Worlds of History Reading #2 : Bhagavad Gita

I. After reading the assigned text, please respond to the following questions.
Responses must be uploaded by the due date listed on the reading schedule.

1) From the Bhagavad Gita: When Arjuna expresses his reluctance to fight,
how does Krishan respond? What are the consequences for Arjuna if he
refuses to go to battle?

Krishna mentions that a karma-yogi should reject omens, and must focus on his
devotion to Krishna, and that war does not incur sin. If he refuses he loses his
reputation as a warrior and incurs sin that way, emphasizes the need to follow
orders from a higher power, be it divine or mortal. Krishna also mentions they are
the most important Deity.

This part emphasizes the caste system and why one must not act outside their
station.

2) From the Rig Veda: What is the purpose of the sacrifice of Purusha?
How does this story support the power of the priestly class?

Purusha’s sacrifice is the catalyst from creation of the world and all its
inhabitants. His mouth is made into the Brahmin, implies that they speak
through his truth, that they’re are the instrument of his will. They’ve been
divinely and intrinsically gifted the most important position. This part might
have been inserted later, as a way for the priests to justify their control.