The observance of Gita Jayanti is a constant reminder to all mankind, regardless of creed or race, of the need to intensify one’s efforts at performing actions that will lead to freedom from bondage. Such advice was espoused by Shri Krishna throughout the Bhagwad Gita as He urged Arjuna to yield not to inaction but to perform his dharma, and to do so dispassionately and selflessly. Today, five thousand years later, with the quickening pace of an evolving dynamic world, of changing lifestyles, standards, norms and relationships, such a message is needed more than ever.
It is instructive to note that the very first syllable in the Bhagwad Gita is “dhar” and the last, found at the end of Chapter 18, is “ma”. From the combination of these two syllables, the word “dharma” is obtained, which encompasses the entire text of the Gita. Dharma refers to duty, which essentially, is the inmost constitution by which an individual lives. As members of society, we assume various roles and responsibilities at different points in time. We also acquire and practise our ethical and moral values as we understand them. As such, the sum of all these comprises our dharma.
We are assured that our actions are dharmic if they are done selflessly, without material desires, without the need for securing a return of fruits, and without some material or personal motive, mental or self-gratification.
Dharma, performed conscientiously and without attachment, leads to the ultimate goal of self-realisation, says Bhagwan Krishna in Chapter 3, verse 19. On the other hand, failure to act according to these guidelines results in daihik taap (bodily discomforts), bhautik taap (environmental disturbances) and daivik taap (natural disasters).
A close examination of our environment, the workplace, houses of worship, schools, homes, even our very own lives, physical and otherwise, holds up a mirror to our collective actions. Quite often we find ourselves in the roles of either victim or offender of a collapse in discipline and lawlessness that pervade our land. Empathy towards our fellowman has become a rare virtue. So, too, are acts of charity in this global village, despite the many high-tech innovations that have broken barriers of distance and communication. Consumed in the pursuit of materialism, there has been a definite swerve from the path of dharma.
On this auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti which will be celebrated on December 3, 2022, SWAHA implores all to ensure that the principles of Sanaatan Dharma: satyam (truth), soucham (cleanliness), dayaa (compassion) and daan (charity) remain firmly cemented in sacrifice, firmness and fearlessness and plastered by right action. To this end, the daily reading of Bhagwad Gita is recommended. By performing this Rishi yagya, we will enrich our lives. Indeed, this instrument of the Gita is a blueprint for the attainment of self-realisation. It is worthwhile to note that we are Bhagwan’s gift to ourselves. What we make of ourselves is our gift to Bhagavan. May Shree Krishna fill our lives with the ecstasy that comes from dharma.
