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Mahatma Gandhi On Reason And Symbolism Of Mahabharata War

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If anasakti (non-attachment as the path leading to emancipation)  by the Bhagavad Gita presupposes or includes non-violence, why does Bhagavan Sri Krishna advise Arjuna to participate in a violent battle? Reason and symbolism of Mahabharata war as explained by Mahatma Gandhi is found in the collected works. LXXii, pp 39-394.

Gandhiji’s answer to this question is three-fold. 

  1. He held that the question before Arjuna was not one of non-violence but whether he should slay his nearest and dearest ones. 
  2. Secondly, he thought that when the Bhagavad Gita was composed, although people believed in ahimsa, wars were not taboo, but nobody observed the contradiction between them and ahimsa. 
  3. And thirdly, Gandhiji interpreted the Mahabharata, of which the Bhagavad Gita is a part, as a dharmagrantha, written in verse. 
He described the Mahabharata war as an allegorical expression of the constant battle between good and evil forces within us. While commenting on the very first verse of the Bhagavad Gita, he wrote – The Kauravas represents the forces of Evil, the Pandavas the forces of Good. Who is there that has not experienced the daily conflict within himself between the forces of Evil and the forces of Good?

While commenting on the very first verse of the Bhagavad Gita, Mahatma Gandhi wrote – The Kauravas represents the forces of Evil, the Pandavas the forces of Good. Who is there that has not experienced the daily conflict within himself between the forces of Evil and the forces of Good?

Mahatma Gandhi's commentary on the very first verse of the Bhagavad Gita reflects his profound understanding of the timeless and universal themes embedded in this ancient scripture.

Gandhi's interpretation emphasizes a symbolic understanding of the conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. He identifies the Kauravas as representing the forces of Evil and the Pandavas as representing the forces of Good. This symbolic representation extends beyond the battlefield to the inner struggles that individuals face in their daily lives.

Gandhi's insight invites introspection, suggesting that every person encounters a constant internal conflict between the forces of Good and Evil. The Kauravas, as embodiments of Evil, may symbolize negative traits, vices, and selfish tendencies, while the Pandavas, as representatives of Good, embody virtues, righteousness, and selflessness.

The universal appeal of this interpretation lies in its recognition of the inherent duality within human nature. Each individual grapples with moral and ethical choices, torn between selfish desires and the pursuit of a higher, more altruistic path. The Bhagavad Gita, in this context, becomes a guide for navigating these inner conflicts and finding a harmonious balance between the opposing forces.

Gandhi's words resonate with the idea that the battlefield of Kurukshetra is not merely an external war but a reflection of the internal struggle that each person faces in their journey towards self-realization and spiritual growth. In presenting the Kauravas and Pandavas as metaphors for the eternal conflict between Good and Evil, Gandhi encourages individuals to seek inner transformation and align themselves with the principles of righteousness, compassion, and nonviolence.