The common belief is that religion is always opposed to material good. ‘One cannot act religiously in mercantile and such other matters. There is no place for religion in such pursuits; religion is only for attainment of salvation,’ we hear many worldly-wise people say. In my opinion the author of the Gita has dispelled this delusion. He has drawn no line of demarcation between salvation and worldly pursuits. On the contrary he has shown that religion must rule even our worldly pursuits. I have felt that the Gita teaches us that what cannot be followed in day-today practice cannot be called religion. Thus, according to the Gita, all acts that are incapable of being performed without attachment are taboo. This golden rule saves mankind from many a pitfall. According to this interpretation murder, lying, dissoluteness and the like must be regarded as sinful and therefore taboo. Man’s life then becomes simple, and from that simpleness springs peace.

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Probable attribution

This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.

Likely origin: Gandhi, 'The Bhagavad Gita According to Gandhi' (Anasaktiyoga introduction, c.1929-31) — Gandhi arguing religion must govern worldly pursuits.

About this quote

A belief you can't practice on an ordinary workday isn't worth much here. The test is strict but clarifying: if an act can only be done through grasping and dishonesty, drop it — and once your dealings pass that filter, life gets simpler, and the simplicity is where peace comes from.

When to use it

  • A shopkeeper who won't cook the books at tax time even though 'everyone does it.'
  • Turning down a deal that only works if you mislead the customer, and sleeping better for it.
  • A manager applying the same fairness at work that she'd expect at her own dinner table.