Harry Potter and Dumbledore through Hindu eyes

August 31, 2011

My blog is predicated on the view that the Geeta as teaching relevant in daily life. That is why I particularly liked a recent post in which Padma Kuppa has an interesting angle on the Dumbledore - Harry Potter relationship.

Padma makes sure that readers get a flavor of the true meaning of the word Guru as opposed to the caricature that underlies common use of the word. I had the same response as Padma to a particular dialog in the last Harry Potter blockbuster.

And the final question Harry poses Dumbledore is a testament to the beauty and complexity of what a disciple can learn from the guru: "Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?" Dumbledore's response? "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" That is the faith to which only a guru can lead one.

In the Geeta, Arjuna's relationship with Śrī Kṛṣṇa is not quite as tortured as the one between Harry Potter and Dumbledore. Unquestionably though, the Mahābhārata itself is way more nuanced and complex than any literature we can find today.

Hari Om and Namaskaar until the next post

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Everyday Geeta

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