In the month of Magha (December) 5,000 years ago, on the battlefield at Kurukshetra just before the start of the Mahabharat war, Krishn outlined to Arjun a system of ethics that has withstood the test of time. In the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn tells Arjun not only how to build character but also the root cause of ethical failure and how to avoid it.
Krishna outlines 26 qualities of a gentleman – to be merciful, obedient, truthful, equitable, saintly, magnanimous, mild-mannered, clean, simple, charitable and peaceful. He should have surrendered to God and not be greedy or possessive but remain steady and determined, free of the six bad qualities, not gluttonous, sober, respectful, humble, compassionate, friendly, eloquent, expert and concise.
Even though hundreds of trainers teach people good character, people’s character still fails. Why?
Krishn answers in chapter 3: ‘O Arjun, it is lust… later transformed into wrath, which is the all-devouring sinful enemy of this world. As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, or as the embryo is covered by the womb, the living entity is similarly covered by different degrees of this lust.’