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.

1. VIOLENCE
AND
GITA
DR.
SHRINIWAS

2. 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

3. 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.