Gandhi, Ahimsa and the Bhagavad Gita
The life of Mahatma , the "Great Soul," remains one of the most powerful testimonies to the practical application of ancient wisdom in the modern world.
Central to his existence was the Bhagavad Gita, a text he turned to for solace and guidance during his most difficult trials.
As a Spanish expert on the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta, Pedro Nonell explores how Gandhi transformed the concept of "Yoga" from a meditative practice into a dynamic force for social change. By emphasizing God through selfless service and radical Nonviolence (Ahimsa), Gandhi showed that the path to liberation is paved with detachment from the fruits of our actions.
Gandhi: a life based on Nonviolence and the Bhagavad Gita (Karma Yoga)
The life of Mahatma (Great Soul) is clearly inspired by the principles enunciated in the Bhagavad Gita: Ahimsa, detachment, Satyagraha, religious tolerance, Selfless work (Karma Yoga)...
“When doubts plague me, when disappointments stare me in the face and I see no ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to the Bhagavad Gita and find a verse that consoles me; and I immediately start smiling in the midst of overwhelming pain. Those who meditate on the Bhagavad Gita will gain renewed joy and new meaning every day.” .
For Gandhi, abandonment of the fruit of action was the essence of the Bhagavad Gita and the philosophy of Yoga
Subject Syllabus:
- Mahatma
- Early years. Stay in London.
- Henry David Thoreau
- South Africa: essay on non-violence and Satyagraha
- Return to India: The road to independence (1915-1947)
- The influence of Gandhi and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita Upanishad on the world
- Interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita according to , with comments by Mahadev Desai
2- Gita, Gandhi and Mahadev Desai (translator of the Bhagavad Gita)
- The Gospel of the Selfless Action or the Bhagavad Gita according to Gandhi (Mahadev Desai)
- The relationship between Gandhi and Mahadev Desai (translator of the Bhagavad Gita)
- Introduction to Anasakti Yoga of Gandhiji
- Historical Considerations on the Bhagavad Gita
- The Bhagavad Gita: The Bible of humanity
- The legacy for humanity of the author of the Bhagavad Gita
- Bhagavad Gita: The Path of Wisdom
Subject outline:
Listen to the Bhagavad Gita Recitation in Spanish
Gandhi and the Bhagavad Gita:
Gandhi and the Gita
Studying Gandhi's life is also reflecting on the principles enunciated in the Bhagavad Gita, and in particular in Karma Yoga, applicable not only to Swamis, but to any normal man, with work and personal obligations, even applicable to one country: India.
Each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita studied in this Gita Institute course begins with an introduction to it by Gandhi and .
Gandhi, in the introduction of the book itself, in the Message of the Bhagavad Gita (Anasakti Yoga) presents us with the key concepts: detachment from the fruit of actions, truthfulness, non-violence (Ahimsa), altruism, Jnana (Knowledge), Karma Sannyasa (Yoga of Renunciation of action).
“Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth” Albert Einstein.
Gandhi and Mahadev Desai:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did Gandhi define "Non-violence" (Ahimsa) in the context of the Gita?
Gandhi saw Ahimsa not just as a passive state, but as an active force of love. He believed the Gita's battlefield was a metaphor for the internal struggle between good and evil, where non-violence is the ultimate weapon.
What is "Anasakti Yoga"?
This is the term Gandhi used to describe the "Gospel of Selfless Action." It focuses on performing one's duty with total devotion to God while remaining completely detached from whether the outcome is a success or failure.
What was the role of Mahadev Desai?
Mahadev Desai was Gandhi's personal secretary and a brilliant scholar who translated and commented on the Gita according to Gandhi’s lived experience, helping to spread this "Gospel" to the world.
Can Karma Yoga be applied to modern business?
Yes. Pedro Nonell emphasizes that the principles of selfless work and detachment are essential for ethical leadership and sustainable success in today's corporate environment.
Conclusion
The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi proves that the Bhagavad Gita is not a dead scripture, but a living manual for human conduct. His life demonstrated that by surrendering the ego and working for the welfare of all, we align ourselves with the will of God.
Through the study of Gandhi's interpretation, seekers can learn to navigate the complexities of modern life with the same courage, truthfulness, and non-violence that liberated a nation and inspired the world.
Gandhi, Ahimsa (no violencia), Bhagavad Gita 
Gandhi, Ahimsa (não-violência), Bhagavad-Gita.
Bhagavad Gita recited in Spanish (Pedro Nonell) and Sanskrit (Dr Ghazal Srinivas)
Training: Bhagavad Gita Course - Karma Yoga Course - Master in Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita Online Training.
Advanced courses:
- Bhakti Yoga (Devotional Path)
- Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge)
- Realization of the Bhagavad Gita
- Dhyana Yoga (Path of Meditation)
Which version of the Bhagavad Gita to choose?
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
