VIOLENCE AND GITA: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

One of the misconceptions about Gita; is that; “Gita advocates violence”.

If we read all the 18 chapters carefully; then it would be clear that Gita considers; any activity in personal and social life conducive to forgetting of one’s immortal ‘true self’; is ADHARMA, self destruction and hence violence. The word “PRANASHYATI” is used in 6th chapter, 9th chapter and also 18th chapter; to clearly imply this meaning.

In practical life also; forgetting one’s larger self that includes father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, teacher, friend and society; is associated with overtly mean, individualistic, ungrateful, mindless, cruel, brutal, barbaric, maniacal and indiscriminate activities including self destruction and killing i.e. violence!

Hence theoretically as well as practically; any intellectual, emotional, instinctual and physical actions conducive to ‘forgetting true self’; is ADHARMA and violence.

Gita asks us to remember and focus on our immortal ‘true self’ so that our behavior remains oriented to self realization (called SWADHARMA); and participate in the struggle; ‘DHARMYA YUDDHA’ (DHARMYA-not DHARMA-means; one, which culminates in DHARMA i.e. individual and universal blossoming; and YUDDHA is struggle); and conquer the inner and outer forces opposing this; and coming in the way of; self realization and socially benevolent behavior!

Thus; Shrimat Bhagavad Gita (the proper way to refer Gita); teaches, inspires, empowers and enables us; to triumphantly and victoriously conquer the pettiness, cowardice and violence; inside as well as outside.