Mahatma Gandhi’s Spiritual Journey: Following His Dharma and the Bhagavad Gita
As the nation commemorates the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, it is an opportune moment to delve into the profound ways in which he practiced his religion and how the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text of Hinduism, guided him on his spiritual path. Gandhi’s love for Sanatana Hindu Dharma (Hinduism) was not a blind attachment, but a deep appreciation for the lofty ideals preached by this ancient religion. He found Hinduism to be the most tolerant and liberal of all religions, and he was profoundly moved by its ethical and spiritual principles.
Encounter with the Bhagavad Gita
Gandhi’s spiritual journey was believed to had taken a significant turn when he was introduced to the Bhagavad Gita at the tender age of eighteen. From that moment, he read, re-read, and reflected upon each chapter, passage, verse, and its profound meaning. In his characteristic Gandhian style, he didn’t merely read the Gita for intellectual enrichment; he sought to understand, experiment with its truth, and rigorously practice its teachings. He memorized the key shlokas (verses) of the Gita, meditated upon them, and considered this sacred text as his Eternal Mother.
Testing Truth Through Life
One of Gandhi’s defining characteristics was his commitment to testing the truth in the crucible of life. This meant living by the precepts of the Bhagavad Gita in the real world, putting its ideals into practice in the practical realm of day-to-day living. Gandhi believed in “being the change you want to see in the world,” and he exemplified this by embodying the Gita’s principles such as truth (satya), nonviolence (ahimsa), celibacy (brahmacharya), non-possession (detachment), and others in his own life.
The Central Teaching of the Gita According to Gandhi
The Bhagavad Gita’s principal message, according to Gandhi, is “Anasakti” or non-attachment to the fruits o f one’s actions. This philosophy is closely related to the concept of karma-falatyaga, which signifies renouncing the desire for the fruits of one’s actions. Gandhi emphasized that one’s focus should be on the action itself, rather than the outcome. This central teaching of the Gita resonated throughout the text and was particularly highlighted in various chapters, urging individuals to perform actions without attachment to their results.
Renunciation without Indifference
Gandhi clarified that renunciation of the fruits of action should not be misunderstood as indifference to results. Instead, it meant refraining from excessive attachment to outcomes, as attachment, worry, and haste can negatively affect one’s mental and emotional balance. While it is natural to feel happiness over the positive results of one’s efforts, investing all emotions and energy in obsessing over outcomes is both spiritually and psychologically wasteful.
Gandhi’s Unique Interpretation
Gandhi’s interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita was unique and profound. He asserted that perfect non-attachment could only be achieved through perfect observance of truth (satya) and nonviolence (ahimsa) in every aspect of life. He believed that the desire for the fruits of actions led to attachment, which, in turn, resulted in unethical behavior. Gandhi saw the implicit connection between the Gita’s principle of non-attachment and the overarching theme of nonviolence.
Key Principles for Gandhi’s Followers
Gandhi outlined a set of key principles for his followers, which were deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. These principles included truth (satya), nonviolence (ahimsa), non-stealing (asteya), non-covetousness (aparigraha), celibacy (brahmacharya), palate control (aswada), physical labor (parishrama), using locally sourced products (swadeshi), eradication of untouchability (a sprushyatanivaran), fearlessness (abhaya), and equal respect for all religions and people (sarva-dharma-samanata).
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi’s deep commitment to his religion and his profound connection with the Bhagavad Gita played a pivotal role in shaping his life and principles. He regarded the Gita as a guiding light on his spiritual journey and diligently practiced its teachings. Gandhi’s interpretation of the Gita’s message of non-attachment and nonviolence continues to inspire individuals worldwide, serving as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the pursuit of truth.
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Author: Aryan Prem Rana
Founder, VRightpath, Ancient Indian Knowledge Platform for Clarity and Actions to Bridge Your Karma Gaps (www.vrightpath.com)
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