Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 24: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt has called for holding non-violent protest against those who have of late been seen wrongly interpreting Bhagawad Gita as per their own lopsided notions.

'Some have gone to the extent of calling for burning down Bhagavad Gita. I am very much dismayed at the way the Gita is being blamed by those who are unable to properly assimilate its contents. The system of four classes of people described in the Gita is not the caste system prevalent now. Lord Krishna has explained in the Gita that the people were classified as per their individual character, Karma, behaviour etc. This is not based on the family in which a person is born. Sri Madhwacharya, in his interpretation on the Gita has also clarified in his work about this aspect, duly opining that this system is far better than the birth-based caste system. The Gita is clear in its view that devotion can purify everyone including criminals and others. The Gita has spread the message of equality among all humans. Lord Krishna has said that a person can be treated as having the quality of equanimity if he treats everyone equal at all times, whether in grief or celebration. The Gita strongly condemns earning of money through wrongful means, and hails selfless service for the general good of all as the most holy. It is wrong to say that Gita advocates selfish exploitation. Do the same people pass such comments about Quran and Bible? The people should protest against persons involved with drawing inferences as per their own thinking,' he said.