Life
The Svetesvatara Upinashad in Hinduism states, "The quality of the soul determines its future body: earthly or airy, heavy or light. Its thoughts and its actions can lead it to freedom, or lead it to bondage" (Novak 19). The Hindu religion heavily believes in reincarnation, and the fact that it is only through knowledge and understanding that one can truly be released. Although these ideas were based in a culture far from Athens, these beliefs are reflected by Plato's character, Socrates, in The Phaedrus. It is through several myths that Socrates establishes his point, that the goal of life is to achieve "moksha," which is Sanskrit for freedom. One myth that thoroughly exemplifies his ideals is the myth of the cicada. In this tale, Socrates truly establishes a link to liberation from "maya," the Hindu term for worldly illusion. Through symbolism and several analogies, Socrates details his belief on the human soul.
Though the body may die in the end, the works, such as the music, continues to live on. Further, Socrates chooses to specifically name the two Muses who deal with philosophy. Love can exist between a man and an idea, such as philosophy. They have been released from being a slave to the demands of human life. f the cicada itself is meant to educate the obtuse Phaedrus. These gods and goddesses are not meant to be taken lightly, as Phaedrus has previously done. Here, however, he offers the possibility of love going beyond that love. By doing so, he shows the emphasis of life should not be erotica, or dance, but the quest for knowledge and contemplative thought. The cicadas no longer need to eat because their love was so pure, they were given the gift to do exactly as they pleased. This is used to better illustrate the need for the gods in one's life. The fact that the cicadas do not need to fulfill basic life functions, but are able to live their entire life doing what they love most, forces the issue that through knowledge one is liberated. Man has thus made his mark on the world, leaving an evident footprint on the world for generations to see. The Muses themselves play a highly integral role in the tale. Able to give life and take it away, the power of these divinities is not meant to be taken lightly. Socrates yet again shows favor for the philosopher when he states, " their theme is the finest of them all" (Plato 70) .
Common topics in this essay:
Socrates Phaedrus,
Upinashad Hinduism,
meant lightly,
one's life,
plato 70,
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Acceptance Essays
