The story discusses the contrasting interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita regarding violence and non-violence, as seen through the perspectives of Mahatma Gandhi and Balgangadhar Tilak. Gandhi viewed the Gita as a source of inspiration for non-violent protest, while Tilak found justifications for violence if the cause was righteous. This raises the question of whether the Gita advocates for violence. Wendy Doniger's essay on the Gita suggests that it justifies violence, contrasting it with Buddhism, which promotes renunciation of desire and violence. Buddhism's founder rejected worldly attachments, while Hinduism emphasizes duty based on caste, requiring individuals to engage in actions that may involve violence, such as a warrior going to war or a butcher slaughtering animals. The narrative explores the fundamental question of whether violence is inherently good or bad, noting that violence plays a role in both nature and culture, from animal survival to human societal development. It highlights the dilemma of how to support individuals, like soldiers or police officers, who must engage in violence for defense or survival. The story concludes with a commentary on how Western perceptions of Buddhism as a pacifist religion are challenged by recent violent actions by Buddhist leaders in countries like Burma and Sri Lanka, suggesting that the issues at hand often relate to wealth and property rather than simply the rejection of desire.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Mythological Stories

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Mythological Stories