The Bhagavad Gita, along with the Bible and the Quran, is one of the most beloved sacred texts of the world. Graham M. Schweig illuminates some of the exquisite passages in this Hindu philosophical poem and examines their rich narrative context. He provides an overview of the story behind the text and its major themes and reveals how a work created around the 2nd century AD poignantly addresses the universal problems of the human condition: the intrinsically conflicted soul and the mix of happiness and suffering, goodness and evil, and beauty and horror the world holds. These dichotomies are symbolized by the dilemma of the protagonist Arjuna, whose heart is shattered as he is about to engage in a battle against evil that also pits him against those he loves. Experience how the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless voice of wisdom and compassion can speak to the challenges of the modern world. Note: Schweig will be presenting via Zoom as part of the Smithsonian Associates program.

Graham M. Schweig is a professor of religion at Christopher Newport University and published translator of the Bhagavad Gita.