Excellence in performance of moral duties in Geetarahasya

Abstract

Lokmanya Tilak's commentary on Shrimad Bhagwad Gita changed the traditional view of Gita from Sanyas to Karmayoga. Lokmanya Tilak presented his observation against inaction or renunciation. Tilak through his thesis proved that doing is superior to undoing. Gita is the part of Mahabharat. During Mahabharat times, social system and family institutes were highly stable. In that period, it was the necessity of the time to think about Dharma (ethical action) - Adharma deeply blended with the social engineering. While explaining Karma Yoga, Tilak preached us the skill on excellence to perform one's duty knowingly with social consideration. Such duty should be with selfless motives, i.e. Nishkam Karmayog. Tilak also explained complexity in various duties. Any exercise or extreme action creates suffering for man or society. They cannot avoid its fruits whether good or bad. The only thing the human being can choose is to perform good or ethical act which can restrict further sufferings. The greatest good for the greatest number cannot decide the Tightness of action. One has to decide it considering his knowledge and motives behind action taking into account social wellbeing