Reflections On India

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Oppenheimer and the Bhagavad Gita: Melding Science and Cosmic Wisdom

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In the scorching heat of July 16, 1945, the world changed forever. On that fateful day, amidst the fiery birth of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the orchestrator of this modern Prometheus, whispered a verse from an ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” It was a chilling incantation, embodying both the awe and dread of that momentous event.

At the heart of this ancient scripture lies a philosophy woven into the fabric of existence: desires, wealth, righteousness (dharma), and liberation (moksha).  As Arjuna, one of the central characters in the Bhagavad Gita, confronts the stark reality of war, torn between duty and love, he turns to Krishna for guidance. Arjuna expresses his reluctance to fight in the great battle of Kurukshetra. He is aware of the principles of dharma (duty, righteousness), and he questions the righteousness of the war. Killing his own kin seems morally and spiritually wrong. In a moment of divine revelation, Krishna reveals his universal form—a spectacular, awe-inspiring vision. Oppenheimer’s translation of this experience painted a picture of a sky ablaze with the brilliance of a thousand suns. Krishna’s revelation of the universal form in the Bhagavad Gita serves to show Arjuna the larger cosmic purpose beyond the battlefield, calming his apprehensions about war by emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the imperishable nature of the soul. Arjuna, initially troubled by the idea of warfare, gains a broader perspective, understanding that he is a mere instrument in the divine plan, mitigating his reluctance and encouraging him to fulfill his warrior duty with conviction. Witnessing the immense and all-encompassing form of the Divine helps Arjuna find solace and purpose in fulfilling his role as a warrior.

Yet, Oppenheimer’s fascination with the Bhagavad Gita was intricate and nuanced. While he intellectually grasped its profound philosophy, the notion of an eternal soul and the illusory nature of destruction remained elusive. The aftermath of the atomic bomb weighed on his conscience, a relentless reminder of the ethical tightrope he walked.

Oppenheimer’s journey into the depths of Hindu philosophy and the mellifluous tones of Sanskrit began during his days at Berkeley. There, under the guidance of a wise mentor, he unraveled the mysteries of this ancient language. The Gita’s teachings resonated with him, offering solace and a philosophical anchor. In the aftermath of the earth-shattering explosion, Oppenheimer found himself revisiting the verses of the Bhagavad Gita, seeking solace in its timeless wisdom. In Hinduism, where time weaves a non-linear tapestry, the divine force participates in both creation and destruction.

In an interview with Wired, Sanskrit scholar Stephen Thompson explains, “Arjuna is a soldier, he has a duty to fight. Krishna, not Arjuna, will determine who lives and who dies. Arjuna should neither mourn nor rejoice over what fate has in store, but should be sublimely unattached to such results,” explains Thompson. “Above all, Arjuna’s devotion to Krishna is paramount. It is this unwavering faith that will safeguard Arjuna’s soul.” However, Oppenheimer seemed to grapple with attaining such profound peace.

Oppenheimer’s understanding of the phrase “I am become Death” sheds light on his grasp of its subtleties. He recognized that Krishna, in the Gita, does not claim to be death itself but rather assumes the form of death. The phrasing “I am become Death” captures the essence of becoming—an amalgamation of the action and its consequential state, emphasizing the transformative process that leads to a world-altering event.

Oppenheimer was not embarking on a journey to escape to a purely spiritual realm. Nor was he seeking religion. What he sought was peace of mind—a way to reconcile the affairs of humanity and the pleasures of the senses with a profound philosophical understanding. 

Sources

https://www.wired.com/story/manhattan-project-robert-oppenheimer/

https://www.thejuggernaut.com/now-i-am-become-death-oppenheimer-bhagavad-gita-hinduism