Lotus Sutra And Bhagavad Gita Analysis

“A sacred text is a writing embodying the laws or doctrines of a religion, and so deserving veneration” (Oxford, 2014). Sacred texts are vital to any religious practise, as they bring followers together and give them spiritual guidance in their worship. The two sacred texts of the Lotus Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita are equally important to followers, and share many analogous features. Through highlighting their historical setting, thematic content, literary features and implications for interpretation, their homogenous features and significance will become evident.

The historical setting of the Lotus Sutra and Bhagavad Gita are similar, with the social context they were produced in and authorship of the scripture being alike.
The Sutra and

The Lotus Sutra’s purpose is to encourage people’s intrinsic capacity for wisdom, courage and compassion; ultimately demonstrating the universal capacity for enlightenment. Daisaku Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International, states the Lotus Sutra is, “Ultimately a teaching of empowerment.” The Bhagavad Gita however searches for a permanent reality, making life more meaningful, stable and purposeful. The Gita is about finding permanence in amidst rapid change, and integrating spiritual values in a fast-paced life. Both texts however expound the message of finding peace within yourself and everyday life. The Lotus Sutra and Bhagavad Gita therefore have their separate meanings and followers, united by the central theme of universal peace.

Both the Lotus Sutra and Bhagavad Gita include similar literary features, using textual devices to add emphasis on differing ideas.
The Sutra and Gita are written using narrative form, split into definitive chapters. Through using a narrative to convey ideals, the reader can further identify with the lesson and is more likely to transfer it into their lives. Using parables, much like the Christian bible, also provides readers with “layers of metaphor that have inspired many layers of interpretation” (O’Brien,

Mahatma Gandhi explains that, “with the image of a physical battlefield, the Gita makes the ongoing spiritual battle of life clear to us,” (Ali, 2004). It also helps audiences from different backgrounds gain a similar understanding of the meanings within the text. Some may be able to look deeper into the struggles Arjuna is facing, however if they’re unable to do that then there’s still an obvious meaning on the surface. A prime example of the use of this battlefield is in chapter two when Arjuna says, “Sri Krishna, how can I counterattack with arrows in battle men like Bhisma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship.” This quote could be factually interpreted, or seen as an abstract lesson in standing up for yourself against those superior to