ABSTRACT
This chapter retells the Bhagavad-Gita, a traditional Hindu tale. In it, two great armies are about to go to battle in a civil war. Prince Arjuna, the leader of one side, is overcome by horror and despair over the prospect of killing beloved relatives and friends. Krishna who took on a human form to be Arjuna’s charioteer tells the Prince that he does not kill anyone, because souls are immortal. Krishna then instructs Arjuna in various ways of overcoming his horror and disgust, summarizing traditional Hindu religious practices, such as yoga and meditation. Arjuna then asks which one is best and Krishna gives a striking answer: what fosters an individual’s direct experience of the Divine is best, because it is true-to mythic understanding. At Arjuna’s request, Krishna then appears in his form as the Ultimate Divine, including all the mundane world as a part. When Krishna returns to his human form, Arjuna accepts his traditional role as a warrior-Prince and goes to battle.
