The Legend of Bagger Vance, a 2000 film, centers around Rannulph Junah, a once-promising golfer who was deeply affected by his military service in World War I. After years of abandonment, Adele, Junah’s former lover, organizes a two-day exhibition match to restore her family’s fortune. The match features renowned golfers Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. Seeking local support, Adele approaches Junah to participate in the match. With guidance from his caddy, Bagger Vance, Junah embarks on a journey of self-discovery and overcomes his inner struggles to deliver an exceptional performance.
The film draws inspiration from the sacred Hindu text known as the Bhagavad Gita, with its protagonist Arjuna embodying Junah. Arjuna initially refuses to engage in battle, but Krishna, portrayed as Bagger Vance, appears and guides him towards fulfilling his destiny as a formidable warrior. Both narratives revolve around the concepts of self-actualization and striving to achieve one’s utmost potential. Additionally, the story emphasizes the significance of Varna, the Hindu principle of duty. It emphasizes that individuals should focus on fulfilling their duties without concern for the outcomes, instead giving their best effort.
The sacred Hindi text recounts a story of self-discovery, where Arjuna initially finds himself in a state of existential turmoil. He reflects upon his identity and the purpose of his life, questioning whether his actions hold more importance than the people he holds dear. These inquiries become even more daunting as he confronts them on the battlefield, where his responses have the potential to determine lives. With loved ones and acquaintances among the spectators, his anxiety intensifies. He expresses to Krishna, “My dear Krishna, as I observe my companions and relatives before me, all eager for combat, I feel my limbs trembling and my mouth becoming dry. My entire body shakes with fear, goosebumps appear on my skin, and I struggle to hold onto my bow while experiencing a burning sensation” (1.28-29).
Arjuna, clearly horrified, surrenders and tells Krishna that he will not fight. He seeks Krishna’s guidance, saying that he is confused about his duty and feels weak. Arjuna directly states that he is Krishna’s disciple and asks him to tell him what to do (2.7).
Similarly, in The Legend of Bagger Vance, Junah feels completely discouraged during the match, believing that he has lost his talent. Overwhelmed by the crowd, he refuses to continue participating. Junah expresses his belief to Bagger that the whole endeavor is a joke and questions its usefulness for himself and others.
Junah’s moment of eternal turmoil during this incident connects him to Arjuna.
Both narratives highlight the importance of the relationship between a guru and their student. In Arjuna’s case, he seeks Krishna’s help and advice when facing difficulties. Similarly, Junah considers Bagger not just a mentor but also a close friend, asking for guidance by saying, “Bagger, I’m lost. Help me, my friend and mentor. Advise me on what I should do.” These stories exemplify the value of having a guru or guide to navigate through life’s obstacles.
The central theme of both stories revolves around self-actualization, the idea of becoming the best version of oneself. Bagger teaches Junah the importance of enjoying the game and giving his utmost effort, rather than solely focusing on winning or losing. This concept aligns with Hindu principle Varna, as Bagger explains that he was born with a natural talent that he must refine. According to Bagger Vance, “I believe that each one of us has our own true Authentic Swing inside ourselves. It is futile to try to teach someone another swing or shape them into an idealized version of a perfect swing. Each player only possesses that one swing they were born with, which existed within them before they ever held a golf club.”
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna emphasizes the importance of developing one’s talents for a good life, stating that it is better to engage in one’s own natural work and perform it imperfectly than to accept another’s work and perform it perfectly. This aligns with the Hindu principle of Varnashrama, which highlights the significance of individuals engaging in their own unique talents given by God. Following one’s God-given talents is what leads to success. At the conclusion of the film, Bagger Vance leaves Junah to complete the game on his own, having imparted all the knowledge necessary for his success.
Both The Legend of Bagger Vance and Bhagavad Gita explore the concept of self-actualization and exemplify Hindu beliefs regarding Varna, which emphasizes the significance of fulfilling one’s duty rather than focusing on the outcome. It is through harnessing their innate abilities that individuals can truly realize their fullest potential and fulfill their intended purpose.
