vegetarianism and veganism to avoid causing harm to animals. Ahimsa also includes non-violence towards oneself, by avoiding harmful behavior such as indulging in alcohol or drugs.
- Satya (truthfulness): Jains believe in speaking the truth, and avoiding falsehood in all aspects of life. This includes being honest in business dealings and relationships, and avoiding deceit or manipulation.
- Asteya (non-stealing): Jains believe in respecting the property and belongings of others, and avoiding theft or fraud. This includes not taking what is not rightfully theirs, and not engaging in corrupt practices.
- Brahmacharya (chastity): Jains believe in celibacy and self-control, and avoiding sexual misconduct. This includes avoiding extramarital affairs or sexual exploitation.
- Aparigraha (non-attachment): Jains believe in simplicity and non-materialism, and avoiding excessive attachment to possessions or wealth. This includes avoiding greed and practicing contentment with what one has.
- Samyama (restraint): Jains believe in practicing restraint in all aspects of life, including the consumption of food and other pleasures. This includes practicing moderation and avoiding excess.
FAQs on Holy Scriptures
Q: What is the holy book of Hinduism?
A: Hinduism has a vast body of sacred texts, but the most revered are the Vedas, with the Rigveda being the oldest. Other important texts include the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
Q: What is the Bhagavad Gita, and why is it significant?
A: The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna and imparts spiritual and moral teachings. It is revered for its philosophical and ethical wisdom.
Q: Are there different sects of Hinduism with their own scriptures?
A: Yes, Hinduism has various sects with their own scriptures. For example, Shaivism has the Shiva Puranas, Vaishnavism has texts like the Vishnu Purana, and Shaktism has the Devi Bhagavata Purana.
Q: Are Hindu scriptures available in translated versions for non-Sanskrit readers?
A: Yes, many Hindu scriptures have been translated into various languages to make them accessible to a wider audience. Translations often come with explanations and commentaries.
Q: What are the primary scriptures in Buddhism?
A: Buddhism has a vast body of scriptures, but the most important are the Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and the Mahayana Sutras. The Tripitaka is divided into three “baskets”: the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Q: What is the significance of the Dhammapada in Buddhism?
A: The Dhammapada is a collection of verses attributed to the Buddha. It contains essential teachings on ethics, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment, making it one of the most widely read and studied texts in Buddhism.
Q: What are the Mahayana Sutras, and how do they differ from the Pali Canon?
A: The Mahayana Sutras are a collection of scriptures followed by Mahayana Buddhists. They expand on the teachings of the Buddha and introduce new concepts. In contrast, the Pali Canon is followed by Theravada Buddhists and is considered the original and more conservative set of scriptures.
Q: What are the primary scriptures in Jainism?
A: The Jain tradition has several sacred texts, but the most important ones are the Agamas, which consist of 45 texts. They include teachings attributed to Lord Mahavira.
Q: What is the significance of the Tattvartha Sutra in Jainism?
A: The Tattvartha Sutra is a key text in Jainism that deals with reality and philosophical principles. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Jain doctrine and is highly revered by Jain scholars.
Q: Are Jain scriptures available in translated versions?
A: Yes, like other religious texts, Jain scriptures have been translated into various languages to make them more accessible to a wider audience.
Q: What is the role of Jain scriptures in the daily life and rituals of Jains?
A: Jain scriptures guide the ethical and religious practices of Jains, influencing their way of life, rituals, and adherence to principles like non-violence (ahimsa).
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