The Bhagavad Gita as translated by Juan Mascaro is a poem based on ancient Sanskrit literature contained in eighteen chapters. The period of time, around which it was written, although it is merely an educated guess, was approximately 500 BCE. " there are a few archaic words and expressions, some of the greatest scholars have considered it pre-Buddhistic, i.e. about 500 BC," (Bhagavad Gita, xxiv). This quote is found in the introduction to the book and further explains that the exact time it was written is undeterminable. Although the words and dialogue are very different than that of the English language to which most are accustomed to, the spiritual messages throughout the entire book are very clear and meaningful. There are two main characters, and a host of minor ones who represent very specific roles. The preceding paragraphs will discuss the roles of the characters, as well as the spiritual meanings found throughout the novel. .
The Bhagavad Gita has two main characters, Arjuna and Krishna. Arjuna is the mighty warrior in the physical sense, however his character is a representational form of a person or soul searching for the right or divine way. Arjuna is introduced early on in the book on a battlefield. He knows both sides of warriors who are about to ensure in this particular battle. The battle is very symbolic for life and its trials and tribulations. Krishna is a higher power is then introduced, and in the physical sense is Arjuna's mentor. In the spiritual sense, Krishna is the Supreme Truth, what all people want to attain during their lifetime. It is Krishna's job to lead his disciple, Arjuna to the ultimate conclusion of Gita. The contents of the eighteen chapters are very basically the acquisition of the correct knowledge to achieve such a conclusion.
The piece of spiritual knowledge that carries the most weight throughout the Bhagavad Gita is the responsibility of the individual.