Srimad Bhagavad Gita: A Philosophical and Practical Guide for the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).

1. Introduction

The Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā, one of the most revered and widely studied texts of the Indian philosophical tradition, represents a synthesis of metaphysics, ethics, psychology, and spirituality. Situated within the Mahābhārata as a dialogue between Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, the Gītā transcends its narrative context to become a timeless philosophical guide for humanity. It illuminates the deepest dimensions of human existence—duty, action, knowledge, devotion, detachment, and liberation—while providing a holistic framework for living a balanced and meaningful life.

In the context of the contemporary Indian Knowledge System (IKS), the Gītā occupies a central position. It not only embodies the essence of Indian metaphysical and ethical thought but also offers practical wisdom for personal growth, societal harmony, and sustainable living. The philosophical insights of the Gītā—when revisited through the lens of IKS—reveal a living tradition of integrated knowledge (vidyā-samgraha) that harmonizes the spiritual and material dimensions of life. The proposed International Conference seeks to explore the Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā as both a philosophical text and a practical manual for the regeneration of Indian Knowledge Traditions in modern contexts.

The conference aims to bring together scholars, philosophers, educators, and practitioners to deliberate on how the Gītā’s universal message can be reinterpreted in the framework of IKS, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary academic discourse. The deliberations will focus on philosophical foundations, pedagogical applications, ethical paradigms, and the integration of Gītā principles into various domains such as governance, psychology, education, management, and wellness.

 

2. Philosophical Context

The Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā occupies a unique position among the world’s spiritual and philosophical texts. It presents a comprehensive worldview that integrates jñāna (knowledge), karma (action), and bhakti (devotion) into a unified path of realization. The Gītā does not advocate renunciation of the world but the transformation of one’s consciousness through selfless action (niṣkāma karma). This emphasis on the internalization of spiritual principles in daily life forms the cornerstone of the Indian Knowledge System.

Philosophically, the Gītā bridges the dualism of Puruṣa and Prakṛti, aligning with the Sāṅkhya and Yoga systems while transcending their limitations through the unifying principle of divine consciousness (Paramātman). Its ontology acknowledges the interdependence of all beings and promotes a cosmocentric vision of existence, grounded in the idea of dharma—the inherent order that sustains the universe.

The Gītā’s philosophical discourse extends beyond metaphysical speculation into the practical domain of dharma-sādhana (practice of righteousness). It transforms theoretical knowledge into ātma-jñāna (self-knowledge) through disciplined action and devotion. In this manner, it establishes the epistemological and ethical foundations of IKS, which values experiential understanding (anubhava) over mere intellectual abstraction.

 

3. The Practical Approach of the Bhagavad Gītā

While the Gītā is deeply philosophical, it is equally pragmatic in addressing the dilemmas of human existence. It responds to Arjuna’s crisis not with dogma but with psychological insight and moral clarity. Its teachings on karma yoga, dhyāna yoga, jñāna yoga, and bhakti yoga collectively offer a multidimensional approach to human development—physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual.

The Gītā’s practical relevance lies in its capacity to harmonize inner and outer life. It teaches equanimity (samatva), emotional regulation, mindfulness, and resilience—qualities that align with modern psychological and leadership paradigms. The Gītā’s emphasis on svadharma (one’s own duty) and niṣkāma karma (action without desire for fruits) resonates with contemporary discourses on ethics, sustainable development, and organizational excellence.

In education, the Gītā offers insights into learner-centered pedagogy, value-based education, and holistic personality development. In management, it inspires leadership models rooted in integrity, service, and self-awareness. In wellness studies, it provides profound tools for stress management, emotional balance, and self-realization. Thus, the Gītā exemplifies the applied dimension of Indian philosophy—an experiential approach that integrates knowledge (jñāna), action (karma), and devotion (bhakti) into a comprehensive art of living.

 

4. The Bhagavad Gītā and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents a vast and interconnected body of wisdom encompassing philosophy, science, art, health, governance, and spirituality. Rooted in the Vedas, Upaniṣads, and Smṛtis, it envisions knowledge as a means of both self-realization and societal welfare. Within this framework, the Gītā serves as a crucial text that bridges scriptural knowledge (śāstra-jñāna) with practical wisdom (pragya).

In the Gītā, knowledge is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a transformative process. Its epistemology (jñāna-vijñāna yoga) emphasizes the integration of theoretical and experiential understanding. This corresponds directly to the IKS model of para and aparā vidyā—higher spiritual knowledge and empirical worldly knowledge—both essential for holistic development.

Furthermore, the Gītā’s ethical vision aligns with IKS principles of sustainability, harmony, and interconnectedness. It promotes the ideal of lokasaṅgraha—working for the welfare of all beings—thus contributing to the development of inclusive, compassionate societies. The integration of Gītā principles within IKS pedagogy can revitalize India’s traditional education models such as gurukula, emphasizing moral strength, intellectual clarity, and spiritual depth.

The conference will therefore focus on the Gītā as a central text in the rediscovery of IKS, exploring its philosophical, cultural, educational, and practical dimensions in light of modern challenges.

 

5. Approach and Rationale of the Conference

The International Conference on “Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā: A Philosophical and Practical Guide for the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)” aims to adopt a multidisciplinary and dialogical approach. It will encourage academic inquiry that bridges textual interpretation, philosophical reflection, and applied practice.

a) Multidisciplinary Engagement

The conference will engage scholars from diverse disciplines—philosophy, Sanskrit, psychology, education, management, and cultural studies. By fostering dialogue across fields, it seeks to demonstrate how Gītā’s principles can inform contemporary research and pedagogy within the IKS framework.

b) Integration of Traditional and Modern Paradigms

The conference will combine śāstric methods of interpretation (mīmāṃsā, nyāya, tarka) with contemporary analytical and comparative approaches. This will promote a balanced perspective that honours tradition while engaging with modern critical methodologies.

c) Pedagogical and Practical Orientation

Sessions will focus on the pedagogical value of Gītā-based education and the practical application of its principles in governance, leadership, environmental ethics, and mental well-being. Sessions and interactive discussions will explore the use of Gītā teachings in modern classrooms and social contexts.

d) Dialogue between Text and Experience

The Gītā is not merely a text to be studied but a philosophy to be lived. The conference will therefore emphasize experiential and performative engagements—such as recitations, discussions, and meditative reflections—bringing together śravaṇa (listening), manana (reflection), and nididhyāsana (contemplation) as methods of integral understanding.6.

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8. Relevance and Contemporary Significance

In an age marked by moral uncertainty, stress, ecological imbalance, and social fragmentation, the message of the Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā holds profound relevance. Its call for samatva (equanimity), yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam (skill in action), and lokasaṅgraha (collective welfare) resonates deeply with modern human concerns. The Gītā’s vision of inner balance amidst external chaos offers a framework for personal peace and social harmony.

From the standpoint of IKS, the Gītā represents the synthesis of theory and practice, philosophy and psychology, ethics and spirituality. Its holistic worldview can serve as a foundation for reimagining education, leadership, and research in India today—rooted in the wisdom of tradition yet open to innovation and global dialogue. The conference thus aspires to re-establish the Gītā as a cornerstone of India’s knowledge heritage and a beacon for humanity’s intellectual and moral renewal.

9. Conclusion

The Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā stands as a beacon of timeless wisdom that transcends the barriers of religion, culture, and era. Its teachings illuminate the essential unity of life, the divinity within all beings, and the path of selfless action. Within the Indian Knowledge System, it embodies the perfect confluence of jñāna, karma, and bhakti, offering a model of integral knowledge that harmonizes intellect, emotion, and action.

The proposed International Conference on “Śrīmadbhagavad Gītā: A Philosophical and Practical Guide for the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)” aims to rediscover this eternal wisdom in a contemporary framework. It envisions a platform where scholars, thinkers, and practitioners can engage in meaningful dialogue to revitalize the essence of IKS through the Gītā’s universal message.

By reinterpreting the Gītā not merely as a scriptural text but as a living guide to holistic living, ethical governance, and sustainable progress, the conference seeks to foster a renaissance in Indian intellectual and spiritual life—affirming that the path of karma, guided by jñāna and illuminated by bhakti, remains the surest way to harmony, wisdom, and liberation.

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