The Bhagavad Gita: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World

STREAMING PROGRAM INFORMATION

• This program is part of our Smithsonian Associates Streaming series.
• Platform: Zoom
• Online registration is required.
• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.

After the Bible and the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita is the most beloved of sacred texts in the world. Graham M. Schweig, a professor of religion at Christopher Newport University and published translator of the Bhagavad Gita, 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, its major themes, and reveals how a work created around the 2nd century A.D. 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.

Patron Information

• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
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