The 11th International Gita Conference: Harmony stands for universal goodwill and oneness of all

The 11th International Gita Conference at Kururukshetra University in Haryana is going to be held from December 14 to 16. "[it is] expected to enrich academic discourse by contributing to cross- cultural ethics, spirituality, and comparative philosophy, situating the Gita’s teachings within global scholarly debates and fostering dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions of thought. It will also provide practical insights for leadership and education by emphasizing the Gita’s focus on duty, detachment, and self-mastery, offering actionable guidance for leadership development, ethical governance, and value-based education that can steer organizations and institutions toward integrity, resilience, and responsibility." {1}

The topic of 'Harmony – Universal Goodwill and Social Unity -' is going be discussed during the conference as enshrined in verse “समंसर्वेषुभूतेषुतिष्ठन्तंपरमेश्वरम्। विनश्यत्स्वविनश्यन्तंयःपश्यतिसपश्यति॥” (Bhagavad Gita 13.27) which holds that harmony arises from perceiving the same divine essence in all beings.

"This [foregoing] universal vision resonates strongly with intercultural dialogue, human rights, and peace studies. Recognizing equality of all beings forms the basis of sustainable peace, global citizenship, and compassionate leadership. In a world fragmented by divisions of race, class, religion, and ideology, the Gita’s teaching inspires a model of inclusive coexistenceandcosmopolitan ethics, relevant to both policymakers and peace builders," project the organizers of the conference

English Translation of BG 13.27: O chief of the Bhāratas, know that whatever you see in existence, both the moving and the non-moving, is only a combination of the field of activities and the knower of the field. [2] Prabhupada (1986) interprets the verse as, "The relationship between material nature and spiritual nature is eternally going on, and this combination is effected by the Supreme Lord; therefore He is the controller of both the superior and inferior natures. The material nature is created by Him, and the superior nature is placed in this material nature, and thus all these activities and manifestations take place."

Easwaran (2007) explains that true wisdom lies in perceiving the divine, eternal presence within all beings, regardless of their outward physical, transitory nature. He characterizes this as Sama Darshana, or equal vision, arguing that by overcoming the "illusion of separation" through spiritual practice, one can see beyond surface differences to the shared divine essence in everyone.

The essence of the verse is that all life forms possess consciousness; they are the combination of the eternal soul, which is the source of consciousness, and the body, which is made of the insentient material energy.

References

[1] https://gitaconferencekurukshetra.in/aboutseminar.aspx

[2] Prabhupāda, A. C. B. S. (1986). Bhagavad-gita as it is (2nd ed.). Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

[3] Easwaran, E. (2007). The Bhagavad Gita, The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation.