Reflections
on Week 4 chapter 2 (shlokas 43-47 from chapter 1 and 1- 9 from chapter 2)
Arjuna,
just before the epic war begins, goes into a state of turmoil. Attachments, compassions towards his kith and kins, and his sense of righteousness are challenged. He could clearly see the
outcome of the war and like any sensible human being he was disturbed by the
decision taken by the two armies as the mass murder will only destroy the
families and society as a whole and the devastation caused is going to be
irreplaceable. He also argues that by doing something wrong like killing your
brothers and elders is only going to destroy the sense of righteousness among
the clan and will eventually lead the whole linage into immorality.
Arjuna’s
arguments in a way reflect the conflicts that go on in the heart and head of
modern humans as we get into a family system and see the rules and regulations
laid for the benefit and righteous functionality of the society sometimes are
manipulated to satisfy individual egos and may lead to adharma
(unrighteousness) or the suffering of individuals rather than evolving them or
preserving the sense of righteousness in the society. Many times, an individual
cannot confront their elders and other family members (even if he knows they
are doing something that is not right) for the sake of preserving the relations
as the confrontation may lead to hurting their egos. As such the whole thing
becomes a prapanch (drama) of keeping the egos satisfied in order to
fulfill one’s own needs and getting their certain work done.
Krishna
begins with reminding Arjuna of his reputation and glory that he has built as a
warrior, and also how his giving up on war will only defame him. Arjuna’s grief
however supersedes his attachment with his social reputation as a warrior (lok moh)- as determined as he is to take a stand for
what he feels is right. The sense of righteousness being governed by his
compassion and attachment he feels for his family and clansmen.
In a way I
also feel that Arjuna was brave when he stood for his sense of righteousness (even
if it is distorted by the worldly perceptions). But to take a stand at a moment
when it is impossible to step back from the decision taken—one last time trying
best in one’s own capabilities to prevent destruction –even if it means
sacrificing one’s own identity/glory… a one-of-a-kind braveness—like
sacrificing oneself to protect the whole—something that makes an ordinary human
being, a seeker—a seeker of the highest order. No doubt why he was chosen by the cosmos
to receive a knowledge that is going to nourish the spiritual roots of this
land for ages—a dialogue that is going to be celebrated among the seekers for
thousands of years to come.
-seeker
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