Bhakti, Buddhism and the Bhagavad-Gita

Abstract

In this paper, author outlines one possible influence in the development of the doctrine of Bhakti-Marga (a devotional type of worship in Hinduism) as presented in the Bhagavad-Gita (a Hindu philosophical text). This possible influence in the development of Bhakti-Marga is that of Brahmanic reaction to Buddhism. Of course, Buddhism is not the only reason for Bhakti-Marga's development, but author believes that the Gita only formalized Bhakti-Marga, making it acceptable for the social elite and the rising middle class of India.