ABSTRACT
The controversy about the teaching of the Gita — whether it is himsa (violence) or ahimsa (non-violence) will, it seems, go on for a long time. It is one thing what meaning we read in the Gita; or rather we want to read in the Gita. Self-realization and its means is the theme of the Gita the fight between armies being but the occasion to expound the theme. Krishna of the Gita is perfection and right knowledge personified; but the picture is imaginary. That does not mean that Krishna, the adored of his people, never lived. But perfection is imagined. The idea of a perfect incarnation is an after growth. The devotion required by the Gita is no soft-hearted effusiveness. It certainly is not blind faith. The devotion of the Gita has the least to do with externals. Salvation of the Gita is perfect peace.
