The Bhagavad Gita, a highly respected scripture in Indian folklore, was born in very difficult circumstances. The conch shell of the Mahabharata war had already sounded. The chariots of the warriors, mad with war, were lined up on the battlefield. The elephants, full of excitement, were shouting, the horses were neighing. At that very time, Arjuna, the strongest warrior of the Pandavas, was afraid of the battle and requested Lord Krishna to take back his chariot. Lord Krishna was not only his charioteer but also his friend and teacher. In such difficult times, the Bhagavad Gita was the teaching that Lord Krishna gave to Arjuna to prepare for the war.
Bhagavad Gita means spiritual knowledge sung by God. At every moment of our lives, this war-like excitement and adversity are happening all around us. The Mahabharata is a living metaphor for our worldly struggles and unrest. Humanity is always in need of the guidance of the Gita. The essence of the Gita is summarized in a few key points, such as: The meaning of human life lies in hard work. The principle of the Gita is to transcend greed, attachment and lust and perform one's assigned duty. Arjuna, overcome by delusion, calls for giving up karma.
The Gita does not justify the renunciation of work. Lord Krishna does not preach the renunciation of work, but the renunciation of attachment to the fruits of work. The Bhagavad Gita begins with "Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra..." (Dharma). "Dharma" is the first word. Dharma is the foundation of life's values. Dharma is the only criterion to decide whether or not war is necessary in life. Humanity is saved not by Arjuna's non-violence, but by his adherence to Gandiva. Therefore, this is his Dharma. Knowledge, work and devotion are essential for the all-round development of man. In the Gita, Krishna preaches the combination of the three. The key to victory everywhere is the mantra "Mamanusmar Satharashcha" (fight remembering Me). Turning away from work and simply chanting "Rama, Ram" does not yield full results. Nor turning away from Rama and struggling for work alone does not yield lasting results. The only path to victory is through work with hands and "faith in the mind."
For lasting victory in the struggle of life, not only charioteers and great warriors are important, but a skilled charioteer is also important. In times of war, he is our closest. We depend on him. The one who holds the reins of our chariot, who is our leader, is far-sighted, takes the right decisions and is fearless. If he is safe, then we are safe. This is true for national life too. Mere preaching is not enough for a mind afflicted with illusion. Direct demonstration of one's real power is also necessary. Change of mind takes place not through demonstration of knowledge, but through practical results. When Lord Krishna manifested His universal form, Arjuna's wavering faith was steadied. The situations or problems that arise in worldly life are possible only through worldly systems. To protect Dharma, God Himself takes incarnation and destroys unrighteousness while living a material life. Spirituality lies not only in speaking wise words but also in living accordingly, whether on the battlefield or at home.
The true meaning of yoga is equanimity. Equanimity is living without conflict between happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat. Equanimity enhances brotherhood and harmony in society. The initial debate between Krishna and Arjuna leaves us confused as to who is the real yogi? Arjuna, who talks about renouncing the world by detaching himself from worldly desires, or Krishna, who inspires Arjuna to kill his enemies and achieve victory? Spirituality does not mean escapism. Spirituality is not the opposite of materialism.
If this were true, then Arjuna, who was eager to turn away from the wealth of the kingdom and follow the path of renunciation, would have been a great spiritual man. Surprisingly, Sri Krishna instructs Arjuna on the basis of spirituality. He ridicules Arjuna's spiritual discourse as "pragmatism". The conclusion is that the teachings of the Gita make us karma yogis, not escapists.
Manas Kumar Kar
Kotang, Konark
7381382210
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