Gandhi and the Gita: The Art of Living and Dying Selfless

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948), also remembered as the ‘Father of the Nation’, was the leader of India’s independence movement against British rule. He was awarded the title of Mahatma (Great-Soul) Gandhi. Her life was devoted to many other great works like poverty alleviation, women’s rights and eradication of the practice of untouchability. He was a pioneer of the philosophy of nonviolence that has inspired civil rights leaders around the world. His birthday, 2 October, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and is honored as the International Day of Nonviolence. On his 153rd birth anniversary, we focus on how the Bhagavad Gita shaped his life and helped him maintain an unwavering faith in his principles even in the last moment of his life.

Gandhi’s love Gita: Bhagavad Gita There is a sacred Hindu poem in the form of a conversation between Krishna and his disciple Arjuna, believed to be centuries old. mention of Mahatma Gandhi Bhagavad Gita as gospel of selfless work and was often said to have brought them solace in the darkest hours. He referred to the Gita as his “eternal mother”, placing it supreme to his earthly mother. According to him, the Gita conveys the characteristics of a perfect person. He gave interpretations and discourses of the Gita and imbibed them. He loved the teachings so much that he followed every verse till his last breath.

Gandhi’s Gita – A Gospel of Selfless Action: Gitateaches us, according to Gandhi, that when man is engrossed in chasing after vain material desires (such as fame, money, relationships, etc.), the only desire is to realize that we are ourselves (or souls), the aspiration of his To become like (God) (that is, attain His supreme qualities), and attain eternal peace.

It is a process of self-realization, in which it is necessary to understand that we are souls (not body and mind) and are trapped in the endless cycle of life and death because of our karma. Karma simply means that any thought, speech or action done on others will have a similar result in our life. Usually the results of karma do not ripen immediately, and when they do, at some distant point in the future, we are unable to link them to the cause (our actions). Any raw karma becomes the cause of future births.

So how does one get freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death? Renunciation of Karma and hence accumulation of Karma? No, the Gita acknowledges that for the world to continue running, action (whether mental or physical) needs to be taken. Then how does a man free himself from the bondage of karma while doing karma? The Gita says, “Do the work you have been given but give up its fruit – do different work – have no desire for reward and work.”

Renunciation of the fruits of actions is the central message in the Gita. Renunciation does not mean indifference to the results. But a renouncer is one who performs his duty with pleasure and completeness and remains devoid of desire for the fruits of action. That is, whether the result is favorable or unfavourable, he remains in equanimity.

Gandhi believed that when one applies the central teaching of the Gita in life, one is bound to follow non-violence and truth. According to Gandhi, non-violence or non-violence is described as a state of no harm in the thoughts, words and actions of all living beings. It is not only to refrain from taking violent action, but also a complete way of life. As it extends to all living organisms, it includes a vegetarian diet, a sustainable lifestyle, and protection of the environment. Because when there is no desire for fruit, there is no attachment to untruth or part (violence). The reason for any untruth or violence will lie in the fulfillment of an ego-filled desire. For example, sins like murder, theft etc. cannot be committed without attachment.

But one who knows that he is the soul (Atman) residing in the body and that this soul is a part of the Supreme Soul (Ishvara), will surrender everything to Him and will be freed from the cycle of ego and karma.

Finally, Gandhi relentlessly followed another message in the Gita: We must serve God through service to mankind. In this he explained how the natural progression of the soul is towards selflessness and purity. This is the reason why he was able to dedicate his whole life effortlessly for the freedom and betterment of life of the people of India.

Gandhi lived the art of dying: The Gita says: “And whoever leaves the body remembering Me at the last moment, enters Me, there is no doubt about it.

Or the form of which man always contemplates, remembers the same at the time of death, and goes in that form, O Kaunteya.”

Gandhi truly believed that we would become what we think in our last moments. By doing this one will acquire the qualities and nature of this Lord (or revered Gurus) in the next life. But for this to happen at the moment of death, one has to live a life free from attachment and malice and have a heart that is ready to love and forgive all. Once we acquire these skills, the peace we find must be channeled into cultivation. Needless to say, Gandhi’s non-violent nature meant immense compassion for all and his spiritual routine is a testament to the highest ideal of life.

India’s independence in 1947, the fruit of all Gandhi’s labor, was fraught with the partition of India and unimaginable barbarism that shook his faith in the inherent non-violent nature of the people. He wrote to his daughter-in-law, “Regarding Pakistan”. [partition]… Therefore, I have lost faith in my ability to live long”.

On 20 January 1948, when Gandhi was speaking after the prayer, a loud noise broke out, causing panic among his small audience. To pacify them, Gandhi resumed his sermon. Later, the attacker was caught, and it was found that he had thrown a bomb 75 feet away with the intention of killing Gandhi.

Upon hearing this news, many powerful dignitaries including Lady Mountbatten came to congratulate Gandhi on his bravery. Gandhi remarked that since he had mistook the noise for a firing exercise, it was no bravery. He continued: “When someone really intending to kill me, comes before me, and I happily bear their attack while reciting Ramnaam, only then will I be worthy of congratulations”.

So even though his belief in a nonviolent lifestyle for other people was staggering, his life choices and his belief in God only grew stronger. Those who displayed any anger towards the assailant used to say, “You must not hate the attacker… Let us all pray to God to give him good understanding. He also took the blame for his ill health on himself and speculated that this was the result of a decline in his devotion to Rama. He had a firm belief in leading a non-violent life, practiced non-violence through his thoughts, never finding faults in others and always raised them in himself- Offered up.

On 29 January 1948, barely 12 hours before his death, Gandhi uttered these words: “If someone fires a bullet at me and I die without moaning and with God’s name on my lips, you must tell the world Should have been a real one. Mahatma”.

On 30 January 1948, Gandhi was shot three times at point-blank range.

As soon as he fell, he uttered the name of his Lord “O Ram” twice.

It is said that his soul was so pure that his death was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even in his dying moments he remembered and followed the teaching of the Gita: remembering only God in the dying breath. Moreover, his death also exemplified forgiveness and compassion for the person who killed him.

From Gita and Gandhi we learn the art of dying and from it we learn the art of living. Imagine how difficult it would be for us to remember God in our dying times if we are attached to material possessions and people and unable to overcome our lifelong malice. How will we enter a new life, separate and with the name of God? That is why the life of Gandhi is a perfect example for us to learn from. As one celebrates his birth anniversary, one should aspire to practice non-violence and detachment and act selflessly with compassion.