The Srimadbhagavad Gita is an enduring source of inspiration for resolving the inner conflicts of human mind and comprehensively understanding the fundamental purpose of the life. The gradual decline in the spirit of Lokasangraha—the welfare and collective well-being of society—in public life is at the root of growing discord among different cultures and nations. In contemporary global society, the teachings of the Srimadbhagavad Gita, particularly Karma Yoga, Samadarshita (impartiality), Sarva-Bhuta-Hita (welfare of all beings), Samatva (equanimity), and Atma-Samyama (self-restraint), assume renewed significance providing a meaningful foundation for fostering mutual understanding essential for bridging cultures across the world.
The Tradition of the Gita and Indian Philosophy
The Srimadbhagavad Gita is the essence of Indian philosophical thought enunciated in the Vedas, Upanishads and the Yoga tradition. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that he first revealed this knowledge to the Sun-god who imparted it to his son Vivasvan Manu who in turn, imparted it to Ikshvaku. Thus received through an established succession, this knowledge was known to the royal sages. With the passage of time, however, this tradition had become obscured, and Lord Krishna says therefore Arjuna, I reveal it to you once again.
इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम्।
विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत्॥
एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः।
स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप॥
(Bhagavad Gita 4.1–2)
The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita have reverberated through the ages, inspiring diverse interpretations within the Indian philosophical tradition. From Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya and Vallabhacharya to modern thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda, Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo, numerous scholars and thinkers have interpreted the Bhagavad Gita from their respective philosophical perspectives.
The Influence of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita
The Srimad Bhagavad Gita has profound influence on Indian philosophy, religion, literature and culture. Its teaching of Karma Yoga prevents the individual from falling into inaction; Jnana Yoga cultivates wisdom and discernment; Bhakti Yoga leads towards devotion, surrender and compassion; Samatva provides mental equilibrium; and Lokasangraha connects the individual with social responsibility.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
(Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि।
(Bhagavad Gita 3.20)
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।
(Bhagavad Gita 3.21)
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
(Bhagavad Gita 6.5)
These principles provide timeless guidance for good governance, and responsible public life. The dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna addresses a larger human crisis. The global relevance of the Bhagavad Gita rests upon the universality of the human questions it addresses:
What is one's duty? What is the relationship between action and its consequences? How can one attain freedom from suffering? How should ethical decisions be made? How can the mind be controlled?
These questions are not confined to any single religion, society or culture.
For Mahatma Gandhi, the Gita served as a pillar of moral strength; for J. Robert Oppenheimer, it became a source of reflection on scientific responsibility; for Lokmanya Tilak and Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, it offered inspiration for selfless action and national welfare; for Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, it became a source of literary inspiration; and for Hermann Hesse and Aldous Huxley, it provided a foundation for philosophical contemplation. The extraordinary strength of the Srimadbhagavad Gita lies in its ability to enter into dialogue with different generations according to their circumstances. It has continued to influence humanity across time and will continue to do so.
In the words of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam:
“The teachings of the Gita are timeless and eternally relevant.”
The Gita and Global Harmony
The Srimad Bhagavad Gita serves as an important cultural bridge between Indian tradition and global modernity. Within contemporary cultural discourse, its integrative message may be understood in terms of respect for one's own cultural identity accompanied by tolerance and respect for the identities of others.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
The celebrated ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning “The world is one family,” originates in the Maha Upanishad. The Bhagavad Gita's teachings of Sarva-Bhuta-Hita and Samadarshita resonate deeply with this broader Indian worldview.
The Gita states:
सर्वभूतहिते रताः।
(Bhagavad Gita 5.25)
which inspires to expand our thinking beyond an exclusively human-centred perspective towards a broader vision of the well-being of all living beings.
About the Conference
The Srimadbhagavad Gita occupies an exceptionally significant place in the Indian knowledge tradition. This conference seeks to bring the universal and timeless principles of human welfare enshrined in the Srimadbhagavad Gita onto the global platform, thereby encouraging reflection, contemplation and dialogue among the cultures of the world.