Topics: Time

Article

Gita 11.31-35: Time, Merely an Instrument, and Arjuna's Trembling, a Closer Reading

Is 'be merely an instrument' a command to kill, a statement of fate, or something else? A close reading of Gita 11.31-35, the idea of the instrument across the Gita, two streams of commentators, and objections answered.

Level: Deeper English 18 min Merely an Instrument

Article

Instrument, Time and Choice: The Gita's Hard Verses Read in Place

'Already slain', 'your nature will drive you' and 'mounted on a machine': do these verses take Arjuna's choice away? Each hard verse in its place, two streams of readers, objections with replies, and answers from the Gita and the tradition.

Level: Deeper English 9 min Merely an Instrument