Can't Shudras read the Bhagavad Gita?
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It is well known that Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from Jnana by saying Smritis prohibit them from having Upanayana. But Bhagavad Gita is a book which contains Vedantic statements. As Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from acquiring Vedanta knowledge, can't they read the Bhagavad Gita?
bhagavad-gita vedanta caste-system shudra
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It is well known that Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from Jnana by saying Smritis prohibit them from having Upanayana. But Bhagavad Gita is a book which contains Vedantic statements. As Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from acquiring Vedanta knowledge, can't they read the Bhagavad Gita?
bhagavad-gita vedanta caste-system shudra
Bhagavad Gita is basically the summary of the 4 Vedas along with being the glory of Krishna. So I think they can not
– Gabriel Alexander Gonzalez Agu
2 hours ago
1
Mahabharata can be read by anyone. Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharata and hence it is open for all.
– hanugm
2 hours ago
In end of 18th chapter, lord krishna told who are eligible to read gita or to learn this knowledge.
– Love Sharma
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is a knowledge for all to realize their spiritual nature. No classification or restriction is there for Bhagavad Gita!
– Akshay S
1 hour ago
1
@LoveSharma Why don't you put that as an answer with reference shloka? Comment are not for answering questions. I hope there is no trouble in answering. Comments do not help the visitors.
– Sarvabhouma
1 hour ago
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up vote
1
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up vote
1
down vote
favorite
It is well known that Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from Jnana by saying Smritis prohibit them from having Upanayana. But Bhagavad Gita is a book which contains Vedantic statements. As Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from acquiring Vedanta knowledge, can't they read the Bhagavad Gita?
bhagavad-gita vedanta caste-system shudra
It is well known that Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from Jnana by saying Smritis prohibit them from having Upanayana. But Bhagavad Gita is a book which contains Vedantic statements. As Vedanta Sutras prohibit Shudras from acquiring Vedanta knowledge, can't they read the Bhagavad Gita?
bhagavad-gita vedanta caste-system shudra
bhagavad-gita vedanta caste-system shudra
asked 2 hours ago
Naveen Kick
43810
43810
Bhagavad Gita is basically the summary of the 4 Vedas along with being the glory of Krishna. So I think they can not
– Gabriel Alexander Gonzalez Agu
2 hours ago
1
Mahabharata can be read by anyone. Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharata and hence it is open for all.
– hanugm
2 hours ago
In end of 18th chapter, lord krishna told who are eligible to read gita or to learn this knowledge.
– Love Sharma
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is a knowledge for all to realize their spiritual nature. No classification or restriction is there for Bhagavad Gita!
– Akshay S
1 hour ago
1
@LoveSharma Why don't you put that as an answer with reference shloka? Comment are not for answering questions. I hope there is no trouble in answering. Comments do not help the visitors.
– Sarvabhouma
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
Bhagavad Gita is basically the summary of the 4 Vedas along with being the glory of Krishna. So I think they can not
– Gabriel Alexander Gonzalez Agu
2 hours ago
1
Mahabharata can be read by anyone. Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharata and hence it is open for all.
– hanugm
2 hours ago
In end of 18th chapter, lord krishna told who are eligible to read gita or to learn this knowledge.
– Love Sharma
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is a knowledge for all to realize their spiritual nature. No classification or restriction is there for Bhagavad Gita!
– Akshay S
1 hour ago
1
@LoveSharma Why don't you put that as an answer with reference shloka? Comment are not for answering questions. I hope there is no trouble in answering. Comments do not help the visitors.
– Sarvabhouma
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is basically the summary of the 4 Vedas along with being the glory of Krishna. So I think they can not
– Gabriel Alexander Gonzalez Agu
2 hours ago
Bhagavad Gita is basically the summary of the 4 Vedas along with being the glory of Krishna. So I think they can not
– Gabriel Alexander Gonzalez Agu
2 hours ago
1
1
Mahabharata can be read by anyone. Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharata and hence it is open for all.
– hanugm
2 hours ago
Mahabharata can be read by anyone. Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharata and hence it is open for all.
– hanugm
2 hours ago
In end of 18th chapter, lord krishna told who are eligible to read gita or to learn this knowledge.
– Love Sharma
1 hour ago
In end of 18th chapter, lord krishna told who are eligible to read gita or to learn this knowledge.
– Love Sharma
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is a knowledge for all to realize their spiritual nature. No classification or restriction is there for Bhagavad Gita!
– Akshay S
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is a knowledge for all to realize their spiritual nature. No classification or restriction is there for Bhagavad Gita!
– Akshay S
1 hour ago
1
1
@LoveSharma Why don't you put that as an answer with reference shloka? Comment are not for answering questions. I hope there is no trouble in answering. Comments do not help the visitors.
– Sarvabhouma
1 hour ago
@LoveSharma Why don't you put that as an answer with reference shloka? Comment are not for answering questions. I hope there is no trouble in answering. Comments do not help the visitors.
– Sarvabhouma
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
2 Answers
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There are no specific restrictions for reading and understanding Bhagavad Gita based on castes, differentiation apart from two cases, where Krishna himself emphasizes on to whom this Gita knowledge should not be spoken and to whom this knowledge shall be revealed
BG 18.67: This instruction should never be explained to those who are not austere or to those who are not devoted. It should also not be spoken to those who are averse to listening (to spiritual topics), and especially not to those who are envious of me.
BG 18.68: Those, who teach this most confidential knowledge amongst my devotees, perform the greatest act of love. They will come to me without doubt.
Thus, from these verses, it is clear that, those who teach his Gita knowledge to his devotees, certainly reaches Krishna's abode which he himself declares and also the fact that, Sri Krishna makes it clear that this knowledge should not be explained to non-devotees, and non-believers of supreme because they may become envious of Krishna and misunderstand the teachings of Gita and think Krishna proudly spoke of himself and wanted Arjuna to praise him always as he used many times "I". So real meaning and teachings of Gita wont go into minds of non devotees.
2
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If for Mahabharata (of which Gita is a part) it is said that it can be recited by everyone then "Yes" will be the answer. But have a look at the following verses from Vyasa Smriti:
Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas are called the twice-born. Their
first births take place when they are delivered of their mother's womb
; their second, when they duly accept the Gayatri Mantra from their
preceptors (21).
Thus made twice-born, and free from all other faults, they become entitled to study the Vedas, Smritis and Puranas (22).
According to 22, it's the Vedic initiation that makes one qualified to read even the Smritis and the Puranas. So, we can assume that similar requirements might be there for reading the Itihasas too. Because, Itihasa-Purana are always mentioned in tandem.
Also, note that this is somewhat an indirect approach, as ideally one should see what Mahabharata itself( or Gita) has to say on the topic.
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
There are no specific restrictions for reading and understanding Bhagavad Gita based on castes, differentiation apart from two cases, where Krishna himself emphasizes on to whom this Gita knowledge should not be spoken and to whom this knowledge shall be revealed
BG 18.67: This instruction should never be explained to those who are not austere or to those who are not devoted. It should also not be spoken to those who are averse to listening (to spiritual topics), and especially not to those who are envious of me.
BG 18.68: Those, who teach this most confidential knowledge amongst my devotees, perform the greatest act of love. They will come to me without doubt.
Thus, from these verses, it is clear that, those who teach his Gita knowledge to his devotees, certainly reaches Krishna's abode which he himself declares and also the fact that, Sri Krishna makes it clear that this knowledge should not be explained to non-devotees, and non-believers of supreme because they may become envious of Krishna and misunderstand the teachings of Gita and think Krishna proudly spoke of himself and wanted Arjuna to praise him always as he used many times "I". So real meaning and teachings of Gita wont go into minds of non devotees.
2
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
There are no specific restrictions for reading and understanding Bhagavad Gita based on castes, differentiation apart from two cases, where Krishna himself emphasizes on to whom this Gita knowledge should not be spoken and to whom this knowledge shall be revealed
BG 18.67: This instruction should never be explained to those who are not austere or to those who are not devoted. It should also not be spoken to those who are averse to listening (to spiritual topics), and especially not to those who are envious of me.
BG 18.68: Those, who teach this most confidential knowledge amongst my devotees, perform the greatest act of love. They will come to me without doubt.
Thus, from these verses, it is clear that, those who teach his Gita knowledge to his devotees, certainly reaches Krishna's abode which he himself declares and also the fact that, Sri Krishna makes it clear that this knowledge should not be explained to non-devotees, and non-believers of supreme because they may become envious of Krishna and misunderstand the teachings of Gita and think Krishna proudly spoke of himself and wanted Arjuna to praise him always as he used many times "I". So real meaning and teachings of Gita wont go into minds of non devotees.
2
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
There are no specific restrictions for reading and understanding Bhagavad Gita based on castes, differentiation apart from two cases, where Krishna himself emphasizes on to whom this Gita knowledge should not be spoken and to whom this knowledge shall be revealed
BG 18.67: This instruction should never be explained to those who are not austere or to those who are not devoted. It should also not be spoken to those who are averse to listening (to spiritual topics), and especially not to those who are envious of me.
BG 18.68: Those, who teach this most confidential knowledge amongst my devotees, perform the greatest act of love. They will come to me without doubt.
Thus, from these verses, it is clear that, those who teach his Gita knowledge to his devotees, certainly reaches Krishna's abode which he himself declares and also the fact that, Sri Krishna makes it clear that this knowledge should not be explained to non-devotees, and non-believers of supreme because they may become envious of Krishna and misunderstand the teachings of Gita and think Krishna proudly spoke of himself and wanted Arjuna to praise him always as he used many times "I". So real meaning and teachings of Gita wont go into minds of non devotees.
There are no specific restrictions for reading and understanding Bhagavad Gita based on castes, differentiation apart from two cases, where Krishna himself emphasizes on to whom this Gita knowledge should not be spoken and to whom this knowledge shall be revealed
BG 18.67: This instruction should never be explained to those who are not austere or to those who are not devoted. It should also not be spoken to those who are averse to listening (to spiritual topics), and especially not to those who are envious of me.
BG 18.68: Those, who teach this most confidential knowledge amongst my devotees, perform the greatest act of love. They will come to me without doubt.
Thus, from these verses, it is clear that, those who teach his Gita knowledge to his devotees, certainly reaches Krishna's abode which he himself declares and also the fact that, Sri Krishna makes it clear that this knowledge should not be explained to non-devotees, and non-believers of supreme because they may become envious of Krishna and misunderstand the teachings of Gita and think Krishna proudly spoke of himself and wanted Arjuna to praise him always as he used many times "I". So real meaning and teachings of Gita wont go into minds of non devotees.
answered 57 mins ago
Akshay S
8481224
8481224
2
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
add a comment |
2
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
2
2
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Then why Vedanta is banned for Shudras? If a Shudra can read the Bhagavad Gita, he can also learn Vedanta, since bhagavad Gita itself a summary of Upanishads.
– Naveen Kick
24 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
Where is it written that vedanta is not for shudra? And as per you who is shudras?
– Love Sharma
6 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If for Mahabharata (of which Gita is a part) it is said that it can be recited by everyone then "Yes" will be the answer. But have a look at the following verses from Vyasa Smriti:
Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas are called the twice-born. Their
first births take place when they are delivered of their mother's womb
; their second, when they duly accept the Gayatri Mantra from their
preceptors (21).
Thus made twice-born, and free from all other faults, they become entitled to study the Vedas, Smritis and Puranas (22).
According to 22, it's the Vedic initiation that makes one qualified to read even the Smritis and the Puranas. So, we can assume that similar requirements might be there for reading the Itihasas too. Because, Itihasa-Purana are always mentioned in tandem.
Also, note that this is somewhat an indirect approach, as ideally one should see what Mahabharata itself( or Gita) has to say on the topic.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If for Mahabharata (of which Gita is a part) it is said that it can be recited by everyone then "Yes" will be the answer. But have a look at the following verses from Vyasa Smriti:
Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas are called the twice-born. Their
first births take place when they are delivered of their mother's womb
; their second, when they duly accept the Gayatri Mantra from their
preceptors (21).
Thus made twice-born, and free from all other faults, they become entitled to study the Vedas, Smritis and Puranas (22).
According to 22, it's the Vedic initiation that makes one qualified to read even the Smritis and the Puranas. So, we can assume that similar requirements might be there for reading the Itihasas too. Because, Itihasa-Purana are always mentioned in tandem.
Also, note that this is somewhat an indirect approach, as ideally one should see what Mahabharata itself( or Gita) has to say on the topic.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If for Mahabharata (of which Gita is a part) it is said that it can be recited by everyone then "Yes" will be the answer. But have a look at the following verses from Vyasa Smriti:
Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas are called the twice-born. Their
first births take place when they are delivered of their mother's womb
; their second, when they duly accept the Gayatri Mantra from their
preceptors (21).
Thus made twice-born, and free from all other faults, they become entitled to study the Vedas, Smritis and Puranas (22).
According to 22, it's the Vedic initiation that makes one qualified to read even the Smritis and the Puranas. So, we can assume that similar requirements might be there for reading the Itihasas too. Because, Itihasa-Purana are always mentioned in tandem.
Also, note that this is somewhat an indirect approach, as ideally one should see what Mahabharata itself( or Gita) has to say on the topic.
If for Mahabharata (of which Gita is a part) it is said that it can be recited by everyone then "Yes" will be the answer. But have a look at the following verses from Vyasa Smriti:
Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas are called the twice-born. Their
first births take place when they are delivered of their mother's womb
; their second, when they duly accept the Gayatri Mantra from their
preceptors (21).
Thus made twice-born, and free from all other faults, they become entitled to study the Vedas, Smritis and Puranas (22).
According to 22, it's the Vedic initiation that makes one qualified to read even the Smritis and the Puranas. So, we can assume that similar requirements might be there for reading the Itihasas too. Because, Itihasa-Purana are always mentioned in tandem.
Also, note that this is somewhat an indirect approach, as ideally one should see what Mahabharata itself( or Gita) has to say on the topic.
answered 19 mins ago
Rickross
46.3k366176
46.3k366176
add a comment |
add a comment |
Bhagavad Gita is basically the summary of the 4 Vedas along with being the glory of Krishna. So I think they can not
– Gabriel Alexander Gonzalez Agu
2 hours ago
1
Mahabharata can be read by anyone. Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharata and hence it is open for all.
– hanugm
2 hours ago
In end of 18th chapter, lord krishna told who are eligible to read gita or to learn this knowledge.
– Love Sharma
1 hour ago
Bhagavad Gita is a knowledge for all to realize their spiritual nature. No classification or restriction is there for Bhagavad Gita!
– Akshay S
1 hour ago
1
@LoveSharma Why don't you put that as an answer with reference shloka? Comment are not for answering questions. I hope there is no trouble in answering. Comments do not help the visitors.
– Sarvabhouma
1 hour ago