Bhagavad Gita and the Ashvagosha - AP Lit

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>Has anyone read these two pieces for AP Lit? I need to write a paper about the two, and I don’t completely understand it - any suggestions?</p>

<p>The assignment says: </p>

<p>The editors of our anthology state that the Buddhist texts were born of rebellion against Hinduism. Their contention is that a growing middle class in India was ripe for rejecting the religion, " which was becoming more and more rigid in terms of social caste, religious ritual, and the hierarchy of privilege:</p>

<p>While our class does not take a comprehensive view of either religion, we do engage some depth with two primary texts. Bhagavad Gita and the writings of Ashvagosha. Both readings deal with a young spiritual figure coming to understand life’s meaning.</p>

<p>Your job will be to analyze both readings carefully and decide to what degree you agree and/or disagree with the editors of the anthology. Does one religious practice effectively subvert social hierarchy while the other one perpetuates it? To what extent-- if any-- do both texts actually seek the same goal?</p>

2

<p>Use Google…I’m sure you will find some synopses around on the works.</p>

3

<p>Well, Google seems to provide a summary - I read the works, so that’s not necessarily a problem. But with regard to analysis, I’m struggling a bit.</p>

<p>Thanks for the suggestion though.</p>

4

<p>Wikipedia seems to have rather thorough articles on them. I’d take a look at those</p>