Hare Krishna. A Bhagavad Gita Perspective on the Riots in France

Recently, France has experienced severe and sustained riots, triggered by the alleged excessive use of violence toward an Arabic immigrant, leading to his death and subsequent retaliatory attacks, particularly by teenagers and immigrants. The estimated losses have amounted to nearly $1,000,000,000, and the French Republic was paralyzed for several days.

Riots, which disrupt law and order, destroy iconic buildings, and paralyze governments, have become an increasing feature of contemporary politics. While each riot may have its own specific cause, what is the Bhagavad Gita’s perspective on such rioting, particularly in the case of France? I will discuss this perspective in terms of four “D’s.”

First D: Discrimination
As humans, we innately believe that we should be treated fairly, and one key aspect of fairness is equal treatment. Whenever there is a feeling of discrimination—whether ethnic, religious, racial, regional, or otherwise—whether factual or perceived, it triggers a deep sense of indignation within us. Over time, this indignation can escalate into outrage.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches one of its central principles: the essential spiritual equality of all beings. At their core, everyone is a spiritual being (atma), and thus essentially similar. In Chapter 6, Verse 32, the Gita emphasizes that the evolved yogic vision is to see everyone as equal, recognizing their common aspirations for happiness and fears of distress.

Discrimination, whether real or perceived, is a root cause of violent uprisings, such as riots, mutinies, or revolutions. This issue needs to be addressed at both individual and societal levels. When the spiritual dignity of every individual is respected, it can serve as a pacifying measure. However, other factors also need to be considered.

Second D: Discipline
For society to function effectively, there must be discipline at both the individual and societal levels. The word dharma has many meanings, but it broadly refers to an order that requires discipline.

While the government and law enforcement must be disciplined in their use of force—particularly in avoiding biases and unnecessary violence—there must also be systematic training to ensure that law enforcement is well-prepared. At the same time, those who protest also need to demonstrate discipline. Protesting is a fundamental right, but violence, especially against property, cannot be justified.

Undisciplined behavior, if allowed or encouraged, worsens the consequences—not just for society but for the individuals involved. When people give in to their lower impulses, they not only darken their own lives but also destabilize society. Just because one has been hurt, it does not justify indiscriminate violence against others.

The Bhagavad Gita addresses the legitimate use of force when necessary, as shown in the deliberations Arjuna had about violence on the battlefield. There was enough discipline and philosophical reflection to ensure that violence was used only when absolutely necessary. Thus, indiscriminate violence must be firmly stopped, and discipline must be upheld.

Third D: Demarcation
Although there is oneness at a spiritual level, not everyone acts in harmony with their spirituality. Society, therefore, requires demarcations—whether ethical, cultural, geographical, or legal—to maintain order and cohesion.

There has been an increasing emphasis on the dissolution of borders and the encouragement of indiscriminate immigration, often touted as a sign of compassion. But is this really compassionate? When the powers that be face threats to their survival, they suddenly emphasize the importance of borders, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compassion, at such times, seems to become a secondary concern.

Different people are at different levels of consciousness, as explained in the Bhagavad Gita in terms of the three modes: goodness (clarity), passion (energy), and ignorance (destruction). Not everyone functions at the same level, and unless there are appropriate demarcations—such as between those who honor the law and those who flout it—society will allow those with destructive tendencies to go unchecked.

While immigration itself is not inherently bad, when done without regard for due process and with little attention to the character of those entering, it can lead to serious consequences. When people from politically unstable or socially disordered regions migrate to welfare-oriented societies, there is often an influx of individuals who are not ready to contribute positively. These individuals may demand more than they give and, in some cases, resort to violence when their demands are unmet.

Demarcation of boundaries is essential. The Bhagavad Gita addresses this by categorizing individuals based on their consciousness. There are those with goodness, those with weakness, and those with wickedness. Forgiving those with goodness is virtuous, and extending kindness to those with weakness is appropriate. But forgiving those with wickedness is foolishness and will lead to self-destruction.

Fourth D: Destruction
The Bhagavad Gita warns that those who do not respect order—even if they profess to belong to a religion—will eventually bring about destruction. This type of destruction is what we are witnessing today.

To prevent this destruction, we must not target or blame a particular community or ideology. That approach is shortsighted. It fosters a mentality where the victim is automatically assumed to be virtuous and their outrage is considered righteous, while those in power are assumed guilty. This extreme mindset, which distorts the left-wing ideology, can lead to violent destruction.

To solve these issues, we need to raise our consciousness, both individually and collectively, across ethnic and other boundaries. As our consciousness evolves, these problems can be resolved harmoniously. Discrimination can be avoided, discipline can be maintained without excessive force, demarcation can be done reasonably and fairly, and destruction can be prevented.

Thank you. Hare Krishna.