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 ShrivastavaProfessor (Retired), Civil Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Religious Commonalities and Differences
KEYWORDS
BHAGAVAD GITA, BUDDHISM, DHAMMAPADA, HINDUISM, JUXTAPOSITION