Ethics of Bhagavad Gita and its Role in Administration The Bhagavad Gita serves as a timeless guide on Ethics, offering profound insights into duty, righteousness, and leadership. Its teachings, rooted in the ethical conflict of Arjuna, provide a framework for moral decision-making, making it highly relevant in modern administration and governance. Through the principles of Gyan Yoga (knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (action), and Raj Yoga (discipline), the Gita emphasizes balanced and responsible leadership.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत |
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ||
Previous year questions
| Year | Question | Marks |
| 2016 | Explain ‘Paradharma’ according to Geeta. | 2M |
| 2016 | Explain the concept of ‘Loka Sangraha’ of Geeta. | 5M |
| 2016 | Define ‘Swadharma’ according to Geeta. | 2M |
| 2016 | Describe the notion of ‘Nishkama Karma Yoga’ according to Geeta. | 5M |
| 2018 | The aim of administration is public welfare. Which principle of Geeta upholds this Intention ? | 2M |
| 2018 | How does Bhagavad Gita resolve the dilemma of Arjun in the face of crisis ? As an administrator how will you apply the tenets of Geeta when confronted with an administrative dilemma ? | 10M |
| 2021 | Explain the role of the concept of ‘sthit pragya’ in the discharge of administrative responsibility. | 2M |
| 2021 | What way is the ‘ detachment theory’ of Bhagvad Geeta significant in the life of an administrator ? | 2M |
Introduction of the Bhagwat Geeta
- A philosophy which emerged out of a crisis and now it is helping to fight the daily crisis in a man’s life.
- Hegel (A German Philosopher) said about Geeta – It is the essence of Indian wisdom
- Western world’s 3 most influential philosopher
- Darwin
- Marx
- Freud
- Eastern world’s 3 most influential philosophers
- Krishna
- Sankaracharya
- Mahatma Gandhi
- British PM Rishi Sunak ka took oath of Geeta in westminster hall
- J Robert Oppenheimer (the director of Manhattan project) was greatly influenced by Geeta and took shelter of Geeta to overcome the sorrow of the Hiroshima Nagasaki bombing.
- The wisdom in this book (Geeta) will survive when the British dominion in India shall have long ceased to exist – Warren Hasting
Interpretation of Geeta
Different sections of people interpreted Geeta differently. Some say it shows the path to attain god, others say it shows the path of service to mankind.
| One view | Other view |
| Nivrati | Pravarti |
| Bhakti Yog – Ramanuja, Bhaktivedanta Prabhupad | Karma Yoga – Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tilak |
| Social Service – Vivekananda | Service to God – Bhaktivedanta Prabhupad |
| Dharma Shastra | Moksha Shastra |
introduction of the Bhagwat Geeta
- One among Prasthantrayi
- Brahmshstra
- Upanishad
- Geeta
- There are total 18 Parva in Mahabharata (Ex – Karna Parva, Shanti Parv, Bhishma parva, Swargarohana parva etc)
- Geeta is part of Bhishma Parv.
- Contains 18 chapters and 700 Slokas
- First chapter – अर्जुन विषाद योग (Arjuna’s Dilemma)
- Second chapter – सांख्य योग
- SthithPragyata
- Third chapter – कर्म योग
- Lok Sangrah
- 4th Chapter – Introduction of 4 Varna [According to qualities]
- Fifth and sixth Chapter – Gyan Yog
- 8th Chapter – Bhakti Yog
- 11th Chapter – विश्वरूप दर्शन योग
- 14th Chapter – गुणत्रय विभाग योग
- Raj, Sat and Tam gun
- 18th Chapter – Elaboration of 4 Varnas
Inspired many philosophers –
- Shanakar (Gyaan)
- Ramanuja (Bhakti)
- Tilak (Karma Yoga)
- Karl Marx (“communist man” = “Anashakti Purusha”)
- Henry David Thoreau
- Gandhi
- A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
- Swami Vivekananda (Kept only 2 books with him)
- The Bhagavad Gita and The Imitation of Christ
- J. Robert Oppenheimer
- Sunita Williams
- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
- Will Smith (Pursuit of happiness)
- Radhakrishnan, Aurobindo
- Gita is a potent armory that can defeat any potential attack on the indian culture – Radhakrishnan
Arjuna’s Ethical Dilemma
- Mentioned in chapter 1 of Geeta
- Situation when there is conflict between two or more moral principles and moral agents need to pick one at the cost of another. Moral agents need to optimize the benefit.
- Here Arjuna was in dilemma to choose between 2 values – protecting the Dharma Vs Protecting family members from violence
- If he participate in war for the sake of Dharma then he must kill his own family members
- If he refuse to take participation in war – Running away from duty to protect Dharma
Ethical dilemmas in Administration
Trick – PPPPPEARL LANDLESSNESS CJ
We studied the ethical dilemma in detail in chapter 2. Here we will study the role of Geeta to solve the situation of Ethical Dilemma
Geeta to solve Ethical Dilemma
| Dilemma | Geeta Principle |
| Principle Vspreservation | For an administrator, not following his/her duty would bring infamy to her. Hence it is better to die while serving the countryअकीर्तिः मरणात् अतिरिच्यते For a respectable person, infamy is worse than death |
| Letter ofLaw vs Spirit of law | Hence to respect the spirit of law, many times discretion is required.यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु – Ponder over it deeply, and then do as you wishHence an administrator must have deep knowledge of laws and books, but in special circumstances, he/she must use his/her discretion to respect the spirit of Law. |
| Professionallife vs personal life | Geeta is a strong proponent of balance in life – सम्तवं योग उच्यते – Yoga is a balanced stateयुक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु – Balance in workयुक्ताहारविहारस्य – Temperate in eating and recreationयुक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य – regulated in sleep (RPS Officer Night duty) |
| Speed vsAccuracy | Accuracy (Quality) in administration should never lead to Inaction [Red tapism] कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मण: – Action is superior than inactionक्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः – Giving up the unmanliness |
| Preferentialtreatment vs non discrimination | समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रियः – I am equally disposed to all living beings; I am neither inimical nor partial to anyone.चातुर्वर्ण्य मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः – Preferential treatment only should be based on Qualities and activities. Equal should be treated equally, Unequal unequally [Aristotle] |
| Developmentvs sustainability | Geeta Advised to have a balance between Kala (Time), Jiva (Living entity) and Prakriti (Nature) |
| End vsMeans | धूमेनाग्निरिवावृता – All endeavors are veiled by some evil, as fire is by smoke, One should not abandon duties (Means) to achieve Moksha (End) |
| Externalaccountability vs Inner responsibility | Virtues like शौचम् – मन और शरीर की पवित्रतास्थैर्यम् – दृढ़ता;आत्म-विनिग्रहः- आत्म संयम help resolving this dilemma |
Yoga
- योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् – Yoga is an Art of working skillfully.
- समत्वं योग उच्यते – Yoga is a balanced state (balanced state of the body and mind)
- यतचित्तात्मा (Controlled mind and body)
- Effort to unite the individual self with the Supreme Being.
- The summum bonum of the Gita’s ethics is union with the supreme Self or God.
- दुःखसंयोगवियोगं योगसज्ञितम् – That state of severance from union with misery is known as Yog.
- Major 3 Yogas – Everyone has different aptitude, Attitude and Interest and hence different path to solvation.
- Gyan Yog
- Bhakti Yog
- Karm Yog
- Ideally all three must have a coherence (Vivekananda).
- These are complementary to each other –
- Bhakti without knowledge is superstition/hypocrisy/imposture/ Propaganda.
- Karm without gyan is Vikarma (Karm, Akarm, Vikarm)
- Brownian motion
- Donkey carrying vedas – It doesn’t make donkey a knowledge creature.
- If we don’t get desired results, It is this gyan that saves us from anger and temptation.
- They are check and balance on each other (Just like our 3 organs).
- Chapter 12 : Verse 12 – Better than mechanical practice is knowledge; better than knowledge is meditation. Better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of actions, for peace immediately follows such renunciation.
Gyan Yog
- Mentioned in Chapter 4
- Commentators – Shankaracharya
- Jnana yoga is a path of wisdom and knowledge or path of self realization.
- संहरते कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव – Wisdom helps one to withdraw the senses from their objects, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, is established in divine wisdom.
- Try to establish Attma’s relationship with Parmatma.
- Questions like – Who Am I ? What am I ?
- Intellectually oriented people tend to follow this Yog / Path
- Reason/logic
- ज्ञान पंथ कृपान कै धारा – Means Gyaan yoga is a double edged sword. May result in pride/ego.
- God meets those who think they know nothing – Dhanna bhagat, karma bai, Sudama.
- Sukrat – The more I know, The more the area of my ignorance widens.
- विद्या ददाति विनयं – Vidya gives humility
- Helps in Getting rid of doubts.
- Gyan yoga is necessary to achieve the state of Sthitpragya
Administrative use of gyan yoga
- Primary Sources to follow – Constitution, Code of conduct, IPC, CrPC, GST laws, CCTNS (Centralised Database).
- Other – Guest lectures during training, Seniors discourse, Higher studies, Collab with universities, CPGRAMS (Public grievance portal – Knowledge of problems), social media, Newspaper articles etc.
Sthita Pragyta
- Mentioned in Chapter 2 of Bhagwat Geeta
- “समदुःखसुखं धीरं” – The person who does not get disturbed in happiness and sorrow and remains stable in both these situations
- “सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।” – To perform your duties, consider happiness and sorrow, profit and loss, victory and defeat equally.
- “सिद्ध्यसिद्धयोः समो” – Being equal in success and failure.
- When a person gives up selfish desires and desires related to sensual gratification that pollute the mind and becomes satisfied after experiencing enlightenment, then such a person can be said to attain divine consciousness.
- “Anudvigna-manah” (अनुद्विग्नमनाः) – one whose mind is undisturbed.
- “वीतरागभयक्रोधः” – A man who does not get upset due to any kind of sorrow, who does not crave for happiness and who remains free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a wise man with a stable mind.
- “नाभिनन्दति न द्वेष्टि” – Neither is he happy at the attainment of auspicious results nor is he distressed to adversity.
- Poet Rudyard Kipling has written his popular poem ‘If’ related to Sthithaprajna.
- A Person must be a Sthitpragya to be a Nishkaam karmi
Sthita Pragya – Help in administration
Nishkama Karma
- Mentioned in Chapter 2 of the Bhagwat Geeta
- कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन – You have the right to perform your prescribed duty but you are not entitled to receive the fruits of your actions.
- समभाव योग (समत्वं योग) – Give up attachment to success and failure and perform your duty firmly (हर्षामर्षभयोद्वेगैर्मुक्तो)
- This helps one achieve freedom (Liberation) –
- Freedom from distractions / Attachment
- Freedom from inefficiency
- Freedom from Anger (Even If desired result is not achieved)
- Freedom from Ahm Bhav – While doing work, do not be proud of being the doer (यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो)
- मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि Freedom from Akramnyata (अकर्मण्यता) –
- Attachment to inaction can never solve any problem and Lord Krishna clearly condemns it. We should never consider work as difficult and burdensome
- क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः – Give up impotence and weakness of heart
- कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मण: – Action is superior to inaction
- Freedom from कार्पण्यदोष – Freedom from cowardice
- Gandhiji called it Anaskti (non-attachment)
- Dedicating the result to god
- How to achieve –
- Regular Practice
- If not followed –
- Fear, Greed, Lust, Dukha (Suffering), Frustration
- Modern concept – NATO dating [Not Attached to Outcome]
- Dating philosophy that encourages people to be open to all connections and to enjoy the present moment without worrying about the future of a relationship
Swadharm
- मम् धर्मः – What is my duty ?
- Swdhram according to Gita is – Doing one’s duty diligently
- स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः – In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one’s duty, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger
- स्वधर्म – वेदों के अनुसार निर्धारित कर्त्तव्य
- पराधर्म Means spiritual duty
- अपरा धर्म Means secular/worldly duty
- If one does not follow Swadharma then –
- कीर्ति च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि – You will incur the sin of neglecting social duties and you will lose your reputation
- Serving the society in accordance with Varnashrama system –
- चातुर्वर्ण्य मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः – Position in society one must work according to his/her Varna (Concept of Social immortality).
- Loksangrha is a svadharma of every human being living in social setup
- स्वधर्म of an administrator – Abiding by the constitution, Public service, following the code of conduct, etc
Varna Vyavastha
- चातुर्वर्ण्य मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः – The four categories of occupations were created by Me (Krishna) according to people’s qualities and activities.
- Each according to their ability and to each according to their need [Marx]
- स्वभावप्रभावैर्गुणै – Based on their Nature and gunas
- BG 18:42 शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च । ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ।।
- Tranquility, restraint, austerity, purity, patience, integrity, knowledge, wisdom, and belief in a hereafter—these are the intrinsic qualities of work for Brahmins.
- BG 18:43 शौर्य तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम् | दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् ||
- Valor, strength, fortitude, skill in weaponry, resolve never to retreat from battle, large-heartedness in charity, and leadership abilities, these are the natural qualities of work for Kshatriyas.
- BG 18:44 कृषिगौरक्ष्यवाणिज्यं वैश्यकर्म स्वभावजम् |
- Agriculture, dairy farming, and commerce are the natural works for those with the qualities of Vaishyas.
- BG 18:44 परिचर्यात्मकं कर्म शूद्रस्यापि स्वभावजम् ||
- Serving through work is the natural duty for those with the qualities of Shudras.
Administration
- Article 14, 15, 16,17
- Right to education (RTE 2009), Article 21A
- Article 46 – Educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
- Performance linked promotion
- Merit based selection – UPSC/RPSC
- Division of labor
- Skill India, PMKVY (Pardhan mantri kaushal vikas yojana), Make in India
- Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
- Protection of civil rights act 1955
Three Gunas
- सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणाः प्रकृतिसम्भवाः – The material energy consists of three guṇas (modes)—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance)
- तत्र सत्त्वं निर्मलत्वात्प्रकाशकमनामयम् । सुखसङ्गेन बध्नाति ज्ञानसङ्गेन चानघ –
- Sattva guna, the mode of goodness, being purer than the others, is illuminating and full of well being. It binds the soul by creating attachment for a sense of happiness and knowledge
- सत्त्वं सुखे सञ्जयति – Sattva binds one to material happiness
- रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासङ्गसमुद्भवम् – Rajo guna is of the nature of passion. It arises from worldly desires and affections.
- रजः कर्मणि भारत – Rajas conditions the soul toward actions
- तमस्त्वज्ञानजं विद्धि मोहनं सर्वदेहिनाम् | प्रमादालस्यनिद्राभिस्तन्निबध्नाति भारत
- Tamo guṇa, which is born of ignorance, is the cause of illusion for the embodied souls. It deludes all living beings through negligence, laziness, and sleep
- ज्ञानमावृत्य तु तमः प्रमादे सञ्जयत्युत – Tamas clouds wisdom and binds one to delusion.
- In Brahmins – Satto gun dominates [Calm and Intelligent]
- In Kshatriyas – Rajo gun dominates [Passionate, aggressive, fast and risk takers]
- In Vaishyas – All 3 Guns in almost equal proportion
- In Shudras – Tama gun dominates [ignorant, inertia, non-awareness and laziness]
- गुणातीत (Rising above 3 Gunas) – Those who are alike in happiness and distress; who are established in the self; who look upon a clod, a stone, and a piece of gold as of equal value; who remain the same amidst pleasant and unpleasant events; who are intelligent; who accept both blame and praise with equanimity; who remain the same in honor and dishonor; who treat both friend and foe alike; and who have abandoned all enterprises – they are said to have risen above the three gunas.
Lok Sangraha
- (Loka = The world) + (Samgraha = Holding together) – Means holding of all people with a unitary principle of service.
- Loka-sangraham means the Welfare and well-being of the world.
- This is a broader concept than utilitarianism (Maximum good for maximum people) whereas LokSangraha is about universal good.
- Leading people on the right path.
- कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादय – By performing their prescribed duties, King Janak and others attained perfection.
- लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि – You should also perform your work to set an example for the good of the world.
- यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जन – Whatever actions great persons perform, common people follow.
- स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते – Whatever standards they set, all the world pursues
- सर्वभूतहिते रताः – सभी प्राणियों के कल्याणार्थ समर्पित हो जाते हैं ।
- The concept of Lokasamgraha is found in the Vedic worldview as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means the whole world and its beings are related to each other
- Swami Vivekananda = Working for the good of others.
- Sri Aurobindo = Holding together the people.
- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan = Lokasamgraha stands for the unity of the world, the interconnectedness of the society, the Gita Requires us to lay stress on human brotherhood.
Administration
- Policy implementation, Public grievance redressal, reaching the last mile, Accessibility, Citizen Empowerment, Transparency and accountability etc.
Karm Yog
- Mentioned in Chapter 3 of Bhagwat Geeta
- Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tilak (Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta Rahasay – 1915 Barma jail)
- Karma Yoga is path to achieve liberation through work (Union through action)
- Karm means to do and Yoga means Union.
- It is the path of selfless service performed for the benefit of others (LokSangrah)
- कर्मणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता – By performing their prescribed duties, one can attain perfection
- स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः – By fulfilling their duties, born of their innate qualities, human beings can attain perfection
- यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु – Free to choose action
- Must take responsibility
- Control on senses
- Verse 3.4 – One cannot achieve moksha by merely abstaining from work, or by mere physical renunciation
- Verse 3.5 – All beings are compelled to act in accordance to their material nature (Gunas)
- नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मण: – You should thus perform your prescribed duties, since action is superior to inaction
Administration
- To fight with problems like Red tapism, Apathy, Inefficiency, Over delegation
- Efforts – Mission Karmyogi, 360 degree appraisal, Accountability (E – Governance), Transparency.
Bhakti Yog
- Mentioned in Chapter 12 of Bhagwat Geeta
- Commentators –
- Ramanuja
- Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada (Iscon)
- मां नित्ययुक्ता उपासते – Those who are always engaged in devotion of lord are following Bhakti Yog.
- Total devotion to god (Unflinching trust – Bhakti marg)
- Draupadi Saree
- Basis of bhakti is Prem
- Prem – Freedom, Sacrifice, Service
- Possessiveness (Aaskti) can never lead to Bhakti.3
- Chakori and Chanda – Possessiveness
- Devotion does not require grand rituals but pure heart
- पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति – If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee in pure consciousness.
- Administration – Change with minimum resources (Devotion towards duty) – Armstrong pam
Administration
- Devotion towards Constitution of India (Oath of allegiance) – Rule of law
- Code of conduct and ethical code
- Public service
- IAS officer Haulianlal Guite has written world’s firstPhilosophical novel on God
Raj Yog
- Mostly in Chapter 6
- Union of individual self with supreme being using techniques like meditation, Pranayam, Dhyaan and Samadhi
- Apanam – The incoming breath
- Pranam – The outgoing breath
Pravritti and Nivritti
- Pravritti and Nivritti are two fundamental spiritual paths that lead to salvation.
- Pravritti dharma involves following the worldly path and seeking salvation.
- Pravritti means Revolving towards.
- This is natural tendency of every human being [Power, Fame, Money]
- Manifestation of Maya
- Being an active member on social setup
- Following Ashrama Dharmas
- Path of Karma Yoga (A Karm yogi despite being surrounded by all this maya keeps his focus on Lok Sangraha)
- Nivritti dharma is based on renouncing worldly aims
- Nivritti means Revolving away
- This is basis of religion and moralit
- Going away from Maya
- For an individual pursuing spiritual goal
- Nivritti is the path of renunciation and the jnana marga
Yog Kshem
योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् = योग + क्षेमं वहाम्यहम्
- योग = अप्राप्त वस्तु की प्राप्ति करा देना (अप्राप्तस्य प्रापणम्)
- क्षेमं = प्राप्त सामग्री की रक्षा करना (प्राप्तस्य रक्षणम्)
- वहाम्यहम् = मैं वहन करता हूँ
- This is the motto of LIC.
- LIC as an organization says that it takes responsibility for all human needs and security.
Administrator
- It’s the accountability and responsibility of an RAS/RPS officer to take the cognizance of law and order in the area, protect the belongings of people and instill a sense of security by implementing IPC and CrPC.
- Implementation of welfare schemes to fulfill the needs [PM Awas Yojana, Shree Annapurna Rasoi Yojana]
- Innovative initiatives – Neki ki deewar (Winter clothes), Charan paduka Abhiyan.
Apad Dharma
- A practice only permissible in times of calamity, distress, or misfortune.
- The dharma of emergencies
Geeta’s Principle and their application in Administration
Chapter 2 : Verse 22
वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय नवानि गृह्णाति
- As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones
- Administration – An officer must not be attached to a particular department, place or posting. He/she should be ready to serve any responsibility given
- eg. – First women IPS Kiran Bedi (Equally good in maintaining law and order as well as in reformation of prisoners in Tihar Jail).
Chapter 18 : Verse 63
यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु
- Ponder over it deeply, and then do as you wish
- Administration – Hence an administrator must have deep knowledge of laws and books, but in special circumstances, he must use his/her discretion to respect the spirit of Law.
Chapter 12 : Verse 13-14
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च ।
निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी ॥
- To Remember – अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां or निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः or समदुःखसुखः
- Administration – Free from malice toward all living beings, who are friendly, and compassionate. They are free from attachment to possessions and egotism, equipoised in happiness and distress, and ever-forgiving.
- Must have virtues of an administrator – Compassion, Forgiving, StithPragya
- eg. – M S Dhoni being the captain of Indian Cricket team (Captain Cool)
Chapter 12 : Verse 18-19
समः शत्रौ च मित्रे च तथा मानापमानयोः।
शीतोष्णसुखदुःखेषु समः सङ्गविवर्जितः ।।
तुल्यनिन्दास्तुतिमौनी सन्तुष्टो येन केनचित् ।
अनिकेतः स्थिरमतिर्भक्तिमान्मे प्रियो नरः।।
- Means – Those, who are alike to friend and foe, equipoised in honor and dishonor, cold and heat, joy and sorrow, and are free from all unfavorable association; those who take praise and reproach alike, who are given to silent contemplation, content with what comes their way, without attachment to the place of residence, whose intellect is firmly fixed in Me, and who are full of devotion to Me, such persons are very dear to Me.
- Administration – An administrator must do the duty for the sake of duty and ensure the welfare of its citizens.
- Eg. – Gandhiji, Buddha, Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Respect across party lines)
Chapter 18 : Verse 53
अहङ्कारं बलं दर्प कामं क्रोधं परिग्रहम्
- Free from egotism, violence, arrogance, desire, possessiveness of property, and selfishness
- eg. – Disproportionate Assets and Income of Officials
Chapter 3 : Verse 21
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः ।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते
- To Remember – लोकस्तदनुवर्तते (lokah tat anuvartate)
- Whatever actions great people perform, common people follow. Whatever standards they set, all the world pursues.
- Eg. – Great administrators like Sardar Patel, C. Rajagopalachari, M. Visvesvaraya are role model for future officers
Svkarmana siddhi
- By performance of work, a person easily attains perfection
- Eg. – Field trainings, Mock drills, Academy trainings
- Eg. – Current foreign minister ( S. Jaishankar) – 40 year experience as IFS
Chapter 4 : Verse 7
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत ।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥
- Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjun, at that time I manifest Myself on earth.
- Being an instrument of lord, An administrator must ensure implementation of laws like IPC, CrPC, GST and other rules and regulations.
- Eg. – IPS Mridul Kachawa IPS, M N Dinesh, K Vijay Kumar IPS (Killed Veerappan), Unknown man ki Pakistan killing terrorists
Chapter 6 : Verse 17
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु ।
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ।।
To Remember – युक्ताहारविहारस्य or युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य
- Those who are temperate in eating and recreation, balanced in work, and regulated in sleep, can mitigate all sorrows by practicing Yoga.
- This way an administrator can keep work-life balance
- Regulated sleep – RPS, IPS officers duty hours
Chapter 9 : Verse 33
अनित्यमसुखं लोकमिमं
- This world is transient and joyless.
- Hence an officer should keep himself away from material possession, corruption etc.
- He/she must seek only conscious pleasure and should not indulge in lavish life [Perks and postings]
- Eg. of corruption/scam – Commonwealth game, Aadarsh society, Satyam computers
निमित्तमात्रं भव
- Human beings are only a means/instrument for greater purpose.
- You will only be an instrument of My work.
- Eg. – This helped Oppenheimer overcome his guilt
Chapter 5 : Verse 18
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि ।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः ।।
- To Remember – पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः
- The truly learned, with the eyes of divine knowledge, see with equal vision a Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater.
- Eg. – Away from nepotism, favoritism, Crony Capitalism Administration – Article 14 (Equality before law), Article 15 (No discrimination on the basis of RRCSP), Article 17
सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रहः
- Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose—all these are declared as austerity of the mind.
- Eg. – The “People’s President”: Dr. Kalam [Simple food while being president]. When his term ended Mr. Kalam walked out with his two suitcases
Ananya Bhakti
अनन्यचेताः सततं
- Always without deviation of the mind.
- Neerja Bhanot remained calm and composed, did not deviate her mind from her duty i.e to protect the passengers and laid life
Values of a Knowledgeable person – Chapter 13: Verse 8-12
- Amanitvam (अमानित्वम्) – humbleness
- Adambhitvam (अदम्भित्वम्) – freedom from hypocrisy
- Ahinsa (अहिंसा) – non-violence
- kshantih (क्षान्तिः) – forgiveness
- Arjavam (आर्जवम्) – simplicity
- Acharya-upasanam (आचार्य-उपासनम्) – service of the Guru
- Shaucham (शौचम्) – cleanliness of body and mind
- Sthairyam (स्थैर्यम्) – steadfastness
- Atma-vinigrahah (आत्म- विनिग्रहः) – self-control
- Vairagyam – dispassion
- Anahankarah (अनहंकारः) – absence of egotism
- Anabhishvangah (अनभिष्वङ्गः) – absence of craving
- Sama-chittatvam (सम-चित्तवम्) – even-mindedness
Chapter 16 : Verse 1-3 Saintly virtues
अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः |
दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ।
अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्यागः शान्तिरपैशुनम् ।
दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं हीरचापलम् ।
तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचमद्रोहोनातिमानिता |
भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत
- Abhayam – fearlessness
- Sattva-sanshodhit – purity of mind
- Jnana – knowledge
- Vyavasthit – steadfastness
- Danam – charity
- Damah – control of the senses
- Yajna – sacrifice
- Svadhyaya—study of sacred books
- Tapah – austerity
- Arjavam – straightforwardness
- Ahimsa – non-violence
- Satyam – truthfulness
- Akrodha – absence of anger
- Tyagah – renunciation
- Shantih – peacefulness
- Apaishunam – Restraint from fault-finding
- Daya – compassion
- Aloluptvam – absence of covetousness
- Madhavam – gentleness
- Hrih – modesty
- Achapalam – lack of fickleness
- Tejah – vigour
- kshama – forgiveness
- Dhritih – fortitude
- Shaucham – cleanliness
- Adrohah – bearing enmity toward none
कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभ – त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं
- Three gates leading to the hell or self-destruction for the soul—lust, anger, and greed
अहङ्कारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते
- In ignorance, the soul, deluded by false identification with the body, thinks of itself as the doer.
- Eg. – An administrator is not a Ruler, he/she is a servant. He is not an end, but only a means to serve society. He is only an instrument to fulfill the constitutional obligation
Conclusion
- Overall, Bhagavad Gita teaches an administrator to act with integrity, detachment, and devotion to work for masses and envisage the vision of ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat
Practice Questions
| Question | Marks |
| Philosophy mentioned in Bhagavad gita is highly progressive in nature and hence can be used to solve many modern day problems. Elaborate | 10M |
| Explain the concept of Varna system mentioned in Bhagavad Gita. How it can help ending caste based discrimination | 5M |
