Śraddhā in the Bhagavad Gītā

The Divergent Perspectives of Two Classical and Two Modern Commentaries

Authors

  • Nancy Ann Nayar

Keywords:

Bhagavad Gītā, Śraddhā, Faith, Śaṅkara, Rāmānuja, Chinmayananda, Bhaktivedanta, Hindu Philosophy, Vaishnavism, Devotion

Abstract

This article, Śraddhā in the Bhagavad Gītā: The Divergent Perspectives of Two Classical and Two Modern Commentaries by Nancy Ann Nayar, explores the concept of śraddhā (faith) as interpreted in the Bhagavad Gītā across classical and contemporary commentarial traditions. Nayar contrasts the views of classical commentators Śaṅkara and Rāmānuja with those of modern thinkers Swami Chinmayananda and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, examining how each understands śraddhā's role in spiritual development. The study reveals how the notion of śraddhā evolves from early Vedic literature through Vedāntic traditions and into modern devotional contexts, reflecting shifts in philosophical and emotional emphasis.

Published

2001-06-20