Gandhi was introduced to the Bhagavad Gita in England by two brothers who asked him to read an English translation. He was captivated by its message of non-violence and truth. During his imprisonments, he studied the Gita in detail and translated it to Gujarati. The Gita teaches about the soul, different yogas, duties, reincarnation, eternal duties, material nature, and the supreme lord. Many of Gandhi's principles like non-violence, truth, simplicity and purification of existence were reflected in the Gita's teachings. It emphasizes performing one's duties without attachment to results and setting exemplary standards for others to follow. The Gita also discusses managing the

1. Gandhi & Gita
RITESH KHATRI
IIT Indore

2. Gandhi’s introduction to Gita
•In England during
second year
•Two English Brothers
asked to read
•English version by Sir
Edwin Arnold
•Captivated for life by
gita’s message

3. • Studied in detail
during
imprisonment years
• Translated in
Gujarati
• Series of letter sent
to Ashram from
yeravda prison

5. What is Gita?
Religious Book Promoting violence

6. How it is relevant to a person whose life and principles
are based on non violence and truth ?

7. Arjuna Became Disfunctional , could not take decision
Hence Krishna Spoke Bhagavad Gita
This is where it is relevant to Gandhi and to us

10. Topics of the Bhagavad-Gita
• Describes:
• atma (the Soul)
• yogas and their purposes
• karma (duty or action)
• reincarnation (life after death)
• sanatana dharma (eternal duty of the
living entity)
• prakrti (material nature)
• isvara (the Supreme Lord)

11. Reflection of Bhagavad Gita in Mahatma Gandhi’s life

12. Qualities of a Learned Person
The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see
with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a
cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].

13. Qualities of a Learned Person
A person is considered still further advanced when he regards
honest well-wishers, affectionate benefactors, the neutral,
mediators, the envious, friends and enemies, the pious and
the sinners all with an equal mind.

15. Reflection in Gandhi’s Life
• For I want to bring about an equalization of status. The
working classes have all these centuries been isolated and
relegated to a lower status. They have been shoodras, and the
word has been interpreted to mean an inferior status. I want
to allow no differentiation between the son of a weaver, of an
agriculturist and of a schoolmaster.
• Organized Indians as stretcher bearers and orderlies in 1st
world war

16. Qualities of a Learned Person

17. Qualities of a Learned Person
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Fearlessness;
purification of one's existence; cultivation of spiritual
knowledge; charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice;
study of the Vedas; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence;
truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation;
tranquillity; aversion to faultfinding; compassion for all
living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness;
modesty; steady determination; vigor; forgiveness;
fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the
passion for honor—these transcendental qualities, O son of
Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature.

18. Reflectionin Gandhi’s life
•Fearlessness, self control – 2 of 11 vows
followed throughout life
•Simplicity - believed in simple life
•Non violence and truthfulness – foundation of
his philosophy
•Cleanliness – emphasized on cleanliness t
ashram inmates
Cleanliness is next to godliness
•Purification of ones existence
•Cultivation of spiritual knowledge

19. Selfless Service
You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but
you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never
consider yourself the cause of the results of your
activities, and never be attached to not doing your
duty.

21. Leadership
Whatever action a great man performs,
common men follow. And whatever standards
he sets by exemplary acts, all the world
pursues.

23. Science of Mind
One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and
not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the
conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

24. Science of Mind
For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the
best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so,
his mind will remain the greatest enemy.

25. The mind is a restless bird, the more it
gets the more it wants and still remains
unsatisfied. The more we indulge in
our passion, the more unbridle they
become.

26. Managing Society
According to the three modes of material nature and
the work associated with them, the four divisions of
human society are created by Me. And although I am
the creator of this system, you should know that I am
yet the nondoer, being unchangeable.

27. Reflection in Gandhi’s Life
The varna system is ethical as well as economic. It recognises the
influence of previous lives and of heredity. All are not born with
equal powers and similar tendencies. Neither the parents nor the
state can measure the intelligence of each child. But there would be
no difficulty if each child is prepared for the profession indicated by
heredity, environment and the influence of former lives; no time
would be lost in fruitless experimentation, there would be no soulkilling competition, a spirit of contentment would pervade society
and there would be no struggle for existence.

28. Significance of Diet
Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase
the duration of life, purify one's existence and give
strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such
foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the
heart.

29. Significance of diet
Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent,
dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of
passion. Such foods cause distress, misery and
disease.

30. Significance of diet
Food prepared more than three hours before being
eaten, food that is tasteless, decomposed and putrid,
and food consisting of remnants and untouchable
things is dear to those in the mode of darkness.

31. The way of life

32. Thank You