The Concept of Dharma and its Significance in the Mahabharata (original) (raw)

As the title suggests, the theme of this article is the discussion of the concept of dharma and its significance in the Mahabharata. After a general introduction, the concept of dharma is looked at in terms of Hinduism, followed by some background information about the Mahabharata as seen in the context of dharma. This is followed by a sampling and discussion of a selection of verses from the Bhagavad Gita in which the god Krishna delivers his sermon to Arjuna before the commencement of the battle of Kurukshetra. Lastly dharma is looked at in its specific sense known as Raja dharma, or the dharma of kings, in which Bhishma, a key figure of the Mahabharata instructs King Yudhisthira in making the right choice by assuming his responsibilities as king. The two sermons, one delivered by Krishna, the other by Bhisma, are not only looked at in the context in which they took place, but also examined from our modern day perspective, and how they can possibly impact our present day lives. The conclusion briefly looks at how dharma can be understood in terms of the modern day disciple.

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