Geethartha Chinthane 31: Suitable category even among the wicked

The Mahabharata war is essentially a Dharmasangrama (war for righteousness). For Arjuna, participating in it was his Swadharma (righteous duty). Every individual is presented with an opportunity to perform their Swadharma. A person without Swadharma does not exist in the world. When such an opportunity arises, it should never be forsaken, for letting it go would not only result in a missed opportunity but also be sinful.

When Arjuna was given the opportunity to fight against adharma (injustice), he hesitated. One might find it surprising that even among enemies, there is a class of the most fitting or suitable adversaries. Arjuna faced such enemies in Duryodhana’s camp, just as India has faced Pakistan. Some people may act wrongly due to circumstantial influences, but Pakistan, like Duryodhana, represents those who are thoroughly wicked. Both conflicts can be considered types of feuds. To fight against such enemies is considered virtuous; there is no question of sin.

If one were to condense the teachings of the Gita into three letters, it could be summarized as ‘Swadharma‘. The first letter of the Gita, “Dhar,” and the last letter, “Ma,” come together to form “Dharma.” Dharma here refers to Swadharma, not religion. Everyone has their own unique dharma to follow.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

State