Abstract

This essay attempts to compare, from a literary perspective, the principal sacred texts of Hinduism, and Buddhism. For this purpose, it revisits the contradictions, historical uncertainty, and dramatic implausibility inherent in the Bhagavad Gita. It then juxtaposes the historicity, composition, and message of the Dhammapada. It asks questions. It concludes, if devoid of respective temporal and ephemeral aspects, the said two scriptures are not different. Put differently, and all told, the Dhammapada may be considered a minimalist version of the Bhagavad Gita. And both converge to a singular conclusion: there is retribution for inhumanity, and salvation for the right conduct.

Presenters

Gyan Shrivastava
Professor (Retired), Civil Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago

Details

Presentation Type

Focused Discussion

Theme

Religious Commonalities and Differences

KEYWORDS

BHAGAVAD GITA, BUDDHISM, DHAMMAPADA, HINDUISM, JUXTAPOSITION

Digital Media

Videos

Downloads