Echoes of Bhagavad-gita in Maharshi Ramana’s Poetry:

An Answer to the Dilemma of Human Identity

Abstract

Human identity is a complex phenomenon as we know it —in the form of human body with all its physical aspects. Hardly do we know its spiritual aspects as they are abstract domains. Bhagavad-gita steps into all these domains and makes explicit the way to live in this world. Bhagavad-gita is not only a discourse of spiritual awakening for Arjuna who stood dejected in the battlefield pondering on killing his relatives, but also a universal guide to all the generations facing dilemma. Sri Krishna reveals the distinct differences between the physical body which is perishable and the immortal soul which is eternal. He gives us the precise knowledge of the individual consciousness a man has about his body and the ultimate consciousness he should have about his soul. His poetry is replete with the echoes of Bhagavad-gita which enables man to solve the dilemma of human identity. Directed towards the removal of the delusion in human mind, his poetry helps man to alleviate his mental sufferings. The paper discusses the predicament of the modern man with regards to his identity, seeks resolutions