Gita for the Beginners

BUT, now occurs the episode where Arjuna, the great and brave warrior, finds himself suddenly overwhelmed with the feeling of mental depression, grief, and fear, for he realizes that he has to fight with his close relatives - brothers, uncles, and Teachers - present as his enemies. Arjuna is greatly disturbed about the outcome of the war; destruction and death that was sure to follow. He thought it 'prudent' to retire to forest rather than kill his own near and dear ones.

Trembling with nervousness and anxiety, unable to lift his mighty bow - Gandiva - he pleads to escape from the consequences of the war. His emotions of love for the near ones, his concepts of duty and Dharma, all appear to be confusing to himself. He is unable to determine the correct approach in this piquant situation of grave urgency and emergency. And as such, Arjuna lays down his arms to retire at the back of his chariot.

Superficially to us, Arjuna's dejection, depression, confusion, and fear to engage in the war may appear justified. For, we also would say the same things in a similar situation. Out of fear and cowardice such thoughts arise, but Arjuna like us tries to justify his turning away from the war. He appears to be possessed with pity and kindness for his relatives! He tries to paint the horrific picture of bloodshed, death and destruction. Moreover, Arjuna also tries to paint the ill effects of such destruction on the purity of widowed women. The victorious would taint the purity of women folk and thus impure races would come into existence. Escaping the war and turning to the life of sannyasa can avert this further decline of Dharma and culture, he says.

Therefore, he appeals to Sri Krishna, "O Keshava, even for sovereignty of the three worlds, I do not want to kill Kauravas and my relatives, though they may kill me. Then how can there be any desire for this kingdom on the earth?" (Chapter 1, verse 35)

Chapter Two

Just when we would expect Sri Krishna to sympathize with Arjuna on his sorrowful state of mind full of 'kindness and pity for others', Lord Krishna knowingly laughs at the behaviour of Arjuna saying: "Arjuna, how has this infatuation overtaken you at this odd hour? Yield not to unmanliness, ill does it become to you. Shaking off this paltry faint-heartedness arise, O scorcher of your enemies." (Ch. 2, verse 2, 3)

Thus Lord Krishna gives a dose of tonic to his beloved friend and disciple. These right words of courage, duty, and most importantly strength were essential for Arjuna to come to his senses. But still Arjuna relents, and pleads: "How shall I fight Bhishma Pitamaha and my Guru Drona with arrows? They are both objects of reverence, O Madhava. It is better to live on alms without slaying these noble elders, because even after killing them we shall only enjoy blood-stained pleasures in the form of wealth and sense-enjoyment." (Ch. 2, verses 4 and 5)

But seeing no response from Sri Krishna, Arjuna now understands that without Sri Krishna's help and advice he cannot solve this dilemma! Therefore, he says: "I am a victim of faint-heartedness and my mind is puzzled with regard to duty. Therefore O Lord, please tell me what is good for me. I am your disciple, pray instruct me for I have taken refuge in you." (Ch. 2, verse 7).

Thus, praying to the Lord, Arjuna again kept silent saying 'I will not fight'. How and what Sri Krishna tells Arjuna now is very important because from here starts the real Gita.

Sri Krishna says, "O Arjuna, you grieve over those who should not be grieved for, and yet speak like the learned Pundit! Wise men do not sorrow over the dead or the living." (2/verse 11)

Why does the Lord say not to feel sorry for the men - dead or alive? In our daily life we are elated when our near and dear ones excel in some endeavour or gain success in some field of activity, competition, or achievement. This all pleases us while their failure makes us unhappy. Similarly, new arrival in the family is celebrated with jubilation and parties, while death in the family is mourned as a sad blow and irreparable loss. Similar emotions filled the heart of Arjuna, and this appears to be normal to us. We may not be able to fathom the metaphysics behind the teachings of Sri Krishna.

Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to understand why the Lord laughed at seemingly sensible arguments of Arjuna; and, moreover, most importantly we should try to understand the reasons put forth by Sri Krishna in favor of his arguments to justify that the grief of Arjuna was misplaced and ill founded.

The verses 12 to 30 of chapter second, therefore, form the theoretical basis of the Gita. They give us the highest philosophical truths about our true nature. These verses, if understood correctly, lead us to highest knowledge, and free us from anxiety, stress, and depression so much prevalent in today's society. It is equally important to understand one more thing. Even if you at present do not understand the deep metaphysical truths contained in the exposition of the subject in the Gita (and Upanishads as well), do not lose heart. Just accept them as Truth on the basis of faith. Gradually, with proper reasoning, spiritual practices, and the Grace of the Lord everyone is sure to have glimpse of this Truth contained in the gem-like words of Sri Krishna.

The reason why Sri Krishna tells Arjuna not to grieve for Kauravas is that no one can be killed, for everyone is "immortal soul" and not the body! The verse 12 says, "There was never a time when I was not or when you or these kings were not, nor is it a fact that hereafter we shall cease to be." It is difficult to accept and understand this verse, for it seems very obvious that when I die I shall cease to be, I will be no more! But the Lord says 'you shall never die!' You are immortal. How to reconcile these two opposing interpretations?
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Continued Next Part 3 ...

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C S Shah