The Concept of Dharma ~ Duty Or Personal Desire

 

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important texts in Hindu philosophy and one of its central themes is the concept of dharma, a term that refers to one’s moral duty, righteousness, and the right path in life. In the Bhagavad Gita, dharma is often in conflict with personal desires, leading to an internal struggle that is depicted in the conversation between the warrior prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. 

The Dilemma of Arjuna

At the beginning of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, a skilled warrior, faces a moral and emotional dilemma. He is about to go into battle against his own relatives, teachers, and friends in the Kurukshetra War. Arjuna feels torn between his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior class) and his love and respect for his family. He is deeply conflicted because he doesn’t want to kill his relatives, who are on the opposing side. Arjuna’s personal desire for peace and compassion clashes with his dharma as a warrior, which requires him to fight for justice.

In this moment of crisis, Arjuna turns to Lord Krishna, who is his charioteer and spiritual guide, for help. Arjuna’s question is: “Should he follow his personal emotions and desires, or should he fulfill his duty as a warrior, even if it involves violence?”

Krishna’s Teaching ~ The Nature of Dharma

Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita provide a solution to this inner conflict. He explains that dharma is not based on personal feelings or desires but on the role and responsibilities that one must fulfill in society. Krishna emphasizes that everyone has a specific dharma based on their nature, skills, and position in life. Arjuna’s dharma, as a warrior, is to fight for justice and righteousness, especially when evil forces threaten peace and harmony.

Krishna tells Arjuna that it is not the action itself (killing in battle) that is important, but the intention behind the action. If Arjuna fights for the right cause, with the right intention, out of a sense of duty to protect righteousness, then his actions will be aligned with his dharma. Krishna urges Arjuna not to let his personal desires and emotions cloud his judgment, as doing so would result in failing to fulfill his divine duty.

Karma Yoga ~ The Path of Selfless Action

One of the key teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment to the results. In other words, Arjuna should not be attached to the outcome of the battle whether he wins or loses because attachment to the results is a form of selfish desire. Instead, Arjuna should focus on doing his duty with full dedication and surrender the results to God.

Krishna explains that when one acts selflessly, without concern for personal gain, they transcend the cycle of karma (action and its consequences). This path of selfless action, where one works for the greater good without personal desire, leads to inner peace and spiritual liberation.

The Role of Detachment

Another important aspect of Krishna’s teachings is the importance of detachment. Krishna encourages Arjuna to act according to his dharma without being influenced by the attachment to the results. Arjuna must perform his duty as a warrior, but he must remain detached from the fruits of his actions. This detachment is not about avoiding action, but about acting with a sense of surrender to the divine will and trusting that whatever happens is part of a greater plan.

By practicing detachment, Arjuna can rise above his personal desires and emotions, achieving a state of inner peace and clarity. Detachment allows one to focus on the present moment and make decisions based on righteousness rather than personal interests.

The Ultimate Goal ~ Dharma and Spiritual Growth

Krishna’s ultimate message is that following one’s dharma is the key to spiritual growth and fulfillment. Arjuna’s personal desire to avoid the battle stems from his fear and attachment to his loved ones, but Krishna teaches him that true love for others involves fulfilling one’s duties to ensure peace, justice, and righteousness. By following his dharma, Arjuna not only benefits society but also progresses on the path of spiritual enlightenment.

Krishna reminds Arjuna that the soul (Atman) is eternal and cannot be destroyed. The physical body is temporary, and death in battle does not affect the true self. Therefore, Arjuna should not be afraid of death but should focus on performing his duty with courage and devotion.

In the Bhagavad Gita, the conflict between duty (dharma) and personal desire is resolved through the practice of selfless action and detachment. Krishna teaches Arjuna that fulfilling one’s duties with the right intention, without attachment to the outcome, is the path to both personal and spiritual growth. The teachings of the Gita remind us that dharma is not based on personal comfort or desires but on the role we play in the larger fabric of life. By following our dharma, we contribute to the well-being of society and achieve peace and fulfillment in our own lives.

Ultimately, the Bhagavad Gita teaches that the true purpose of life is to align one’s actions with righteousness, rising above personal desires and emotions, and performing one’s duties for the greater good. This, according to Krishna, leads to liberation and eternal peace.