The
Gita's Programme for harmonious living
19. Purity of food keeps the
mind pure. The body gains strength. One is able to do good to
society. Both the individual and society are happy. There will be no
conflict in a society where yajna, dana and tapas are found,
where actions take place according to rule and are accompanied by mantra,
contemplation.
As, when two mirrors face each other,
each is reflected in other, in the same way, true to the laws of
reflection, the individual and the society will mutually strengthen
peace. My happiness is that of society, and society's is mine. We
can examine each of these and find that they are both one. We shall
experience advaita, oneness, everywhere. Separateness and disloyalty
disappear. The Gita shows us the way of establishing such an order.
If we follow the Gita's plan in our daily programme of action, how
good it would be!
20. But today there is
conflict between the individual and society. How this conflict can
be resolved is the talk everywhere. Where does the individual stop
and society begin? Which is primary and which is secondary? Which is
superior? Upholders of individualism regard society as lifeless.
When the sepoy comes before him, the commander speaks to him gently.
He would even use the honorific plural. |