One of the most significant differences between the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita is the fact that the Bhagavad Gita doesn’t contain any commandments.
There’s a very big difference between the idea of an all-powerful God who issues commandments that must be obeyed without question in order to avoid eternal damnation and an all-beautiful God who offers opinions that we can choose to follow if we want to initiate – or deepen – a relationship of love with God in the safest space imaginable.
The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna, who is speaking from the position of God, and his friend, Arjuna, a warrior who has to solve an exceptionally complicated ethical dilemma. Confused about what to do, He asks Krishna for guidance.
Krishna responds not by carving commandments in stone, but by offering Arjuna his opinions.
Of course, Krishna does suggest that taking his divinity and subsequent omniscience into account would be worth considering as Arjuna evaluates the advice he’s receiving; when we’re talking to God, all opinions are not created equal. And Krishna does make his opinions about ethics and morality clear.
Nevertheless, when Arjuna expresses his doubts, suggests other possibilities, and asks reasonable questions, Krishna listens patiently and lovingly replies with due consideration and comprehensive answers until all of Arjuna’s doubts have been dispelled and his curiosity satisfied.
In the end, Krishna affirms Arjuna’s right to choose what course of action he should take, a choice that extends to what, if any, faith form he follows.
Which would you rather hear from God: commandments or opinions? Let me know in the comments.