In reflecting on Arjuna's predicament, we must ask ourselves: Does his moral dilemma have any resonance in our place and time? In fact, thinking about Arjuna's dilemma elicits deeper, fundamental questions:
How can we, under any circumstances, justify war and violence?
Is there not a universal moral law that overrides all personal and parochial interests?
Can any cause justify violence?
These questions were examined by many 20th century historical figures--Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Dalai Lama.
Gandhi, who greatly admired the Bhagavad-Gita, interpreted the text as not justifying war or violence, but as advocating action without anger or desire at all times. Gandhi translated Krishna's answer to Arjuna's moral dilemma as the requirement to refrain from all forms of violence, mental or physical, against one's fellow beings. In fact, Gandhi led a successful, completely nonviolent revolution against the British colonial government in India.
For this thread, complete the following:
Create ONE original post discussing your view of the three bulleted question above. Then, respond to at least TWO other students' posts.
Create ONE original post discussing the following question: Is Ghandi's interpretation of the Bhagavad-Gita valid?