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In our study of the Gita, we have only to consider what was the question for which an answer was sought. If, in answering a question, a teacher went beyond the scope of that question, he would be considered stupid. For, the questioner's attention is concentrated on his own question; he is not ready to listen to other things, a discussion about which he can neither understand nor appreciate. Judged by this standard, Krishna's is a perfect answer. And, when after finishing the First Chapter of the Gita we enter upon the Second, we find that it teaches Ahimsa pure and simple. To look upon Krishna as a Purna Avatara (Perfect Incarnation) should not mean that we can obtain from the Gita direct answers to all the questions that arise from day to day, just as we find the meaning of words by looking up a dictionary. This would not be desirable even if it were possible; for, in that case, there would be nothing like progress or discovery for mankind. Human intelligence would then simply atrophy from disuse. Therefore, questions that arise in each age must be solved by the people of that age through their own effort. Our difficulties at present, such as world wars, must be met by applying the general principles derived from the Gita and similar books, which can be of help only to a limited extent. Real help can come only from our endeavours and struggles. In books on Indian medicine, we find various virtues attributed to a number of drugs. But their descriptions can serve us only as a guide. So long as these drugs have not been tested in actual practice, our theoretical knowledge of them not only serves no useful purpose, but is even burdensome. The same is true of the questions in life that clamour for solution.

—The Diary of Mahadev Desai : P. 105