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bookc. 200 BCE–present

The Bhagavad Gita

Disciplines:
philosophy & ideas

Summary

A philosophical dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Krishna on the eve of battle—covering duty (dharma), selfless action (karma yoga), devotion, knowledge, and the nature of the self.

Core Contribution

Synthesises the major Indian philosophical streams (Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta) into a unified account of right action under moral uncertainty; foundational text of Hindu ethics.

Key Spikes & Highlights

  • karma yoga
  • dharma
  • selfless action
  • non-attachment
  • Vedantic non-dualism

Historical Influences

Upanishads Samkhya philosophy Vedic ritual traditionEpic poetry tradition of India

Intellectual Lineage

No conceptual lineage found.

Allied Works

Mahabharata Upanishads Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Shrimad Bhagavatam

Contemporaries & Peers

Stoic texts of RomeMahabharata Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Minds Influenced

Hindu philosophy and theology Gandhi's political thought American Transcendentalism Global yoga and meditation traditions

Intellectual Posterity

Foundational to Hindu thought, Indian nationalism, and global philosophy; influenced Thoreau, Emerson, Schopenhauer, Aldous Huxley, and contemporary yoga culture.

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