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; i.e. violence; towards self and others. 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 our bond of love with; father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, teacher, friend and society); is associated with; overtly mean, mindless, individualistic, ungrateful, cruel, brutal, barbaric, maniacal and indiscriminately destructive behavior (ADAHRMA or violence)!

Gita asks us to live; in remembrance and latter; realization of our immortal true self; applicable only to all human beings; but all beings; so that; our behavior remains oriented and conducive to (individual and global) self realization. This is DHARMA. When we look at it from a particular individual’s point of view; with reference to his or her particular skills, expertise and aptitude; in specific context; then it is called SWADHARMA.

Gita teaches us to participate in; ‘DHARMYA YUDDHA’ and “kill” the inner and outer forces opposing this ADHARMA or violence! It is DHARMYA-not DHARMA (2.31 and 2.33). It means one, which culminates in DHARMA; or is in accordance with DHARMA.


A person is called degenerate and dead when his or her conscience is dead. A true disease of an individual; is his or her trivialization or vulgarization. This happens when he or she gets disoriented and lost from his or her true self. Gita enlightens and empowers us; to annihilate this true death! Gita never dwells on any ideology, religion, race, region, nation, cult or a sect; but catalyzes our ascent; to our immortal and blissful true (universal) self, the greatest and ultimate goal; we can ever aspire for!