Was Bhagwad Gita ever shoved in your face as proof that Hindus should be a peaceful lot?! Of course it has! However, this statement is only partially true. In the soul of every Sanatani, there lies a dormant force fuelled by ancient wisdom waiting to be unleashed. This force is written in the Gita, in the Vedas, in the Upanishads, and in every Sanatani text as Shastra Dharma.
Sanatanis are taught Western pacifist nonsense under the पाठ of Gita repeatedly. However, this is a misperception. Traditionally, Sanatanis are taught to be the weapon that defends Dharma at the cost of life and limb! Today, let’s rekindle the spirit of our ancestory to rediscover our Shastra Dharma.
धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः।
Dharma protects those who come forth for the protection of Dharma itself.
The Bhagavad Gita Is A Call to Arms
The ancient verses of the Bhagavad Gita are Lord Krishna’s implorings and teachings to Arjuna. He teaches Arjuna about Dharma and asks him to rise and fight for it. The text asks Arjuna to embrace his duty as a Dharmic warrior over his duty as a brother and relative. However, unlike the One-Book-Religions, Bhagavad Gita is not a call to blind violence against all who do not conform. It is a call to defend Dharma, to uphold righteousness in the face of Adharama.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्।
Whenever Dharma is under the shadow of decline and Adharma is on the rise in the world, I shall manifest myself on Earth. – Lord Krishna
Embrace Shastra to Support Shaastra
Sanatanis have been disconnected from their roots for very long. Despite being rid of oppressors, Hindus of Bharat are still unable to claim the knowledge of Shaastra of their predecessors. In addition, they are taught the ‘non-violence’ mantra. Almost as if hypnotized, Sanatanis believe that they freed themselves due to non-violence and turning-the-other-cheek attitude. Some still believe this as the true essence of Hindu Dharma.
However, these were the doctrines of passivity presented in pretty terms to Sanatanis on a plate. Thus, Hindus should strive to revive the Shastra Dharma while they try to walk the path of Dharma or righteousness. Only when Shaastra is supported by the sword of Shastra will Sanatana Dharma survive the current times of turmoil. The dual essence of Shastra and Shaastra is an arsenal against the ignorance and injustice of the One-Book Zealots of this world.
Cultivating Sanatani Dharmic Strength
Sanatani scriptures do not shy away from the concept of strength and martial prowess. Physical, mental, and spiritual strength are all a prerequisite for a Dharmic life. Thus, when Sanatana Dharma is repeatedly trodden upon, the time has come to cultivate the revival of Shastra Dharma.
Bharat’s history is a testament to the valor of Dharmic warriors who stood firm against adversity and invaders. Countless have died to protect the religion Hindus of Bharat are scared to embrace openly. Why should we refrain from rekindling that flame? Shouldn’t Sanatanis face all challenges with a resolute spirit to protect Dharma?
In every chant, in every verse, Shastra Dharma echoes the need of the hour. No more ostrich syndrome which allows Hindus to ignore the harm done to our Dharma. Let Shastra Dharma be as much part of the rise of Bharat as Shaastra Vidya. This is not a call to arms for aggression, but a call to be unafraid to embody the essence of Dharma. Let ’15 minutes’ and ‘Sar Tan Se Juda’ no longer faze Sanatanis to hide in the fake protection of their homes. Let us arise to stand unwavering in the face of injustice, unbroken by the division of caste, language, or creed. Show the world that in the heart of every Hindu beats the rhythm of Shastra Dharma as well as Shaastra Vidya. Let all Sanatanis awaken the Dharmic warrior within!