Swami Vivekananda is widely known for his remarkable contribution to Vedanta philosophy. He dedicated his life to spreading this glorious knowledge across the globe. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to read his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Although Vivekananda did not write a separate commentary on the Gita, one of his disciples, on behalf of Advaita Ashrama, compiled and published his views from The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda under the title Bhagavad Gita as Viewed by Swami Vivekananda. So far, I have read five different commentaries on this great treatise, but Vivekananda’s interpretation struck me as particularly unique. What makes it stand apart is his modern perspective, deeply influenced by the Indian Renaissance thinkers of his time. From a humanitarian outlook to insights drawn from Christianity, from Vedic wisdom to Vedantic philosophy, from the traditions of Bhakti to Shaktism, Vivekananda’s approach is broad, inclusive, and relevant. He explained the teachings of the Gita in a way that ordinary people could easily relate to, thus making it distinct from other, more conventional commentaries.
At the very outset, Vivekananda raises a few logical yet thought-provoking questions: the historical backdrop of the Gita, the authenticity of its authorship, the existence of Krishna, the reality of the Kurukshetra war, and the historicity of the Pandavas and Kauravas. He discusses each point thoroughly and arrives at logical conclusions. Referring to the Gita as the highest authority of Vedanta, he remarks that it is a text which claims authority not only for Advaita but equally for dualism and Vishishtadvaita. On Karma Yoga, Vivekananda writes, "With unbounded courage and indomitable strength in the heart, only then will the people of the country be roused; otherwise, they will continue to remain in darkness." For him, the essence of the Gita lies in the harmony of paths- Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana. He identifies two unique characteristics of the text- reconciliation of the different paths of dharma, and the emphasis on action without desire or attachment. He clarifies that Nishkama Karma is not purposeless action, nor is it inert or heartless. True Nishkama Karma is performed with focus, energy, and detachment. According to him, “Men should work for work’s sake only, and love for love’s sake.” His practical style of teaching is evident when he urges the youth, "First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterwards. Be strong, my young friends, that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to heaven through football than through the study of the Gita. You will understand the mighty genius of Krishna better with a little stronger blood in your veins." This unconventional approach connecting physical strength and vitality with spiritual growth-marks a radical departure from traditional commentaries.
While discussing 'Jnana Yoga', Vivekananda stresses that spirituality must be realised in this very life. As he says, “Our battle for spirituality must be fought out in this life; so we must not flee from it, but rather compel it to give us all that it holds.” For him, the Gita demonstrates that wisdom can be practised even on the battlefield, making it universally applicable to the struggles of human existence. He also notes that the Gita, with its 700 verses, inspired the "Concord movement," a 19th-century American philosophical and literary movement led by Ralph Waldo Emerson. However, one debatable point arises in his acceptance of the Aryan Invasion Theory, as he mentions, “The Aryans came into India in small companies.” This view, rejected by many modern historians, remains a contested aspect of his interpretation. Despite such controversial remarks, Vivekananda’s commentary is powerful, especially for spiritual seekers and young minds. Unlike traditional expositions, it presents the Gita in a liberal, rational, and modern perspective, yet without losing the essence of Vedanta philosophy. This makes his work different from other commentators. In conclusion, his advice to seekers remains ever relevant, "The less you read, the better. Read the Gita and other good works on Vedanta. That is all you need."
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