October, 1873.] CHRISTIAN TRACES IN THE BHAGAVAD-GITA. 291 Although these passages, to which several more might easily bo added, do not perhaps (with the exception of some, where, as, e. g. Bha¬ gavad-Gita xvi. 12-15 compared with Luke, xii. 16-20, this agreement is striking), taken separately, exclude the possibility of an accidental similarity, yet the frequent occurrence of such coincidences on tho one hand, and tho specially Christian character of tho thoughts we find in them on the other, must appear suspicious. When to this wo add the fact that, independently of the contents of the Bhagavad-Gita we can prove from other sources the influence of Christian traditions on the deve¬ lopment of the Krishra-cultus, we cannot consider the hypothesis of an external connection of these passages with the similar or almost identical ex¬ pressions of tho New Testament a very far-fetched one. There arc, however, other passages in tho Bhagavad-Gita where it is much moro difficult, if not impossible, to think of a simply accidental coinci¬ dence, and which make what till now seemed only a likely hypothesis almost certain. To this class belong passages in which an expression almost peculiar to the New Testament is repeated word for word. On such an agreement in expression we must, as I think, lay still greater weight than on a similarity of meaning, even where such an expression is used in a sense which is quite dif¬ ferent from the Christian one. If tho sense is the same, or at least similar, the proof is so much stronger. Of course we cannot demand that the Bense be completely adequate to that of the ex¬ pression in tho New Testament, since the composer of tho Bhagavad-Gita was very far from being a Christian, or understanding rightly the doctrines of Christianity, since he only used Christian maxims to illustrate his Indian Sankhya and Yoga doc¬ trines, which are quite distinct from Christianity. The following passages will justify these asser¬ tions :— II.—Passages which contain a characteristic expression of the New Testament with a different application. Bhagavad-Gita. But if I were not constantly engaged in work, unwearied .... these worlds would perish if I did not work my work. (iii. 23, 24.) In everything men follow in my way. (iii. 23.) Only they who in faith ever follow my doctrine, and blaspheme not, will be delivered, (iii. 31.) He who truly knows my birth, and my divine work, goes, when he leaves the body, not to a new birth; he goes to me. (iv. 9.) Leaving every possession, ... ho takes to himsolf no sin. (iv. 21.) As the kindling of fire burns wood into ashes, so the fire of knowledge turns all works into ashes. (iv. 37.) They who eat the nectar of the leavings of the sa¬ crifice pass into the eternal Brahma, (iv. 31.) There is no purifier like knowledge, (iv. 38.) Dividing with the sword of knowledge, (iv. 42.) Who conquers himself, is quiet, and fixes his mind on the highest, in cold, heat, pleasure and sorrow, honour and dishonour, (vi. 7.) I who am the highest way. (vii. 18.) Whose sin is destroyed, (vii. 28.) I will teach thee, if thou revilcst not, this royal learning, royal secret, (ix. 1, 2.)£ New Testament. My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (John, v. 17.) If any man will come after me. (Matt. xvi. 24.)* If a man keep my saying. (John, viii. 51.) That tho word of God be not blasphemed. (Tit. ii. 5.) I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. (John, xvii. 4.) This is the work of God. (John, vi. 29.) All that the Father giveth mo shall come to me. (John, vi. 37.) Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, ho cannot be my disciple. (Luke, xiv. 33.) The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is . . . If any man's ivork shall bcjbumt. (1. Cor, iii. 13, 15.) If any man cat of this bread, he shall live for ever. (John, vi. 51.) Purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts, xv. 9.) Take . . the sword of the Spirit. (Eph. vi. 17.)f In all things approving ourselves as tho minis¬ ters of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses, . . . through honour and dishonour. (2 Cor. vi. 4, 8, and conf. Bom. viii. 35.) I am the way. No man cometh unto the Father but by me. (John, xiv. 6.) That the body of sin might be destroyed. (Bom. vi. 6 ; conf. also Eph. ii. 5.) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye arc called P If ye fulfil the royal law, &c. (James, ii. 7, 8.)
- Conf. also John, viii. 12; and Luke, ix. 57. t Also Heb. iv. 12. J Vide ut sup. iii. 31; also 1 Cor. ii. 2.
