VIOLENCE AND GITA DR. SHRINIWAS 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 consi ders; any activity in personal and social life conducive to forgetting of ones im mortal true self; is ADHARMA, self destruction and hence violence. The word PRANASH YATI is used in 6th chapter, 9th chapter and also 18th chapter; to clearly imply this meaning. In practical life also; forgetting ones larger self that includes father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, teacher, friend and society; is associated with overtl y mean, individualistic, ungrateful, mindless, cruel, brutal, barbaric, maniacal and indiscriminate activities including self destruction and killing i.e. viole nce! Hence theoretically as well as practically; any intellectual, emotional, instinc tual and physical actions conducive to forgetting true self; is ADHARMA and violen ce. Gita asks us to remember and focus on our immortal true self so that our behavior remains oriented to self realization. This is called SWADHARMA. Gita teaches us to participate in; DHARMYA YUDDHA and conquer the inner and outer forces opposing this! It is DHARMYA-not DHARMA (2.31 and 2.33). It means one, which culminates i n DHARMA. DHARMA means individual and universal blossoming; and YUDDHA is strugg le. Thus; Shrimat Bhagavad Gita (the proper way to refer Gita); actually teaches, in spires, empowers and enables us; to triumphantly and victoriously conquer the pe ttiness, cowardice indolence, fanaticism and violence; inside as well as outside .