The Forgotten Dharma - Bhagavad Gita's Message To Awaken Hindus

Ahinsa napunsak dharmo


Ahinsa paramo dharma a distorted version

The phrase Ahimsa Paramo Dharma is from the Hindu epic Mahabharat and is a Sanskrit phrase that means

“अहिंसा परमो धर्मः, धर्महिंसा तदैव च: l अर्थात – अहिंसा मनुष्य का परम धर्म है

और धर्म की रक्षा के लिए हिंसा करना उस से भी श्रेष्ठ है.- (Note this second part of the phrase)


Many Indians especially Hindus may not even know that Mr MK Gandhi presented only the half-truth from Mahabharat by cleverly picking the first part of the shlok that means that nonviolence is the ultimate duty or religion. But he remained silent about the second part which is a part of Dharma and equally if not more important than the first part of the phrase which means ‘to protect your dharma (Hinduism)’ violence is even more important. (Dad lied to us all along?)

The Bhagavad Gita

The biggest sin is not to faithfully, devotedly as a devout Hindu follower of Hinduism interpret – may be deliberately- the very sacred book ‘Gita’ on which you as a devout Hindu take every oath of honesty that matters to you, your family, your nation and your own honour. This has been done by us and to us for very many years as a civilisation and as a nation state-even after our freedom. Remember saints or quasi saints are unfit to govern unless they know the difference between right and wrong and do not misinterpret their own faith and basic belief system. They must embrace and derive strength and meaning, culminating into policies as Raj dharma and implementing it without fear.

The whole world takes inspiration from Gita yet our own people to whom this sacred book belongs are not given the correct interpretation.

Let us briefly look at the essence of Bhagavad Gita as applicable to this discussion.

Arjuna’s Dilemma

After seeing fathers-in-law, companions, and all his kinsmen standing in the ranks of the two armies, Arjuna was overcome with great compassion and sorrowfully spoke these words: O Krishna, seeing my kinsmen standing with a desire to fight, my limbs fail and my mouth becomes dry. My body quivers and my hairs stand on end.
The bow slips from my hand, and my skin intensely burns. My head turns, I am unable to stand steady, and O Krishna, I see bad omens. I see no use of killing my kinsmen in battle.

I desire neither victory, nor pleasure nor kingdom, O Krishna. What is the use of the kingdom, or enjoyment, or even life, O Krishna? Because all those for whom we desire kingdom, enjoyments, and pleasures are standing here for the battle, giving up their lives.

I do not wish to kill my teachers, uncles, sons, grandfathers, maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other relatives who are about to kill us, even for the sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone for this earthly kingdom, O Krishna.

O Lord Krishna, what pleasure shall we find in killing our cousin brothers? Upon killing these felons, we shall incur sin only.

Therefore, we should not kill our cousin brothers. How can we be happy after killing our relatives, O Krishna?
Though they are blinded by greed, and do not see evil in the destruction of the family, or sin in being treacherous to friends. Why should not we, who clearly see evil in the destruction of the family, think about turning away from this sin, O Krishna?


Lord Krishna Reminds Arjuna Of His Duty As A Warrior

Considering also your duty as a warrior you should not waver like this. Because there is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a righteous war.

Only the fortunate warriors, O Arjuna, get such an opportunity for an unsought war that is like an open door to heaven.

If you will not fight this righteous war, then you will fail in your duty, lose your reputation, and incur sin. People will talk about your disgrace forever. To the honoured, dishonour is worse than death.

The great warriors will think that you have retreated from the battle out of fear. Those who have greatly esteemed you will lose respect for you.

Your enemies will speak many unmentionable words and scorn your ability. What could be more painful to you than this?

You will go to heaven if killed on the line of duty, or you will enjoy the kingdom on the earth if victorious.
Therefore, get up with a determination to fight, O Arjuna.

Lullaby- psychology of hope

Non violence Lullaby is like a pigeon shutting his eyes when a cat approaches to pounce and kill him hoping like hell that he would not be attacked- in the heart of heart he knows he would be killed.

To reinforce this folly collectively committed by all born Hindus some so called ‘true Hindus’ say “we have been massacred by invaders through centuries and we still survived. We are so strong that we shall survive any heinous crime committed on us. Rape of our women, abduction and massacre of millions cannot finish us”. Bravo- what a logic.

And they have piles of evidence from history justifying that we have been tolerating for centuries and we are good. So enjoy the rape?

If we swear by Gita and trust the wisdom of Shri Krishan and imagine him to come and hold your hand- what will his advise be to us? Will it be to surrender yet again and get pushed around or - as he told Arjun to pick up his weapon and fight, as this is fight for your survival. Would he not tell all Pandavs to stand together and fight the enemy, who could even be your brothers.

Secular psychology tells us that all of us are equal and like blood brother (at least on paper- constitution – around one lakh words- thrust in your face).

Yet Sri krishan would ask you not to be a passive bystander but be like Arjun to stand united with your side of the grouping- your brothers in dharma- and fight when required. If you don’t the other side- whoso ever it may be- will tear you apart. He will also say stay together ‘Batoge to katoge’.

During Mahabharat the war was fought on battle field- in democracy your ballet is your bullet. Just remember this.
Vote zaroor karo aur soch kar karo. Apne Astitva ke liye karo.

‘If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience’ - George Bernard Shaw