The Bhagavad Gītā: Gandhi’s Moral and Spiritual Anchorage

Abstract

Among the key infuences on Gandhi’s life and thought, pride of place must go to the Bhagavad Gītā. It is well known that Gandhi modeled his life upon the teachings of the Gītā1 and “constantly referred to it as his ‘spiritual dictionary,’ ‘the mother who never let him down,’ or his ‘kāmdhenū,’ ‘the cow that grants all wishes.’”2 This book played a pivotal role in guiding, shaping, and solidifying his beliefs and actions. Gandhi’s frm and sustained belief in spiritual freedom (moksa3) and self-realization was almost entirely shaped by the teachings of the Gītā. Moksasupplied the unifying force in and through all of Gandhi’s activities, as he tells us in his autobiography,4 and the Gītā’s emphasis on self-realization and selfess service were the primary sources of inspiration for his life and leadership.