Bhagavad Gita -Madhvacharya 380

Bhagavad Gita -Sri Madhvacharya

(Bhashya and Tatparya Nirnaya)

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Chapter 18
Mokshasanyaasa Yoga

Confiscating wealth and giving physical penalty, disciplining those who are disobedient, and destroying their economic power - these are the marks of supremacy. These should be done by none other than Kshatriyas. Those who are non-followers of Dharma should be properly governed by the Kshatriyas. Brahmins can punish their disciples without causing any bodily harm. Now here the disciple is one who has willingly accepted such position or a servant who has been accepted by his master and also naturally the children and relations. The Teachers, the associates, well-read relatives all these can dispense with punishment according to their capacity and capability. If the teacher is demented then he should be bound but never be harmed physically. If he is found to follow undesirable actions then he should be dealt with according to the laws of the situation, place and time. If the Teacher opposes one who is superior to him, then this fact should be brought to his notice. They should be treated with discipline but should never be abandoned as that would not be meritorious. Those Teachers who are devoted to Sri Vishnu should neither be deserted nor penalised. The disciples should not punish (the Teacher) in the same manner as the Teacher would have punished a disciple. Even if a great person is seen to perform acts contrary to the scriptures, he should not be punished if their action does not interfere with that of their superiors.

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References