The Bhagavad Gita and Ayn Rand's objectivism

• Verfasst von: Kelley, Bryan [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: The Bhagavad Gita and Ayn Rand's objectivism
• Jahr: 2008
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Nidān
• Ort Quelle: Durban : Univ., 1989
• Jahr Quelle: 2008
• Band/Heft Quelle: 20(2008), 1, Seite 84-90
• ISSN Quelle: 2414-8636
• DOI: doi:10.58125/nidan.2008.1
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• K10plus-PPN: 183958145X
• K10plus-PPN: CATS / Abt. Südasien
• Bibliothek/Idn: SA / m4344901371
• Lokale URL Inst.: Zum Volltext

Abstract

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important texts in the Hindu tradition, and has taught millions of people a life-changing philosophy for millennia. Situated. within the massive Mahabharata, the Gita teaches a uniquely Eastern philosophy of detachment from the fruits of one's actions. The first English translations of Hindu texts such as the Gita appeared between 1785 and 1789, and since then many Westerners have read it and struggled with its teachings. It presents a very unique message that seems to clash in particular with such Western principles as self-determinism, free will and individuality. In particular, Ayn Rand has developed a philosophy that champions these Western virtues, and as such is at great odds with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The principles of Ayn Rand's Objectivism, although never specifically mentioning the Bhagavad Gita or Hinduism in general, condemn its conception of the self, its goal of transcendence, and the caste structure that it supports. The massive contrasts created by comparing these two viewpoints sheds light on the inherent difficulties of this Eastern teaching gaining much ground with a broad Western audience.