slander and peer pressure

[Amala Bhakta]

K S Arjunwadkar wrote:
>
> Date sent:              Mon, 4 Oct 1999 17:54:16 GMT
> Send reply to:          Indology <INDOLOGY at LISTSERV.LIV.AC.UK>
> From:                   John Doe <nayotse at HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject:                slander and peer pressure
> To:                     INDOLOGY at LISTSERV.LIV.AC.UK
>
> > Dear Members,
> >
> > If you all will remember, in the second chapter of the Bhagavadgita Krishna
> > is encouraging Arjuna to act.
> >
> > In verses 34-36, Krishna states that if Arjuna does not fight/act, he will
> > basically be the victim of slander.
> >
> > By encouraging Arjuna in this manner, Krishna is, to use a modern
> > expression, implementing the tool of 'peer pressure.'
>
> I have discussed the multiple approach of Krishna to the problem of
> Arjuna in my recent article on the Bhagavad-giitaa (second of a
> series being published in successive issues) in the magazine,
> 'Yoga and Health', October 1999, published from UK. It touches,
> among other things, the point you have raised. If you are serious,
> you may have a look into the first article too which discusses the
> nature of and appropriate approach to the text.
> >
> > I am wondering if you could say more about the role of honor, slander, and
> > 'peer pressure' within the Veda-s.
> >
> >
> I was amused to find you apparently think that the Vedic literature
> includes the Bhagavad-giitaa. The Bhagavad-giitaa is part of the
> archaic epic Mahaa-bhaarata by Vyaasa (Bhiishma-parvan, i.e. the
> 6th book, Adhyaayas 25-42). Incidentally, what do you think is the
> extent of the Vedic literature?
> Best wishes.
> KSA <arjunwadkar at mcmail.com>
> 4-10-1999

Dear Amused KSA,

Please accept my respects.

According to the Bhagavat Purana, the Puranas and the ancient histories,
which include the Mahabharata (in which Bhagavad-gita exists)are
considered the fifth Veda.

BP 3.12.39:

"Then he [Brahma] created the fifth Veda-—the Puranas and the
histories—-from all his mouths, since he could see all the past, present
and future."

Sincerely,

AB