Bhagavad Gita (translation)

# Bhagavad Gita (translation)

## Contextualizing Tolstoy's Engagement with the Bhagavad Gita

This excerpt, surprisingly, isn't *from* the Bhagavad Gita itself, but rather from Leo Tolstoy’s *War and Peace*. It’s crucial to understand this framing. Tolstoy was deeply preoccupied with questions of morality, war, and the meaning of life, themes central to the Gita. He saw in the Gita a powerful ethical system that challenged conventional societal norms and offered a path to inner peace.  His interest wasn't purely academic; it was a deeply personal search for answers to existential questions, particularly in the face of the Napoleonic Wars. The excerpt provides a window into the societal anxieties and political machinations of early 19th-century Russia, mirroring the chaotic battlefield of the Kurukshetra War depicted in the Gita.  Tolstoy’s characters, like AP and PVK, embody the moral and spiritual dilemmas that the Gita addresses, albeit within a different cultural context.

## The Social Landscape and Moral Indignation

The scene opens in July 1805, in the salon of AP, a prominent figure in St. Petersburg society. Her immediate concern is the rise of BF (Napoleon), whom she vehemently condemns as an “Antichrist.” This strong moral judgment reflects a broader anxiety about the disruption of the established order and the perceived threat to traditional values. AP’s reaction isn’t simply political; it’s deeply personal and rooted in her moral convictions. She demands that PVK share her condemnation, threatening to end their friendship if he doesn’t. This highlights the importance of shared values and moral alignment within the social circles of the time.  The emphasis on “infamies and horrors” suggests a sensitivity to suffering and a rejection of violence, themes that resonate with the Gita’s emphasis on *ahimsa* (non-violence).

## Political Intrigue and the Impending War

The conversation quickly turns to political matters, specifically the situation in Genoa and Lucca, which have become “family estates of the Buonapartes.” This seemingly minor detail is a symbol of BF’s growing power and ambition. PVK’s initial reluctance to condemn BF suggests a pragmatic, perhaps even cynical, view of politics. He prioritizes maintaining social connections and navigating the complexities of court life over expressing strong moral opinions. The discussion about N’s dispatch reveals a growing sense of inevitability regarding war. PVK’s statement, “They have decided that Buonaparte has burnt his boats, and I believe that we are ready to burn ours,” is a chilling acknowledgment of the escalating conflict. This metaphor of “burning boats” signifies a point of no return, a commitment to war that cannot be easily reversed.  The Gita explores similar themes of decisive action and the consequences of choices.

## Character Dynamics: Politeness and Underlying Tension

The interaction between AP and PVK is characterized by a delicate balance of politeness and underlying tension. PVK responds to AP’s passionate outburst with a carefully crafted facade of concern and sympathy. He employs refined French and a patronizing tone, demonstrating his social superiority. His words are often insincere, “things he did not even wish to be believed,” revealing a deep-seated cynicism. AP, despite her outward enthusiasm, is also aware of the superficiality of social interactions. She recognizes that her “enthusiasm” is often performative, a way to meet the expectations of others. This contrast between appearance and reality is a recurring motif in *War and Peace* and reflects Tolstoy’s critique of societal hypocrisy.  The Gita, in contrast, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and acting in accordance with one’s true nature (*dharma*).

## The Role of Society and Individual Conscience

The excerpt highlights the tension between individual conscience and societal expectations. AP feels compelled to express her moral outrage, even if it risks alienating others. PVK, on the other hand, prioritizes maintaining his social standing and avoids taking a firm stance. This conflict reflects a broader struggle between personal integrity and the pressures of conformity. The mention of the fete at the English ambassador’s underscores the importance of social rituals and the need to maintain appearances. AP’s weariness with these festivities suggests a growing disillusionment with the superficiality of high society.  The Gita advocates for a path of self-discovery and liberation from societal conditioning, encouraging individuals to follow their *dharma* regardless of external pressures.

## Tolstoy's Implicit Critique and the Gita's Relevance

Tolstoy uses this scene to subtly critique the moral bankruptcy of the Russian aristocracy. Their preoccupation with social status, political maneuvering, and superficial pleasures blinds them to the deeper ethical issues at stake. The condemnation of BF as “Antichrist” is not simply a religious judgment; it’s a condemnation of unchecked power and the abuse of authority.  The Gita, with its emphasis on selfless action (*karma yoga*) and devotion (*bhakti yoga*), offers an alternative to this self-centered worldview.  While this excerpt doesn't directly quote the Gita, it embodies the moral and spiritual questions that Tolstoy found so compelling in the text.  The characters’ struggles with duty, morality, and the meaning of life are all themes that are central to the Gita’s teachings.  The excerpt serves as a powerful illustration of the human condition and the enduring relevance of the Gita’s wisdom.