The Bhagavad Gita, generally regarded as the spiritual foundation of Hindu philosophy, contains profound insight that transcends time and culture. A typical issue in life is whether one should always be kind to others, even if it means sacrificing one's own well-being, or whether self-preservation should come first. While modern self-help ideologies frequently emphasise the significance of creating boundaries, ancient religious teachings are generally regarded as encouraging unconditional kindness. However, the Bhagavad Gita provides a nuanced perspective that recommends a middle ground between the two methods. It emphasises the importance of both compassion and self-care, advocating for duty-driven activity that is aligned with one's higher purpose.


Historical context of the Bhagavad GitaThe Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Sanskrit text that is part of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. Historians and scientists place its creation to the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE, during a time of social and political upheaval in ancient India. Conflicts over power, dharma (righteous duty), and moral obligations arose as small tribal nations gave way to big kingdoms during this time period.

The Gita is presented in the form of a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna, who is experiencing a moral crisis, is unwilling to participate in the war against his own family and teachers. Krishna responds by imparting wisdom that addresses not just Arjuna's There is an urgent dilemma, as well as deeper existential questions concerning duty, righteousness, and the self.

The Call to Universal Kindness1. Recognising the divine presence in all beings is a core concept of the Bhagavad Gita. In Chapter 5, Verse 18, Krishna states:
2. "The wise see the same divine essence in a learned Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and even an outcast."

This stanza emphasises the principle of samatva (equanimity), urging people to treat all beings fairly and respectfully. The Gita's emphasis on seva (selfless service) echoes the concept of universal kindness, as it encourages people to act for the benefit of others rather than for personal gain.

Throughout history, this principle has impacted various spiritual leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, who regularly invoked the Gita to advocate for nonviolence and human service. Gandhi believed that the essence of the Gita’s teaching was to act with love and selflessness, embodying the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) even in the face of adversity.


The importance of self-preservation and boundariesWhile the Gita promotes kindness, it does not advocate for blind self-sacrifice at the expense of one’s peace and duty. One of the most striking aspects of Krishna’s teachings is his insistence that Arjuna must fight in the war. In Chapter 2, Verse 47, Krishna informs Arjuna:

"You have a right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions."

This principle, known as karma yoga (the yoga of selfless action), highlights the importance of fulfilling one’s duty without attachment to personal outcomes. This suggests that protecting one’s peace and fulfilling one’s responsibilities are just as important as being good to others.

The Gita admits the existence of harmful and destructive forces. In Chapter 16, Krishna contrasts the characteristics of those guided by heavenly traits and those influenced by negative tendencies. He cautions against associating with people who lead one astray, emphasising that setting boundaries is critical for sustaining one's spiritual and mental health.

Historical records show that numerous Indian monarchs and leaders adopted the notion of self-preservation. The legendary ruler Chandragupta Maurya (c. 321-297 BCE), who founded the Maurya Empire, was inspired by his instructor Chanakya. While Chanakya's political techniques were based on pragmatism, they also mirrored essential Gita ideals, such as being just and fair while knowing when to take decisive action to uphold one's duty and purpose.


Krishna's Personal Example: Balancing Kindness and BoundariesKrishna himself exemplifies the balance between generosity and self-protection. Throughout the Mahabharata, he acts as a mediator, striving to arbitrate disputes and prevent war. When diplomacy fails, he does not hesitate to help the Pandavas in their fight against the Kauravas, whom he sees as a threat to dharma.

One notable occurrence is Krishna's decision to serve as Arjuna's charioteer rather than directly participate in the combat. This deed represents how one can support righteousness without engaging in unneeded strife. His part in organising strategic wins, like instructing Arjuna to defeat Karna while he was defenceless, indicates that virtuous actions may necessitate tough judgements.

Surprising Answer from the Bhagavad Gita: A Path of Balance.The Bhagavad Gita does not encourage an extreme attitude of everlasting self-sacrifice or relentless self-service. Instead, it teaches the yoga path, which is a balanced and attentive attitude to life. The following are the important insights from the Gita in this context:

1. Be Kind, but Not at the Cost of Your Dharma: Compassion and selflessness should be developed, but not at the expense of one's personal obligation and well-being.
2. Set Boundaries, but Without Malice: Distancing from toxic influences does not imply acting with hatred. Instead, it means making good decisions about who to associate with.

Act with Wisdom, Not Emotion: Krishna's teachings encourage people to make decisions based on wisdom rather than ephemeral emotions, guaranteeing that kindness and self-care coexist harmoniously


In today's society, when people frequently fight between self-sacrifice and self-care, the Gita offers a timeless solution: a life led by wisdom, in which compassion and self-preservation are complementing parts of virtuous living rather than antagonistic forces. Whether dealing with personal relationships, professional obstacles, or spiritual quandaries, the Bhagavad Gita's teachings are deeply applicable, reminding us that true peace comes from balancing our obligation to others with our duty to ourselves.