Dr. Ankush Mahajan
As the world finds itself entangled in conflicts on multiple fronts, the fear of a potential third world war looms large. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions between Israel and its neighboring nations, and other global flashpoints have led to widespread concern about the future of humanity. At such a critical juncture, it is imperative to revisit the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which, despite being a text born in the context of war, ultimately advocates for peace, understanding, and the resolution of conflicts through higher moral and spiritual principles.
The Current Global Scenario
The 21st century was hoped to be an era of unprecedented peace and cooperation. Yet, as we navigate through 2024, the reality is far from the ideal. The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in 2022, has seen devastating consequences. Thousands have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, and the war shows no signs of abating. The global community watches with bated breath, fearing that the conflict could escalate into something far more catastrophic.
In the Middle East, Israel remains locked in perennial conflicts with its neighbors, with recent escalations bringing the region to the brink of another large-scale war. The situation is exacerbated by the involvement of global powers, each with their own strategic interests, further complicating any hope for peace.
Other regions, too, are not immune to conflict. Tensions in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and the persistent threat of terrorism contribute to a world on edge. In such a volatile environment, the idea of a third world war, once unthinkable, now seems alarmingly possible.
The Gita’s Perspective on War: :The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, is set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It begins with Arjuna, a warrior prince, in a state of moral and emotional turmoil as he faces the prospect of fighting a war against his own kin. He is paralyzed by the futility of violence and the inevitable destruction that war brings. Krishna, his charioteer and guide, provides Arjuna with profound spiritual insights. While Krishna ultimately urges Arjuna to fulfill his duty as a warrior, the Gita’s teachings are not a simple endorsement of war. Rather, they are a complex exploration of duty (dharma), righteousness, and the moral dilemmas that individuals and societies face. Krishna says to Arjuna in Chapter 2, Verse 47: “Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango’stvakarmani.” (“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”) This verse highlights the essence of selfless action and underscores the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the outcomes. It can be interpreted in the modern context as a call for leaders to act with righteousness, not for personal or national gain, but for the greater good of humanity. The Relevance of the Gita Today: In the contemporary world, where nations and leaders often resort to war as a means to achieve their ends, the Gita’s message is more relevant than ever. The Gita teaches that war should never be the first option. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, understanding, and the pursuit of peace through non-violent means.
Krishna’s counsel to Arjuna in Chapter 3, Verse 21 is especially pertinent: “Yad yad acharati shreshthas tat tad evetaro janah, sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate.”
(“Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.”)
This verse is a reminder that the actions of world leaders have far-reaching consequences. If leaders choose the path of peace and diplomacy, others will follow. Conversely, if they choose war, the world is plunged into chaos.
The Human Cost of War: The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other parts of the world serve as stark reminders of the devastating human cost of war. In Ukraine, cities have been reduced to rubble, and the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. The Middle East, too, has seen untold suffering over decades, with no end in sight.
Krishna emphasizes the sanctity of life in Chapter 10, Verse 20: “Aham atma gudakesha sarva-bhutasaya-sthitah, aham adis cha madhyam cha bhutanam anta eva cha.”
(“I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.”)
This verse teaches us to recognize the divine presence in every being. The loss of life in war is not just a physical destruction but an affront to the divine essence within all of us. The Gita’s concept of non-violence (ahimsa) calls for the protection and preservation of life, urging us to find peaceful solutions to our differences.
The Path Forward
As the world teeters on the edge of further conflict, it is crucial that we learn from the past and from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect must be the cornerstones of international relations. The global community must work together to address the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, injustice, and the quest for power.
Krishna advises in Chapter 2, Verse 14: “Matra-sparshas tu kaunteya sitosna-sukha-dukha-dah, agamapayino ‘nityas tams titiksasva bharata.” (“O son of Kunti, the non-permanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”)
This verse teaches patience and tolerance, qualities essential for peace-building. In the face of global tensions, nations must learn to tolerate differences and work towards resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.
Conclusion: Choosing Peace Over War: The Bhagavad Gita’s teachings offer a path out of the darkness of war and conflict. They remind us that war is not a solution; it is a failure of human wisdom and compassion. As we face the possibility of a third world war, we must choose the path of peace, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Gita. Krishna’s words in Chapter 18, Verse 66 resonate as a final call to humanity: “Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja, aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shuchah.” (“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”)
This verse is a reminder that true peace and security lie in surrendering to a higher power, in trusting the divine order and striving for righteousness. The current global situation demands not just political and military strategies, but a spiritual awakening. We must recognize the interconnectedness of all life and the futility of violence.
By embracing the Gita’s teachings, we can hope to steer humanity away from the brink of war and toward a future of peace, harmony, and true understanding. The choices we make today will determine the world we leave for future generations. Let those choices be guided by the wisdom of the Gita, so that we may create a world where war is not an option, but peace is the only path.
(The writer is Poet, Writer and Researcher)
